By V. Sankara
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- For Malaysian top model and fashion personality Sharminidevi Parameispran, better known as Sharwita, taking centre stage as the showstopper for renowned Indian designer Jaya Misra at Couture Fashion Week Malaysia 2026 here last Saturday (Aug 29) was more than another runway appearance.
Sharwita was the first Malaysian model to wear a Jaya Misra India creation as the showstopper, an opportunity she said was particularly meaningful after more than two decades in the modelling and fashion industry.
Speaking to Bernama, Sharwita said the collaboration could open opportunities to work with Misra beyond Malaysia and explore new possibilities on the international fashion circuit.
“I have worked with many designers over the past 20 years, and of course, I would love to work with Jaya Misra again, not only in Malaysia but also at the international level, as I know she has been travelling to other countries and showcasing her designs there as well,” she said.
For the runway, Sharwita wore a dramatic black creation from Misra’s latest Ethereal Duality collection, featuring flowing layers and intricate detailing.
“Wearing Jaya Misra’s creation in black was an incredibly powerful moment for me. The gown felt bold, elegant and beautifully commanding. As I stepped onto the runway as the showstopper, I felt confident, feminine and truly empowered,” she said.
“Black has always carried a certain mystery and strength, and this design allowed me to embody exactly that,” she added.
The Ethereal Duality collection explores the relationship between softness and strength through flowing gowns, contemporary drapes, modern saree interpretations and structured silhouettes, combining Indian craftsmanship with contemporary global couture.
Sharwita who has walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet twice said she was particularly drawn to the intricate detailing, layers and beadwork of the creation, which gave her a sense of movement and freedom.
She also hinted that her next collaboration with Misra could take place on an international platform, although details have yet to be disclosed.
Jaya Misra, founder and creative director of Jaya Misra India, said this was her third visit to Malaysia and second fashion showcase in the country, having previously presented her work here last year.
With more than two decades of experience in fashion, Misra has showcased her designs at international fashion destinations including Milan, New York, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Toronto and Vancouver, while her creations have also been worn by Bollywood personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Shraddha Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, among others.
Misra also attended the Cannes Film Festival this year, which she described as one of the highlights of her fashion journey, and said she received the British Parliament Award and Mother Teresa International Award.
-- BERNAMA