Task 1
Week 1
The start of semester 2 we begin our first project: Kebaya Reimagined x OPPO. We were briefed on reinterpreting the traditional kebaya through a modern, inspired by OPPO’s aesthetics. For my subject matter, I chose fish scales. I’m inspired by their layered textures, natural shine that I aim to translate into my kebaya design. This week, I started researching both kebaya styles and fish scale patterns, and I did research on kebaya history, styles, and techniques, and explored how fish scale patterns could be used in design. I also finished my mood board, which helped me lock in the overall tone, colour palette, and texture direction for the project. Lastly, I started on my 10 initial design sketches to explore different ways of combining traditional elements with my concept.
Week 2
This week didn’t go as I hoped. After showing my initial designs, Mr JR said they weren’t interesting enough and asked me to redo my sketches. He also told me to change my subject matter from fish scales to pangolin scales, as they offer more design potential and a stronger visual impact. On top of that, we were reminded that this project is a collaboration with both OPPO and CHAGEE, so I need to start thinking about how to include CHAGEE inspired elements in my design too maybe through colour, texture, or detail.
We also had a briefing from OPPO, which gave more insight into their brand values and how we should align our designs with their futuristic and elegant aesthetic. Now, I’m back to sketching from scratch this time focusing on pangolin-inspired textures with ideas on how to subtly blend in CHAGEE
Task 2
Week 3
This week, I went out to buy fabric for sampling. After redoing my sketches last week, Mr JR picked one design for me to focus on. He told me to start testing it out and see how I can develop it further through sampling and adding new elements. I’m starting to explore on the fish scale manipulation idea can be shown through texture and fabric layering.
Week 4
I created the first fabric sample for my design this week and Mr JR said it looked very nice, which was a relief after all the reworking. He asked me to try it in three different colours to explore the full effect and see which one works best for the final manipulation.
Final Project
Week 5
This week, I finally started working on my kebaya pattern using the sizing and method that Ms. Melina taught us. It was challenging at first, but having a proper foundation really helped me figure out the structure and shape I want for my design. After I finished my pattern, Ms. Melina helped me to refine it properly, which made a big difference in the fit and accuracy. Her guidance gave me more confidence moving forward.
Just as things were starting to flow, Mr. JR informed us that we have to change our fabrics to match OPPO’s colour palette, and CHAGEE is no longer part of the collaboration. That caught me off guard because I had already bought my materials based on the previous direction… so now I’ll need to rebuy fabrics that align with OPPO’s colors.
It’s a bit frustrating, but I understand that OPPO is the main collaborator, so it makes sense that our designs should reflect their style and colours. So I went out and bought new fabrics within the same week. It was a bit stressful, but I’m glad I managed to find options that suit the direction. Even though there were changes, I’m happy the pattern is done, and things are slowly moving forward again.
Week 6
This week, I worked on the test fit of my kebaya design. After finishing the pattern, I sewed a sample to check the fit and silhouette on the body. A big thank you to my classmate who helped me try it on! Seeing it worn really helped me spot areas that need adjustment, especially the skirt can is a little too tight so I need to refine the slit skirt pattern . Next, I’ll refine the fit and prepare for working with the actual fabric.
Week 7
This week, I finally started cutting the actual fabric, beginning with the skirt first, then moving on to the kebaya top and the manipulation base. At first, everything seemed fine but after testing the kebaya base with the fabric manipulation, I realised the base fabric was too light and couldn’t support the details well. So I had to recut the kebaya twice and ended up sewing it double-layered to give it more structure and stability. It was frustrating to redo it, but I learned a lot about fabric weight and how it affects construction. At least now, the base feels much more solid and works better with the manipulation. Slow progress, but steady!
This week was our garment viewing session with kebaya expert Pn. Zahalina from Bahary Asyek. We were supposed to have 80–90% of the garment completed, but honestly I wasn’t there yet. Not even the skirt was fully done, so I ended up pinning everything together just to have something presentable for the viewing. During the feedback, one of the experts suggested making it sleeveless and adding a longer collar. When she said that, my heart dropped because it basically meant I’d have to recut everything I had already done.
Thankfully, Ms. Melina stepped in and explained that instead of redoing it all, we could attach the pieces while still keeping the design intact. But the expert kept insisting it would look better if it was cut as one continuous piece. After a bit of back and forth, she finally agreed that we could attach it using interfacing. It was a stressful moment, but I’m grateful Ms. Melina had my back and helped me find a middle ground. On top of that, Ms. Maria gave me reminder that my burning fabric manipulation needs to be cleaner. That means I now have to reburn most of my manipulation pieces to make sure the finish is neater and more refined. It was a stressful week full of tough feedback, but I know these adjustments will help improve the final piece. Just have to keep going.
Week 9
This week was pure chaos. I finally managed to attach everything together, including the long collar, which felt like a small win. But I still hadn’t finished reburning my fabric manipulations, and prejudging was on Thursday the pressure was real.
The night before prejudging, I was completely panicking. The kebaya wasn’t finished. I hadn’t slept properly for a week. I ended up just sew-tacking the first layer of manipulation because there wasn’t enough time to fully secure everything. It felt like I was barely holding it together.
