Homage to heritage
Nala Designs’ Hari Raya collection pays tribute to Malaysia’s varied cultures, writes Kasmiah Mustapha
FOR this year’s Hari Raya, it is time to be bold with Malaysian-inspired patterns from Nala Designs. For the first time, the homegrown brand has designed an extensive collection for Hari Raya which includes tailored baju kurung, kebaya and sarong. To make it more stylish, each design comes in a wide selection of unique, hand-designed patterns with many prints and colours to choose from.
Well-known for promoting Malaysian heritage in its fashionwear collection, the hand-drawn patterns pay homage to the country’s varied cultural backgrounds as well as elements inspired by local flora, fauna and vintage motifs.
The patterns featured in the Hari Raya collection are inspired by our tea and coffee drinking culture.
Aptly titled “Kopi Teh”, the collection pays tribute to this heritage with patterns inspired by floral designs from porcelain cups as well as lattices and intricate tilework of the olden day kopitiam, and named after different types of favourite teas.
Nala creative director and founder Lisette Scheers is inspired by the country’s rich heritage such as the local kopitiam and the tea drinking culture, from teh tarik and masala
tea to cha, and each of the patterns has a story to tell.
“Nala brings a contemporary take on patterns from the past, with each hand-drawn design filled with soul to appeal to all walks of life,” she says.
Made from a selection of light cambric cotton for cool comfort and 100 per cent cotton satin for a luxurious feel, the baju kurung at RM399, is available in eight patterns while the kebaya (RM199) and sarong (RM299) are sold separately, to be mixed and matched as desired. The Hari
Raya collection is available at the newly reopened Nala’s Kampung House in Bangsar. Open from 11am-8pm, Pasar Gaya Nala will showcase the new collection of baju kurung, kebaya and sarong. There will also be fabrics for sale as well as kuih to get into the Raya mood and activities for children.
Customers can also check out the Nala festive designs in its outlets at Robinson Shoppe at Four Seasons Place and Bangsar Village II, or online at www.naladesigns.com and www. fashionvalet.com. kasmiah@nst.com.my