Gearing towards the month of Syawal, many of us will be busy cleaning the house, planning our travels and of course finding the right outfit to wear for the first day of Raya. Whether you’re picking out fabric for your own design, or picking something off the rack and calling it a day, here are seven places to shop for the perfect clothes for the first day of Raya.
Kamdar
If you’re a fabric fiend like myself, walking into this place is an absolute joy. From cotton to rayon to silk to lace, Kamdar holds a decent selection of fabric to make your Baju Raya. Granted, it may not be the place to find the best quality fabric, but if you just want to find good and affordable fabric to have it tailor made, you’re guaranteed a good choice of over 1000 prints to tickle your fancy. And with seven outlets located in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley, Kamdar is a practical destination for fabric hunting wherever you are.
A’niz Butik
If you haven’t visited Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman a few days before Raya, you haven’t seen how Malaysians love to shop. A’niz Butik seems to be a favorite for many because of its affordable prices and its special offers, selling fabric as well as ready-made clothes for men, women and kids. Outfits cost between RM50 – 100. Be warned that traffic will be atrocious in this area in the lead up to Raya. Still, if you love the busy bustling vibe, visit A’niz butik and other shops along this street, which is a one stop shopping destination for Raya.
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, KL 50100.
Bukit Bintang (BB) Plaza
Why shop at BB Plaza? Well, a few of our local fashion designers including Rizalman Ibrahim and Zang Toi actually started out here. While these days they’ve moved on to more upmarket locations – and are charging five times more for their clothes – BB Plaza still remains a place to find young up and coming designers hawking limited edition pieces, as well as tailors who can make to order. As UDA Holdings have announced that they plan to redevelop BB Plaza soon, this could be one of the last years that some of the familiar traders are seen here.
Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL 55100.
Jakel
Another mecca for fabric hunters, Jakel calls itself a “palace of silks” and it’s where local fashion designers like Yadotsa, Nurita Harith and Pu3 source for some of their fabric too. Here you’ll find good quality fabric at a higher price than the likes of Kamdar. Jakel has a range of ready to wear baju melayu, in case you want to save time and tailoring costs. Recently they even collaborated with local actor Aaron Aziz to produce the Baju Melayu Aaron Aziz inspired by him, priced at RM350.
209-212, Jalan Bunus off Jalan Masjid India, KL 50100 / Jalan Plumbum S7/S, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam.
Jovian Mandagie’s J Store
A favourite designer among fashion lovers of Malaysia, Jovian’s Raya collections are always eye-catching. Prices range from RM350 – RM450, and the outfits are elegant yet modern: perfect for making a splash at Raya open houses. With a recent collaboration with Zalora, this designer just got more accessible.
124 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, KL 59100.
Alia Bastaman
For understated elegance, look no further than Alia Bastaman. This Malaysian designer offers couture, bespoke and ready-to-wear collections. Her Raya 2014 line is pure, feminine chic: chiffons and silks in subtle shades make these pieces instant classics.
Mimpikita
An intimate boutique in Bangsar Telawi, Mimpikita stocks a range of elegant ready-to-wear baju from their own label. Their beautifully embellished fabrics are perfect for traditional occasions, but the modern cuts and pops of colour give their line a fashion-forward appeal. You can also shop their collections online.
15-1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL 59100.
Online
If you’re patient and don’t mind not being able to try before you buy, shop from the comfort of your own home. Bear in mind though that delivery times vary (and Pos Malaysia closes on public holidays) so order well in advance of the occasion. FashionValet stocks several Malaysian designer lines (including Melinda Looi, Khoon Hooi and INNAI). ThePopLook sells a range of traditional wear while Zalora carries baju lines for both men and women.
Nadzirah is co-founder of Tanks & Kinis. During her free time she enjoys scouting for up and coming local fashion designers and reading up on the latest digital marketing trends.
First published July 2013. Updated July 2014.
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