Kebaya

Kebaya

Fashion; Diaspora; Peranakan; Traditional wear

The kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress ensemble originating in the Malayan Archipelago and largely worn by women in South East Asian countries, notably Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and some regions of Thailand. It is celebrated for its intricate designs which reveal cultural symbols. Historically, the kebaya has evolved to incorporate regional influences and modern trends. This version is a Nyonya Kebaya, worn by Peranakan women in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The Peranakan are an ethnic group in South East Asia that refer to intermixed groups which can be of Chinese, Indian or Arabs descent, having intermarried with Malay locals. In this case, the kebaya belongs to a Nyonya, or a Chinese Peranakan.

Anonymous

Peranakan Museum, Singapore
Kebaya belonging to Mrs Edna Chong Kim Neo (1916-1972), gifted to the museum by the Lim family in memory of Edna.

Early 20th century

Public domain

Image

Clothes, cotton voile and machine made embroidery, Tailored in Singapore in the early 20th century