There is a short story by Malaysian writer Karim Raslan entitled “Bunga Telur and Bally Shoes”, which explores themes of tradition, modernity and social class in Malaysia. The story contrasts the deeply rooted cultural practice of bunga telur — a symbol of blessings and continuity — with material success, represented by a pair of expensive Bally shoes. While the narrative centres on social mobility, it also reflects a broader regional truth: an inherent appreciation for material refinement alongside a steadfast commitment to cultural heritage. This balance is precisely where luxury brands position themselves during Ramadan season. Brands are increasingly focusing on shoes, bags and accessories for their Ramadan offerings, recognising that many consumers turn to traditional attire and regional designers or tailors for their Raya clothing.

Rather than competing in the space of festive garments, global luxury houses position their selections as complementary — with shoes and accessories becoming the point of departure, enhancing modest silhouettes with a touch of opulence. Handbags and statement footwear, in particular, appeal to the exuberance of the season, allowing for self-expression while remaining in harmony with the occasion’s refined elegance. While Lunar New Year is often associated with prosperity and good fortune symbolised by the colour red, Ramadan carries a different essence — one of reflection, spirituality and communal celebration. This sentiment is reflected in the collections unveiled for the season, where brands lean into rich, jewel-toned palettes, intricate embellishments and thoughtful craftsmanship that mirror the depth and beauty of Ramadan’s traditions.

As luxury brands increasingly recognise the significance of Ramadan, exclusive capsule collections are emerging as a way to honour tradition while embracing contemporary design. From MCM to Miu Miu, these collections blend modesty with modernity, offering stylish yet culturally resonant pieces that cater to both regional and global audiences. While some brands craft Ramadan-specific collections, others integrate modestwear into their core offerings — proving that conservative fashion is not just a moment but a lasting shift in luxury. Modestwear collections are not just for Ramadan, but also speak to a growing demand for clothing that combines style with a more covered, modest aesthetic.

The International Perspective

For global luxury houses, Ramadan capsule collections have become more than just seasonal drops — they are strategic expansions into a market with immense purchasing power. Brands like Celine, Balenciaga and Jimmy Choo have embraced the festive season with exclusive releases that blend their signature aesthetics with subtle nods to Middle Eastern tastes. Whether through opulent fabrics, jewel-toned colour palettes or elegant silhouettes, these collections cater to consumers seeking both celebratory occasionwear and statement investment pieces. The approach varies — some brands lean into gifting culture with accessories and fine leather goods, while others create entire ready-to-wear lines that align with modest dressing principles. Yet, for these international powerhouses, Ramadan is not just about the release of fashion capsule collections alone — it is also a chance to cement cultural relevance and deepen ties with a discerning clientele.

Celine

Celine’s foray into the Ramadan market aligns with the growing demand for luxury fashion that caters to the cultural and sartorial preferences of consumers in the Middle East, South East Asia and beyond. Under Hedi Slimane’s creative direction, the brand has cultivated a sleek, structured aesthetic that resonates with modest fashion sensibilities — flowing silhouettes, high-neck blouses and longline tailoring have long been integral to its collections. Featuring pearlescent python and glossy crocodile leathers, the collection exudes refinement, while silk pyjama sets — paired with sandals and accessories — offer a balance of comfort and elegance. This makes Celine’s Ramadan offering a natural extension of its design philosophy, seamlessly blending contemporary minimalism with the opulence often sought during the festive season.

For luxury brands, Ramadan presents a key retail moment, much like the Lunar New Year or Christmas, with a surge in demand for occasionwear, accessories and exclusive drops tailored to the celebratory mood. Celine’s approach leans into its heritage of craftsmanship and understated elegance, appealing to consumers seeking exquisite materials and luminous hues. One could argue that Celine’s Ramadan capsule is not purely designed for consumers to wear during Eid celebrations, given its emphasis on silk pyjama sets and statement accessories rather than traditional occasionwear. Instead, the collection appears to be tapping into the Ramadan and Eid gifting market, where luxury purchases — from handbags to fine accessories — hold cultural significance as tokens of appreciation and generosity during the festive season.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga’s Ramadan 25 Series reimagines the brand’s House signatures. The womenswear and menswear collection features a rich colour palette of dark burgundy and pine green, seen across the emblematic Rodeo, Bel Air, Hourglass and Le City Bag lines, along with ready-to-wear pieces like fluid viscose dresses, skirts, blouse and shirts. A standout of the collection is the bags with the Rodeo Top Handle bag reimagined with a black strass-embellished finish, while jewelry and accessories featuring Arabic typographic motifs — necklaces, bracelets and keyrings — add to the collection’s cultural connection. The series also introduces Maison staples in classic beige and black colourways, such as hoodies, T-shirts, tailored jackets, Knife Mules and Cosy Sandals. While Balenciaga remains rooted in its edgy, urban aesthetic, the series subtly incorporates more elevated pieces — like the flowing viscose garments and the Arabic typographic motifs in the jewellery. This makes the collection more versatile, catering not just to those who will wear it during Ramadan festivities but also to those who are looking for exclusive pieces to integrate into their wardrobes year-round.

