Easter has barely ended and Chinese New Year felt like a week ago, but here we are, looking forward to Hari Raya Aidilfitri. After last year’s subdued #Cov-Eid celebrations, we’re all hoping for the opportunity to balik kampung just over a month from now to spend the festivities with our loved ones.
Only time will tell if that will happen, but come what may, we can still #SupportLocal by shopping the latest Raya collections from our local designers. Whether you’re planning to dress up to the nines for a grand open house (fingers crossed) or keep it casual for lounging at home with only your close ones, these Lebaran 2021 collections will have something for your Raya wardrobe.
Alia Bastamam
In commemoration of the brand’s 10th anniversary, Alia Bastamam is proud to unveil a Raya collection that includes five new looks and 14 revivals from the designer’s signature creations over the past decade. There are full looks that can be worn as separates with jeans or shorts, as well as tunics and kaftans for breezy daytime gatherings. Long-time fans of the designer will also find familiar pieces including a three-piece loungewear ensemble (the Alia Pantsuit), a Split-Tone Tunic (from Eid 2012) and a liquid satin shirt dress (from the Eid 2020 Scha Alyahya collaboration).
The Alia Bastamam Eid 2021 collection is available from March 29th 2021, exclusively on aliabastamam.com and by appointment at the Alia Bastamam Showroom.
FERN
Drawing inspiration from the delicate petals and vibrant colours of orchids, FERN ushers in the Raya festivities with a collection dubbed The Orchid Series. Traditional batik motifs are revisited in contemporary hues and fresh silhouettes, highlighted by signature jungle orchid designs, soft ruffles, structured pleats, classic cuts and exaggerated sleeves. There are modern batik tops and matching skirts or bottoms, as well as signature kaftans, baju kurungs and kebayas that are versatile enough to be worn for any occasion, be it lounging at home or visiting a friend or relative’s open house.
The Orchid Series will be available in ready-to-wear pieces in limited quantities. Pre-orders are now open and customers are recommended to book a consultation with the team for custom orders as slots are limited due to strict SOPs. W fern.com
Jovian Mandagie
Make Raya a regal one to remember this year with Jovian Mandagie’s Russe collection, featuring luxe, modern dresses and kurungs adorned with intricate lace, embroidery, beadwork and embellishments. Royal shades of emerald green and magenta colour the collection, alongside terracotta red, betty brown, navy blue and black. Each unique design is made with rich fabrics and Russian-inspired architectural motifs, expressing glamour and opulence with every fine detail.
The Russe collection is available via jovian.com.my, JStores, VIPPS and JDropshippers.
Rizman Ruzaini
This Lebaran, Rizman Ruzaini wants to celebrate all shapes and sizes with a 15th anniversary collection that is designed to be inclusive yet flattering. Contemporary baju kurungs are printed with flora and fauna or architectural motifs, featuring puffy sleeves and/or pleated sleeves to soften the bold designs. Some looks also come with a complimentary selendang (shawl) and detachable ribbons or brooches while stocks last.
The RR 15 Years Raya 2021 collection is now available exclusively at rizmanruzaini.my.
UMMA
For the past year since Covid-19 hit, UMMA’s founder, Zairin Azman’s motto was to go with the flow. With this year’s Raya celebrations still predictably quieter than years before, she decided to create a collection that’s timeless and comfortable, so the pieces can be worn in all kinds of situations. Named ‘ALUN’, which means ‘wave’ in Malay, the collection features ten designs for men and women, featuring wave motifs and scallop prints that reflect the times we live in.
The ALUN collection is now available at umma.my.
Melinda Looi
Continuing her ode to friendship that started with a Cruise 2021 collection entitled “Péngyǒu” (translated from Chinese to mean ‘friend’), Melinda Looi has launched a Raya 2021 collection called “Kawan” – the Malay equivalent of the phrase. The collection celebrates camaraderie with colourful, fun designs that play with graphic prints, layering and textures – representing the distinctive personalities of those we call our friends. Aside from sarong skirts and dresses inspired from traditional silhouettes, there are shirts with reversible zippers, loose unisex tops, shorts and trousers featuring quirky prints to add vibrance to this Raya.
The Melinda Looi Raya 2021 – Kawan collection is now available at melindalooi.com. Customers can also Whatsapp +60122940298 for assistance from a personal shopper.
Khoon Hooi
Focusing on the artistry and feminine beauty of the traditional kebaya, Khoon Hooi presents an exquisite 10-piece made-to-order Eid 2021 collection. Striking clashes of colour and prints appear across a mix of luxe materials, including the designer’s signature use of brocade, as well as modern embellishments of rhinestones and lace along the lapels and cuffs. Meanwhile, relaxed fit kurung tops are reinterpreted with different necklines and puff sleeves for a modern Raya ensemble.
The Eid 2021 collection is available for pre-orders at the Khoon Hooi APW boutique and at khoonhooi.com.
NH by Nurita Harith
Pinks, purples, maroons and the occasional pastel yellow and blue paint the NH by Nurita Harith Raya 2021 collection with a quiet elegance – perfect for the modern, sophisticated woman. Some pieces feature delicate floral prints on rich brocade, satin or chiffon, whilst others incorporate scallop edges, pleated cuffs and subtle ruffles.
The NH by Nurita Harith Raya 2021 collection is available at zalora.my or nhbynuritaharith.com.
dUCk
This year, the dUCk Group has launched its first ever ready-to-wear collection to complement its well-loved scarves. Themed “The Rattan dUCk,” the collection pays tribute to grandmothers who often work tirelessly to ensure the festivities run smoothly for the whole family every Raya. The lineup consists of modern baju kurungs, scarves, prayer wear (telekung), face masks and bags – each featuring nostalgic prints or materials that draw inspiration from the rustic style of rattan chairs and bougainvilleas that decorate the lawns of traditional kampung houses.
The RTW collection is available exclusively at the dUCk KLCC and dUCK KL East Mall store, while the rest of the Rattan dUCk collection is available online and at FashionValet or dUCk stores from 27 April.
Photos courtesy of respective brands
Featured image: Alia Bastamam