KNOWN for spectacular presentations that incorporate everything except live zebras and the kitchen sink, a Tangoo fashion extravaganza comes replete with enough razzmatazz to compete with the circus.

For the homegrown brand's showcase last November, during the Malaysia-International Fashion Week, 18 children stood on stage banging frantically on makeshift drums using old pails, tin pots and metal containers while Hong Kong's top models Ana R and Lisa S opened the show.

While the musicians used recycled stuff, mercifully Tangoo's clothes were brand new.

For their latest collection themed Call of the Wild, designers Moses Law and Eric Yeong have cast their eyes on the plight of animals, especially those under threat of extinction, as well as a nod towards native tribes.

"By focusing on animal and tribal elements, we hope to draw attention to the issue of global warming and its impact on native tribes and the environment," explained Law.

"Many species have disappeared and some of our beautiful beaches, coral reefs and jungles are under threat. So Eric and I thought if we focus our theme on these, people will be reminded of the fragility of our eco-system while looking fashionable!'

Flowers were their initial choice. Said Yeong, "Flowers are always popular but we were more concerned with saving the natural state of our environment as flowers can always be propagated in green houses or under controlled conditions.

"We went to a private island in the Andaman Sea owned by a friend foe the photo shoot. The garments are shown amid the azure sea, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and mangrove swamps. This is supposed to reinforce our concern for nature."

Added the two idealists, "When we were conceptualising Call of the Wild, we were in a very sentimental mood.

"We imagined a land pure and unsullied, where creatures big and small roamed the land, air and water freely. We dreamed of a pristine, secret Eden filled with secret motifs and a bit of Africana.

"Our clothes are a bit ethnic but cosmopolitan so they have universal appeal. They are meant for the urban Tarzan and 21st century Jane! Accessories as usual are very important with us. You can wear an ordinary white T-shirt and faded denims but add a chunky, kinky accessory of whatever form and you are set for a fashion-centric look."

> Tangoo boutiques are located at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Mid-Valley Megamall and 1 Utama, Selangor.