KUANTAN: “Bling-bling” is a term  referring to diamonds but where the baju kurung and baju kebaya are concerned, it denotes the colourful sequins and beads sewn on them.

Wan Norasiah Wan Sulaiman sewing the sequins and beads onto a baju kebaya for her client.

It makes the baju kurung and kebaya a little flashier.

Small boutiques here are making extra income by offering to sew the sequins and beads as more customers go for the glamorous look.

“Most of our customers are from Kuala Lumpur, including established boutique owners,” said Wan Norasiah Wan Sulaiman.

The 40-year-old owner of Ar-Nur Boutique and Spa said many people were influenced by popular artistes.   

Wan Norasiah has hired two workers to help her sew sequins and beads as she has hundreds of baju kurung and kebaya to be decorated.

“We received bookings a few months before Ramadan. Some of my clients sent 100 pairs of costumes each,” said the mother of two sons aged 8 and 10.

Wan Norasiah said it was a windfall for a small businesswoman like her as normally  business was slow throughout Ramadan.

“Very few people go to the spa during the fasting month. The Malays also do not hold wedding receptions in Ramadan,” said Wan Norasiah, who is also a wedding planner.

She said  this year, the most popular designs were thick and flashy ones on the sleeves and neck of a traditional costume.

“My workers take about a day to complete an intricate design. For a simple motif, it will take them about three or four hours to complete.