Malaysia Airlines proudly presents a showcase of its iconic ‘Sarong Kebaya’ uniforms, highlighting their evolution since the debut in 1963, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of its signature Kuala Lumpur-London route.
In 1963, Malaysia Airlines began a new journey with its cabin crew uniforms, beginning with a chilli red Sarong Kebaya featuring a traditional kutu baru bodice and nine pleats. Over the decades, these uniforms have reflected the airline’s growth and Malaysia’s rich heritage. The 1967 design introduced a striking earth-toned pattern, while the 1972 update incorporated batik motifs to mark a new era for the airline. By 1976, the uniform showcased green, blue, and yellow hues, celebrating Malaysia’s natural beauty. In 1986, the redesign combined traditional batik with Sarawakian kelarai defined as checkered weave patterns, a craftwork passed down through generations in Malay culture and Southeast Asia. In 1992, Italian fashion house Gherardini added local floral patterns to the design.
Today, the current kebaya is recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful cabin crew uniforms. Updating the Gherardini reiteration from 1992 with deeper hues of pink and purple, this kebaya melds bamboo and kelarai motifs with local flowers – champak, jasmine and hibiscus. This infusion of traditional Malaysian flora and fauna with the art of batik creates a rich tableau that captures the essence of Malaysia. The uniform’s intricate floral designs, paired with batik elements, reflect Malaysia’s vibrant cultural tapestry while offering modern functionality. The deep colours, together with the delicate batik motifs, symbolise a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, allowing the cabin crew to embody the spirit of Malaysian Hospitality, art, and heritage with every flight.