[VIDEO] The legacy of Omar Ali – traditional baju Melayu since 1935

CREATIVITY, patience, and consistency are some of the characteristics required by tailors, therefore learning the skill and art of tailoring and fashion design is never an easy job.

Tailors can adjust everything; from the top collar of a shirt, right to the end drape of a wedding dress, matching to the clients' measurements and requests.

In Malaysia, we have our share of renowned tailoring boutiques such as Bon Zainal Boutique, Jeremy Tok Tailor, Burlington Tailor, Lord's Tailor, Ah Loke Tailor and more.

However, one that stands out is the Omar Ali boutique.

Established in 1935 by the late Haji Omar Ali, it started when was an apprentice for a Japanese lady who specialised in creating women’s ballroom gowns that were known to be worn by the wives of British expatriates living in colonial-era Malaya. 

Omar Ali opened his first shop within the Masjid India area of Kuala Lumpur in 1935, and has successfully built a reputation as a maker of exceptional quality baju Melayu, and over eight decades on, this family legacy is still going strong.

The Vibes Culture and Lifestyle spoke to Azizah Omar Ali; the current managing director and Bahtiar Afandi Omar Ali, both children of the late Omar Ali.

“My late father was initially a dress maker. During the British era, he stitched gowns – ballroom (gowns), dinner (attire) for ladies, he was a ladies’ tailor. 

“However, in 1972 he changed his business when my brother (Shahril) came back from England. 

“He was the first (sibling) to pick-up tailoring in menswear, and when he came back, Omar Ali started catering for menswear.

“Since then, Omar Ali has done tailoring for both ladies and men,” said Bahtiar Afandi, who has 40 years and counting experience in the tailoring and garment businesses.

The late Omar Ali was also inspired to try a new niche in the local market when he realised the supply for baju Melayu was increasing, despite not being readily available off-the-rack.

He was quick to think of alternatives and introduced the ‘Ready Made Baju Melayu’ in multiple sizes that created a buzz, which became a trend that goes on to this day.

“Omar Ali started stitching ready-made baju Melayu and we were the first to start it in Malaysia and the response was outstanding. 

“Since then, until this day, we are still stitching the ready-made and each year the demand increases,” he added.

Fast-forward 88 years after its founding, even though Omar Ali has become a brand with eight successful running outlets, the clan has never forgotten their roots.

Azizah reiterated that their childhood playground Kampung Baru, still plays an important role in their lives.

“We are the ‘Anak Jati’ (natives) of Kampung Baru, so we must try to bring this community further right? 

“That is why we felt it was a good idea to establish our (main) office here and stay put. It is from here that we grow our business to other outlets,” she said. – The Vibes, April 22, 2023

Additional reporting by Zaidatul Syreen Abdul Rashid