KUCHING: Celebrating Hari Raya under the ongoing conditional movement control order (CMCO) necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic does not mean that celebrators should not dress up nicely at home.
This season will be a bitter-sweet experience for Muslim Malaysians as there will be no ‘balik kampung’ trips (trips to villages) and big gatherings like open houses due to the need to comply with the CMCO.
Thus among the various ways to get into the Hari Raya mood, Syarikat Naazimudin Rafi boutique outlet owner Mohamed Rafi SM Najabuddin said women primarily ought to wear comfortable garments made of repurposed materials that “breathe”.
He said most of the designs for women paid homage to the traditional ‘baju kebaya’.
“This year’s fashions comprise a series of traditional Malay garments with youthful elements.
“Other designs also highlight minimalistic ‘baju raya’, for example, ‘baju kurung’ with neutral pallet because comfort is desirable or preferable during this pandemic,” he said yesterday in his boutique at Majma Shopping Mall.
For men’s attire, he said ‘baju Melayu’ design with new soft pastel colours was among his latest collections.
“This year, our own ‘baju Melayu’ brand, Sheikh, features a range of shades like light beige, rustic red, emerald green, dusty pink. The pieces are also known for their comfortable materials,” he said.
At another shop, Azzahrah Boutique, a retail staff member said traditional ‘baju kurung’ and ‘Kebaya’ were among the refreshing designs for festive wear this time around.
“The cutting is loose with textured cotton. And the ‘kebaya’ tops can be paired with any ‘sarong’ design and colour,” she said.
