Uzair Shoid is reshaping Raya dressing by blending heritage-inspired details with a modern, effortlessly wearable edge. Launched in 2023, the contemporary Malaysian label has quickly made its mark with bold silhouettes, considered craftsmanship, and a fresh design approach grounded in cultural storytelling with sustainability at its core. From refined Raya essentials to standout statement pieces, Uzair Shoid consistently delivers collections that strike the perfect balance between tradition and attitude.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the world behind the brand as we jump into our interview with Uzair Shoid below—and uncover the inspiration and story behind ABDI, his new 2026 Raya collection with ZALORA.
1. Congratulations on the launch of ABDI (Lebaran) on Zalora Malaysia. To start,describe three words to describe this collection?
I’d say that its Fun, Fresh and Bold.
2.The name ABDI carries a powerful meaning — what does it represent to you, and why did you choose it as the theme title for this Raya collection?
ABDI, which means “devoted,” represents a very personal reflection for me, devotion to faith, to craft, and to the journey of growth. Raya is a time ofreflection, gratitude, and humility, and the name felt honest to the spirit of that
moment.
For this collection, ABDI is about embracing devotion not as restriction, but as strength. It speaks to discipline, intention, and self-belief, values that quietly shape how we live and create.
Choosing ABDI as the theme was my way of grounding the collection in meaning, allowing each piece to carry not just beauty, but purpose something that feels especially important during Raya.
3.What was the main inspiration behind ABDI (Lebaran), and how does it reflect your personal journey or design philosophy?
The inspiration behind ABDI (Lebaran) came from a period of reflection both personal and creative. Lebaran has always been a moment that invites pause, humility, and gratitude, and I wanted the collection to mirror that sense of
grounding.
ABDI, meaning “devoted,” reflects my own journey as a designer staying devoted to craft, culture, and growth, even as the industry moves quickly. The collection embodies my design philosophy of balance: tradition and modernity,
structure and fluidity, restraint and expression.
Ultimately, ABDI is a reflection of where I am now designing with intention, clarity, and purpose, while allowing each piece to carry quiet strength and emotional resonance.
4.Were there any personal Raya memories, cultural references, or emotional themes that shaped the direction of this collection?
Yes! the collection was shaped by quiet, personal Raya moments rather than overt symbolism. Memories of togetherness, the calm of early mornings during Lebaran, and the sense of renewal after a month of reflection all influenced the mood of the collection.
Culturally, I drew from familiar silhouettes and textures that feel nostalgic yet refined, translating emotion into subtle details rather than literal references.
5.Raya fashion often blends tradition with modernity — how did you interpret this balance through the designs in ABDI?
For ABDI, the balance between tradition and modernity came from restraint rather than reinvention. I started with classic Raya silhouettes that feel familiar. Tradition is present in the essence of the garments, while modernity appears in how they move, layer, and fit into contemporary lifestyles. The result is a collection that feels respectful yet current rooted in heritage, but designed for the way women dress today.
6.Can you walk us through your creative process for this collection, from concept development to the final garments?
The creative process for ABDI started with defining the mood of Raya itself the anticipation, the pause, and the sense of renewal that comes with it. Before sketching, I focused on what the collection should feel like rather than how it should look.
From there, I refined classic Raya silhouettes through modern proportions, fluid movement, and thoughtful layering, keeping Malaysian lifestyles and climate in mind. Fabric choice played a major role, with an emphasis on lightness, texture, and ease.
The final stage was about editing and precision removing excess, sharpening details, and ensuring each piece feels intentional, wearable, and relevant to how women dress today.
7. What guided your choices in fabrics, colours, and silhouettes for ABDI, and how do they support the overall mood of the collection?
My choices in fabrics, colours, and silhouettes for ABDI were guided by the celebratory nature of Raya itself expressive, confident, and full of life, while still feeling considered. The colour palette embraces stronger, more vibrant tones associated with Raya, creating impact without overwhelming the silhouette. These colours were chosen to enhance the emotion of celebration and togetherness, rather than sit quietly in the background.
Silhouettes were kept fluid and versatile, designed to carry colour and texture beautifully while allowing ease of movement. Together, these elements shape a collection that feels festive, modern, and aligned with how Raya is experienced today.
8.If you could choose one favourite piece from the ABDI collection, what would it be and what makes it special to you as a designer?
Choosing one piece is difficult, but if I had to, it would be the Tanjung kebaya from the ABDI collection. It represents the essence of the collection familiar in form, yet elevated through proportion, colour, and detailing.
What makes it special to me is how it feels both celebratory and wearable. It captures my approach as a designer: respecting tradition while refining it for a modern lifestyle. It’s a piece that doesn’t rely on excess, but still makes an
impact, which is something I value deeply in my work.
9. If this collection had a soundtrack to represent its aura, what would it be?
It would be varies from Si Paling Mahir by Raisa to Evigt Mörker – Högre
10.Looking back, what was the most challenging or rewarding part of creating ABDI (Lebaran)?
The most challenging part of creating ABDI (Lebaran) was finding the right balance between expression and restraint knowing when to push creatively and when to hold back. Raya carries strong cultural and emotional significance, so every design decision had to feel intentional.
At the same time, that was also the most rewarding part. Seeing the collection come together in a way that feels confident, celebratory, and true to my design language made the entire process meaningful. ABDI represents a moment of clarity in my journey as a designer, and that made the experience especially fulfilling.
As we close, one thing stands out: Uzair Shoid designs with intention. His latest collection pays tribute to tradition while reimagining Raya dressing through bold, contemporary silhouettes and considered details. Whether you love standout statement looks or refined everyday staples, these pieces are created to help you celebrate in confidence, comfort, and effortless style.
