DEAR #WANITAMASLEA,

MASLEA was born as a love letter to my maternal grandmother, Allahyarhamah Hajjah Masliah Muhammad—a woman whose life was a tapestry of memories, whose love for Nusantara Batik and Malay heritage shaped the very essence of who I am. From my earliest memories, Mak was always surrounded by the simple treasures of her life. I would always hover over her keepsakes: the delicate, worn plates that held countless stories, the fabrics that carried the scent of history, and, most precious of all, the Kebayas and Kurungs she had lovingly preserved. I remember, when I was six, I boldly asked her and my grandfather, “Who will inherit the house and everything when you are both gone?” To which they both answered, “You.”

Though I did not claim the house after their passing, I did claim her plates, her dulangs, her Kurungs, Kebayas, selendangs, and Batik. These treasures were never just objects to me. They were symbols of her selflessness, her love for our heritage, and the quiet strength she embodied. The Batik Lepas she folded neatly in her gobok, the Baju Kurung Tulang Belut she crafted with so much care—each piece felt like an invitation to continue the story, to reimagine tradition for a new era. They embody the warmth she shared and the deep bond she nurtured within our family. I carry these memories close to my heart, for they are the foundation of who I am and the legacy I carry forward.

It wasn’t until after her passing that I realised just how deeply her spirit had influenced me. Her love for her family, her attention to detail in everything she did, and the traditions she nurtured all laid the foundation for MASLEA. But MASLEA isn’t just about clothing. It’s about the moments and memories that live in each piece—the stories, the love, and the connection to those who came before us. My grandmother’s Kebayas were more than garments; they were vessels of family history, symbols of love and devotion, and reminders of our shared heritage.

Her legacy lives on in the fabrics she cherished, in the way she taught me to honour our heritage. This legacy is what inspired me to create MASLEA, a brand not just built on clothing, but on memory, tradition, and love. With MASLEA, I invite you, my #wanitamaslea, to create your own memories. Just as I spent cherished moments with my grandmother, I want each piece to help you weave your own stories of love, grace, and culture. MASLEA is my tribute to her, but it’s also a call to you to honour your own legacies.

In every stitch, in every fold, I hope you feel not just the presence of the past, but the heartbeat of the love that transcends generations, shaping our future with grace and remembrance.

WITH LOVE, Suraya Sharifuddin