Raya may only be in September, but planning for the festive season is necessary, especially if you like your outfits tailor made. Indonesian Malaysian-based designer Jovian Mandagie has made a mark for himself in bridal wear, and has also designed a luxurious collection for Hari Raya. Inspired by one of his trips to the Middle East, Jovian found inspiration burried in Steve McCurry’s photo of “The Afghan Girl”. Her haunting  eyes were what caught his attention and he found himself immersed in young windows to the soul that have born witness to events beyond her wisdom and comprehension. With layers that one uses to protect themselves, these are reflected in Jovian’s latest Lebaran 2010 collection.

Wanting to bring something totally different from the traditional Raya attire, Jovian has steered his designs in a modern direction. He has used pastel colours, appliques, dress cuttings and animal printed kaftans and kebayas that can be worn for other parties and functions and are not strictly for Hari Raya.

Cuts of the baju kurung and baju kebaya have been manipulated with bias cutting and draping. Less darts and pesak are used for the kurung and the kebayas have more structure. Decorated with delicate lace and less bead work, the look is not traditional. Kaftans are cut on the slim side to enhance slimness and not add volume to a silhouette.

Pastel colors palette such as canary yellow, mint green, egg-shell and dusty pink have been selected for daytime wear while vibrant, exotic colors such as turquoise, bright purple, gold and red ensure outfits stand out in dim light of evening and night functions. There are also leopard and tiger prints to bring out the roar in any woman.

The outfits are done in an array of fabrics including french lace and net, double satin silk, printed Italian silk, chamois silk, Italian chiffon silk, jersey silk and tulle. True to his fine craftsmanship, Jovian’s esembles are finished with satin rosettes, ruffles, semi precious stones, cubic zirconium, Swarovski crystals, metal beads and Jovian’s infamous embroidery work.

The men need not feel leftout. Debuting this season is  the men’s line, MR J which consists of the modern kurta with gold embroidery and detailed with semi-precious stones and the  modern Arab style ‘jubah’ with embellished lace.

Here are some pictures to feast your eyes upon.

Scalloping is enhanced by fine beading on a blouse.

Dainty rosettes on ruffles add femininity.

Sensuous draping reveal fine lace.

Glamorous details like the beading on this dress make it a suitable outfit for night.

Deep rose is a colour that is beautiful for both the day and night.

An embellished neckline is beautiful against a jewel green background.

Coloured stones against a patterned background are fierce but elegant.

The cut of this dress suits tall and curvy shapes.

A sheer kaftan worn over matching pants brings a different interpretation to the pantsuit.

Animal prints stand out on this floor length number.

Black lace combined with leopard prints make a sultry dress for the night.

Whoever thought that pairing a kaftan top with liquid leggings could look this good?

A cinched waist and slim skirt show off curves.

 

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