PETALING JAYA: Fusing the traditional kebaya and saree into a distinctive wardrobe to celebrate Malaysia’s multicultural identity has become a hit among foreigners and locals, thanks to M. Vatsala Nair.
Dubbed the “Kebayaree”, the garment created by the 42-year-old entrepreneur has attracted interest whenever she wears it at various international events abroad.
“It felt Malaysian and instantly became a conversation starter,” she said.
A video of her demonstrating how to style the fusion outfit, which she recently uploaded on Facebook, garnered more than 173,000 views, with many netizens requesting a Kebayaree because of its “Malaysian feel”.
The outfit combines a saree draped beneath a traditional kebaya blouse, threading its loose end – or pallu – through the front buttons before pinning it over the shoulder.Vatsala, who grew up in Perak but now resides in Puchong, Selangor, said she began appreciating the nation’s cultural diversity as a child.
“I always had this part of me that was fascinated with Malaysian culture. I used to take part in Malay cultural theatre and other activities,” she said.
She noted that she did not drastically alter the original design of the kebaya or saree but merely improvised and integrated both styles into a single outfit.
What began as a personal styling choice has since evolved into a business venture for Vatsala to celebrate the nation’s diversity.
She launched the Kebayaree during the recent National Month celebrations, with her first customer being a German woman who wanted to wear it at a local event.
“She wanted to carry the Malaysian essence,” she said.
Besides the Kebayaree, Vatsala is currently working on several new designs drawing inspiration from Malaysian motifs and cultural elements for her clothing brand.
Keeping up with technology, she often sketches her concepts before using AI tools to visualise and refine them.
Vatsala, who advocates for women survivors of gender-based violence, said she welcomed constructive public feedback on her creation but did not tolerate personal attacks.
“I welcome constructive criticism as a way to refine my designs for my customers,” added the single mother of twins.
She has received encouraging feedback, including from Muslim women who expressed interest in longer-sleeved and more modest versions of the Kebayaree.
She credited her previous ventures in biomedical research, social enterprise and sustainable business with giving her a better understanding of how to turn an idea into a business.
While funding remains a challenge, Vatsala hopes to expand her business venture and secure trademarks for her designs.
Longer term, Vatsala aims to train women in tailoring to help them achieve financial independence, particularly single mothers.