MCM

Noor Stars fronts MCM’s second Ramadan capsule collection. The campaign sees the celebrated digital creator as the face of its 2025 Ramadan campaign. As the latest addition to MCM’s “Maverick tribe” — a diverse and dynamic group of digital nomads who chart their own paths — Noor Stars brings her global influence to the brand’s second Ramadan capsule collection. With over 60 million followers, Noor exemplifies the spirit of individuality and creative rule-breaking that defines MCM’s ethos.

A beloved figure in the Middle East, Noor Stars’ journey beautifully blends Eastern values with a global, modern perspective. Having grown up in the West while remaining deeply connected to her cultural heritage, Noor’s narrative resonates with MCM’s commitment to pushing boundaries while celebrating universal creativity. Ramadan — a time for reflection, generosity and togetherness — serves as the ideal backdrop to tell Noor’s story. With her unwavering connection to her roots and her advocacy for women’s empowerment, Noor becomes the perfect talent to represent MCM’s Ramadan collection. Through the lens of photographer Morwoyne Mezeraia and videographer Yassin Yassin, the campaign reimagines tradition, blending modernity with cultural heritage to create stunning visuals.

The five-piece Ramadan collection features a black silk robe with intricate embroidery, a high-neck shirt paired with sleek trousers and a small black diamond crossbody bag. The bag’s geometric design is inspired by the Bavarian diamonds of Munich, with the signature Laurel logo embossed on the front, a metal hardware handle and an adjustable leather strap for practicality. The collection’s design incorporates spatial reflections and shimmery accents, invoking the interplay of light and shadow — both a hallmark of the Ramadan season and Noor’s vibrant personality.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors marks the festive season with a refined Ramadan capsule collection, crafted exclusively for the Valiram-distributed markets. Centred on understated luxury, the collection introduces limited-edition Tribeca handbags, espadrilles and ready-to-wear pieces. The Tribeca handbags — available in opulent cream and sage with a pearlised finish — take centre stage. Each piece is adorned with a commemorative plaque honouring Eid al-Fitr, elevating it beyond an accessory to a keepsake. With only a select number available per style, the collection reinforces the allure of exclusivity. Complementing the handbags, the capsule includes espadrilles that balance comfort and elegance, making them an effortless choice for Ramadan gatherings and festive evenings. The ready-to-wear selection follows suit, featuring tailored separates that embody refinement while embracing the principles of modest dressing. Designed for the modern woman who values both tradition and style, Michael Kors’ Ramadan collection offers a seamless blend of celebration and sophistication.

The Regional Approach

In contrast to international brands, homegrown and regional labels take a more intrinsic approach, weaving Ramadan into their design ethos in a way that feels organic rather than seasonal. With a deep-rooted understanding of cultural nuances, these brands move beyond trend-driven interpretations, offering pieces that reflect both religious values and contemporary style. From abaya specialists redefining modern modestwear to Malaysian designers crafting intricate kaftans and demi-couture pieces, the regional market showcases a more immersive take on Ramadan dressing. Rather than treating the holy month as a standalone moment, these brands often integrate modest silhouettes, luxurious embellishments and artisanal techniques into their collections year-round — making Ramadan capsules a seamless extension of their existing identity.

Khoon Hooi

Khoon Hooi’s Raya 2025 collection is a study in contrasts — where classic silhouettes find new energy through bold details and heritage is reimagined with a touch of surrealism. Drawing inspiration from 1950s Malaysian fashion icon Saloma, the collection honours timeless elegance while embracing contemporary sensibilities. The result is a line-up that feels both refined and exuberant. The “Baju Kebaya” and “Baju Kurung” take centre stage, crafted from floral brocade, fil coupé and velvet jacquard for a sophisticated yet statement-making effect. For the first time, floral-printed chiffon makes its debut, lending an ethereal lightness to the collection. Complementing these silhouettes is a capsule of “Baju Kedah”, elevated with guipure lace and geometric jacquard, offering a fresh take on a heritage favourite. With structured shapes, irregular hemlines and intricate details, Khoon Hooi once again balances classic elegance with contemporary flair.

