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KEBAYA

Hear first-hand from Mr Raymond Wong, the designer for Nyonya Kebayas at Rumah Kim Choo, the history and growth of the Peranakan Kebaya, and have a look at the intricacy and vibrancy of the embroidery craft.

Episode 1: The Different Embroidery Designs

Episode 2: Significance of the Peranakan Embroidery

Episode 3: Adaptations of European Designs

Episode 4: Why Most of the Designs are Adapted

Hover over each step to read more about the making of a Kebaya

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First, the designer takes out a paper pattern, modifies it to the likes of the customer, and then sews it on to a sample Kebaya

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Then, the customer is called in for a fitting! This will take some time as there might be alterations that the customer requires

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Once everything is finalised, the designer will cut a piece of Swiss Foil material to use as a sample, and start doing the Kebaya paste on it! Swiss Foil is a very delicate material, which is why a sample must be done beforehand to ensure minimal/no errors

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And... one more fitting! Just to make sure your Kebaya is going to look perfect on you

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Now, here is when the Kebaya truly becomes unique. Since everyone has different proportions, each pattern and drawing on the Kebaya will be hand drawn by the designer to match the unique customer. No two Kebayas will ever be exactly alike, because of how catered and specified each Kebaya is!

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Now, we compare the cloth and design next to the in-house colour chart, get the "OK" from the customer, and thus, starts the long process of embroidery. There are 2 types of embroidery: Sulam Tengok (colouring in the design) & Embroidery Cut Work (outlining the design)

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We're getting there! One last final fitting. This is to ensure after  the long process of creating the Kebaya, the customer will still be able to fit in the Kebaya

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Translated directly, "Ketok" means Hit, and "Lobang" mean Holes. The Kebaya is passed off to a specialist in Ketok Lobang to poke small little holes into the edges of clothes. This makes the cloth and lace look assimilated together, to add to the finishing touches of the Kebaya

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