Lovingcurves: July 2015

Since it is the eve of the Hari Raya Adilfitri here in Malaysia, I have decided to do a special dedication piece in honour of the traditional celebrations. And what other better way to do so?

By introducing the Baju Kurung, the traditional costume of Malaysian Muslim women.

Malaysia is a multinational country which is made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other races such as Eurasians (Pan-Asian), Sabahans and the Sarawakians. But however, being generally a Muslim headed country, naturally the Baju Kurung is the national costume for women.

There are many variations to the traditional Baju Kurung as each Malaysian State has its own design.

As the examples below the traditional designs of the Baju Kurung is most common and it is worn not only by the Malay women but also worn by other races as its design is simple, cooling and very comfortable especially in the hot weather here in Malaysia.

However, as I mentioned that each State of Malaysia has its own variation of the Baju Kurung, as shown in the few examples below :

Baju Kurung Pahang

Baju Kurung Kedah

Baju Kurung Kelantan

Baju Kurung Johor

Baju Kebaya

The Baju Kebaya is a combination of the Malay and Chinese elements and it has its own unique history behind the design, which I will touch on on a separate note later.

A more detailed illustration about the various types of the Baju Kurungs can be read in the link below :

http://www.thestar.com.my/Travel/Malaysia/2012/08/17/Baju-kurung-still-a-popular-choice-for-many/

According to history, the Baju Kurung was originated from the State of Johor and it was first designed by the Sultan of Johor, the late HRH Sultan Abu Bakar back in 1866. At that time it was known as the Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga in commemoration of Teluk Belanga as the capital city of Johor, which now known as Johor Bahru.

Although it is widely known that HRH the late Sultan Abu Bakar was credited to the design and the popularisation of the original Baju Kurung, it is also a known fact that the loosely fitted Baju Kurung had already been in existence among the Malay women since the time of the Malacca Empire in the 15th century. For more detailed history of the Baju Kurung, please read the link below :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baju_Kurung

However, in today's modern world and widely talented designers, the designs of the Baju Kurung have been given a more 21st century outlook.

Here in Malaysia women from all walks of life and other races wears the Baju Kurung, be it in the office or official functions or leisure. I feel that its simple yet elegant designs is so unique in the sense that it can be worn by women with all different body shapes...yes even for the Plus Size women!

Modern Baju Kurung