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Raya fashion: From Alia B to Khoon Hooi, here are seven local designers to consider  
From Angelique,the Miko Kimono jacket (first and second from left) and short-long tops matched with signature sarongs. — Picture courtesy of CollabStore

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — This Hari Raya, there’s fresh play on texture and form, prints galore and rich detail in the form of dramatic sleeves, fun tassels and gorgeous applique.

No longer restricted to the kurung and kebaya, the possibilities are endless for Raya fashion.

Think abayas, kaftans, kurtas and even kimonos.

This festive season, stand out with seven local designers we’ve selected for you.

Angelique

This Raya, Angelique of Penang stays true to its bohemian luxe style with bold, nature-inspired prints in lovely hues of mint green and ink blue.

It’s all in the details with hand-stitched features and tassels that adorn everything from lightweight separates to elegant clutches.

Match its many signature sarongs with the new sleeveless Tasha tops with cute front and back details.

Or try the short-long top, cut short in front and long at the back, which can also be worn as a jacket.

Other highlights include the versatile Miko Kimono jacket and the lovely Florence maxi with embellished neckline.

Rumah Hartiqa

Wear something different this Raya with a drop-shoulder Pahang kurung with dramatic sleeves.

Or how about a drop-shoulder Kedah kurung with gathered cocoon sleeves and cape at the back?

It’s all about amazing shapes in this collection filled with unique and fun silhouettes crafted from textured fabrics.

(From left) Rumah Hartiqas rose-collared abaya, Libon short kurung with puff sleeves and Bettine, a drop-shoulder Pahang kurung with dramatic sleeves. — Picture via Instagram/rumahartiqa

There’s detail upon detail with ribbons, lace, gathers and pleats.

Inspired by his mother, designer Razif Razali draws heavily from fashion of the 1950s.

"Her style of dressing has always been very vintage,” he said.

"She likes puff sleeves and the nipped-in-waist silhouette which fascinates me.”

Alia B

Called Forever, the latest Raya collection from Alia B is the culmination of the Alia B girl who is now all grown up.

Choose from elegant modern kurungs and classy tunic-sarong combos for that effortless chic look that can only come from designer Alia Bastaman.

From Alia B, Mariska (left) gold-threaded statement kurung and Adelia fringe sleeve kurung. — Picture via Instagram/aliabrtw

Feminine details come in the form of wrap silhouettes, drape tops, fringe and slit bell sleeves as well as sash belts and front-tie sash necklines.

For versatility, look to Xahra, a three-piece set consisting of a long, flowy kurta top, camisole and pants or the roomy Elisia abaya dress.

Alia B’s Raya campaign this year features actress Anna Jobling and Olympian Farah Ann Abdul Hadi.

Zaff Ben Jibby

With Jibililah 2023, designer Zaff Jibby offers an Eid capsule collection that fuses contemporary with the traditional.

The kebaya is deconstructed into a modern top and made of English floral print.

A modern kebaya top and sarong in English floral print with matching headscarf from Zaff Ben Jibby. — Picture courtesy of CollabStore

Matching separates including sarongs, tops, jackets and head scarfs also come in the same print.

Not to be missed is a one-of-kind modern kurung in seafoam green with asymmetrical top and flared sleeves.

Zaff Ben Jibby is an androgynous contemporary haute streetwear brand that has gained international recognition in China and Britain.

Cantiq Couture

With the busy and cosmopolitan woman in mind, designer Dr Aina Ariffin offers high-quality couture and ready-to wear pieces in sophisticated designs.

Think voluminous and vibrant separates that are elegant and beautifully crafted.

Vibrant and voluminous creations made of the finest materials from Cantiq Couture. —Picture courtesy of Collabstore

Her ornate creations are fashioned from taffeta silk, Thai silk, taffeta satin, brocade and linen.

This Raya, east meets west in a unique ensemble which matches a silk yellow jacket with a jewel blue Pahang kurung.

Other highlights include a midriff baring lace top with bell sleeves paired with a mermaid cut sarong and a glamorous embroidered top matched with a multi-tiered sarong.

There’s plenty of detail throughout the rest of the collection with applique work, hand-stitched embroidery and dramatic sleeves.

Angelique, Rumah Hartiqa, Alia B, Zaff Ben Jibby and Cantiq Couture are available at CollabStore, Shoppes at Four Seasons Place KL or online.

Khoon Hooi

This festive season, designer Khoon Hooi draws inspiration from nature with kebaya and kurung tops embellished with floral embroidery.

Continuing the tropical theme are butterfly and parrot brooches on kebayas.

The rich colour palette takes centre stage in this collection with pops of red, fuchsia, topaz and orange juxtaposed against soft pink, beige and blue.

From Khoon Hooi,  Annisa (left) short kebaya with a semi-fitted lace top and the tasselled Ratu in topaz and fuchsia. — Picture courtesy of Khoon Hooi

For the first time, the brand is offering kaftans. One stunning result is the Ratu, a luxurious one-piece kaftan with tasselled cape that extends from the front to back.

Finally, the Middle East capsule collection featuring A-line dresses and kaftans fashioned from silk, brocade and organza are available at stockists in Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh.

Available at APW Bangsar or online.

Syomirizwa Gupta

From Syomirizwa Gupta x ZALORA comes Almari Tok, a collection that pays tribute to the love and memory of grandmothers — known as Opah, Nenek or Tok to some.

"When I was a kid, whenever I was back in Ipoh at my Tok’s house, my favourite thing to do was to look for ‘treasures’ in her cupboard,” recalled the designer, better known as Syomir.

Inspired by colours and actual pieces from his grandmother’s armoire (still under his careful keeping), Syomir showcased 11 designs that celebrate the old Malaya of the 1940s and 50s.

Syomirs Raya collection brings back the classic sarong and matching selendang look. — Picture courtesy of Syomirizwa Gupta x ZALORA

Using batik, French lace, English cotton, organza and chiffon, this collection also brings back the classic sarong and matching selendang look.

Available at

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