Remember - I talked about Azah Aziz's beautiful coffee table book about Malay costume, Rupa dan Gaya, a couple of months ago! I lamented at the time that it didn't seem to be being promoted.Well, - yesterday there was a two-page spread about it by Neil Khor Jin Keong in Star Two perfectly timed to coincide with Hari Raya and the season of dressing up. (I felt as if I were at a fashion show yesterday - especially with my gorgeous nieces parading the latest in kebayas and kurongs at eldest sister's open house!)
Writes Khor:
This book is a very important one on Malay heritage and well worth seeking out: I hope it hits the bookshops soon.... by combining lavish illustrations with selected pantun as well as extracts from legendary stories and court chronicles, Kak Azah has succeeded in creating not only an invaluable book on Malay costumes but also one that provides a deep insight into the Malay worldview.
(Right - the author. Above, costume of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, the warrior queen of Kelantan.)
