KUALA TERENGGANU: Giorgio Armani, known as the master of chic from Italy, has apparently shown interest in Terengganu’s batik and songket for his designs.

Representatives from his company, besides those from Louis Vuitton, Prada and Zara, were also keen on local textiles during a promotion blitz by the state government, Rural Development, Entrepreneur and Co-operative Committee deputy chairman Datuk Rosol Wahid said.

This came about after the state government embarked on a marketing venture in Milan, Barcelona, Paris and London last month, he said.

“European designers were impressed with the elaborate patterns and designs and want to explore the potential of unveiling haute couture using batik and songket,” he told The Star.

Rosol said that several other leading fashion designers from Europe were also keen to use locally-produced textile for their design collections.

He said fashion writers in Barcelona were also impressed with Terengganu’s textiles.

Rosol said the state government would collaborate with these designers to promote local batik and songket globally.

“The European connection will one day be an impetus for the local textile industry, making it a high-revenue earner for the state,” he said.

Rosol said the state government would continue to court foreign fashion designers from other countries to promote the local industry.