The collection’s colour palette is equally dynamic, playing with the contrast between timeless black and white, muted pastels and rich jewel tones. Asymmetrical draping, pleats and origami-inspired elements add movement, while floral embellishments, crystal chains and an array of brooches introduce a layer of festive sparkle. The Khoon Hooi Raya 2025 collection is a tribute to the past, woven seamlessly into the present — a celebration of heritage that continues to evolve.

The Lina set reinvents the “Baju Kurung” with striped floral brocade, a wide neckline and puffy sleeves adorned with lace patches and floral embellishments, striking a balance between effortless elegance and delicate drama. The fully lined skirt — structured with box pleats at the back — maintains a fluid silhouette. Meanwhile, the Nala set blends tradition with modern refinement, featuring a fil coupé top with demure lace trims and a sarong-style striped satin skirt, elevated by three floral brooches with dangling pearls and glass bead embellishments that add texture and subtle sparkle. For those drawn to glamour, the Trisya Baju Kebaya set dazzles with a floral sequin top lined with organza for lightweight structure, paired with an overlapped draped satin skirt with glass bead detailing at the hem, while floral pearl brooches down the front lend vintage sophistication. The Rani set, in deep, rich hues, turns heads with its luxurious velvet jacquard fabric, delicate lace trims and oval pearl-crystal brooches that add dimension and shimmer. Fastened with a discreet hook-and-eye closure, its fully lined sarong skirt ensures both comfort and elegance with an elastic waistband and back zipper. Together, these designs redefine tradition with contemporary artistry, making a bold statement for the festive season.

Kit Woo

Kit Woo’s first-ever Raya and Pre-Spring capsule collection reimagines traditional Malay silhouettes through a contemporary lens, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. In what he considers his most gender-neutral collection to date, Woo strips tradition down to its core and reconstructs it with architectural precision, refining each piece into something both familiar and entirely new. Silat, the ancient martial art of the Nusantara, serves as a key inspiration. Its fluid movements and controlled power echo through the collection’s clean lines, sculptural drapes, and dynamic layering. Traditional garments form the foundation, but their transformation is subtle yet radical — meticulously tailored yet free from rigidity.

At the heart of the collection is a structured “Baju Melayu”, designed with a distinctive button closure in black and white, a nod to classic tailoring with a contemporary edge. A languid “Jubah” takes shape with adjustable drawstring details and an asymmetrical collar, offering versatility in movement and wear. A sharply tailored “Samping” suit in black subverts traditional menswear codes, while a collarless tailored jacket with raw edges challenges the boundaries of formalwear. Trousers echo the collection’s interplay of structure and fluidity, with Samping-inspired wraps and closures that deconstruct the idea of ceremonial dress.

Fabric choices reinforce Woo’s signature aesthetic — indigo denim, chambray and Oxford shirting bring texture and depth, elevating the collection beyond mere reinterpretation. The restrained palette of white, indigo blue and black ensures that each piece is effortlessly wearable, designed to be styled and layered in multiple ways. Beyond the pieces themselves, Woo invites the wearer to engage in the process of self-styling. The collection is trans-seasonal, meant to be worn, reworked and reshaped over time. In a world where tradition is often seen as fixed, Woo presents it as something fluid — an evolving conversation between past and present, structure and movement, tradition and personal identity.

Fiziwoo

As Fiziwoo marks ten years of Raya ready-to-wear collections, the brand reflects on a decade of evolution, challenges and triumphs. More than a milestone, this is a tribute to those who have shaped its journey — celebrities, fashion stylists, loyal customers and supporters who have been part of the brand’s story. To honour this moment, Fiziwoo names each piece in the collection after individuals who have played a role in its success. Familiar names like Marion, Neelofa, Zaihani and Minluna now grace its designs. But “Journey” is more than a nostalgic nod — it is an embodiment of the designers’ personal and professional evolution, in both craftsmanship and spirituality.

For designers Fizi and Kai, “Journey” is deeply personal. It signifies their growth as designers and individuals, shaped in part by their recent Umrah pilgrimage. This experience reinforced their commitment to self-improvement, infusing a greater sense of purpose into their work.

