Demure and cool

What say you on the issue below?

From draped sarongs to contemporary batik designs, take your pick of festive chic.

BY now, tailors would have stopped taking the orders for Raya. If you’re one of those who forgot to send in your materials two months ago, fret not. There are ready-to-wear selections which you can pick straight off the rack.

What’s enticing is the range of traditional clothes which you can wear well after this festive season.

Drapes and soft folds from Jendela KL.

One label that has versatile pieces that you can mix and match is Jendela KL. At a recent preview of its Raya collection, designer Feisol Abdullah set out a selection of silky draped sarongs in beautiful colours.

The draped look is also featured in the tops, and the overall effect is quite cool.

Unlike the single-coloured sarongs, the tops have prints and floral patterns. For added detail, some of these tops have twists and folds. There are also transparent chiffon pieces that can go well with pants

A traditional outfit with a contemporary look from I Karrtini.

And if you’re not hot about draped items, there are sarongs made from songket material, which gives them a dressier look. For those who like the selendang and shawl, there are several chiffon pieces with delicate beading.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, but with a contemporary touch, there are batik outfits from I Karrtini.

Here, the simplicity of the baju kurung becomes all the more striking because of the interesting batik motifs.

I Karrtini offers plenty of bold choices for Raya.

An all black ensemble may sound rather sombre for festive wear, but the stark white pattern on the upper half of one particular outfit makes it stand out.

Alternatively, you can pair a plain black top with a silk grey-black batik sarong and matching shawl.

For those who prefer clothes that don’t need accessories, there is a baju kurung with batik pattern on both tunic and sarong.

Pull it on and the look is quite complete.

A beautiful black and white shawl from Jendela KL.

If comfort is what you crave, especially if you have to entertain guests at your open house, then kaftans are an ideal choice. They’re loose and comfortable, and can look dressed up too.

I Karrtini has selections ranging from striking pink to deep green, and all with batik design.

For the men, there are batik shirts which look right, whether you’re visiting family or friends.

Jendela KL is located at Explore Floor, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. I Karrtini is available at Ampang Mall, Suria KLCC. Prices range from RM500-RM2,500.