SUZANNA PILLAY finds a Ramadan bazaar unlike any other in the comfort of Bangsar Shopping Centre.

IF you want to be dressed to the nines this Hari Raya, visit Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC)’s Hari Raya Bazaar. On until Oct 12 at BSC’s East and West Wing, there are many clothes and accessories on display, including fashion wear from members of the Malaysia Official Designers Association (MODA).

MODA member Sireh Pinang is exhibiting its latest designs at the bazaar.

“Many customers would like to shop for the best designs and may be unaware of our latest creations,” said Nuraiman, designer and image consultant of the boutique in Subang Parade.

“We specialise in pesak gantung and biku. This year we are focusing on pesak gantung’s Pahang design with biku embroidery for sleeve detail. Its flowing form makes a lady look slim and tall.”

The boutique also has modern baju such as those to be worn with pants, two-toned chiffon baju kurungs, baju Kedah with double sleeves, baju kurung with biku and baju which feature nyonya sulau biku embroidery.

“Materials we use include chiffon, batik chiffon, Thai silk and tie-and-dye batik (sutera). Our clothes are available in exclusive pieces and the boutique also accepts custom-made orders,” said Nuraiman.

Next door to Sireh Pinang is Iman Creations, a partnership between friends Azlina Othman and Noraziah Abdul Latiff. Originally a home-based business, the duo occasionally participated at bazaars to promote their range of ready-made kebaya, baju kurung and children’s clothing. Prices start from RM200.

Long-time BSC tenant Poya has brought in a pretty range of clothing for children. Owner Sharifah Naemah said she’s focusing on the children’s line because parents normally give priority to their children.

Everything from accessories like clips and necklaces (from RM10) to clothing for a basic baju kurung (from RM79) are available at the store, including baju Melayu, sampin and songkok . Naturally, outfits featuring elaborate embroidery and organza cost more.

One fashion item which grabbed my attention were the gorgeous beaded traditional Peranakan shoes from Feme Wear and Carry Enterprise. The shoes are made with German beads and cost RM1,200 per pair.

Luckily, there’s a more affordable range that’s made of Japanese beads and leather that will set you back RM295. Made to order and requiring six to eight weeks for delivery, they probably won’t be ready in time for Hari Raya, but they will certainly look great in your shoe closet!

The stall also sells one-of-a kind beaded bags meant for the high-end customer with prices starting from RM300.

Even if you are not celebrating Hari Raya, this bazaar offers a good range of delectable eats at affordable prices to make your visit worthwhile. After all what is a Ramadan bazaar without good food?

For traditional Hari Raya cookies, head towards the Intan Cachet store. Here you will find goodies like sugee biscuits, kuih bangkit, batang buruk and cakar ayam to name a few - all homemade from Muar.

For more substantial offerings, head towards the outer concourse of the West Wing where you will find buka puasa offerings of main courses, tea-time snacks and cakes. Don’t go too early, though, as all the stores only set up in the afternoon.

Manning the nasi campur stall was Sofea Yusoff, 27, who was busy transferring food from plastic containers into the waiting stainless steel serving dishes, when we visited it. As the delicious aromas of her spicy curries and stir-fries wafted in the air, curious shoppers walked over to check out what she had to offer.

The stall also sold all sorts of tasty treats like the popular dried agar-agar at RM15 per box, freshly-made baulu at RM3 for 15 pieces, ketupat palas at 80 sen and lontong at RM3.50 each.

The briyani stall was selling chicken and mutton briyani at RM8 and RM10 per pack respectively. The vendor selling otak-otak and kuih koci was hastily putting her things together as we ventured by. There were several empty tables allocated for more food stalls, which had not yet come at the time.

Bangsar Shopping Centre is at 283, Jalan Maarof, Kuala Lumpur. The indoor bazaar operates from 10am to 10pm, while the outdoor food bazaar operates from 2 to 8pm.