Fashion, But Make It ….Fashion

This year’s Cultural dress day was a huge success.

A BGIC tradition is to have a day of cultural fashion celebration – this occurred during Day Two of the conference as students were encouraged to dress in the national dress of their respective delegate nations. As BGIC is an event to model how global leaders should work together to create a better future for the world, and all future generations, it is also important to celebrate one’s culture through language, traditions and of course clothing!

Here in Brunei, the national dress of Baju Cara Melayu and Baju Kurung is something worn frequently in government offices as well as during school events. So, it’s only appropriate to bring culture to our 19th year of the Borneo Global Issues Conference and honour traditional dress from around the world!

Here are snapshots capturing some of the day’s outfits:

Kyra Khalid from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan is wearing a ‘Chiton’ which is a garment worn by ancient Greek women. The graceful white fabric flows effortlessly on Kyra, and definitely reminds us of Greek mythology and culture – Athena, Roman goddess associated with wisdom and warfare comes to mind! Afterall, you must be wise and ready for conflict during debates at the conference!

Below: An ancient pottery piece depicting two women in Greek Chiton.

Chiton (garment). (2023, March 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton_(garment)

Shanice Teo from Chung Hwa Middle School ( Delegate ), as shown above, wears the traditional women’s Hanbok which hails from Korean Culture. Notice how the beautiful fabric has been embroidered with delicate floral patterns at the bottom and the ‘goreum’ is in a complementary dark, navy hue.

*Goreum refers to strings of cloth that fasten clothes.

Nowadays, this attire is only used on special occasions or anniversaries. However, in recent years K-POP stars have been wearing hanbok during their performances as an honorable node to their Korean heritage. Note: hanbok can be worn by both men and women with slight differences in structure, typical colouring and patterns.

See below, K-POP stars in the boy band CIX:

“Hanbok-Cix.” Kpopmap.com, 19 Apr. 2021, https://image.kpopmap.com/2020/01/hanbok-cix.jpg. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.

What is Hanbok?

“The hanbok features straight and curved lines, which are representative of a uniquely Korean aesthetic and design. The graceful, harmonious movement that the hanbok allows, its deep hues and patterns, and its resemblance to nature come from over 2,000 years of the hanbok being worn by the Korean people.” (Thekoreaninme.com)

Zaem Zahieruddin from Sekolah Menengah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in traditional Bruneian dress.

What is Baju Cara Melayu?

Zaem is wearing Baju Cara Melayu, a traditional Malay attire worn by men, for formal occasions and important events in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. It’s always lovely to see Brunei’s culture during BGIC – in fact, the conference would feel amiss without this inclusion of cultural wear.

The Baju Cara Melayu consists of three main components: a long-sleeved shirt (Baju), trousers (Seluar) and a cloth belt (Sinjang). Furthermore, the Baju Cara Melayu is an important part of the Malay cultural identity and is worn for formal events such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and official functions. It is also worn on national holidays and important cultural events.

Today, the Baju Cara Melayu has undergone several changes in design, with modern versions incorporating new fabrics, colors, and patterns, while still retaining its traditional elements. If you live in Brunei, you are sure to see the Baju Cara Melayu during many events where the Roya family attend. It’s great that this has stayed in formal fashion and hopefully, always will!

Mahmoud, Rokiah. “His Majesty Attends Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration» Borneo Bulletin Online.” His Majesty Attends Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration, 30 Apr. 2021, borneobulletin.com.bn/majesty-attends-nuzul-al-quran-celebration-2/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.

These two students, Nathan Wu and fellow student delegate celebrated the cultural dress of China. Notice the striking shades of red of the changpao – a great look that turned many heads during day three of BGIC.

What is Changpao?

The traditional Chinese male attire consists of a long robe known as a changpao or changshan, paired with loose-fitting pants. The changpao is typically made from silk or other luxurious fabrics and features a mandarin collar and button down front. The sleeves are long and wide, and the length of the robe can vary depending on the occasion. The loose-fitting pants, known as the zhaji, are typically made from silk or cotton and are gathered at the ankles. The outfit is often completed with a silk sash tied around the waist. This attire has been worn by Chinese men for centuries and continues to be worn today for formal events and special occasions. Its timeless elegance and simplicity have made it a popular choice for men around the world who appreciate traditional fashion.

This is Kris Wu a Candian rapper who also loves to show off his heritage by wearing the traditional changpao! (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKhKk61akAImKWz.jpg)

(This student delegate) celebrated cultural day by using the traditional dress of India, which is the saree, where we can clearly see the high quality of fabric used and the extravagant patterns and designs being displayed. A lovely and elegant shade of silver makes this outfit standout amoungst the crowd!

What is a Saree?

The saree (also Sari or Shari) is the most representative traditional clothing of the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a drape that can be from 4.5 meters to 8 meters long, and about 1 meter wide.

It is usually wrapped around the waist, with one end covering one shoulder and baring the midriff.

This is Indian actor Janhvi Kapoor photographed wearing a Saree.

Clarence, Daphne. “Janhvi Kapoor in Silk Saree and Gajra in Her Hair Will Remind You of Sridevi. Pics.” India Today, 3 Nov. 2022, www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/fashion/story/janhvi-kapoor-in-silk-saree-and-gajra-in-her-hair-will-remind-you-of-sridevi-pics-2292799-2022-11-03. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.