Malaysian designers ready to bring budget-friendly Hari Raya fashion to Singapore
Heads up Singaporeans: Malaysian designers are bringing new Hari Raya fashion collections to our shores ahead of Hari Raya Puasa, and they’re making sure that prices won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Hari Raya Puasa will be taking place throughout the month of Syawal, which starts from the evening of 25 June.
It takes place after Muslims observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which takes place from 27 May to 24 June.
Some of the most sought-after Malaysian brands in Singapore are Mimpikita, Nurita Harith, Fizi Woo and Alia Bastamam. Key looks by the brand this year include subtle floral prints, playful ruffles, soft pastel hues and classic silhouettes.
“Floral prints are definitely big this year. Pastel colours continue to be a favourite. Ruffles are here to stay, they haven’t left,” said Dahlia Mohd, co-founder of Singapore’s multi-label fashion boutique, En Pointe.
The 36-year-old continued, “I still see peplum silhouettes but in a more ornate detailing. While loud embellishments are less apparent now, they are just more strategically located – like maybe on the sleeves or around the collar as it is more noticeable instead of being all over the outfit.”
Every year leading up to the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Malaysian designers put up Hari Raya fashion showcases to parade their new collections. It’s almost considered the Fashion Week for the modest fashion industry, which typically caters to Muslims in the Southeast Asian region.
According to Wirda Ningsih, 29, country manager for Fashion Valet Singapore, designers are also redefining the classic Baju Kurung this year. Fashion Valet is an online fashion retailer, which also has a brick-and-mortar outlet at 313@Somerset that opened in May 2016.
“We will see many designers reinventing the classic silhouettes with their own flair. For example, a classic Baju Kurung Kedah with modern embroidery,” said Wirda.
Rico Rinaldi, who is among Singapore’s favourite modest wear fashion designers, shares a similar sentiment. “I see a lot of mini Baju Kurungs, a lot of boxy modern Baju Kurungs and the use of light fabrics such as chiffon and organza compared to two years ago,” the 30-year-old said. The designer was also featured at Singapore Fashion Week in 2016.
He added, “I notice a few designers introducing fancy sleeves to a simple top along with a matching long skirt, very minimalist detailing and the usual pastel colours,” explained the award-winning designer.
This year, Rico Rinaldi’s Summeraya 2017 collection mainly consists of structured designs that exude glamour without being too overbearing. He keeps his embellishments to a minimum while making sure that they are strategically sewn to different parts of demure-print fabrics.
Why Malaysian designers are retailing at affordable prices
More Malaysian fashion designers are starting to feel the pinch from the country’s weak economic climate as more customers become conscious of their spending.
Rico notes that while the creations of some of these designers can be very expensive, in order to remain competitive, designers should produce more affordable ready-to-wear pieces.
“Designers must be keen to create a ready-to-wear collection that is priced lower than their bespoke collection, which can range from hundreds to thousands of Ringgit. I believe that because of the weak economy, as designers, we need to create a niche market label or brand to expand our market reach,” added Rico.
Although consumers are becoming more conscious of their spending, especially during the festive season, Dahlia feels that they are spoilt for choice with the plethora of reasonably-priced Hari Raya outfits. She believes that consumers still want to look their best on Hari Raya without bursting their budget.
She revealed that her clients are comfortable with spending between S$140 and S$220 for an outfit, and that they would normally purchase about three outfits depending on the number of family members they have.
“They prefer spending within a smaller budget. Up-and-coming brands such as Petra are designing pieces that look expensive and exclusive, yet have a budget-friendly price tag,” said Dahlia.
She added, “I think that’s the trend that most designers have to go towards – how to produce more cheaply, how to streamline and make things more efficient but at the same time not compromise on design and quality.”
Over at Fashion Valet, Wirda revealed that its customers would typically purchase two ensembles and spend at least S$200 for an outfit.
“Singaporeans are known to be elegant yet practical in purchasing their outfits. Most FV (FashionValet) customers prefer classic cuts with a signature designer print or embellishment, while still keeping in mind that they are able to wear the same top with different bottoms or skirts for other social events like weddings,” she said.
However, Rico observes that Singaporeans would prefer Hari Raya garments that are bright and vibrant. “I think it is about them really standing out because they are a small community compared to Malaysia. Malaysians usually celebrate Hari Raya at their kampungs, so they prefer simple and comfortable outfits.”
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