THE PERANAKANDesigner Ada Goh voices her passion for the sarong kebaya.
Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024, the kebaya is an outfit with myriad origins. It continues to inspire designers, including Ada Goh, who was the design sponsor for Nya, Jangan Marah, a production by Babas Alvin Tan and Richard Tan.
A Passion for Fashion
The Peranakan (TP): Could you tell us more about yourself?
Ada Goh (AG): I grew up surrounded by fashion: pattern books, fabrics, and sewing materials. My mother is a tailor, and I developed a love for fabrics and style.
TP: Do you consider yourself Peranakan?
AG: No, I am not. I just love handmade things! The sarong kebaya has many handmade elements, from the embroidery to the batik.
TP: How did you start and become involved in peranakan themed events?
AG: My fellow designer, Kenny, is Peranakan. He has many Peranakan friends on facebook. One day, we were approached to do a Peranakan fashion show for charity, and that’s how we started.
Design Ethos
TP: How did you become interested in the sarong kebaya, and venture on to become a designer?
AG: My mum is a tailor, so I was surrounded by nyonyas who came to have their kebaya and sarong skirts made when I was young. I was fascinated with the embroidery and the batik motifs. My curiosity led me to experiment with fabric and patterns and from there, design became my passion. Along with dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
TP: What are your sources of inspiration?
AG: Batik is not just a piece of fabric: every motif tells a story – the phoenix, peony, peacock etc. My design inspirations come from batik and embroidery motifs, from the colourful tiles of Peranakan shophouses, from nyonyaware, and through browsing magazines.
TP: How did you pick up the art of designing – did you learn from any teachers?
AG: Not really, my knowledge comes mostly from my mother, as I have been helping her to sew buttons, and hem dresses since young. Most of my journey has been self-taught, through experimenting and observation. Every piece I create brings something new and drives me onwards.
TP: Are there any principles of design that you advocate?
AG: I love handmade elements and cultural references. I believe in preserving heritage while embracing innovation; that a design should respect tradition and also speak to the present and future generations.
Insights & Values
TP: What is your opinion of Singapore’s cultural / heritage / ethnic design scene?
AG: The scene has blossomed in recent years. More local designers are reinterpreting our multi-cultural heritage with a modern lens, and audiences show pride in supporting local creations. It is exciting to see cultural fashion gaining the appreciation it deserves.Â
TP: What do you aim to bring your customers?
AG: Confidence, pride, uniqueness, and engagement through collaboration. Collaborations are a beautiful way to create something special for each client. I want my customers to feel that they are not just wearing clothes, but a piece of culture with a story.
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Ada’s designs can be found online and through selected showcases. She can be contacted via email: martinig309@yahoo.com.sg
