Fashion is a large part of the Hari Raya celebration, and so is family. To mark the auspicious day, families will dress up in bright and cheerful clothes.
Matching outfits for example, is a popular practice each year. The idea is to coordinate with loved ones on what to wear – with hopes of getting the perfect group snapshot for social media postings.
“Most people tend to go for the same colour, but I think you can explore beyond that,” Malaysian designer Syomirizwa Gupta comments.
“Be adventurous, there are so many more ways to approach this matchy-matchy trend.”
His advice is to go with a unifying theme instead, like retro-inspired vibe – or for more adventurous families, modern pop influence. Similar prints and motifs can work too.
A family affair
Co-founders of the Hani Mokhta label, sisters Farah and Tati Hani, no longer match outfits for Hari Raya, but their looks will still complement each other.
“I think we’ve grown over the years, and have since created our own distinctive styles and preferences,” Farah says.
“Besides, it’s a completely different league for Tati, now that she’s a mum. As for me, I don’t plan until the very last moment right before Eid.”
When they were younger, their mother would look to the fashion side of the celebration and get them to wear matching outfits.
“I remember how our mum would go out and buy metres of fabrics to tailor make our new Raya clothes every year,” Tati chimes in.
“Now, my top priority is getting everything ready for my daughter first. Once that’s sorted, then only I’ll start planning mine based on hers.”
The Hani Mokhta collection this year is a colourful production of custom-made intricate laces and vibrant prints.
Actress Aishah Sinclair features in the campaign, together with her daughter, Aina Elisabeth. It underscores the family aspect of dressing up for Hari Raya.
Brands are well aware of creating a feel-good sentiment for the season. “While I haven’t had the chance to experience the whole matching set trend with my family, it’s a tradition I eagerly anticipate embracing when I have a family of my own,” says Raea’s creative director, Ian Ebrizal. I look forward to coordinating outfits with my ‘mini-mes’ and creating cherished memories.”
“One piece, the Laili Modern Kurung, is a tribute to my late mother. Like her, Laili epitomises class, elegance and boldness,” he notes. As it is, the act of coordinating Hari Raya outfits with loved ones can be seen as part of the celebration – something to look forward to every year.
“The collective experience of shopping for Raya outfits, deciding on a colour theme as a family, and the joy of getting ready together on Raya morning all strengthen the bonds that make the celebration truly special,” Ian explains.
Read more: Hari Raya fashion collections bank on tried-and-tested colours and silhouettes
Designs for all
Syomirizwa’s current Hari Raya collection is inspired by Francissca Peters’ cheerful 1987 hit, Oolala Tropika. He uses colours of blush pink, cobalt blue, royal blue, turquoise, orange and parakeet green to express positive emotions.
“I noticed that a lot of the other designers are opting for neutrals, pastels and nudes this year. But I’m still very much in love with all things vibrant!” Syomirizwa enthuses.
Raea is also focusing on colour, but slightly darker shades like maroon, teal, mauve and chartreuse. The collection offers a contemporary take on resortwear. It is designed for the modern, sophisticated woman.
While elements like colour and prints are important considerations, comfort plays a role too.
Syomirizwa says that he designed suitable clothes for our country’s weather and climate. He calls it the “nusantara principle”.
His fabric choices include silky satin, rayon blend and crepe blend. All of these are suitable for wear in the humid tropical climate.
Aside from that, designers are making sure that their designs can live on beyond Hari Raya.
A wider range of sizes also ensures everyone can look good during the festivities.
“We aim to deliver wearability and versatility that extends beyond the festive season and into everyday wear,” Tati stresses, about her Hani Mokhta designs.
“The idea with our Primadonna collection is to create Raya ready-to-wear that comes in sizes from XS to 3XL in a variety of silhouettes that would fit the different types of ‘leading ladies’.”
To cater to different personalities, the two sisters envisioned a woman who wear different “hats”.
Hani says a Raya look is not just about one trend. Thus, it should reflect a multi-faceted lifestyle.
“Aishah Sinclair as our ‘primadonna’ makes perfect sense, as she seamlessly carries multiple roles – mum, daughter, radio announcer and more, shining in each and every single one of them,” she concludes.
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