19/03/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 19, 2025

22

Going traditional for Raya

o Alfaro unveils new collection that dresses whole family

opened the show, accompanied with fireworks. The show kicked off with the women collection, where the models strutted in kebarung moden , made from the Nyda fabric, or nida , which is comfortable on the skin. The traditional attires incorporated sulam batu embroidery, accentuated with lace and stone embellishments. The men’s collection, on the other hand, featured baju melayu made from Dachi fabric and the looks were styled with matching stylish songket sampin in dark to soft pastel tones for the festive touch.

Ű BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI

M ALAY traditional textile brand Alfaro Sdn Bhd has recently launched its Raya collection last month. Actress Fasha Sandha and Alfaro CEO Muhammad Irfan, in matching pastel blue baju kurung and baju Melayu with sampin,

Matching teal-coloured baju melayu for father and son.

Pastels, baby blue, are all the buzz this Raya.

by Arabic artistry, add just the right shimmer and grunge to your Raya. As Alfaro founder Farooq Ahmad walked down the runway flanked by models, the event came to a close, leaving the sartorial fraternity impressed by the wide variety clothing and colours options for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.

The show was made more wholesome with Alfaro’s children collection, so parents can have themed-raya looks with pastel colours and subtle embroidery, with just the right amount of shimmer and glitz. For the edgy fashionistas, the black abaya choices, featuring Arabic floral embroidery inspired

The decorated bottom balances the almost plain top.

Black abaya with statement print.

A demure black abaya.

Abaya for days WITH Hari Raya Aidilfitri fast approaching, shops have begun rolling out new collections for traditional attire such as baju kurung, kebaya and kebarung but the abaya is becoming a favourite option. The abaya is a religious and traditional garment worn by Muslim women for its modesty and practicality for centuries, particularly in Middle Eastern countries.The robe-like dress has gone through some transformation over the years as designers have redefined the abaya with contemporary designs such as pleated sleeves. For instance, in 2024, capes were all the rage and it looks like the trend continues to be popular in 2025. Open abaya with embellishment and embroidery has also become a popular trend.

Fashion forward The diverse designs of abaya that incorporates the style of traditional Malay attire, took centre stage this year. Open abaya with wrap belts, buttoned and layered pieces as well as capes were crafted using chiffon and cotton fabric, ideal for the Malaysian weather. Hue of pastel colours with subtle shimmer for that soft glam look dominated the runway as old money aesthetics becomes the trend of the year. Showy but elegant, the minimal shimmer, stone embellishment, embroidery and floral lace keep the mood light but still makes a fashion statement. The abaya is just the one for women who exudes subtle sophistication and it is timeless — in spite of its many reimagined look,s the abaya never goes out of style.

Cape abaya in pastel yellow at Alfaro’s fashion show. – ALL PICS COURTESY OF ALFARO

Open abaya with shimmering embroidery.

Open abaya in pastel lavender.