The kebaya is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic garments, worn by women across Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and southern Thailand. This lecture was part of a day-long event, Kebaya at the Museum, celebrating Indonesian National Kebaya Day (July 24). The event was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in San Francisco and the Asian Art Museum. Tracing the kebaya’s development in Indonesia from the late eighteenth century to the present, the lecture highlights its various styles and the technological innovations that have shaped its evolution.

The lecture is accompanied by a small exhibition of kebaya from the collection of Alex Corey.