Kebaya Selangor Malaysia

Queen of the kebaya
By JEREMY TAN
north@thestar.com.my Photos by CHIN CHENG YEANG

LIVING in a multi-racial country allows one to share and explore each other’s cultures, traditions and heritage, partake in joint activities and mingle around regardless of skin colour and background.

This 1Malaysia spirit was well and truly evident at the Ratu Kebaya Contest 2010 held at Gurney Plaza on Saturday, where a dozen contestants of various races enjoyed a rare opportunity to parade on stage clad in the tra-ditional garment.



Many non-Malay participants, who had never worn a kebaya before, revealed that they signed up for the contest for the sole purpose of being able to wear one and immerse themselves in its rich history.

Winner Gaayathri Raj, 22, was one of them. She views the kebaya — with its characteristic, elaborate embroidered motifs — as a work of art that flatters the feminine form and imbues the wearer with an air of elegance.

“I’ve always wanted to wear a kebaya, but it’s too expensive to own one. So I did not hesitate in signing up for the experience, and it felt good,” the business management student said.

She later revealed that she has since decided to get a kebaya of her own. Additionally, she believes the garment’s versatility — which allows it to be worn and matched with different occasions and accessories — would render it a great investment.

“The contest truly epitomises the 1Malaysia concept, with all races coming together to share each other’s cultures. There are no bar-riers,” Gaayathri added.

Second placed Roseyana Haryanti Mohd Harunizam, 22, who was quietly confident of her chances beforehand, also expressed her hope that the kebaya would continue to be popular with all Malaysians regardless of racial background.

The proud owner of three kebayas, she usually wears them only on big occasions like Hari Raya, but feels they’re equally suitable for casual settings.

“It used to be a traditional Malay costume, but today it is universally worn by all races, and that symbolises our unity,” said Roseyana, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Educa-tion course.

Despite the contest coinciding with the se-cond day of Hari Raya, she wasn’t too perturbed about having to delay plans to balik kampung. Instead, most of her immediate family members turned up to support her.

Bank clerk and mother-of-three, Elaine Ooi Ee Ling, 31, emerged third. Also her first time dressed in a kebaya, she found it to be “very beautiful”.

“I’m quite surprised to be in third place, as most of the other competitors were youn-ger than me,” she said, adding that it was her friends and family who encouraged her to take part.

Gaayathri, Roseyana and Ooi took home prizes worth RM3,800, RM2,500 and RM1,480 respectively. The other nine finalists each re-ceived cash vouchers worth RM600.

The contest was divided into four rounds — an introductory round as well as traditional kebaya, modern kebaya and casual kebaya parades.

For the last two, contestants paired their kebayas with slacks and jeans instead.

It was also the culmination of the mall’s month-long Hari Raya Celebrations that also included a traditional Malay dance and musical performances, as well as lucky draws.

For the remainder of the month, the Mid Autumn Celebrations take centre stage. There will be a Lantern Making and Parade Contest on Sunday at 2pm, as well as a grand launching celebration later at 6pm.