Dutch designer sparks social media backlash over comments on baju kurung

IN a feature article posted on the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Dutch fashion designer Lisette Scheer - who resides in Kuala Lumpur - made a number of comments that caught the ire of Malaysians.

She is the founder of Nala Designs, a Bangsar-based boutique that sells clothing and women’s goods that are “... inspired by an element of South East Asian culture…”

Unfortunately, for many her comments in the SCMP articles smack of “cultural appropriation” and “expat privilege.” 

In the article, she is quoted as pining for a seemingly lost Malaysia of the 1970’s, before present day commercialisation and Malaysians apparently losing touch with their culture. 

Lisette says she wants "to educate people to start respecting what they have" and that her "dream is to see the baju kurung return".

She wants to "see Malays dressing beautifully again", and "people here to feel proud of their heritage", for which, she's "on a crusade to make sure that doesn't disappear".

Ignoring the fact that her perspective is coloured by elite posturing as symbolised by attending games at polo grounds and living in well-off areas, it is also out of touch with reality.

On any given day in this country, at just about any time and place, women can be seen wearing baju kurung, and it can be easily assumed that most come at a fraction of the cost of the clothes available at her store.

A sampling of some of the responses on social media:

Lisette has since issued a statement in response to the outrage on her Instagram:

However, this is unlikely to temper the outrage of her initial comments. - The Vibes, January 17, 2021