Her latest collection for Zalora gives a hint of heritage, bestows plenty of comfort, and lends a ton of confidence. For her, Raya-wear is about designing for women of all age groups while keeping with her strict no-zips, no-buttons philosophy. Known for her signature Sarawakian designs, Tom Abang Saufi’s aesthetic injects life to any wardrobe in the form of vivid prints and intriguing textures. We’re breaking away from romanticism for a bit. L-R: Iban Printed Necklace Kaftan, Flores Kurung, Iban Printed Necklace Camelia We simply adored how these swaths of fabric moved on the runway. Voluptuous drapes are a trademark, and for its third festive collection, they’ve incorporated unique fabrics such as organza tulle, Chantilly lace, poly silk, and crochet jacquard to compliment a palette of pastels, earthy nudes, and metallics. Lubna, Zalora’s in-house modest fashion label, marries its signature romantic styling with a play on texture, colours, and subtle sheen. L-R: Crop Top Tied Knot Skirt Kurung, Embroidered Fitted Kebaya, Frilled Peplum Top With Mermaid Skirt After all, the kimono is a Japanese garment designed for modesty too, and still holds court to this day. Those blouson sleeves and structured folds are also reminiscent of the ongoing Kimono Fusion trend, which we love. The fresh pastel satin adorned with lace and beading gives the collection an ethereal feel and steps up its opulence. L-R: Jacquard Frill Sleeve Dress, Applique Embroidered Mesh Mermaid Dress, Jacquard Double Layer DressĬentred on effortless elegance, the Zalia 2018 festive collection is replete with intricate designs, putting a sophisticated spin on bold silhouettes. If you need new threads in time for Hari Raya, consider these effortless, fashion-forward pieces designed with the contemporary woman in mind. It takes skill and a creative eye to weave, drape, and layer fabric tastefully while preserving a respectable tradition, which is exactly what we saw on the runway and online at Zalora.sg. Modest wear isn’t exclusive to Muslim women, though - it’s a lifestyle choice, and we bore witness to the uprising of a modern rendition at one of the biggest modest wear events in the Southeast Asian region: ZALORAYA 2018. Even mainstream brands like Nike and Dolce & Gabbana are playing catch-up to appeal to women of various religions and backgrounds. Women wrapped in stylish kebayas, baju kurungs, and jubahs have garnered all the love on social media, proving that conservative fashion can be fab and not a drab. The modest fashion scene has been given a modern shakeup in recent years.