Sheila Dara: Kebaya Holds Deep Family Memories and Enhances Confidence

For actress Sheila Dara, the kebaya transcends its status as traditional Indonesian attire, becoming a deeply personal symbol woven into the fabric of her family's life and important celebrations. It's the go-to garment that immediately comes to mind for significant family events like engagements, pre-wedding ceremonies, and weddings.

“

For me, kebaya is like something that definitely appears in my family's important moments. I think we all feel that way, right? When there's an engagement, a siraman, a wedding, we immediately think, 'What should I wear?' and kebaya is top of mind.

"For me, kebaya is like something that definitely appears in my family's important moments," Dara shared. "I think we all feel that way, right? When there's an engagement, a siraman, a wedding, we immediately think, 'What should I wear?' and kebaya is top of mind."

Beyond personal significance, the kebaya fosters a sense of connection within her family. Dara revealed a cherished tradition of borrowing and exchanging kebayas among family members. Her own collection is often worn by her mother or cousins for their special occasions. This sharing practice imbues each garment with a continuing story, passed down through generations, making every event feel warmer.

“

It's just that, coincidentally, in my family, and I'm sure in other families too, there are moments like borrowing a kebaya with my mom, or sometimes one of my kebayas unexpectedly becomes my cousin's kebaya for her special moment.

"It's just that, coincidentally, in my family, and I'm sure in other families too, there are moments like borrowing a kebaya with my mom, or sometimes one of my kebayas unexpectedly becomes my cousin's kebaya for her special moment," she explained. This act of sharing, for Dara, amplifies the joy of already special occasions.

“

For me, it's like the moment is already special, but it becomes even warmer because of the sharing.

Wearing a kebaya also instills a sense of confidence in Dara. While she hasn't counted her collection, she consistently feels beautiful when adorned in the traditional garment. One particularly memorable piece is an orange kebaya worn during her engagement, a color that still evokes the happiness of that significant life event.

“

Honestly, I've never counted. But I always feel beautiful when I wear a kebaya.