New shoes for Hari Raya is a much-loved tradition and this designer is more than happy to continue with it, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
SHOE designer Nelissa Hilman has released not one, but two collections in conjunction with Hari Raya this year. The first is Potret Raya under her eponymous label, while the second is in collaboration with online retailer Zalora under the #Zaloraya2019 campaign.
Both collections feature sandals and casual mules in easy-to-match colours, making them perfect to pair with baju kurung or kebaya of any shade. In addition to neutral tones such as nude and black, there are also pops of pastels and metallics, with clear PVC accents and jewelled studs.
The shoes are mostly in comfortable flats or come with block heels. Bonus points for being easy to take off and put on again — much needed to avoid congestion at the front door during festive visits.
“We looked at past Raya collections and we realised there’s a preference towards certain colour palettes, such as metallics,” says Nelissa. “But we also did some designs in burgundy, so that’s perfect for people wearing maroon this year.
“In terms of design, we went with low block heels and open-toed designs. That’s what you want as Raya shoes with all the running around. But we also have regular heels if you’re feeling fancy.”
RAYA TO REMEMBER
To support the release of Potret Raya, the brand shot a series of family portraits, including Nelissa’s own. The inspiration came from the film Pulang, which stars Remy Ishak and is currently streaming on Netflix.
“Early in the film, the main characters had a family photoshoot and the photos were all the wife and son had,” says Nelissa. “We had just moved to a new house and the walls were bare except for some art, so I thought, let’s hang some family photos.
“So the concept for the shoot is 1950’s photo studio but with a twist, and of course photographer Amani Azlin put her own touch as well. We had an all-female team from stylist to florist, which wasn’t planned but it was cool how that happened.”
Nelissa shares that the shoot is a contemporary take on family so it also included portraits of extended families and a family of friends, as seen in the portrait of designers Adila Long, Ezzati Amira and Natrah Omar.
“We wanted to be inclusive and work with real people. We had Emma Shazleen, who is a single mum with triplets — I don’t know how she does that! There’s also Hana Jamaluddin and her daughter Aisha, who has Down’s Syndrome.”
Meanwhile, Nellisa added something special for the Zaloraya collection. Inspired by Pulang, she asked Malaysian artist Miriam Omar to illustrate a classic Malay kampung house such as the one seen in the film. The drawing is used on the sock lining of each shoe.
“We met Miriam last year and already we thought of doing something with her for Raya,” says Nelissa. “The idea was for her to design some duit raya packets, but when we agreed on the collaboration with Zalora we thought she can do the shoes as well.
“Miriam also painted the background for Potret Raya. I did the first layer but she did the other 10,” says Nelissa with a laugh.
On a personal note, Nelissa says she will likely go for the low block heel option for Raya, along with a comfortable cotton baju kurung. It’s much more convenient especially since she has a toddler son. The festive season has left her feeling nostalgic, but she wants to create new memories as well.
“After having a family, I’m thinking how can I make Raya memorable for (my son) Ezra. He’s a year plus, so I’m thinking what will he remember about this time.”