ZALORA recently introduced the “House of ZALORAYA,” which featured all of ZALORA’s Raya designers’ collections in Kuala Lumpur. Many people attended the fashion show to see new bold looks for this year’s Hari Raya celebration. Each presentation captured the essence of a traditional Hari Raya.
Capturing the essence of Hari Raya
A new chapter began for the ninth instalment of #ZALORAYA2023, the highly anticipated modest-wear fashion presentation.
The event featured well-known local Malaysian brands and designers like Syomirizwa Gupta, Maslea, Yadotsa, TAS by Tom Abang Saufi, nh by Nurita Harith, AliaB by Alia Bastamam and Afiq M alongside ZALORA’s own Lubna and ZALIA on the runway.
Taking it a step further, ZALORA introduced the “House of ZALORAYA”, which showcased all of ZALORA’s Raya designers’ collections in a setting that encapsulates the festivities.
A tent was constructed outside Starhill, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, to showcase the work of the selected designers within the time frame specified.
Datuk Tom Abang Saufi invited me to her Raya Fashion Show under her brand TAS.
The event drew a large crowd, with many people standing outside the tent. Everyone was hoping to catch a glimpse of Raya’s new looks for this year.
Some were looking through the transparent tent, while others were at the tent’s entrance, where models were seen lining up for their turns.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions on public events have been lifted, more people are flocking to events, making it nearly impossible to find a seat, particularly for a fashion show.
Many familiar faces of the elite and celebrities were seen inside the tent next to the runway, including the stunning Datin Seri Dayang Nur Camelia Tan Sri Abang Khalid, who is originally from Kuching.
The first Malaysian singer to be signed to Universal Music, she is a strong supporter of Tom’s fashion and was seated in the front row.
With added theatrics and flair in this year’s presentation, the showcase encapsulated a nostalgic sentiment as each collection presented captured the very essence of a traditional Hari Raya.
This season’s collection featured Kebaya and Kebarung silhouettes, contrasting patterns and bold colours, as well as flowy, dreamy pieces that turned heads. There was also some nice menswear.
On March 7, there were a few shows, and one of the segments was TAS by Tom.
Tom, who was born and raised in Kuching before relocating to Kuala Lumpur, has been a driving force in the Malaysian fashion industry for over 30 years.
The internationally renowned designer has dressed a wide range of clients, including royalty and celebrities.
Her style is described as “revisiting my ethnic prints from 20 years ago but with a modern twist. ‘Fashion comes and goes, but traditional chic lasts forever’, has always been my mantra,” she said.
Her Raya fashion, which featured the Mediterranean colours of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, grey, black, and white, gave off a holiday vibe.
We agree with her that we need some happy colours after the last few years of abstinence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Within the context of global trends, TAS makes traditional elements more accessible and acceptable.
The designs can be worn by ladies ranging in size from XS to XXL.
They can be purchased in Malaysia and Singapore through the ZALORA online platform.
