Peranakan Fashion
Yes, I’m writing a fashion post. I was so inspired by what I encountered at the Peranakan Mansion in Penang, that I felt my discoveries need their own post. If you read my previous post and checked out the photos, you immediately saw that the Peranakan culture is associated with a unique style. The architecture, colors and patterns, and choice of materials all showcase this blended heritage found in Malaysia and Singapore.
The Mansion has an extensive exhibit of beading, jewelry, and antiques just off the main manor house. The photo at the top of this post is one such example. It is a Chinese bridal crown to be worn by the bride on her wedding day.
This is the transition courtyard between the mansion and the jewelry exhibit.
Tiny colored beads like these were looped onto thread for sewing.
There were hundreds of shoes like this pair on display.
A detailed close-up of the magnificent beadwork sewn onto shoes, purses, and table coverings
Traditional Chinese foot binding began in infancy. The ideal adult foot would fit into the palm of your hand. As feet continued to grow, bones were removed to ensure the foot would fit into the shoe. Many children died during this process from infection.
This beautiful headpiece is not what it seems. The unique blue color does not come from a mineral. Take a closer look in the next photo.
You’re looking at hundreds of feathers from the Kingfisher bird,. Just one feather at a time was collected from wild birds who were then released.
I’ve put together a series of photos taken inside the mansion of beautifully crafted period clothing. These outfits are referred to collectively as a kabaya. The skirt (sarong) is a wrap and the tops are usually sheer as a camisole would be worn underneath. They are heavily embroidered and tops are commonly silk. This style is also associated with Indonesia (Bali) and the distinctive look of flight attendants for Singapore Airlines.
