Muslim fashion is slowly making its way into mainstream fashion. Many big brands are starting to commercialise headscarves with different patterns, materials and price targeting different market groups. One of the big local brands that have been long in the industry is Bawal Exclusive – owned by Haliza Maysuri and her husband Rosli Awang.
1. Previously, Bawal Exclusive operated in a small shop at Jalan TAR
Bawal Exclusive has gone through various obstacles in the last 20 years. Starting as a small shop located at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR), the founder shared that she used to take stock from suppliers and reselling the scarves as cheaper as RM5.
2. “In 1998, we don’t have any brand or label”
The business started back in 1998. At that time, Haliza used to take stock from suppliers and sell it to the market. She had to compete with other competitors at Jalan TAR and it wasn’t easy to sustain the business.
Two years later, she was once again faced a huge failure. Her life was really difficult and she was pregnant with her first child during that time. Thanks to her husband and his never-ending encouragement, they came up with a thoughtful and fresh idea to make square scarves as a trend again.
3. She then got the idea to use Swarovski crystals
Left with four packets of Swarovski crystals, they both began to use them as decoration on the scarves. The unique and fresh design is absolutely a new thing and never been introduced in the market. Luckily, their scarves became a hit and more people began to know their brand – Bawal Exclusive.
4. Bawal Exclusive works closely with the international jewellery brand – Swarovski
The demand is increasing from year to year and it allows Haliza to build a connection with the international brand itself; Swarovski. Bawal Exclusive has been working closely with Swarovski since 18 years ago in supplying crystal.
5. Bawal Exclusive is specialising in creating such luxury scarves
Bawal Exclusive produces square scarves that worth hundreds and the price can go up until thousands ringgit. It all depends on the design and the amount of Swarovski crystals being used.
They had produced a scarf worth RM 33,000 that took about four weeks to complete. Inspired by Dandelion flowers, it took a total of 16,641 crystals to produce a luxurious and exclusive scarf.
6. Recently, Bawal Exclusive produced the world’s most expansive scarf worth RM50,000!
The previous record held for most expensive tudung priced at RM33,000 last year has been erased by a new record of RM50,000. Inspired by the flowery desert, it took three months to complete.
More than 10 coloured Swarovskis were used and the price includes the cost of production by Swarovski’s professional designer in Austria. The world’s most expensive scarf is owned by a businesswoman from Kuantan, Pahang.
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