Cik Siti Wan Kembang
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Strong is the new beautiful and local fitness wear brand, Fit Rebel is celebrating this movement by launching a new pair of high-performance leggings, featuring an epic, one of a kind illustration of Malaysia’s very own warrior queen, Cik Siti Wan Kembang.
Founded in 2016, Fit Rebel’s purpose is to inspire women to work out more and live actively. After conducting research, Fit Rebel concluded that women are more likely to exercise and, best of all, enjoy their workouts if they have fun and attractive activewear to motivate them to sweat. Their flagship brand, ‘SENI by Fit Rebel’ is a line of active leggings which features designs that were hand drawn and painted by traditional batik artists of Malaysia.
Fit Rebel has raised the bar in terms of gorgeous, functional sportswear through a collaboration with freelance illustrator Soefara Jafney to create a stunning pair of leggings featuring Cik Siti Wan Kembang, the heroic queen from Kelantan state, believed to have ruled in the 16th century.
Cik Siti Wan Kembang is legendary figure, known for her beauty, courage, and wisdom. The state of Kelantan prospered during her reign, attracting foreign merchant from as far as the Middle East for trade.
“We want to celebrate strong women. Cik Siti Wan Kembang was a skilled fighter and lead an army of women warriors to battle on horseback. It’s amazing that we have such an outstanding female character as part of Malaysia’s rich history. Soefara and myself felt very strongly that we should feature her on Fit Rebel leggings to spread her story to a wider audience” said Nadia Hasbi, Founder of Fit Rebel.
Soefara Jafney is no stranger when it comes to the local fashion scene, having collaborated with dUCk Group on multiple occasions. As a child, she began drawing female characters and knew from then on that she had found her calling. When Hasbi approached her with the idea to feature strong, fearless female characters on leggings, Jafney jumped on the opportunity.
"Cik Siti Wan Kembang is one of the more satisfying pieces I have done to date. I was happy to discover a decent amount of research sites on her, so there were more content for me to play around with. As I delve into her history as a head of state, diplomat, a fearless warrior who was loved by her people, there is a surmountable expectation to represent her” said Jafney.
The illustration of Cik Siti Wan Kembang was based on historical drawings of the legendary queen and emphasis was given to depict her as historically accurate as possible. She dons the traditional Kelantanese costume from the 16th century of the kemban, sarong, songket and elaborate gold jewellery, complete with a Keris to emphasis her prominence as Malaysia’s very own legendary warrior queen.
She is also pictured with her favourite pet, a kijang, also known as the barking deer. Till this day, the coat of arms of Kelantan state still bears a pair of kijangs in her honor.
Tis pair of leggings retails at RM219.00 (USD53) and can be purchased at Fit Rebel's online store at fitrebel.com. Suitable for all active pursuits, yet beautiful enough to be worn as casual wear. Therefore, you get two outfits for the price of one!
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Fit Rebel will be doing their part to help fund lifesaving cancer research. For every pair of Cik Siti Wan Kembang leggings sold, Fit Rebel will be donating RM5.00 to Cancer Research Malaysia.
These leggings can be purchased online at fitrebel.com while stocks last. Shipping is free within Malaysia (for both East and West Malaysia). Fit Rebel also ships internationally at a subsidized rate of RM20.00 (USD5) per order so that everyone, everywhere can afford to enjoy a beautiful part of Malaysia’s fashion and history.
Follow us on instagram @fitrebelapparel for the latest updates on this stunning piece and all our other jaw-dropping art-inspired apparels!
Special thanks to Alya for agreeing to be part of this shoot and to wake up early on a Sunday morning to climb trees, climb gates, flip your hair & look flawlessly fabulous for the photos! Check her out on Instagram @blackcatwhisperer for her smooth & sensual dance videos!
BACK TO FIT REBEL'S STORE. CLICK *HERE* TO SHOP.