Fashion has always been a captivating reflection of culture and personal identity, and it’s been fascinating to watch how it’s evolved over the years, especially when it comes to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Southeast Asia.
In Brunei Darussalam, the festivities are more than just a spiritual affair – they’re also a vibrant showcase of style and tradition. Each year, families step out in coordinated baju kurung and baju cara melayu, with a splash of modernity that makes this traditional attire feel fresh and unique.
What’s even more amazing is seeing how the younger generation infuses their outfits with contemporary trends while still honouring the customs that make this celebration so special, and the result has been a delightful mix of colours, fabrics and designs that, of course, tells a story of both heritage and creativity.
With Aidilfitri now stretching over an entire month, you can see that people are taking a more laid-back approach to their clothing. The festive spirit is still alive and kicking, but the attire has definitely gotten more relaxed.
Gone are the days of strictly formal attire; I recall that from the 90s to the early 2000s, women would wear the baju kurung, often elevating it with intricate katok and beaded designs on their tops – an elegant touch that didn’t come cheap, mind you.
While it’s still a norm to see the older generation donning the traditional baju kurung with said katok and beads, the majority of the women here are now embracing a more comfortable yet stylish – and affordable – look when visiting relatives, opting for flowy – yet sparkly – abayas, pareo skirts, shimmer and kaftan tops.
There’s also a resurgence of the traditional kebaya Nyonya, which I’m particularly fond of because it’ll always be reminiscent of the classic era of P Ramlee movies.
Eager to hear what others thought about this year’s Raya fashion, I spoke with a few colleagues and friends about the latest trends. Surprisingly, they all shared similar – if not the same – insights.
My colleague Rokiah, who does her own tailoring for herself and her family members, mentioned that her Gen Alpha daughter, Aisy, prefers minimalist clothing, focusing on comfort with a hint of style. She then added that Aisy and her friends see katok as outdated for their age group, opting for minimal lacing, if any, on their baju kurungs.
“These days, their generation – especially the older Gen Alphas – lean more towards the loose kaftan style simply because they can wear it on different occasions other than Hari Raya or formal functions,” said Rokiah.
“These easy-to-wear outfits can also fit into daily wear when they feel too lazy to put on a t-shirt and a pair of pants, and it’s a bit of a mix and match situation, too.”
I then chatted with my fashion-savvy colleague, Syaz, who was eager to share her insights on this year’s Raya trends. “Beyond the classic baju kurung, one trend I really like this year is the kaftan. It’s mostly ready-made these days and comes in both one- and two-piece sets, with plain or printed fabrics, at a reasonable price, especially from local brands,” said Syaz.
She added that it’s a style that suits everyone and is especially convenient for mothers who need an easy, flowy outfit to manage their toddlers, stylish for women running out of Raya outfit ideas, and versatile with its one-size-fits-all design thanks to its pareo skirt and loose-fitting top.
“I think this trend will continue in the coming years, and I’m excited to see how women choose to style it. It’s fascinating to see what accessories they pair it with, the type of tudung they wear, and the trendy colours they pick. Abayas are also a great addition to any Raya wardrobe, serving as a quick go-to outfit for those who have to slip out during lunch breaks or after work to attend open houses.”
Syaz said that she views her Raya collection as a set of investment pieces as she can wear them for years as long as they still fit well, and they can be used for various occasions without worrying about whether they’re still in style.
“Since they’re timeless, they’ll never go out of fashion – they’re classics.” I then asked – okay, maybe slightly pressured – my close friend Rafidah to share her thoughts, and she told me she’s all about the kebaya for this year’s Raya celebration.
“It’s a classic choice that combines tradition with comfort, and it’s a look I’ve enjoyed wearing for years.
“As a plus-size girl, I find the kebaya suits my shape and style perfectly. On other days, I’ll opt for an Opah-style kurung with a modern twist, especially when comfort is the priority.”
The Opah-style kurung, added Rafidah, is the ideal outfit for those laid-back visits when she knows she’ll be spending a while at someone’s home. Her overall fashion choice for Raya, however, is a balance of tradition, comfort and a bit of modern flair.
She noted that one of the most popular styles this year is the batik with lace, and loves seeing people wear them, describing the look as “very classy and comfortable”. “I appreciate how these outfits feel effortless; you can wear them as-is or add a few accessories, and you’re good to go.”
This year, she also noticed that people are embracing bolder colours like brick orange, which, while not her personal preference, she respects as a way to express happiness and confidence.
Looking ahead to next year’s Raya, Rafidah is excited to see new styles emerge, and hopes for fresh takes on existing kurung designs, which would add a unique flair to traditional outfits. – Izah Azahari
