OPPO Malaysia, UNESCO, and Taylor’s University Celebrate Kebaya’s Heritage with “Iridescent Mermaid” Fashion Show

TLDR:

• OPPO Malaysia, in partnership with the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) and Taylor’s University’s The Design School (TDS), held the “Reimagining Kebaya Fashion Show.”
• This event celebrated the Kebaya’s 2024 UNESCO inscription as a Multinational Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• 37 first-year TDS students designed Kebaya creations inspired by the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G’s Iridescent Mermaid Design.
• The showcase highlighted the blend of tradition and modern creativity, emphasizing cultural preservation through youth engagement.

Celebrating Kebaya: A Symbol of Shared Heritage

KUALA LUMPUR – The Kebaya, a profound symbol of shared identity and rich heritage across Southeast Asia, achieved a significant milestone in 2024. It was officially inscribed as a Multinational Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This historic recognition underscores its enduring legacy throughout the region.

In honor of this achievement, OPPO Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) and Taylor’s University’s The Design School (TDS), proudly presented the “Reimagining Kebaya Fashion Show.” This event took place at OPPO’s OOO Music Festival 2025.

The showcase seamlessly blended heritage with modernity, featuring original creations by 37 first-year TDS students. Each design radiated youthful energy and fresh creative perspectives, reflecting a deep appreciation and love for the Kebaya.

Iridescent Mermaid Inspiration

The student designers drew inspiration from the distinctive Iridescent Mermaid Design of the newly launched OPPO Reno14 Series 5G. This unique aesthetic breathed new life into four iconic Kebaya styles: Kebaya Pendek, Kebaya Nyonya, Kebaya Labuh, and Kebaya Kota Bharu. The Iridescent Mermaid Design is notable for its shimmering, color-shifting appearance, akin to a mermaid’s tail.

“The Iridescent Mermaid Design of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G sparked the imagination of these young designers,” said Monica Qin, Marketing Director of OPPO Malaysia. “Their work shows how tradition can be redefined with modern creativity while staying true to its roots — a reflection of OPPO’s design philosophy.”

The runway came alive with 22 models, joined by singer-songwriter Naki, in a visually stunning performance. It beautifully intertwined craftsmanship, innovation, identity, and storytelling. This “Reimagining Kebaya Fashion Show” serves as a powerful reminder that the future of Malaysia’s cultural identity is in capable and creative hands.

Nurturing Future Cultural Custodians

Fadzilah Fadzil, Secretary-General of MNCU, praised the initiative. “We are heartened to see the younger generation embracing and celebrating traditional culture in such creative ways,” she remarked. “The Kebaya is more than an attire; it is a living expression of our heritage. The Kebaya Fashion Show gives us hope that Malaysia’s cultural legacy will continue to thrive in the hands of our future generations, celebrating the diversities and embracing the similarities.”

This project also provided a meaningful platform for student designers to gain real-world experience in fashion innovation, storytelling, and design collaboration. It effectively bridged the gap between tradition and technology.

Associate Professor Dr. Luqman Lee, Head of TDS, expressed immense pride in his students. “Their Kebaya creations demonstrate technical skill and cultural depth,” he noted. “This collaboration gave our students more than just a platform — it offered them a deeper connection to cultural heritage — by honoring tradition while shaping the future of fashion. They embraced the challenge with remarkable maturity, blending technical skill and design sensitivity.”

Echoing this sentiment, Monica Qin of OPPO Malaysia highlighted the deeper message of the showcase. “This collaboration goes beyond aesthetics,” she affirmed. “It reflects OPPO’s commitment to celebrating culture while embracing innovation. By empowering the next generation to reimagine traditional icons like the Kebaya through a technological lens, we honor the past while embracing a more connected and creative present. It is a true embodiment of OPPO’s brand spirit — ‘Make your Moment’.”