BY EDWINNIE EINSTEIN UNJI
KUCHING: During the festive Raya season, it is quite common for individuals and families celebrating this occasion to search for the perfect attire.
They seek outfits that not only complement their personal style but also harmonise with the festivities’ chosen theme, ensuring their clothing resonates with the spirit of the occasion.
For those on a quest to find the perfect Raya outfit that embodies both style and tradition, the journey often leads to boutique stalls known for their unique selections.
Kuching, the vibrant capital of Sarawak, is a treasure trove for those looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Raya with sartorial flair.
The city boasts an array of boutique stores, each offering a diverse range of Raya outfits catering to the varied tastes and preferences of discerning shoppers.
From traditional Baju Kurung and Kebaya to modern interpretations of classic designs, these boutiques stand as a testament to Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Nestled in the heart of Plaza Merdeka, one boutique stall, Halimah Batik dan Songket, shines as a beacon of traditional fashion. It offers an eclectic mix of Baju Melayu, the elegant sampin, caftans, and a myriad of other exquisite attire.
This stall, where tradition meets trend, sees each piece telling a story of cultural heritage, making it a favoured destination for those looking to infuse their Raya wardrobe with classic charm and contemporary style.
Halimah Batik dan Songket specialises in the art of batik, involving designs created using wax to resist dye on fabric parts, ultimately crafting patterns and designs.
Asri Sulaiman, a brand owner from Kelantan, said that this year marks the fifth year they have promoted their brand in Plaza Merdeka.
“This year, the Baju Melayu comes with a unique offer: those who purchase it will not only receive the garment but also exclusive buttons and a free set of sampin.”
“The initial price for the Baju Melayu alone was RM199, but this year we are offering it for RM180, plus free exclusive buttons and sampin.”
He added that producing the Baju Melayu and sampin costs up to RM600, but they provided a special offer below production cost to attract more customers.
“After launching this special offer, customers began to crowd the area, and my workers and I have tirelessly provided them with our best service,” he told New Sarawak Tribune at his stall recently.
The Baju Melayu is available in 24 colours and sizes range from extra small to triple extra-large for customer convenience.
He also described the sampin’s characteristics, from modern to traditional styles.
“We have a normal style sampin that is slightly cheaper than the complex designs that take days or weeks to complete. However, purchasing it with the Baju Melayu allows customers to receive these exclusive sampin designs instead of buying the sampin separately.”
The caftan night attires with designs that are hand-drawn and take multiple weeks to perfect with minimal errors, are also available for purchase.
“Our baju kurung is tailor-made with soft silks, and the designs are hand-drawn. This process takes months to complete as the design covers both the upper and lower body of the garment.”
Explaining the reason behind offering such low prices and choosing Sarawak as their location for the past five years, Asri said that he finds Sarawak to be the most interesting state he has ever seen and experienced.
“Not only Malays have purchased our products, but non-Malays from different backgrounds also choose our stall to pick their outfits, whether for an open house, visiting friends, or attending a wedding.”
“Seeing this, I felt obligated to offer something unique in Sarawak, as they have helped our family business thrive here.”
Asri welcomes shoppers looking for unique Raya outfits to visit his stall from 10 am until the mall closes at 10 pm.
