IT IS Ramadan month now. Everything everywhere is in Hari Raya mood. With the pandemic over, shoppers are back in droves thronging their favourite malls to shop for Raya delicacies and clothes.
I dropped by Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex Penang recently and found myself lost in the countless shops selling Raya clothing and fashion accessories.
Joining in the Raya festive mood, I bought a songkok and a sampin from Kamdar there and surprisingly, it costs me less than RM50 for both items.
But I was curious what is new and trendy for this Raya fashion.
Simple is the new trend
So, I visited Natashya Boutique in the mall and was told by Kak Mariam, head of the boutique, that the trend is basic design and simple cutting.
“I have many customers buying Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung with basic cutting. They are less keen on the flowery type but more on plain simple designs,” revealed Kak Mariam.
To double confirm if this is the trend now, I called up to my fashion designer friends. According to Masrina Abdullah, founder of renowned Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah “simple and flowy (loose) dresses are back in demand”.
“And this has been our batik style all the while. Gladly, we are now also available in Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) for the Warnai Raya Promotion,” she quipped.
So apart from the usual shopping bazaar, night markets or shopping malls, it seems that the airport is also decked with Raya fashion merchandise.
“This year, we have four members of the Malaysian Bumiputera Designer Association (MBDA) participating in KLIA2 Raya Promotion, namely my own brand Batek by Rashid, Bujins L. Batik, Batek Tektura and Materpiece by Masrina Abdullah,” said MBDA’s president Rasta Rashid.
In fact, proud to say, Malaysia’s fashion has extended beyond our shores. Batek by Rashid has even received orders from the US, Japan and Singapore.
Working with celebrities
With the competitive fashion market landscape, some fashion designers have even stepped up their game by working with celebrities and prominent industry leaders.
“We have actor Zoey Rahman to help promote our brand as we want to attract the young generation. The trend is still Baju Melayu Kurta with simple kain pelikat concept,” shared fashion designer Farel Mikhail.
On the other hand, Bon Zainal, founder of MBDA, thinks out of the box. He recently launched a multi-racial Baju Melayu campaign which brought together veteran journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, entertainer Harith Iskandar, entrepreneur Azhar Nadzir, musician Reshmonu and others donning the Bon Zainal Baju Melayu.
“Embracing the culture of different races is always in our heart. We need to let the young generation know diversity in unity is the way to go and the way forward,” stressed Bon Zainal.
“Everyone can dress in saree, cheongsam and baju kurung and baju Melayu. And above all, as a Malaysian, we should support local brands. Buy Malaysian,” he smiled.
As a non-Muslim, I am glad I have just embraced that with a bagful of Raya goodies in my hand. – March 29, 2023
Francis Yip is a fashionista and an award-winning writer and HRDF (Human Resource Development Fund)-accredited Trainer. He is also the CEO of Franciswriter Dot Com and guest lecturer in The One Academy.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
