Bata Malaysia and artist Arif Rafhan blend heritage and art for exclusive Raya packets

Footwear brand Bata Malaysia has collaborated with Malaysian artist and illustrator Arif Rafhan for its web exclusive Raya packets, bringing art and culture together for the festive season.  

The “Bata x Arif Rafhan” Raya packets, are beautifully designed with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, to reflect the warmth, excitement, and spirit of togetherness that define the festive season. The exclusive set can be obtained with every purchase on Bata Malaysia’s website.  

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The first design on the front of the packet, features a variety of popular kuih Raya (cakes and snacks), some bamboo pelita (oil lamps), as well as a scene of two women greeting each other. The back design portrays Bata’s iconic logo, on the backdrop of some Raya night fireworks. The scene is framed by an array of colourful flowers which are popular Malaysian batik motifs. 

In a conversation with A+M, Rabi Hasnabi, country manager for Bata Malaysia unveiled the idea behind the collaboration. "At Bata, style, versatility, and confidence have always been at the heart of what we do—helping Malaysians express themselves through fashion. While our focus is on contemporary footwear, we understand that Raya is more than just a celebration; it’s a time of heritage, culture, and personal expression."

"This year, we wanted to extend that spirit beyond shoes and create something that embodies modern Malaysian style in a meaningful way. Batik represents local craftsmanship and artistry, while Malay-Middle Eastern influences tie back to the deeper cultural roots of Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he added.

Just like the Starlight Collection, which is inspired by the radiance of festive nights and the elegance of Malaysian traditions, this duit raya (Raya money) packet was designed to capture the beauty of celebration through intricate details, shimmering accents, and timeless artistry, according to Hasnabi. "The same way our footwear blends classic charm with modern sophistication, the packet represents a fusion of tradition and contemporary design, making it a meaningful part of the Raya experience."

"The result is more than just a festive envelope—it’s a bold statement of culture, celebration, and identity with a modern edge. It’s our way of honoring Raya beyond fashion, through creativity and design that connects with what makes this season truly special," he added.

When asked why Arif Rafhan was chosen, Hasnabi said as a brand that champions self-expression through style, Bata wanted an artist who could bring culture to life in a fresh, exciting, and modern way—someone whose work speaks to Malaysians today while staying true to our rich heritage.

"Arif was the perfect choice. His art captures the vibrancy of Malaysian life, blending heritage with contemporary storytelling in a way that feels both authentic and relevant. His ability to reinterpret tradition through a modern lens aligns with how Bata merges timeless craftsmanship with today’s trends—bringing culture into the present while keeping it stylish and relatable."

With his creative touch, this duit Raya (Raya money) packet celebrates tradition in a way that is bold, stylish, and effortlessly connected to the way Malaysians experience Raya today—a collaboration that reflects how culture, fashion, and creativity continue to evolve together, he added.

Arif Rafhan is a visual storyteller known for merging local heritage with contemporary pop art. He gained global attention for his viral “Batik Venom” artwork, where he reimagined Marvel’s anti-hero with traditional batik patterns. 

Arif has been a popular choice with other Malaysian brands, and has worked with the likes of Grab, GSC and Hotlink. Most recently, the illustrator’s work was featured in the “Hanya Batik” (only batik) exhibition at RXP.KL.

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