HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI may be pared-down this year but dressing up for the festivity will certainly enliven the celebration with much fun and excitement to keep you in the mood.
Choose among traditional clothing and contemporary ensembles, then switch from breezy daytime separates when at home to dressy evening wear for formal affairs – there is something for everyone and all occasions.
1. Ezzati Amira
When designer Ezzati Amira discovered a photograph of her great grandmother draped in an easy-fitting kebaya with a lace shawl, she could feel the movement of the garment and with it, a sense of air and light. This became the inspiration of not just the brand’s Raya 2021 collection and also serves as the embodiment of the new Ezzati Amira woman.
Ezzati reimagines modern baju kurung with her signature design elements in soft fabrics to make light silhouettes appear even more graceful and delicate, in memory of her great grandmother.
Floral prints in neutral colourways evoke tranquillity, while the other plain dresses that echo sublime elegance are elevated with hints of pearl embellishments.
2. Hanya
This festive season, Hanya co-founder Tan Veen Dee collaborated with bridal designer Fuzana Mokhtaza to release their Raya collection, aptly dubbed Lucid Dreams, inspired by the sentiment to distinguish the current global bad dream from reality.
The creative duo combined their styles and imagination, turning dreams into reality through Hanya’s minimalistic charm and Fuzana’s graceful flair.
The collection of baju kurung crafted in glistening dreamlike fabrics are softened with feminine touches, from laced and pleated necklines to puffed and ribboned sleeves with subtle embellishments – it’s all in the details.
3. Khoon Hooi
In classic Khoon Hooi fashion, the eponymous designer rekindles the artistry and beauty of the traditional kebaya in his Raya bespoke collection filled with a sumptuous mixed of colours and prints to add a contemporary spirit to traditional dressing.
Among the 10-piece collection features the body-hugging kebaya Nyonya and relaxed fit kurung adorned with lace embroideries, diamante brooches and crochet medallions.
Elsewhere in the capsule collection decked in floral brocade, lace and fil coupe jacquard, Orientalism meets traditional Malay clothing by way of a kebaya-kimono hybrid and through the incorporation of mandarin band collars and jade buttons.
4. FERN
Celebrating Raya this year with delicate petals and vibrant colours of orchids is local batik brand FERN. Designer Fern Chua created a festive collection that is meaningful and while still being in one’s element, she designed the pieces to be elegant and versatile enough for any occasion.
Titled The Orchid Series, the collection encapsulates the allure of fresh blooms in their structure, pigment and symbolism to evoke a sense of awe.
Signature jungle orchids are reimagined in whimsical and contrasting colours on kaftans, baju kebayas and kurungs, then elevated with soft ruffles, structured pleats, classic cuts and exaggerated sleeves for a contemporary makeover.
5. Alia Bastamam
This year’s Raya will be unlike any other for Alia Bastamam as the designer celebrates the brand’s 10th anniversary. “In commemoration, I’ve revived some of my signature designs from over the past decade,” she said.
She revived 14 designs from the past with five new looks in her Eid 2021 collection featuring formal ensembles and casual wear in various soft and streamlined silhouettes.
Pieces such as tunic, pantsuit and kaftan exude an air of quiet confidence, while their beadwork embellishment and lace carefully dotted with sparkles and pearls ooze a sense of sophistication.
6. Bellapizo
Inspired by the beauty of the morning sun, co-founders Ayenn Jamal and Sheila Salleh remind us that life is a cycle, for after day there is night, and after darkness there is light.
The brand’s Lebaran 2021 collection Matahari Pagi celebrates the bright side during troubled times in the theme of wildflowers, for their nature of being tiny yet blossoming through the wilderness and reaching out for sunlight.
Lilies, daffodils, edelweiss and dandelions are scattered on the baju kurungs, kebayas and kimonos’ modern and loose silhouettes, featuring bishop sleeves, puffed shoulders, floral embroideries and pearl buttons.
7. Anaabu
Founder Ana Abu transposes the mellow and meaningful emotions experienced during Eid from the past to the brand’s Eid 2021 collection Rindu.
The 25-piece collection revisits some of her memories through the earthy colour palettes reminiscent of nostalgic moments in a village and traditional Malay garments as homage to the elderly.
Each piece is designed to reflect versatility and functionality – clean silhouettes with minimal adornment are light as air, stripes and plaids become the central pattern of the festive season and beyond.
