A science student during high school and currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Najwa developed a relationship with clothing through personal reflection (All photos: Kalmhs)
Waking up to the overlapping sounds of chatter drifting from distant rooms, followed by the comforting aroma of homemade dishes filling the house and the sight of pairs upon pairs of shoes piled neatly by the door — these collective moments are among the memories many hold closest to their hearts during Hari Raya.
For Najwa Arifin, founder of local label Kalmhs, her own Aidilfitri recollections take her to a different setting — long days spent in fabric stores with her mother before the festivities, carefully selecting English cottons to be tailored into baju kurung.
Those early experiences instilled in her an appreciation for textiles as the foundation of garments. That sensitivity remains deeply woven into the philosophy of Kalmhs, where elegant pieces are crafted to be worn repeatedly and with ease.
Amid the pandemic, Kalmhs began as an unexpected and intimate project. Time spent at home prompted Najwa and her sister to reflect on what they loved and wanted to explore. Fashion had always been an interest, even though neither came from a formal background in the industry.
The brand was conceived in the familiarity of their living room — a small creative outlet meant to keep the siblings grounded during a period of uncertainty.
“We knew we wanted to create pieces for people like ourselves,” Najwa explains. “Those who appreciate fashion that is quiet yet thoughtful.”
Kalmhs, which solely produced hijabs initially, is a portmanteau of “Kalm”, representing calmness; and “hs” for headscarves.
Upon the first release, however, Najwa began to feel the limitations of designing within that format. While she loved working with scarves, clothing offered a broader canvas that allowed her to explore silhouette, movement and structure, while providing a fuller medium through which to translate emotions.
Thus, her focus gradually transitioned into apparel while retaining the label’s original name, which continues to embody and align with its vision — producing pieces that are calm and considered.
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Interestingly, Najwa’s path into fashion was far from conventional. A science student during her upper secondary education and currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she developed a relationship with clothing through personal reflection.
She recalls that her late teens were spent frequently buying fast-fashion pieces that eventually, were rarely worn.
“The clothes didn’t really feel like me, and I didn’t know how to style them beyond a single look,” she says. “So, I began learning more about timeless dressing — understanding staples, mixing pieces together and being more mindful about what truly belongs in a wardrobe.”
The shift from impulse to intention eventually shaped Kalmhs’ identity, as Najwa became increasingly drawn to longevity and versatility.
Today, the brand is largely a one-woman operation. After the initial launch, Najwa sought experience beyond the label itself, knowing she needed more expertise before committing to it full-time. She worked at a local boutique to understand retail dynamics, before joining a social media agency to deepen her knowledge of branding and marketing.
Supportive mentors, as well as deliberate preparation, made the transition easier, especially as her sister’s commitments in the non-governmental organisation sector grew.
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That said, the journey has required resilience. As a young woman leading an organically grown brand, there have been moments when her work and discipline were underestimated.
“Sometimes, success that grows quietly and steadily is mistaken for luck,” she says. “But I’ve learnt that leadership doesn’t need to be loud. Consistency and clarity of vision can be just as powerful.”
This principle of restraint carries through to the apparel. For Najwa, sustainability and mindfulness are closely intertwined. This is conveyed through carefully chosen materials, limited production and the prevention of unnecessary excess. “It’s about creating better, instead of more,” she stresses.
Rather than avoiding trends entirely, Najwa is selective in how she engages with them, using current styles as a starting point rather than a final direction — especially when something resonates.
At its core, Kalmhs remains grounded in the lived experience. Najwa designs not around elaborate narratives, but instances of daily life. Everyday scenes — such as moving between work and other settings — and elements such as architecture, interiors and how people actually dress, rather than runway trends, are transformed into her ideas.
This is particularly evident in the label’s latest festive offering, which consists of two releases — #Ulang2026 and Malika.
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The word ulang, meaning “to repeat”, reflects the cyclical rituals that define Hari Raya — annual reunions and traditions passed down through the generations. “We celebrate Aidilfitri every year, we visit the same homes, follow familiar routines,” says Najwa. “And it’s precisely that repetition that keeps bonds intact.”
Visually, the range incorporates grids, florals, marble textures and stripes while maintaining a minimal palette and clean silhouettes that still reference traditional forms. Unlike earlier festive collections that relied heavily on plain fabrics, this edition experiments with patterns, keeping them subtle rather than decorative.
Conversely, Malika carries a more elevated and luxurious aesthetic. Among the pieces are Azalea and Atma, named after Najwa’s niece and nephew respectively. The Azalea shawl features delicate lace detailing, while Atma is crafted from breathable fabrics such as tencel and linen, ideal for warm climates.
Equally important is the collection’s versatility — each piece is intended to transition seamlessly into everyday life.
As Kalmhs continues to evolve, Najwa remains intentional about its pace, focusing on refining the brand’s visual language and future collections.
“More than anything, I want the pieces to be reliable — something that wearers naturally reach for again and again. If a Kalmhs garment is worn repeatedly and starts to hold personal value, then the piece has done its job.”
This article first appeared on March 16, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
