Fashion Runway, Bazaar Under One Roof

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- New collections by fashion designers are usually viewed on the runway before being purchased at either boutiques or through online platforms. But event organiser Nabilah Nordin is bringing the fashion showcase and retail experience together in a single space, allowing visitors to go shopping immediately after seeing the outfits paraded on the runway.

Her event WarnaRAYA x KLCC – Runway & Bazaar 2026, set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Feb 14 and 15, is expected to feature up to 10 designers in the runway segment, each presenting their own interpretation of Hari Raya Aidilfitri attire. The accompanying bazaar will host around 60 booths offering fashion, beauty and lifestyle products.

“My inspiration was simple. I love colours, Raya, fashion, and bazaars and festivals. I often attend both (fashion shows and bazaars), but I always wished there was an event that combined everything in one place. So I thought, why not try doing it myself,” she said at a press conference here recently.

She said WarnaRAYA was created as an inclusive and vibrant platform for the public to explore Raya fashion, support local brands and celebrate creativity.

“We want people to come not just to watch but also to shop and engage directly with designers,” she said, adding that the event is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors over the two days.

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Nabilah hopes the inaugural edition of WarnaRAYA will help bridge the gap between local designers and consumers, while encouraging Malaysians to be more adventurous with colour choices for Aidilfitri.

Meanwhile, Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) founder Sri Raja Rezza Shah Raja Aman Shah said Malaysia needs more homegrown platforms that are bold enough to present their own identity and have the potential to grow internationally.

“I have been involved with IFF for over 20 years, and when I was invited to take part in this event (WarnaRAYA), I wanted to lend my support because we need more Malaysian-made events that celebrate diversity.

“In fashion and event organisation, something is only truly recognised when it is known worldwide. Malaysia is a small country and our community is also small. If everyone does the same thing, we will end up ‘killing’ one another,” he said.

He added that platforms with a universal appeal, rather than those limited to specific groups, can open up wider market opportunities for local designers, especially during festive seasons.

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Meanwhile, local fashion label Fiziwoo co-founders Hafizi Woo and Izree Kai Haffiz described their participation in WarnaRAYA as particularly meaningful, coinciding with the brand’s 11th anniversary of producing ready-to-wear Raya collections.

They said the festive season remains the most critical period for local designers to generate income, making integrated platforms such as WarnaRAYA instrumental in strengthening sales and expanding customer reach.

They added that the concept of combining fashion shows with direct sales also benefits visitors as they can view the collections up close before making a purchase.

Fashion designer Abu Shaef Hamza said WarnaRAYA is a great opportunity for him to show off his collection.

“(Festive) bazaars like this are something I always look forward to, and it makes sense to hold them earlier. Many industry players are involved, so this is something we should all support,” he said.

-- BERNAMA