Welcome to the

ICWC Kebaya Heritage Design Competition 2023!

The Kebaya

The Kebaya fashion can be described as a timeless embodiment of the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. The kebaya is not just a piece of clothing, but an art form that has been passed down through generations. It is a symbol of grace, elegance, and femininity that is deeply rooted in our history and traditions.

The intricate embroidery and delicate lacework of the kebaya are a testament to the craftsmanship and skill of our artisans. Each kebaya is a unique masterpiece, with its own distinct patterns and designs that tell a story of our culture and identity. From the vibrant colors and motifs of the Indonesian kebaya to the understated simplicity of the Malaysian kebaya, the diversity of this garment is a reflection of the richness and complexity of our region.

But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the kebaya also holds significant cultural and social significance. It is worn during important ceremonies and celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, as a symbol of respect and reverence. It is a reminder of our heritage and a way to honor our ancestors and the generations that came before us.

As an intangible cultural heritage, the kebaya represents a living, breathing part of our shared cultural identity. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of our culture, evolving with the times while still retaining its authenticity and uniqueness. The kebaya is more than just a piece of clothing, it is a symbol of our heritage, our traditions, and our identity as Southeast Asians.

KDHC 2023 PROGRAMMES

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Why KHDC

The Kebaya Heritage Design Competition (KHDC) is crucial because it celebrates the cultural heritage of the kebaya and promotes its artistic and cultural value. By providing a platform for designers to showcase their creativity and expertise, the competition encourages innovation and development in the kebaya fashion industry.

Moreover, the competition provides an opportunity for designers to collaborate and exchange ideas, which can lead to the emergence of new styles and trends. The exposure and recognition gained from participating in the competition can also help designers to establish themselves in the fashion industry.

The competition also plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the kebaya tradition. By showcasing the beauty and versatility of the kebaya, the competition encourages younger generations to appreciate and continue this unique cultural heritage. It helps to ensure that the kebaya continues to be valued and celebrated for generations to come.

Overall, the Kebaya Heritage Design Competition is an essential event in the fashion industry as it promotes creativity, innovation, collaboration, and cultural heritage.

Competition Guidelines


Theme
: The theme of the Kebaya Design Competition is to promote the recognition of the Kebaya as intangible cultural heritage. The competition is open to designers from the participating countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei.

Eligibility Criteria: The competition is open to all designers who are citizens or permanent residents of the participating countries. The designers must be at least 18 years old and have experience in fashion design. Only original designs are accepted, and plagiarism will result in disqualification.

Submission Requirements: The Kebaya designs must be submitted in digital format, with high-resolution images and a brief description of the design concept. The submission must also include the designer’s name, contact information, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency.

Evaluation Criteria: The Kebaya designs will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity and originality
2. Cultural significance and authenticity
3. Overall aesthetic appeal

Intellectual Property Rights: The designer retains all intellectual property rights to their Kebaya design. However, by submitting their design, the designer grants the organisers of the competition a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the design for promotional purposes related to the competition.

Disqualification: Designs will be disqualified if they do not meet the eligibility criteria, submission requirements, or evaluation criteria. Designs that are plagiarised or infringe on the intellectual property rights of others will also be disqualified.

Online Voting: The online voting period will be open to the public for a specified period of time, during which the public can view the Kebaya designs and vote for their favourite design. The online voting results will be used to determine the top designs that will be displayed at the exhibition.

Exhibition: The top 25 Kebaya designs will be displayed at the International Conference and Exhibition on World Cultures (ICWC) between the 7th and the 10th of September 2023. The designs will be presented in a manner that highlights their cultural significance, and information about the designers and their countries of origin will be provided.

Gala Dinner: The gala dinner will be held on the 9th of September 2023, during which the top three winners of the Kebaya Design Competition will be announced. The judges will select the winners based on the evaluation criteria.

Feedback and Evaluation: Feedback and evaluation will be gathered from the participating countries, judges, and attendees to evaluate the success of the competition and identify areas for improvement in future events.