The kebaya has long inspired fashion designers. Pictured here are beautiful designs from the Melinda Looi Raya 2024 capsule collection. Photo: Melinda Looi
The local fashion industry is abuzz over the kebaya being inscribed in Unesco’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) representative list of intangible cultural heritage. The garment has inspired designs for the longest time and is seen as incredibly important.
"Amazing! Hopefully the younger generation will continue to appreciate and love the craft and art that is the kebaya," says Melinda Looi, former president of the Malaysia Official Designers Association.
She personally collects different kebaya pieces. Her contemporary fashion creations are often inspired by the garment.
"We should all learn about it and continue to make them fabulous for many more decades to come," Looi notes.
The uniqueness of the kebaya can be seen through its design. The basic style features a split at the front with a pesak (gore), long sleeves, and is secured with three pins and brooches.
Bon Zainal Harun, founder of the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association, says that the kebaya in itself is beautifully diverse.
"In Malaysia, there are so many different variations. You have the kebaya Nyonya, kebaya Kedah and many more. Unesco's decision is certainly timely," he points out.
In 2003, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand jointly nominated the kebaya for the prestigious intangible cultural heritage list.
"It is a Nusantara attire – definitely an iconic design," Bon declares.
The kebaya was once traditionally worn to weddings and formal events. These days, youths are often seen styling it as a blouse – or layered over an undershirt.
Malaysia's national airlines used the kebaya as the inspiration for its uniform in the past.
Designer Ezuwan Ismail thinks that Unesco's recognition will help put a spotlight on Malaysia for having such a unique and beautiful traditional attire.
"We have seen international designers and brands borrowing elements from the kebaya for their designs. This shows it is indeed an elegant garment," he enthuses.
"I hope with this inclusion into the Unesco list, everyone from around the world will associate the kebaya with Malaysia and realise that our country has such beautiful designs."
