Loh with Datuk Nicol David, who is wearing one of his beautiful kebayas. — Photos: KENNY LOH
Nyonya kebaya designer Kenny Loh is hoping that kebaya's beauty and intricate embroidery will be known throughout the world now that it has been inscribed in Unesco’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
"Nyonya kebaya is famous mostly among a few countries in this region because it has not been promoted enough. I am hoping now it will be known internationally and more people will appreciate how beautiful it is," said the 46-year-old former nutritionist who learnt Nyonya kebaya embroidery seven years ago to preserve his family's Peranakan heritage.
Although he had never held a needle before, he took up the challenge of learning Nyonya embroidery from his elderly aunts.
It took him six months of full time learning to master the sulam goyang method, a traditional Malay embroidery technique that involves creating a "goyang" or moving pattern with thread and needle. Although sewn with a machine, it's the artisan's skilled hand movements that create the intricate embroidery seen on Nyonya kebaya.
Loh, a fifth-generation Baba, believes there are currently fewer than five Nyonya kebaya artisans in Malaysia, and he has not been able to recruit an apprentice interested in learning the craft.
But the demand for Nyonya kebaya continues to grow, especially from the Nyonya community and kebaya enthusiasts. Apart from traditional kebayas, Loh also designs modern short kebayas and sleeveless kebaya tops, catering to younger generations.
Loh's beautiful kebayas have been worn by celebrities such as Chinese actress Fan Bingbing in her role as Visit Melaka Year 2024 ambassador, as well as Hong Kong film star Amy Yip.
Loh also does beading, and recently won the prestigious Hasanah Gold Threads Award in the Beadwork Category of Best Innovation.
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing wore Loh's kebaya in her role as Visit Melaka Year 2024 ambassador.
Kenny Loh with Hong Kong superstar, Amy Yip, who is wearing his kebaya.