Inspired by the old Arabic souks of Saudi Arabia, a place the designers encountered during their pilgrimage, the collection carries the warmth and mystique of these ancient markets. Arabic calligraphy influences its typography, while the campaign’s visual direction captures the rustic yet refined essence of these historic spaces. A palette of dusty sand, golden hues and earthy tones mirrors the vast desert landscapes, paying homage to Middle Eastern heritage.

Revisiting its archives, Fiziwoo draws inspiration from its best-selling Raya ready-to-wear designs over the past ten years. Signatures silhouettes are reimagined with refined craftsmanship, giving customers fresh interpretations of beloved pieces. This year, Fiziwoo introduces its largest Raya collection yet, with 32 womenswear and 50 menswear pieces. The womenswear collection embraces diverse silhouettes suited for modern and modest women alike, featuring three exclusive fabric selections — polyblend brocade, polyblend cotton and embroidered cotton lace — each finished with fagot-knit border lace and crystal bow embellishments. For menswear, Fiziwoo makes a bold move by introducing its first “Baju Melayu” set, blending the Spread English collar with the traditional Cekak Musang for a modern yet refined aesthetic. The collection also includes embroidered cotton linen kurtas in 30 colours, spanning pastels, earthy tones and jewel hues. A new pinstripe-textured fabric adds depth to the classic Baju Melayu, reinforcing Fiziwoo’s commitment to innovation.

Rizman Ruzaini

Rizman Ruzaini marks its 20th anniversary in 2025 with a bold return to the Raya season, unveiling three distinct collections that capture the essence of the brand’s legacy. Alongside the return of the much-loved Couture Raya collection, the fashion house introduces two ready-to-wear lines, including the revival of the Rizman Ruzaini Red label. This milestone reaffirms the brand’s place in Malaysian fashion, blending nostalgia with modern sophistication. Following the success of the Rizman Ruzaini Spring Summer 2025 collection at Dubai Fashion Week, the inspiration behind the Mustika collection has been reinterpreted for Raya 2025. The couture line pays homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage, marrying traditional silhouettes with contemporary craftsmanship. Kebaya-inspired designs, intricate pleats and embroidery showcase a refined approach to Malay fashion’s evolution. The collection’s muse, Yang Mulia Tengku Shaheera binti Tengku Abdullah, embodies the elegance of the modern Malay woman, reinforcing the collection’s theme of heritage and sophistication.

The Mustika collection draws inspiration from classic Malay films such as Perempuan Melayu Terakhir, Penarek Becha and Rachun Dunia, evoking a sense of nostalgia and highlighting the enduring significance of the kebaya. The 23-piece collection features opulent fabrics like velvet, premium crepe, tulle and chiffon, finished with machine embroidery that takes cues from Malay and Peranakan motifs. Creative Director Ruzaini Jamil has reimagined customer favourites, refining them with a contemporary edge while staying true to the brand’s signature aesthetic. Featuring eight distinctive designs in soft hues, the collection is crafted from luxurious chiffon and adorned with delicate embellishments.

Completing the trio of collections is the revival of Rizman Ruzaini Red, the brand’s accessible yet equally striking ready-to-wear line. Designed as a more attainable extension of the couture collection, it channels the “Mustika” inspiration into eight refined yet wearable designs. The collection reimagines traditional silhouettes, offering variations of “Baju Kurung Kedah”, “Baju Kurung Pahang”, “Baju Kurung Moden”, “Kebaya” and “Kebaya Labuh”. Crafted from crepe and lace, most designs come with a complementary shawl, adding an elegant finishing touch. With these three collections, Rizman Ruzaini cements its place at the forefront of Malaysian fashion, honouring its past while embracing the future. Each piece reflects the house’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation and timeless style, ensuring that Raya 2025 is celebrated with elegance.

Special Mention:

Maison FRED

As Ramadan begins, Maison FRED welcomes the holy month with a creation that captures the essence of luminosity and togetherness. The Force 10 XL buckle in white gold, set with full diamonds and paired with a steel cable bracelet, reflects the celestial cycle that defines the rhythm of Ramadan. Against the backdrop of a rising sun, the piece embodies serenity and inner strength, marking a time of renewal and reflection.

A tribute to the spirit of the season, this creation is the first of three icons designed to honour the joy and unity that Ramadan brings. Through its signature craftsmanship, Maison FRED continues to celebrate moments of light and connection, embracing the beauty of tradition with a modern touch.

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