The iconic singer and actress, Saloma reigned supreme in the Malaysian-Singaporean entertainment scene during the 50s till the 70s. Though her movies, albums and marriage to celebrated entertainer P. Ramlee shot her to fame, her daring sense of style was also the talk of the town during that time.
She was widely known as a fashion icon. She pushed the boundaries when it comes to clothes, often dressed in reinventions of traditional Malay garments with a western twist. The National Museum is exhibiting 65 of Saloma’s garments worn throughout her career in movies, performances and appearances in the first of its kind Retro Fashion Icon: Saloma exhibition.
Her movie roles saw her wearing figure hugging kebaya tops with some designed in a sheer fabric and worn with an inner. Her kebaya skirts were famous for the ‘fan back design’ that allowed for easy movement without sacrificing the slim fit. Beads and sequins adorned her dresses especially the ones worn on stage that feature a daring low back and cinched waist.
Catch and read all about Saloma’s illustrious career in Malaysia and the clothes she wore during that time which made her a trendsetter during Malaysia’s golden era of cinema. Her charm and sense of style even caught the attention of actor Marlon Brando, who dubbed her ‘the Marilyn Monroe of the East’ when they met.
Retro Fashion Icon: Saloma Exhibition
National Museum, Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur
Now till 31 October 2017 | Visiting Hours are from 9am till 6pm
