Qasrina Karim believes that adornment is a must during the festivities. Photo: Alhumaira
Amid the joy and merriment of spending time with loved ones during Hari Raya, there is another element that we just can’t do away with – fashion.
What is the celebration minus the bright colours and beautiful clothes?
Social media is already flooded with this year’s festive fashion snaps, where everyone is showing off their various looks – whether their solo OOTDs or family group shots in coordinated outfits.
That said, it is the celebrities who probably have the most fun (or stories to tell) when it comes to dressing up for Hari Raya.
Actress Qasrina Karim says that fashion is indeed an integral part of the festivities. She believes adornment is a must for those celebrating.
“Fashion is a way to express joy, happiness and respect for the occasion,” Qasrina notes, adding that it can brighten the time spent with family and friends.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase one’s personal style and creativity through our traditional wear.”
The 27-year-old who is the face of local hijab brand, Alhumaira, recalls the good memories that she has had.
“Every year my mother, sister and I will have a girls’ day out for our Raya shopping. So, I look forward to that time every year,” she says.
“It’s sweeter this time around because I have a little niece and a new sister-in-law, and we buy each other Raya gifts, ranging from matching outfits to shoes.”
Qasrina was spotted attending the Alhumaira Hari Raya collection launch in March.
She says that her preparations usually start very early in advance. Depending on whether she has the time, she will sometimes even scout for Raya clothes before Ramadan starts.
The Subang Jaya-born actress first shot to fame appearing in films Siapa Tutup Lampu? (2021) and Kongsi Raya (2022). She clinched the lead role in television drama series Legenda Puteri Qaseh, which debuted earlier this year.
Her style of choice is a mix of classic and contemporary.
“I love pastel colours and soft hues, which in my opinion, exudes a feminine and elegant vibe and is usually my family’s go-to every year,” she quips.
Qasrina name drops local brands like Mimpikita, Innai Red and Teh Firdaus. She likes how they offer modern designs, but still honour the spirit of tradition.
It goes without saying that she picks Alhumaira when it comes to hijabs.
Read more: Bold, comfortable, chic: Malaysian Raya fashion is about timeless dressing
Going matchy-matchy
For fellow actress Juliana Evans, Hari Raya is the most important season in the Malaysian fashion calendar.
She says that there is always a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air as the celebration approaches.
Juliana Evans is seen here in a Hari Raya fashion shoot with her family, of which she says is an unforgettable experience. Photo: Marks & Spencer“Everyone is eagerly waiting to show off their most fashionable looks, which many have planned months in advance,” Juliana, 33, enthuses.
“It’s a very special day and the perfect time to showcase one’s personal style through different silhouettes and designs.”
To her, it does not matter whether you choose to go the traditional route or switch it up with a modern take. She feels the act of dressing up in itself is an essential element of Syawal celebrations.
“Growing up, I was all about wearing matching baju kurung outfits with my mum. Seeing her light up with joy and pride is a memory I’ll always cherish,” Juliana reminisces.
“Now that I’m a mother myself, I’m carrying on the tradition!”
She appears in the Marks & Spencer Hari Raya campaign, together with her husband and child.
“It’s a special feeling when I get to experience the same with my own daughter. Every Raya is a chance to create new memories with my family and it’s something I will always look forward to.”
She says that shooting the campaign together with her family is just something she will never forget.
Born and raised in Shah Alam, Juliana is married to Tengku Shariffuddin Shah Tengku Sulaiman, who is a member of both the Selangor and Johor royal households.
She has scores of credits under her belt as an actress, with her career starting at the age of 12 as the host of a kids television programme.
Her approach to Hari Raya fashion is to experiment with different colours and styles. She chooses clothes that makes her feel beautiful and more importantly, confident.
Juliana confesses that going “matchy-matchy” with her family is what she is especially excited about.
She is currently carrying her second child, so the typical baju kurung top and skirt is not really an option this year.
Instead, she chose the midi and maxi modest dresses from Marks & Spencer, which she terms as her “maternity kurung outfit”.
“Having my own little family now, I see how much fun it is to plan matching outfits on the first day of Syawal,” Juliana comments.
“Taking that all-important family picture is always at the back of my mind, so in the event we can’t get our hands on the exact same outfit, we make sure to at least be in the same colour.”
Read more: Fun designs, colours and accessories? Modestwear in Malaysia can be trendy
Modestly elegant
Another Malaysian actress, Anzalna Nasir, believes that fashion is indeed an important element of Hari Raya.
“It is the time to put on your new clothes for the festivities. It’s once a year!” she stresses.
The 35-year-old was born in Pulau Pinang. She however, moved around during her childhood and teenage years – following her father, who was completing his postgraduate studies in Canada and Australia.
Anzalna Nasir looks stunning in a campaign shot for a Raya fashion collection. Photo: IsetanHer call to fame happened when she joined the Dewi Remaja beauty contest back in 2009. This then opened doors for her in the entertainment industry, where she began her career as an actress.
Anzalna describes her style as simple, comfortable and elegant.
Regarding her Hari Raya memories, she says her family goes all out when it comes to fashion.
“My mum will shop for us, from head to toe. But the funny thing is that we all will be wearing similar-looking outfits,” she adds, laughing.
Anzalna is the face of Isetan’s Hari Raya campaign. The department store’s collection for this year features designs from 25 local brands such as Tom Abang Saufi, Naelofar, Mimpikita, Rico Rinaldi, Kapten Batik and Variante.
That said, Anzalna has her very own fashion label. Named Anzalna Vestiare, it offers hijabs and abayas, as well as modest dresses and outerwear.
Her choice for a Hari Raya outfit this time around is an abaya from her brand – a loose-fitted, full length robe that is elegant and modest.
She pairs it with the beautiful baju Raya range from Isetan.
Anzalna says she will usually start planning her Hari Raya looks one month in advance. This shows how much she really loves dressing for the festivities.
And her secret to achieving that perfect Hari Raya style in past years?
“Luckily, my good friend is a fashion designer, so he was the one designing,” she concludes.
