Wear Kebaya Because Of Love, Not Just A Trend

Fashion stylist Hagai Pakan encourages people to love the kebaya, not just follow the latest fashion trends. 

"So, hopefully, those who wear kebayas and kain will wear them because they truly love it, not just because they want to be part of a trend," said Hagai Pakan when met by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 22). 

By loving the kebaya, your appearance will look more personal and the kebaya will become more sustainable. 

According to the stylist, popularizing the kebaya, which is now a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, requires the involvement of fashion leaders, such as designers, to ensure its continued relevance and public acceptance. 

He also hopes that more designers will strengthen their collections to preserve the kebaya. 

"I hope more designers will release kebaya collections or be inspired by kebaya," said Hagai Pakan. 

Not only fashion designers, but his profession can also play a role in promoting and preserving the kebaya. This is because fashion stylists often interact with celebrities, whose appearances are highly scrutinized. 

"More and more fashion stylists are dressing celebrities in kebaya to keep them on the map," Hagai added. 

The Indonesian government has designated July 24 as National Kebaya Day through Presidential Decree No. 19 of 2023 concerning National Kebaya Day. 

The kebaya was officially added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List by a decision of the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICHT) on December 4, 2024, in Asunción, Paraguay. 

Tag: Fashion Stylist Hagai Pakan Kebaya