Kebaya: a Social Expression

Still in the RA Kartini commemoration month and a tribute to the Kebaya, now, lets browse a little more about this delicate attire. 

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Kebaya (traditional blouse-dress) is the national costume of Indonesia that is usually made by sheer material, velvet, brocade, silk, and lace. At first, kebaya was made to replace old Javanese traditional attire (Kemben) that look slightly like a tube dress and show some skin. Kebaya was worn by aristocratic women as a social expression of a refined status. 

There was once a time when only the royal family and the nobility allowed to wear this kind of blouse. After hundreds of years, kebaya turns into local expression of ethnic culture, artistry, and tailoring tradition. There are many style the kebaya offers, from the traditional kebaya, classic kutubaru, modern modified kebaya, and Nyonya's kebaya (which has such great colors, patterns, stories, and really-- it needs a whole chapter to write about it). 

It's funny how the history shows that kebaya was made for its politeness and modesty; for, now, kebaya is usually worn at parties with all the glittering beads and emboidery-- and also well known as it's sexiness.. well fitted lace kebaya is body-hugging and most of the time made of sheer material, leaving a little mistery for everyone. Intriguing, in some ways. 

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More and more designers try to create a 'wearable' and fashionable version of kebaya. Some notable designers like Anne Avantie and Raden Sirait (the galore and the dramas) are well known for their fabulous kebaya creation (really worth to browse in Google pictures!)..  as the perfect pair for kebaya, do check the hand-painted cloth from Obin in Bin House. Perfection! 

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For Jogjakarta residence, try Ageman (by appointment) for affordable party Kebaya, a.k.k.u. for modern and 'young' custom-made kebaya, or Santi Shop for super-casual kebaya to wear in daily basis. 

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Miy

Golden and Black Kebaya/ Sugeng Wahono

Batik Maxi Skirt / Sugeng Wahono

Black Shoes / House of Mango

Golden Part Bag / Borrowed!

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Hugs,