Heritage Fashion Week 2026 returns with a fresh concept this year, presenting the Festival “Showcase” Kebaya Selangor and Kelingkan, a celebration dedicated to preserving and promoting Malaysia’s rich textile and fashion heritage through contemporary expression.
Four years ago, ASFARENA launched Heritage Fashion Week with a simple but powerful belief: heritage should not remain hidden in the folds of history—it should be celebrated, showcased, and brought to life for new generations.
Since then, the platform has steadily grown into an important initiative championing regional fashion while safeguarding the traditional identity that forms the foundation of Malaysia’s cultural heritage. In a rapidly evolving fashion landscape, ASFARENA has chosen not to leave the past behind, but to carry it forward as an essential part of the future.
Through Heritage Fashion Week and its collaboration with Karyaneka, under the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), traditional craftsmanship has been given a renewed voice. Classic silhouettes, heritage textiles, intricate handcraftsmanship, and cultural values have been reinterpreted with respect while remaining relevant to modern audiences.
Over the past four years, the event has become a symbol of dedication to fashion that is not only visually beautiful, but also deeply rooted in history, identity, craftsmanship, and the stories behind Malaysia’s traditional handmade arts.
Heritage Fashion Week represents more than a fashion event—it is part of a long-term effort to build a cultural legacy. Through close collaboration with leading agencies dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship, these valuable art forms continue to be elevated both locally and internationally, while encouraging greater public appreciation and participation in the production process and the use of heritage products.
Speaking on this year’s theme, the organisers said the Festival “Showcase” Kebaya Selangor and Kelingkan features a special collection developed in collaboration with Karyaneka, which serves as the strategic partner in design development, product innovation, and marketing.
“The collection reflects our shared commitment to ensuring Malaysia’s textile heritage remains relevant both nationally and internationally. We hope this initiative will continue every year as part of our mission to cultivate greater appreciation for traditional attire and cultural heritage.”
About Kebaya Selangor
Kebaya Selangor is the traditional attire of Malay women in Selangor, originating from the state’s royal courts and early Malay communities.
Distinguished by its elegant and modest appearance, Kebaya Selangor features a longer, looser silhouette compared to modern kebaya designs. Depending on regional traditions, it may incorporate either a Teluk Belanga-style collar or a rounded neckline.
The garment is often embellished with intricate embroidery, tekad emas (gold-thread embroidery), or decorative openwork embroidery (kerawang), and is traditionally paired with Selangor batik, telepok fabric, or songket.
Its distinctive identity reflects influences from Bugis, Javanese, and Selangor Malay cultures. Historically worn during royal ceremonies, traditional customs, and official occasions, Kebaya Selangor is now being revitalised through contemporary fashion while preserving its cultural significance.
About Kelingkan
Kelingkan is one of the finest examples of traditional Malay textile artistry and represents a highly refined decorative embroidery technique with significant cultural value.
The craft involves the meticulous hand embroidery of metallic threads—typically gold or silver—onto luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, or songket. Kelingkan embroidery is traditionally used to decorate shawls, headscarves, baju kurung, tanjak, and long kebaya garments.
The shimmering metallic threads reflect light beautifully, creating an elegant and luxurious appearance that has long been associated with ceremonial and formal attire.
Unlike Sarawak’s Keringkam, Kelingkan is characterised by flat metallic thread embroidery carefully stitched into floral or decorative motifs, showcasing exceptional precision and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Heritage Fashion Week 2026 aims to inspire greater appreciation for Malaysia’s traditional fashion heritage while ensuring that timeless craftsmanship continues to thrive through innovation, education, and collaboration for future generations.
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