The kebaya is an open tunic with long sleeves, a collarless neck and front opening. It is a hip-length garment and is gently shaped to flatter the figure. This beige kebaya is made from voile. It is decorated with embroidered pink flower sprays with yellow pollen centres and light green leaves. These are found on the front collar, on the edges of the front panel and the lapik, which refers to the two triangular panels covering the wearer’s lap. The use of embroidery on the kebaya allowed Nyonyas to have greater leeway to customise their own individual piece, so that the chances of them wearing an identical piece with someone else were greatly reduced. Being of a translucent material, this garment would have been worn with an inner, possibly long-sleeved undershirt.
