Not so modest in fashion: Dutch designer claims to have been misrepresented in critique of Malay baju kurung
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s national dress was under intense spotlight recently, after comments made by an expat Dutch pattern maker about the baju kurung in the media were pounced on by many Malaysians as being an affront to their heritage.
In an article published in the South China Morning Post Magazine on Jan 15, Lisette Scheers, the founder of Nala Designs, a lifestyle brand that specialises in patterns inspired by Asian culture and heritage, appeared to suggest the baju kurung’s long run had ended in Malaysia, and that it needed a daring foreigner to step in to save the garment from oblivion.
Just as bad, it suggested that Malays were guilty of dressing shabbily and also required outside help.
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