Woman's tunic

This is a Nonya (Peranakan woman) version of the ‘kebaya’ (woman’s tunic). Such close-fitting kebaya with floral designs reflects the fashion around the mid 20th century. Designers created a more form-hugging kebaya from lightweight textiles.The origins of the kebaya are somewhat obscure. The term may have derived from the Portuguese ‘kobaya’, a sort of lace-trimmed blouse, while others see a relationship with the Arabic ‘abaya’, a type of tunic that opened from the front. Some see strong connections with the fashions of Java, from whence the Nonyas obtained their favoured batik sarongs and skirtcloths. Kebaya is still worn by Singaporean, Malaysian and Indonesian women today.

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Woman's tunic

Woman's tunic

Woman's tunic

Woman's tunic