THE BAJU KURUNG
This is because even though some women prefer modern western attires, the Baju Kurung is still an elegant and sweet dress for women in Malaysia.

And worn with matching shoes and handbag, well the lady will look... should I say... demure... charming and... with a well mannered poise -- ahh, a real lady.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BAJU KURUNG
The Baju Kurung for women, like the Baju Melayu for the men, is said to originate from the Malaysian state of Johore about 200 years ago and is said to be styled and fashioned by the late HRH Sultan Abu Bakar of Johore in 1866.

It was said that HRH fashioned and popularized the attire to reminisce and leave a legacy following the change of the Johore state capital from Teluk Belanga to Johor Bahru (new name for Bandar Tanjung Puteri).

This Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga for both men and women was popular during the Sultan’s reign as he regularly wore this style, and made it the official attire of the Johore Malays.

EMBROIDERIES TO ADD FURTHER ELEGANCE
Nowadays, even though the cut of the Baju Kurung is still the same, to add further elegance, color and charm to the dress, embroidery is sewn and added to the dress.

Various concept normally of colorful flowers, are embroidered at the bottom and both sides of the buttoned front area of the dress.

Sequins and beads are sometimes added to create radiance, glows and glitters to the dress. This is especially so for the dresses of popular singers, music artists and other performers during shows and public performances. A varieties of Baju Kurung is available at Rasa Gallery.