Minimalist look: The ‘in thing’ in fashion this Hari Raya
BANGI: Come Hari Raya, everybody wants to look their best in their traditional wear because the celebrations seem incomplete if they do not dress up in new clothes.
Little wonder, therefore, that the shopping frenzy goes up a few notches every Ramadan.
Whether it is ‘ Baju Melayu’ or ‘Baju Kurung’, Muslim shoppers are spoilt for choice as boutiques and shopping centres rush to display traditional outfits in various styles and colours on their racks.
Last year, the women mostly went for outfits with either ruffled or bell-shaped sleeves. Ostentatious ensembles embellished with sequins and crystals – some priced at up to a few thousand ringgit each – were also much sought-after.
Three years back, the peplumlook inspired by late singer/ actress Saloma was the craze among young women.
So, what are the trends for Hari Raya this year?
According to boutique owner Alia Najihah Alias, 26, shoppers have lost interest in the peplum and kimono styles, and ‘ blingy’ outfits as well. Instead, today’s fashionistas are attracted to Muslim wear bearing the minimalist look with no frills or stones.
“This year many boutique owners and fashion designers are filling their racks with clothes that are free of glittering details and adornments as women don’t seem to be interested in them anymore.
“Now they are showing a preference for minimalist designs that not only look modern but elegant, graceful and luxurious as well,” said Alia Najihah, who has two boutiques – one in Bangi, Selangor, and the other in Kuantan, Pahang.
Minimalist fashion wear can cost as low as RM100 and as high as RM3,000 a suit, depending on its fabric and motifs, and also the person who designed it.
Alia Najihah had earlier done some research on the prevailing fashion trends and found that women were avoiding elaborate designs as they were not suitable to be worn to the office.
“Not only that – the women are usually busy in the kitchen or entertaining their guests during Hari Raya. As such, they prefer to wear something that is light and comfortable.
“Whether it is the modern ‘Baju Kurung’ or ‘Baju Kedah’ or ‘ Kebaya’, they want it to be kept simple,” she said, adding that this is why her collection this year consists of clothes depicting the minimalist look whilst retaining their traditional characteristics.
She also observed that many women have now become more discerning fabric-wise, unlike previously when their focus was mainly on the design.
“They are now going for outfits made from fabrics that are cool and comfortable to wear.”
Minimalist and modern fashions aside, the demand for traditional wear remains unabated as Muslims want to look resplendent in their ‘ Baju Melayu’ and ‘ Baju Kurung’ or ‘ Kebaya’ on the first day of Syawal.
Fashion designer Salikin Sidek, 50, who is known for his traditional Malay couture, said classic styles are also an ‘in thing’ now with the majority of his customers snapping up his range of ‘ Baju Kurung Johor’ and ‘Baju Kurung Kedah’.
This year, he receives about 300 orders for traditional classic couture; he also has some 500 to 1,000 ready-made traditional apparel for men and women on sale at his boutique in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur.
“The traditional costumes are very popular with my customers. This shows that traditional wear is still the choice of the people, although various types of modern Raya clothes are being sold in the market,” said Salikin, who has been in the fashion industry for 30 years.
He uses fabrics like songket with floral motifs and weaved textiles to accentuate his classic cuts, designs and stitching.
Salikin’s collection for men includes the ‘ Baju Melayu’ inspired by the ‘ Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga’ – usually worn by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
His ‘Baju Melayu Cekak Musang’ and ‘ Kurta’ tops are also soughtafter by his male customers, who wish to look dashing during Hari Raya. — Bernama
This year many boutique owners and fashion designers are filling their racks with clothes that are free of glittering details and adornments as women don’t seem to be interested in them anymore. Alia Najihah Alias, boutique owner