The 28th Congress of Federation of Asian Master Tailors (FAMT 2024) which recently concluded in Kuala Lumpur over a few days, brought together over 300 master tailors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts from 6 European and 10 Asian countries.

Organized by the Federation of Tailors’ Guilds Malaysia, this congress aims to showcase individual skills and talents and promote exchanges among industry professionals from different countries. One of the competitions at the Congress was the International Master Cutting Contest and the Malaysian team emerged as Champions. The team is helmed by Mr. Estie Wong Seng Tatt along with 3 other team members, namely Yap Nyet Yoon, Chai Han Chiang and Lim Say Wooi.

During the group interview, Mr. Estie elaborated on the contest.

What was the most challenging aspect of the contest?

Mr. Estie: The piece of clothing is entirely crafted by hand.

What is the process like?

Mr. Estie: We had 3 minutes to take the measurements of the model and 9 hours to complete everything.

How long did you prepare for the contest?

Mr. Estie: We prepared for 1 year. We prepared during the weekends, on different body shapes, we followed rules and did practical training.

How does your team work together?

Mr. Estie: It was tough as we had to know each other’s strengths. Each of us have our own strengths.

How challenging was it as leader of the group?

Mr. Estie:: We just did our best.

How did you choose the members of your teaM

Mr. Estie: We needed to know the rules of the contest. Mr. Lim (on Mr. Estie’s right) is good at cutting the fabric after taking measurements.

What was the article of clothing that your team made?

Mr. Estie: It is a jacket made of merino wool, every team was given the same fabric and the same model was measured. This is a single-breasted formal jacket with 2 buttons and 2 pockets. We managed to complete it within 9 hours, all sewn by hand.