On the morning of prejudging, I nearly missed it because I didn’t check the time. Thank God for my friend and Mr. JR, who called and reminded me and I rushed to the studio with my half done kebaya in hand. At that point, I wasn’t even hoping for compliments. I just told myself, “Please, I just want to pass. I don’t want to fail.” It was one of the hardest weeks so far mentally and physically draining. And sometimes, that’s all you can do.
Week 10
This week was the final push before the fashion show, and everything that could go wrong… did. I found out that I had sewn my skirt lining on the wrong side, so I had to unpick everything and redo it from scratch. That alone was already draining. On top of that, I spent the entire week burning my fabric manipulation non-stop, day and night.
To make things worse, my sewing machine started acting up. I ended up going back to JB just to use my old machine at home. At that point, I was completely on edge physically and mentally exhausted, on the verge of breaking down.
My mom and friends saw how bad I was struggling, and without even asking, they offered to help. Together, we sat and burned the fabric manipulations one by one. I genuinely don’t know what I would have done without them. I’m so grateful for their support. If it weren’t for them, I honestly wouldn’t have been able to finish everything in time. It was one of the hardest weeks but also a reminder that I’m not alone.
Week 11
It’s finally fashion show week the moment everything has been building up to. I spent the last few days doing final touch ups, sewing on the hook and eye, and carefully attaching hot fix diamonds onto my manipulation layers.
On fitting day, I ran into traffic and was late, which stressed me out even more. Luckily, I made it just in time—and to my relief, the kebaya fit the model perfectly. That moment felt like a weight lifted off my chest.
When the fashion show began, everything felt like a mental and physical rollercoaster, but the second I saw my design on stage, something shifted. Even though it was just less than a minute, I felt overwhelmed, emotional, and proud. After everything the late nights, breakdowns, and redoing parts again and again it finally felt like it was all worth it.
This was more than just a project. It was a test of patience, resilience, and passion. And I made it.
Week 12
I worked on my Task 1 slides for the final presentation and also rushed to complete other assignments from Mr. JR’s modules, especially fashion illustration. It was a lot to juggle, but I just kept pushing through.
I also started preparing my final kebaya illustration using AI, and began working on my watercolor mixed media version for the last fashion illustration assignment. This week, I officially started painting mixing techniques and testing what works best to bring out the details of my design.
It’s been a non stop run, but the finish line is in sight.
This week, I finished my watercolor mixed media kebaya illustration. While painting, I accidentally made the tone darker than I intended, which stressed me out for a moment.
Luckily, Mr. JR said it’s okay and suggested that I touch it up with a bit of darker color to balance everything out. That gave me some relief, and I adjusted it as best I could.
Now that the artwork is done, everything’s finally coming together. Just a few more steps to the end!
This week marked our final presentation for the kebaya project. I would like to sincerely thank Samantha for being my model her support meant a lot. During the review, Mr. JR pointed out that I lacked confidence throughout the project, not just in presenting, but in my overall process and decision-making. Both Mr. JR and Ms. Melina also gave me feedback on my time management they noticed I tend to panic under pressure, which affects how I pace my work. It’s something I definitely need to work on moving forward.
Despite all that, I was proud to hear that my mood board and fabric manipulation were strong points in the presentation. They both turned out beautifully, and it reassured me that my creative direction was on track. Now I just need to focus on building better time management and trusting myself more in the process.
Looking back on my journey from Week 1 to Week 14, this semester has been
one of the most intense, transformative, and emotional learning experiences
I’ve ever had. What started as a concept proposal evolved into a full fashion
project that tested my creativity, technical skills, time management, and
emotional resilience.
At the beginning, I was excited but unsure of
what to expect. I was inspired by the theme I chose and the story I wanted to
tell through my kebaya. However, turning that vision into reality wasn’t as
simple as I thought. From drafting patterns and planning fabric manipulations
to navigating last-minute changes in direction, this project pushed me hard.
One of the most difficult moments was when we were suddenly told to switch our
fabrics to align with OPPO’s color palette after I had already bought my materials.
It was stressful, but it taught me the importance of being flexible in the
design process.
Ms. Melina’s guidance throughout the project
was truly valuable. Her support in refining my pattern and construction helped
me move forward when I felt stuck, especially during the technical parts like
shaping the kelepet or fixing my skirt attachment. I also appreciate Mr. JR’s
constant reminders to believe in myself. His honest critique about my
confidence and time management hit hard, but it was something I truly needed to
hear.
There were definitely emotional ups and downs panic,
stress, last-minute sewing, and unexpected results from burning techniques but
also moments of pride, especially when my fabric manipulation started coming
together. Seeing my ideas visualized through the kebaya illustration and the
final garment felt incredibly rewarding.
This project wasn’t just about learning how to
construct a kebaya it was about learning how to stay grounded under pressure,
adapt when plans fall apart, and keep going even when things don’t feel
perfect. I’m proud of the growth I’ve made, both as a fashion student and as a
person.
I would like to sincerely thank Ms. Melina and
Mr. JR for all the guidance, patience, and truth they’ve given me. I know I
still have a long way to go, but after this project I will have more stronger
skills, clearer vision, and a deeper understanding of who I am.