The Kebaya is a Southeast Asian fashion icon, with the style varying from place to place throughout the region.
A kebaya is a traditional upper garment, usually a fitted blouse and the lower garment is the sarong which is a tubular batik skirt.
Today, the current kebaya is recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful and elegant cabin crew uniforms. Many Southeast Asian flag carrier airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Royal Brunei Airlines adopt this traditional outfit as the uniforms for their female flight attendants.
‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign by Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines proudly presents a showcase of its iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’ uniforms, highlighting their evolution since the debut in 1963, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of its Kuala Lumpur-London route.
As part of the ‘Heritage in the Skies’ campaign, this special showcase will feature cabin crew wearing six distinct Kebaya designs onboard selected flights from 3 to 16 November 2024.
Additionally, a special exhibit will be set up at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 from 3 to 14 November 2024, allowing travellers and visitors to explore the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of all six Sarong Kebaya uniforms up close. Through both in-flight and on-ground activities, Malaysia Airlines invites everyone to immerse themselves in the cultural essence that has defined its service over the past five decades.
Evolution of the sarong kebaya uniform
In 1963, Malaysia Airlines began a new journey with its cabin crew uniforms, beginning with a chilli red Sarong Kebaya featuring a traditional kutu baru bodice and nine pleats. Over the decades, these uniforms have reflected the airline’s growth and Malaysia’s rich heritage.
The 1967 design introduced a striking earth-toned pattern, while the 1972 update incorporated batik motifs to mark a new era for the airline. By 1976, the uniform showcased green, blue, and yellow hues, celebrating Malaysia’s natural beauty.
In 1986, the redesign combined traditional batik with Sarawakian kelarai defined as checkered weave patterns, a craftwork passed down through generations in Malay culture and Southeast Asia.
In 1992, Italian fashion house Gherardini added local floral patterns to the design.
Updating the Gherardini reiteration from 1992 with deeper hues of pink and purple, this kebaya melds bamboo and kelarai motifs with local flowers – champak, jasmine and hibiscus. This infusion of traditional Malaysian flora and fauna with the art of batik creates a rich tableau that captures the essence of Malaysia.
The uniform’s intricate floral designs, paired with batik elements, reflect Malaysia’s vibrant cultural tapestry while offering modern functionality. The deep colours, together with the delicate batik motifs, symbolise a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, allowing the cabin crew to embody the spirit of Malaysian hospitality, art, and heritage with every flight.
Social media contest
Malaysia Airlines invites passengers to join in this celebration by capturing and sharing their experience on social media. Passengers on board and guests visiting the exhibit at KLIA Terminal 1 can participate in this nostalgic journey by capturing photos with the crew and entering an exclusive social media contest.
To enhance this memorable experience, the airline will provide limited instax photo prints, courtesy of Fujifilm, as keepsakes for passengers on selected flights. Passengers are also encouraged to take photos using their personal devices.
To participate in the contest, simply post your photo on social media, tagging Malaysia Airlines with the hashtags #malaysiaairlines and #heritageintheskies. The most creative submission will win two return tickets between Kuala Lumpur and London.
