The Beautiful Bernard Chandran's Petang Raya 2015 Collection

First started his Petang Raya Collection way back in 2006, the visionary and internationally renowned Malaysian fashion design, Dato Bernard Chandran (here for the brand) has done it again, with this year's Hari Raya 2015 collection, one that never fails to push the boundaries of how "traditional" is interpreted and how it can be modern, without sacrificing the integrity of being modest and traditionally acceptable, for an occasion as joyous and special as Hari Raya Aidilfitri (for those who are not yet familiar, it is an occasion when all Muslims celebrate after a one long month of fasting and adhering to the spirit of tolerance, forgiveness and endurance, almost similar to how we Chinese celebrates the Lunar New Year every year). Though we could not personally make it to the showcase recently, we would still very much love to share this collection with you since the festive season is fast approaching, and the fact that we super love this collection *_^

We have always loved and admired his views on fashion, his bold takes on making the women the strong characters, by way of her fashion sense, fashion choices and fashion style. This time around, we spotted quite some lace-on-lace, a play with embellishments with crystal done different, as stripe patterns. According to Dato Bernard Chandran, lace is definitely in. He also introduced lace patching in a whole new fun way. The 'baju kurung' (the traditional Malay costume)  cut is updated to look more like blouses and standalone dresses with some designs spotting a sports jacket trend. 

What we love most about this collection is definitely the refreshing play of basic blacks with bright bold shocking fluorescent colours like pop pink, lime green and bright turquoise, bringing out the fun element of a traditional apparel yet, easily making a statement for the wearer.

"I like my clothes to be functional and current, and I don't think everything has to be done in the same way year in and year out. (give us a high-5!) The whole idea is to inspire even young people to embrace our traditional wear. Traditional wear does not have to be 'traditional'", says Dato Bernard. Now that we do have to agree with him totally. Even 'qipao/cheongsam' (traditional Chinese wear) has evolved into something really modern these days.

We find the way he introduces new little elements to the 'kurung' tops quite cheekily interesting, like some with collars, others have double sleeves, pleated blouses and patch pockets showing. Even fur is incorporated into the mix. Most definitely an eye candy kind of collection, yet feeling totally feminine in a super chic modern way. One of our favourite pieces is actually the all red lace on lace with a very beautiful cross designed collar for the top. Love love love that, amongst other favourites of ours.

On a separate note, we are equally drooling over some of the pieces from Bernard Chandran's Fall/Winter 2015/2016 collection showcased some time back. Here's a recap and if you are keen to check out more details on each pieces from the collection, with high res quality visuals, you can hop over to our flickr album here! More on Bernard Chandran brand here.

All visuals via Bernard Chandran and PR team. It is most definitely a visual feast for us and hope it is for you too *_^ Have a beautiful week ahead and here's wishing all our Muslim friends, associates and your families a very advance Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Enjoy the occasion and travel safe if you are heading home ('balik kampung', as the Malaysians would call it!) for the celebration! 

With love, 

Jeann