With Hari Raya around the corner, it is once again time to think about what you will be wearing for the festivities. Yet, while fashion is certainly an important element, there is so much more to the celebration.
Malaysian designers are looking beyond just trends this year. They are drawing inspiration from all the good memories, and reflecting on what makes Hari Raya real special for them.
“My fondest memory of Raya is always preparing the Raya food spread and having guests visit,” Jovian says.
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He adds that people will probably put more emphasis on the emotional value of celebrating Hari Raya this time, having largely missed out on gatherings with family and friends the past two years.
His latest designs focus on the “human” aspect of clothes. The Jovian Mandagie x Aeon ready-to-wear Raya collection is inspired by the women of the Nusantara islands.
“Rich in culture and tradition, the Nusantara woman is strong yet graceful and the epitome of beauty,” he explains.
“We dive deep into the Nusantara heritage and put our own interpretation into the designs by injecting a modern twist combining traditional batik motifs with abstract prints.”
Family, friends, food and fashion
Jovian’s collection features traditional silhouettes, as well as contemporary ones. These include long kurungs, baju kedah and dresses.
Detailings range from crystal and pearl encrusted buttons reminiscent of kerongsangs to embroidery evoking the feel of vintage kebayas from a bygone era.
His prediction is that “revenge dressing” – where someone wears something extravagant, melodramatic and excessive to release all the pent up frustration of living under restrictions – will not materialise fully.
He is still cautious, as we are only in the endemic transition phase.
According to him, people may not be willing to spend so much just yet.
“They are looking for something that is beautiful, but yet easy on the pocket,” he says. “After two years of the pandemic, some are still recovering from the economic repercussions.”
“We are looking forward to wearing and bringing glamour back, and meeting people in an open-house environment. So we should spend extra time on looking good,” she points out.
“It’s not about being shallow and self-absorbed. It’s part of wellness and keeping healthy in body and mind.”
She says the colours she chose for her collection with Zalora are happy and healing colours.
“Raya fashion has always had a standard type of wear, which is a traditional top and long skirt, or sarong. Or the kebaya or kurung,” she adds.
“There’s not much we can go crazy with when it comes to Raya wear, but I see quite a bit of mix and match that’s edgy – like pairing traditional wear with sneakers. I find this fresh.”
Tom reminisces on her childhood, thinking back on the good old days of celebrating Raya in her hometown, Kuching.
“The excitement of wearing baju Raya, which even at four or five (years old), I was already choosing my preferred colours and fabric,” she enthuses.
“I remember the abundance of coloured sweet drinks – amber, red, green, brown, orange, and in cute bottles. The colours of my collection this year are greatly influenced by them.”
She notes that her Raya collections always reflect the state of mind she is in. She prefers to use fabrics made from heritage weaves, as well.
Tom’s latest creations draw from the idea of beach island holidays, which she notes have been lacking for most people. You can say that she is just trying to evoke good memories.
“Raya has always been about sentimentality... but this year more so because of the lack of Raya bonding in the past two years.”
A time for hapiness
Everyone has fond recollections of Hari Raya. It is, after all, such a significant celebration for most.
“The smell of rendang in the kitchen and minyak tanah (kerosene) on the eve of Hari Raya. Watching the kids play bunga api (sparklers) makes me think of my childhood days,” she muses.
“Apart from that, Aidilfitri is about reflections of moral values in life, and acts of forgiveness. It always reminds me of the importance of bonds with precious ones, staying connected and spreading love!”
Alia says that those memories inspired her to create a collection that celebrates joy.
Her label’s Raya range with Zalora is riotously colourful. She designed three different floral prints that not only symbolise boldness, but also optimism and life.
The offerings are deemed as easy to wear, although certain pieces are more elaborate as they come decorated with intricate lace.
To Alia, her collection has a sense of balance.
“Streamlined sensuality with confidence and luxurious ease,” she declares, when asked to describe it.
Regarding her thoughts on this year’s Raya fashion bounceback, she predicts that everyone will be coming out from their “bubble” to celebrate.
She thinks it is time we all reconnect with each other.
“People are more keen to get dolled up for Raya. People are more open and thrilled to do open houses, travel to visit their close friends and family, as well as spend on their baju Raya.
Read more: Malaysian brides opting for sleeker, more minimal wedding gowns amidst Covid-19
“The key message is to reinforce the glamour of Raya for all women,” she comments.
It’s also time to think about loved ones, enjoy the festivities and recharge emotionally.
“Personally for me, Raya is about celebrating love... love for family, friends, amazing food, and just about anything.”
Zura is bringing back some of her popular designs from past years. They fit in with the theme of nostalgia, having names like Lockdown Kurung, Reborn Kurung Riau and Rebirth Kaftan.
“Honestly, the support for our collection has been overwhelming,” she reveals.
Fashion campaigns are also seen reigniting the spirit of nostalgia and sentimentality as family and friends, both near and far, are able to celebrate the festivities after a two-year hiatus.
The merriment is captured in Hari Raya scenes we are all so familiar with in Malaysia – over good food and at home.
Of course, dressing up adds icing to the cake, making the occasion all the more joyous and memorable.
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