Malaysian designers decode Raya 2025: Trends, textures and timeless inspirations defining this festive season

AB: Rhapsody marks 10 years of Alia B, and with that, I wanted to reflect on the evolution of the women who wear the brand. This collection is about celebrating growth, confidence, and the many roles a woman embodies throughout her life.

There’s a nostalgic element to Rhapsody—a nod to past Alia B collections—but reimagined in a way that feels more refined and effortless. I was inspired by nostalgia: post-colonial Malaya, translating classic garden prints, kebaya elements, and traditional silhouettes for the modern woman. The result is a collection that blends romantic pastels with bold jewel tones and confident blacks, balancing structure with fluidity.

Movement is a central theme, not just in the way the clothes flow but as a symbol of progress. That’s why we worked with the Dancers of DiDance for the campaign alongside the stars, Marion Caunter and Raline Shah—to visually capture how Rhapsody moves with the body and reflects the strength and grace of the women who wear it.

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SG: For me, normally, before designing a collection, it’s always about the things I’ve been into for the last six months—it could be travelling, a book, a film or a song, or even a human being! Last year, within my personal space, I spent a lot of time in France, especially between Nice and Paris. My brand has always been known for incorporating different types of cross-cultural, historical elements as the main inspiration for our collections. So, for this year’s Raya collection, I wanted something that plays with a subject that can be both a fantasy and reality. It started with a conversation between me and my partner: I said, “I want to do a ‘berangan’ collection of Hari Raya in Paris lah!,” and the answer was, “Do it!”

This collection is a homage to me growing up as a kid, familiarising myself with Parisian-centric visuals through all the stereotypes from Hollywood musicals about Paris like Funny Face and An American in Paris, alongside how stylish and chic our Malay Primadonnas were in the 1940s and ’50s during the Studio Jalan Ampas era. I really wanted to combine these two subjects and find a seamless way to connect everything together by making it modern and more relatable.

FM: The Aura collection is inspired by light and flow, symbolising freedom, comfort, and femininity. I wanted to design pieces that allow women to move freely—where the clothes adapt to them, not the other way around. The key elements include airiness, fluid silhouettes, and a balance between tradition and modernity. The kebaya is reinterpreted in a way that considers the realities of women today, from young girls to mothers, ensuring that each piece is both practical and stylish.

The colour palette transitions from pastels to deep tones, reflecting different facets of light, much like a woman’s aura—sometimes soft and delicate, other times bold and strong. The fabrics were chosen with Malaysia’s weather and Raya festivities in mind, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout the celebration.

What are some of the standout pieces from this collection?

AB: If I had to pick favourite looks, they would be Amerie and Amora—two-piece ensembles featuring a bias-cut slip dress paired with a bolero. They’re incredibly versatile and showcase how my designs bridge tradition with my contemporary resort moods, offering a modern take on Raya dressing that can be styled beyond the festive season.

SG: I love, love, love, love both of the black-and-white polka dot pieces! One is a classic kebaya complete with rosette kerongsangs, and the other features a high-waisted skirt and an oversized top! I also love the blue-and-white kebaya set inspired by Palais De Chine, the Toile de Chine upholstery mini kebaya pareo set, as well as the long kebaya with its giant roses.

FM: One of the standout pieces in this collection is the Dhia kebarung—a refined fusion of kebaya and kurung elements, designed to balance tradition with modern elegance. Made with lightweight fabrics and subtle structural details, it offers both grace and comfort. The organza subtly printed skirt enhances movement, whilst the matching organza selendang completes the look with effortless charm. You can’t help but feel truly ayu in this timeless ensemble.

Another key highlight is the Kanna and Yuri kebaya, Fuzana Mokhtaza’s signature interpretation of the classic kebaya. Designed with flowy, airy materials, these pieces exude chic sophistication while ensuring ease of movement, making them ideal for modern women who value both style and comfort.

From our signature silhouettes, the Helena kurung is a must-have piece. Featuring soft draping and flowy chiffon, this design flatters every woman, creating an effortlessly elegant and feminine look.

See also: In pictures: Inside Tatler Malaysia’s Raya 2025 shopping soirée with Rizman Ruzaini

What traditional elements have been reimagined in fresh ways in this year’s collection?

AB: I love playing with nostalgia and giving it a modern twist. This year, we further explored the classic kebaya with three kebaya-inspired sets—they carry a timeless charm but feel undeniably contemporary. Maia is a classic kebaya, but with split sleeves, Nina is a very modern style composed of a fitted lace top and draped skirt, and then there’s Lara, which is a long kebaya that echoes louche resort chic because it’s almost like a robe dress.              

