The Kebaya Kutubaru
The Kebaya Kutubaru traces its origins to when Javanese women wore unstitched cloth across the chest or the kemben in everyday wear. This panel of cloth was then adapted as a bef which connects the kebaya from East to West across the chest.
This style made it distinct from the kebaya Encim or kebaya Kartini which do not have a bef.
Henne Made's Interpretation
One kebaya - Three ways
Worn as is, the Kebaya Kutubaru cuts an elegant figure on the wearer.
We used snap buttons on both sides of the bef to allow you to completely remove it.
The kebaya Kutubaru can then be worn as an outer shirt over your favourite camisole or even swimwear.
Or completely remove the bef and secure both sides of the kebaya with brooches or a kerongsang for that traditional kebaya look.
Heritage doesn't require everything around it to look traditional. Our kain Pelikat-inspired kebaya Kutubaru allows us to give familiar silhouettes an entirely different vocabulary. And sometimes the simplest styling combination — camisole, jeans, sandals, kebaya— makes everyday kebaya dressing the easiest .
The kebaya hasn't lost its relevance even in our highly urbanized and fast paced lives. The context around it has changed. Wearing these silhouettes in your everyday life is one of the ways the kebaya remains alive.
Discover more Henne Made kebaya and the stories behind it on our website and social media platforms.