Kebaya Oslo emblem: a woman in a Peranakan kebaya beside the Oslo Opera House, framed by orchids

Every kebaya tells a story.
Every story brings us together.

Celebrating the beauty of the kebaya

A kebaya is an elegant traditional blouse-dress worn across Southeast Asia, celebrated for its delicate embroidery, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Kebaya Oslo Evening 17 Oct 2026

Welcome

Welcome to Kebaya Oslo.

Kebaya Oslo is an independent, non-profit cultural initiative based in Oslo, Norway, created from a personal admiration for the beauty and elegance of the kebaya.

For me, the kebaya is much more than a traditional garment. It is a beautiful expression of artistry, craftsmanship and timeless elegance that has been admired across generations.

Living in Norway inspired me to create a welcoming community where people who share an appreciation for the beauty of the kebaya can come together, make new friendships and create lasting memories.

Kebaya Oslo is simply a place where people can come together to admire the beauty of the kebaya, enjoy meaningful conversations and create lasting friendships. Lily Urholt · Founder

Whether you wear a kebaya regularly, are discovering it for the first time, or simply appreciate its elegance, you are warmly welcome.

I hope Kebaya Oslo becomes a place where friendships grow, cultures are appreciated and everyone feels welcome.

A warm welcome

Beautiful traditions have a wonderful way of bringing people together.

Kebaya Oslo was created with one simple hope—to bring together people who admire the beauty of the kebaya in a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment.

We believe that beautiful traditions have a wonderful way of bringing people together.

Through friendship, conversation and shared experiences, we hope every gathering becomes an opportunity to create meaningful memories while appreciating one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful traditional garments.

Everyone is welcome

What you’ll find at Kebaya Oslo

As our community grows, we hope to share:

  • Beautiful photographs of kebayas from different traditional styles
  • Stories, articles and information shared with permission where appropriate, while recognising and respecting the work of cultural organisations and trusted sources
  • Inspiration through galleries, exhibitions and cultural experiences
  • Friendly gatherings and future community events
  • Opportunities to meet new people, make friends and create lasting memories

Above all, we hope to create a welcoming community where people can simply enjoy and share an appreciation for the beauty of the kebaya.

We hope to bring people together through friendship while sharing an appreciation for one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful traditional garments.

Founder

Lily Urholt, founder of Kebaya Oslo, seated in a cream kebaya embroidered with pink and green florals and fastened with a gold kerongsang, beside Peranakan porcelain and peonies
Lily Urholt · Oslo

Lily Urholt

Founder, Kebaya Oslo

Kebaya Oslo was founded by Lily Urholt, whose lifelong admiration for the Peranakan kebaya inspired her to create a welcoming cultural initiative in Norway.

Through Kebaya Oslo, she hopes to share the beauty and heritage of the kebaya while encouraging cultural appreciation, friendship and meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds.

Read why she created Kebaya Oslo