From subtle classics to the marvelouslly modern, you’ll have a hard time selecting your Raya outfit from these old-meets-new creations, so we suggest you pick out a few key pieces for the season.

The season of Eid al-Fitr is marked with celebrations, reunions, and a good excuse to don brand new baju raya. Each year, Malaysian designers break out their highly-anticipated Raya collections, each more symbolic and evocative than their last. For most of us, while the highlight of the festival is to proudly showcase our festal outfits to friends and family, there’s no denying the fun in shopping for the attire that speaks to you. That said, we’ve put together a list of striking Raya collections, brought to life by our favourite, local designers, you’ll guarantee to swoon over. Happy shopping!

1. Afiq M

Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Afiq M
Above Photo credit: Afiq M
Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Afiq M
Above Photo credit: Afiq M

Afiq M’s Raya ready-to-wear took flight from inspirations plucked from the diverse landscapes and poetic sceneries of Malaysian states. A closer look, and you’ll recognise paddy fields, green leaves, trees, and shapes of hills, printed onto various shapes like the kurung Kedah, modern kurung and kebaya labuh. A tinge of newness sets these classics apart, incorporating the finesse of draping techniques.

2. Alia Bastamam

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo credit: Alia Bastamam
Photo 2 of 3 Photo credit: Alia Bastamam
Photo 3 of 3 Photo credit: Alia Bastamam

A convergence of nighttime elements and flowers embellish Alia Bastamam’s Raya 2019 collection, resulting in alluringly mystical pieces. Clean lines lend their transformational touch upon rich fabrics and intricate decoration evoke the night sky, while prints of cherry blossom and wisteria represent twinkling stars. The highlight of the collection, though, has to be the liquid satin fabric, a superfluous material draping kurtas, dresses and eveningwear silhouettes.

3. Ava Prologue

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Photo credit: Ava Prologue
Above Photo credit: Ava Prologue

Shimmer, neutrals and light-as-feather fabrics grace Ava Prologue’s Raya offerings. Gaining from the draping technique of satin materials, the festive lineup dubbed ‘Lumine’ features kaftan silhouettes with shimmery embroidered sleeves, hemlines and collars, that evoke a Greek goddess impression. 

See also: How Kaftan Queen Yasmine Patpatia Takes Her Look From Day To Night

4. Fern

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo credit: Fern
Photo 2 of 3 Photo credit: Fern
Photo 3 of 3 Photo credit: Fern

With its underwater-inspired illustrations and colours, Fern’s Raya series will mesmerise both bohemian spirits and nature-lovers alike. Founder, Fern Chua, chose these marine motifs that impart an enigmatic allure on her batik pieces, comprising 15 elegant silhouettes. From modern kaftans and sarong-shapes to the elegance of ruffles and knotted elements, Fern underlines the sensuality of understated elegance.

5. Fiziwoo

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Photo credit: Fiziwoo
Above Photo credit: Fiziwoo
Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Fiziwoo
Above Photo credit: Fiziwoo

Architectural and opulent, Fiziwoo upgrades kebaya and kurung shapes for their Lebaran 2019 collection using a mix of bright and subtle colour palettes. Structured with voluminous ruffles, mermaid cut skirts and the regality of chest flap collars, these simple touches go a long way upon the silhouette, lending an air of statement and structure all at once.

6. Jovian Mandagie

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Photo credit: Jovian Mandagie
Above Photo credit: Jovian Mandagie

Meander down memory lane with a pop of fun-vintage adopted by Jovian Mandagie, named the Jovian Basic Retro Raya. Suffused with classics of loose-cut shapes, these traditional fashion forms are livened with vibrant colours, clever panelling and gathering, and geometric print evoking old-school vibes, playing a strong game of balik-kampung nostalgia.

See also: 9 Music Lovers Unite Over The Ultimate Raya ‘Carpool Karaoke’ Spotify Playlist

7. Khoon Hooi

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Photo credit: Khoon Hooi
Above Photo credit: Khoon Hooi

For Eid 2019, Khoon Hooi puts his couture twist on our beloved baju raya essentials in a collection fronted by Ally Mukhriz. The rising fashionista injects her youthful charm and freshness into intricate and feminine outfits like a 3-quarter-sleeve baju kebaya with tassels and fruit embroidery, a 2-piece crepe kebaya, and a fun peplum-and-tasselled set.

8. Rico Rinaldi

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Photo credit: Rico Rinaldi
Above Photo credit: Rico Rinaldi
Tatler Asia
Photo credit: Rico Rinaldi
Above Photo credit: Rico Rinaldi

By revisiting the classic origins of the kurung, Rico Rinaldi cleverly illustrated the versatility of the traditional style. Employing decorations like vibrant prints, handstitched embellishment and a play on fabrics like crepe and satin, these are the artisanal touches that cast a spotlight on his new designs, which are only fitting for the season of light.

9. Rizman Ruzaini

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Photo credit: Rizman Ruzaini
Above Photo credit: Rizman Ruzaini

Fine lace detailing and voluminous fabrics make up the Raya Luxe 2019 collection of Rizman Ruzaini, who reimagines this year’s Raya offerings with polished drama. Kurung styles are emphasised with experimental elements and pleats, a dash of decoration with brocade and diamante, framing the silhouette to create empowering postures.

10. Bernard Chandran

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Photo credit: Bernard Chandran
Above Photo credit: Bernard Chandran

A fusion of traditional and modern statement is the message portrayed throughout Bernard Chandran Petang Raya 2019. The designer is drawn to the cultural origins of the baju pesak and kebaya-cut skirts, but contrasting with 21st century Asian nuances, clashing romantic hues, bold embellishment and a variety of cuttings. Sophisticated and statement at the same time, these multifunctional pieces are fitting for the season and practical for occasions to come. 

See also: Dato' Sri Bernard Chandran Defies The Norm With Petang Raya 2019 Collection

11. Nelissa Hilman

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Photo credit: Nelissa Hilman
Above Photo credit: Nelissa Hilman

The footwear designer’s Portret Raya collection may feature minimalist classics, but it is her largest collection to date at 20 styles. The festive range features some of her most beloved creations, from mules to open-toed sandals, with the flexibility of neutral tones and edgy pastel metallics, as a fitting nod to the season.

12. Nurita Harith

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo credit: Nurita Harith
Photo 2 of 2 Photo credit: Nurita Harith

You know that girl in a room who’s polished, elegant and destined for the prom queen crown? That’s what Nurita Harith’s Lebaran Luxe Collection is, among the many Raya design offerings. This year sees a modern take on the traditional baju kurung for the designer, featuring fine detailing of soft layered drapes, trails of lace embroidery and contemporary trimmings, marked with her signature drapes and romantic aesthetics.    

13. PU3

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Photo credit: PU3
Above Photo credit: PU3

With its strong-female statement aesthetics, PU3 rolls out a range of Raya Ready-To-Wear aptly named ‘VENUST’. Combining elegance with diminutive detailing like subtle gatherings, pouf sleeves and asymmetrical cuttings, the collection is an homage to the exquisitely classic kurung, infused with the seamless functionality to pair with trousers as it does with the signature PU3 tiered skirt.

See also: Poh Kong Raya Collection 2019: Charmingly Gold Fête

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