“I Design What I Wear”, a tagline that AiniBakker goes by. A local fashion designer based in Penang island is no stranger to the fashion world. Hailing from the bustling town of Penang, Georgetown, this petite designer has been in the fashion line and industry for the past 30 years since 2010. 

 

Ranging from an African, funky and bohemian inspiration to her bold and edgy side of modest creations, Ainibakker is known for her signature pieces, such as the boot pants, toga, poncho and bold jackets which instantly became an interesting element to her identity. 

 

“My sense of style is often an interesting fusion of retro and bohemian along with vibrant colours, which undoubtedly brings out the confidence in me and women from all walks of life. My designs are inspired by the beauty of mother nature and the rich cultures from around the globe,” said Ainibakker.

 

Ainibakker said that she compliments her pieces with chunky, metal, wooden beads and jewellery, bold sashes and belts which lend a groovy look along with her ingenious mix-and-match fabrics such as metal, synthetic leather, silk, satin or just about anything that produces authentic style. 

 

She added that she is never afraid or doubtful to unleash her flamboyant side, combining vogue, classy and comfortable outfits for daily wear and aligning with her tagline “I Design What I Wear”. 

 

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Ainibakker’s interest in fashion dates way back to 1994 when her mother was her sole inspiration. 

 

“When I was young, my mother would design for me almost every week, so I have a new outfit to don. Ever since then, I enjoy dressing up and so is my passion for fashion that flourishes vigorously to this day,” said Ainibakker.

 

During the 80s, she began to pursue this burning passion of hers at a young age by designing for her friends when she attended an all-girls secondary school. 

 

“I designed for my friends back in my high school years, which was in Convent Green Lane. It was not for monetary gains but rather to feast on my passion and help my friends who needed assistance,” said Ainibakker. 

 

“I remember designing for a good friend of mine who was going to attend a dinner, and she did not have the money to spend. So I volunteered to design for her,” Ainibakker added. 

 

She stated that her designs were stitched without any formal basic knowledge of tailoring and only with the guidance of her mother at the time.   

 

She added that although she did not get accepted into fashion school, her passion for fashion designing was spirited and vehement at its core as it is undeniably a natural talent of hers. 

 

According to her only daughter, Lisa Mahmoud, 25, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, which forced her to take a long break from the fashion world. 

 

“Somewhere in 2008, my mother was battling with cancer while raising me and my older brother, so she took a break from fashion. I know for a fact that my mother is strong regardless of any challenges that come her way. She comes with this energy that everything will be fine and she always advised me that she often finds herself calm in the toughest situation by leaving every decision she makes in the hands of Allah SWT,” said Lisa. 

 

Lisa said that her mother’s advice was right as she later got active in the fashion industry after her recovery in 2010.

 

“She begins to flourish and bloom through her passion. My mother has always been talented and fashionable in her ways. The fashion shows she got into profoundly affected the people who saw and observed her designs from afar. They think her designs are just unique and I do too. She was just naturally unique in her way of expressing herself and her creativity. It’s like her designs speak her mind,” said Lisa.

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In 2010, Ainibakker returned to the fashion line by actively participating in fashion shows. 

 

“My very first show was Malaysia Bumiputra Designers Association (MBDA). It was an awesome experience as it was my first time joining other emerging designers and showcasing my creativity. During the show, I showcased my first-ever hand-drawn batik design which received a standing ovation. It was also my only batik piece on that stage and it was surreal,” said Ainibakker.

 

She eventually enjoyed designing while travelling back and forth from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and even out of Malaysia.

 

“I once travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia for the Muslim Fashion Festival (MUFFEST) in 2016. It showcases modern yet modest Islamic outfits. It was an exciting experience at that time as countries around Malaysia collaborated such as Singapore, Brunei and many more,” said Ainibakker. 

 

“Along the way, I participated in reputable events in the region such as Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW), MIHAS, and Stylo Mercedes Fashion Week. Through these shows, I noticed a tremendous evolution in my designs, mostly influenced by nature-like patterns and cultures,” said Ainibakker. 

 

Ainibakker added that she has designed for prestigious brands such as Lima Langkawi, EQ, and PLUS with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. 

 

A loyal friend and client of hers, Jamillah Ikhsan, 70, stated that Ainibakker has a very peculiar touch in her pieces that anyone could instantly recognise. 

 

“You will know it’s Ainibakker when you see and understand her range of designs, regardless if it is bold and edgy or funky and vibrant. It’s like she has two sides of her personality to her pieces,” said Jamillah. 

 

“I have been her regular and loyal customer for years since 1992 when I was lecturing at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). I would crave her designs almost every two weeks in a month. Her designs are just contemporary and timeless. I know her very well,” added Jamillah. 

 

Ainibakker is currently focusing on entrepreneurial work through her fashion pieces and is working on a “giveback” program. 

 

“A giveback program is designing for my previous and loyal clients as gratitude over the years of their never-ending support in my business. Without them and the love of my children, I would not have come this far,” said Ainibakker.

 

Ainibakker has always been at the forefront of fashion, pushing the boundaries with her unique and daring designs that make a statement and her talents don't stop at fashion. She has also been actively involved in various entrepreneurial and lifestyle events since 2010, where her designs have wowed audiences and earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting designers in the industry. 

 

Her passion for creativity and innovation is infectious, and her work continues to inspire and captivate all who see it.

 

With her incredible talent and boundless energy, there's no telling where her journey will take her next, but one thing is for sure – it will be nothing short of extraordinary.