SG: With this collection, I actually did 80 per cent traditional elements and silhouettes. When using something European as a subject, I need to balance it with something traditionally local to create the east and west element for Raya. Most of the pieces come with a matching selendang and Nusantara silhouettes.        

FM: The kebaya is the main traditional element that we’ve reinterpreted. I took inspiration from the classic kebaya structure but softened it with flowy fabrics, relaxed cuts, and strategic tailoring to accommodate movement and comfort. The result is a kebaya that is elegant yet effortless—perfect for modern women who want to look put together without feeling restricted.

Additionally, the silhouette and details pay homage to classic Malay wear but with a minimalist, contemporary approach, making the pieces versatile for multiple occasions.       

What do you think will be the dominant fashion trends for Raya 2025?

AB: Raya 2025 is seeing a strong return to tradition, with a lot of designers embracing classic silhouettes like the kebaya and baju kurung but giving them fresh, current updates. There’s a sense of nostalgia in the air, but it’s being reinterpreted in ways that feel more personal and expressive rather than purely minimalist.

Rich, statement colours—especially deep tones like burgundy—are taking centre stage, moving away from the usual pastels or neutrals we often see for Raya. There’s also a shift towards designs that allow for more individuality.

Instead of simple, stripped-down looks, we’re seeing pieces with intricate detailing, textural depth, and styling elements that reflect personal style rather than just following a trend. It’s about celebrating tradition while making it your own.

SG: Polka dots and 3D flowers!

FM: For Raya 2025, I foresee:

• Modern reinterpretations of traditional wear, especially with relaxed tailoring and airy fabrics.
• Effortless, flowy silhouettes—people are looking for comfort without compromising on elegance.
• Soft pastels and deep, rich tones, inspired by nature and light.
• Practical yet stylish designs, where women can seamlessly transition from Raya gatherings to formal dinners and weddings, ensuring longevity beyond the festive season.

What are the key fashion priorities for the modern Raya wardrobe?

AB: Comfort and ease. Raya is a long day filled with family visits, gatherings, and celebrations, so outfits need to move with you, not restrict you.

Versatility is another big one—modern Raya pieces should feel special enough for the occasion but also have longevity beyond just one day. That’s why I always focus on effortless cuts and fabrics that feel luxurious but not heavy.

And of course, looking and feeling fabulous! The modern Raya wardrobe is about confidence—it’s about finding that perfect balance between tradition and personal style.

SG: First is modesty. Style-wise, statement earrings and brooches, practical shoes or sandals, and the right colours to tie it all together.

FM: The modern Raya wardrobe prioritises:

• Comfort and wearability—clothes that feel good in warm weather and can be worn all day.
• Versatility—outfits that work beyond Raya, so women can style them differently for various occasions.
• Balance of tradition and modernity—pieces that honour heritage but are still relevant today.
• Effortless elegance—women want to look presentable and charismatic without overcomplicating their outfits.

How did you approach designing pieces that work well beyond the festive season? Do you have any styling advice to make these pieces work year-round?

AB: That’s always the goal with Alia B—creating pieces that are timeless, not just tied to one occasion. With Rhapsody, we focused on silhouettes that can be worn in different ways.

For example, a fitted black lace modern kurung top can be paired with jeans for a more casual look, or with tailored pants for a more polished outfit. The key is in your personal style—a crisp shirt with one of my sarong skirts instantly gives it a city-chic vibe, whilst swapping heels for flats effortlessly makes a Raya outfit feel more relaxed.

It’s all about having fun with it—taking something classic and making it feel like you.

SG: It has always been our principle that our Raya pieces should go beyond the season. We always share styling tips, like pairing our tops or pareos with a contemporary skirt or even using them as a swimwear cover-up. Another easy trick is wearing your kebaya as a jacket over a sleeveless top or adding a belt to your kurung top and pairing it with pants. Some of my modern kurung tops could even pass as cocktail dresses if worn without the sarong!

FM: The Aura collection is designed with versatility in mind, ensuring that each piece can be worn beyond the festive season while still maintaining a timeless appeal. For those who love an elegant, all-white ensemble with a subtle twist, the Lenora top in white is a standout choice. The textured floral fabric with delicate hints of French blue adds depth to the look, making it effortlessly sophisticated. Pair it with white palazzo pants for a refined, graceful appearance that works beautifully for both formal events and chic gatherings.

The Iris top, with its fancy yet effortless chic silhouette, pairs well with wide-leg pants, creating a fashion-forward yet comfortable look. For a more relaxed yet stylish approach, the Lenora top can be styled with either a flowy skirt or skinny jeans, allowing for a cool, effortless aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from day to night.

These pieces embody the essence of freedom and effortless style, allowing women to look elegant, confident, and comfortable in any setting, whether it’s a festive celebration or a day out.

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