Sweet Nostalgia with a Modern Twist: ThatDania’s Playful Take on Raya Traditions With Sunway Malls
This Raya, illustrator ThatDania invites us into a world where festive nostalgia meets contemporary charm. Known for her witty and whimsical designs, her latest collection in collaboration with Sunway Malls, EIDisi Manis, reimagines Hari Raya through the lens of childhood memories, kuih-filled tiffin carriers, and the vibrant colours of celebration. In a heartfelt conversation with Fathom, she shares how open house rituals, ribbon-wrapped treats, and the joyful chaos of choosing snacks inspired her collaboration with Sunway Malls—one that blends tradition with a bold, modern flair.
Fathom Interviews thatDania
Your EIDisi Manis Raya collection adds a playful and nostalgic touch to the festive season. What inspired the designs for the Raya packets and tiffin carriers?
Attending Hari Raya open houses, I always see people filled with excitement when they see tables adorned with patterned glass jars brimming with kuih raya, wrapped in ribbons and nestled in woven baskets. That delightful scene inspired the 'EIDisi Manis' collection. I aimed to capture that awe, which is why you'll notice playful ribbons unwrapping the kuih on the packets and tiffin carriers, echoing the joy of diving into those tasty treats.
Your work is known for its witty and nostalgic themes. What elements of your own childhood or cultural memories influenced the EIDisi Manis Raya collection?
The brief for 'EIDisi Manis' was to center it around Kuih Raya, so I drew on memories of family gatherings during Hari Raya—especially the excitement of choosing treats from buffet tables. I reimagined that experience as an exploration through the landscapes of Kuih Raya, capturing the joyful interactions with these treats.
Your illustrations are often characterised by bold colours. How do you use colour to evoke emotions and tell a story through your art?
Colour plays a pivotal role in my practice. Being a colourful person, I enjoy experimenting with hues to evoke specific emotions and narratives. For example, yellows and oranges convey joy, while greens, purples, and pinks are traditionally associated with Hari Raya. By adjusting their tones and hierarchy, I can create illustrations that capture the vibrancy and joy of the celebration.
Looking back at your journey, did you ever imagine collaborating with major brands like Sunway Malls? What does this partnership mean to you?
Honestly, I never imagined working with a major client like Sunway Malls. In my third year as a freelance illustrator, I wasn't sure I was ready for such a huge undertaking—there’s so much more to manage than just the art itself. I’m honored to represent a festive tradition I cherish on such a grand scale. I feel like I’ve reached a pinnacle for Raya but I’m excited to know what’s next!
Raya is rich in tradition and heritage. How did you balance incorporating traditional elements with your signature modern, playful aesthetic?
Traditional designs in our heritage are defined by unique patterns, symbols, and a distinctive color scheme that resonates across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. My approach is to modernize these elements while preserving their essence—keeping them colorful, rich, and visually captivating—and seamlessly blending them with a contemporary style. That’s my formula for balance.
The tiffin carrier is a beloved symbol of Malaysian culture. How did you approach reinterpreting it in a way that feels fresh, exciting, and relevant to today’s generation?
The tiffins I’ve seen have this traditional batik pattern or some form of a kaleidoscope pattern with vibrant colours. I think that’s the beauty about traditional tiffin designs. So I wanted to challenge my illustration style to abide by that design concept. Having those limitations are what can make an illustration piece blossom. As they say “diamonds are made under pressure?”
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing these exclusive Raya collectibles? Were there any unexpected challenges along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was maintaining a consistent illustration style throughout the collection. I went through countless iterations, especially with the Raya packets, to ensure the designs aligned with the mall’s visual language. Representing Hari Raya without relying heavily on traditional purples and greens was also particularly tough, given how crucial color and patterns are in Malaysian design.
In contrast, the tiffin design was more straightforward, as the event's key visual provided clear direction. I'm really proud of that piece & the event key visual. It highlights the kuih beautifully and brings a fresh, modern twist to the festive spirit.
Your work has a way of making people smile. What message or feeling do you hope people take away from the EIDisi Manis Raya collection?
For this project, I would say I want people to feel the vibrancy of Raya and that it’s a festive that can be fun. It doesn’t have to be so royal with golds and greens, purples all the time because that’s not how everyone experiences Raya.
With these collectibles available on a limited basis, what excites you most about seeing fans and collectors engaging with your designs?
What touches me is seeing fans and collectors in awe and also curious to know what the story was behind the work—it tells me I’ve offered them a fresh perspective and made something intriguing on something familiar. And, of course, the compliments are always a bonus.
Now that you've brought your whimsical touch to Raya, is there another festive celebration or theme you’d love to illustrate next?
Yes, all of them because I join in with friends to celebrate their traditions and there’s beauty in all them! Though, I think I would feel accomplished if I could tap into the Chinese New Year market. It’s a festive I do celebrate and while it's a competitive space, I’m excited by the challenge. Though, I do want to take a break from traditional celebrations and explore other ventures. Follow @thatdania on Instagram to find out.
