By Rohaizatul Azhar
With the month of Ramadan coming to end, it means Hari Raya Puasa is just around the corner, and for the Muslim community, it’s a time of visiting family and friends, while dressed up in new clothes. When it comes to shopping for new outfits for little ones for this occasion, parents are definitely spoiled for choice.
From modern takes on the traditional baju kurungs to new styles of mixing and matching, brands are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the kids look stylish over the Hari Raya period, and here are five trends that we’ve spotted this year.
1. It’s All In The Sleeves
Tiered, Bell, Flared and the likes. If this year’s options for Raya outfits are anything to go by, sleeves are the focus of many kidswear labels. Think 1950s silhouettes meet Malay cinema screen legends, such as Saloma and Sarimah. At homegrown label Maison Q, traditional baju kurung, done in brocade fabrics in rich jewel tones, is given a playful twist with tiered sleeves. Across the causeway, Malaysian kidswear labels have also jumped on the bandwagon. These include Deir, which added ribbons and bows to their bell-sleeved designs, and Pokoks kept it simple and minimalist with their take on the flared sleeves.
2. Peplum with a twist
From asymmetrical hemlines to ruffles that cascade down into a peplum hemline, the design motif certainly adds interest to the look. AereKIDS added asymmetrical side ruffles for a more exaggerated touch to the peplum top. Meanwhile, one of Malaysia’s top womenswear designers, Jovian Mandagie, gave his printed peplum top a refreshing spin by adding an asymmetrical hemline that drapes down the side.
3. Go with the Flow
If you’re not into traditional baju kurungs this year, fret not. Some of the styles trending are loose flowing kaftans and – wait for it – jumpsuits. At Singapore label In Love by TNS, loose-fitting, flowing kaftan jumpsuits for girls that marry tradition with modernity. Over at Kooshboo, the Middle East seems to be the point of inspiration with pastel coloured kaftans made from soft natural cotton fabrics. Maison Q, on the other hand, added a touch of edge to its traditional designs with the pairing of skants – a combination of skirt and pants – to its brocade tops.
4. Paddle pop hues
Last year’s pastel trend for the boys is not going away anytime soon. In fact, these paddle pop shades of blue, green, yellow and pink are back stronger than ever. To give it a fresh spin, brands have taken to playing with the overall silhouette or adding interesting details, such as printed sampins (a sarong-style cloth worn with the baju kurung), nehru collar (standing collar), and embroidery.
5. Princess Dreams
From tulle skirts to tutukurungs, your little girl’s dreams of being a fairy tale princess might just come true, at least when they dress for this year’s Raya. At Jovian Mandagie, pieces are named after Disney princesses as the Malaysian designer gives his own take on the iconic gowns. Done in collaboration with Brunei’s kidswear label Sugar Sugar, the collection features dresses named after Belle from Beauty & the Beast, Esmerelda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and even Moana. Each look comes with tiered tulle skirts in bright bold colours.
