Presented by Paramount 33, the recently held RAYACUTHA show presented the exquisite designs of YACUTHA, a homegrown Sarawakian brand redefining Raya fashion. Held at the luxurious Sheraton Kuching, the runway featured stunning silk taffeta kaftans and bold Baju Kurung styles inspired by Sarawak’s rich heritage and botanical beauty.
A celebration of tradition, modern elegance
Raya is just around the corner, with this year’s celebrations expected to fall on March 31. Ladies, especially, are on the lookout for the most exquisite designs for their Raya outfits. Some may be drawn to retro or classic Raya attires, while others may opt for those with contemporary twists and modern designs that redefine elegance.
On social media, designers have gone online to showcase their collections, and this year, there are plenty of stunning styles taking over the platform, capturing the attention of even those who are not celebrating the festive season. After all, a Baju Kurong can be worn on many other occasions.
A bold Baju Kurung is a must-have for those who value classic beauty, nostalgia, and traditional elegance. In Kuching City, Sarawak, a special Raya show took place at the Sheraton on February 23.
The event was presented by Paramount 33, who, for the first time, supported a fashion show. Their executives were visibly excited by the turnout, with many guests, including the city’s elites and fashion enthusiasts, in attendance.
The show, RAYACUTHA, showcased the collection by YACUTHA, a homegrown brand from Sarawak that has made a significant mark in major malls with its versatile and authentic clothing pieces.
Founded by Kuching native and London-trained stylist Yacub Taha, YACUTHA is an ethical women’s brand that draws inspiration from the vibrant essence of a tropical botanical garden. The brand captivates with its deconstructed silk taffeta kaftans, colourful aesthetics, and fluid silhouettes — perfect for achieving a chic resort lounge style. The brand is also known for having a strong commitment to zero-waste garment production.
The event was held in the elegant ballroom of the five-star Sheraton Kuching Hotel. Guests were seated around three sides of the ballroom, with a large screen as a backdrop, showcasing Paramount 33 projects and various other sponsors. The runway was the carpeted floor, where fashion models strutted down the less-restrained walkway.
The models included both professional and non-professional talents like Geraldine Sim and Dr Tok Mang Sze, one of the stylish ladies in attendance. Among the models were local celebrities such as Taylor Louise, the young Kuching talent who has won international singing competitions; Francesca Luhong James, Miss Malaysia Universe 2020; and the beautiful local actress and model Samarinna Tolhip.
Matching ‘sedondon’ Baju Kurung sets for mothers and daughters have been a beloved tradition during Raya, and this year, the trend is expected to dominate Raya 2025 once again. The coordinated prints and colour tones create a stylish family look, and it was no surprise that the runway featured numerous child models, including several winners of Kids’ Pageants. Their adorable style added an extra touch of charm to the event.
The collection featured a variety of styles, ranging from understated luxury, like sleek, straight-cut tops in bold hues exuding refinement, to elegant pieces made from intricate materials that resembled heritage fabrics.
Ethereal and romantic silhouettes with soft pastels and neutral fabrics were enhanced with floral and geometric motifs. For those who appreciate feminine charm, the floral ensembles certainly turned heads.
The men were also well-represented on the runway, with many adult and child models showcasing Raya fashion. The show was a success, drawing attention to the YACUTHA brand and its sponsors, including Sheraton Kuching, Defy, Brooke Museum, Barista Guild Asia, Exal, Keysha Fatin, Spectrum, and others. If you are seeking fashion from a local Sarawakian fashion label in Borneo, simply Google YACUTHA.
Each piece is meticulously crafted to encapsulate the essence of nature’s beauty, blending tradition and modernity. YACUTHA’s collections are ideal for those who appreciate sustainable fashion and unique designs that stand out in any crowd.
