Sabah celebrates traditional attire with a modern twist

KOTA KINABALU: Every motif, stitch and embroidered detail on display at Sodop Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Sabah 2026 tells a story. Sodop, which means “night” in Kadazandusun, has become much more than a prelude to Unduk Ngadau, the annual traditional beauty pageant. The event has evolved into a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary indigenous fashion, shining a spotlight on the designers, artisans and cultural custodians behind the garments.

Sabah celebrates traditional attire with a modern twist. KOTA KINABALU: Every motif, stitch and embroidered detail on display at Sodop Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Sabah 2026 tells a story. Sodop, which means “night” in Kadazandusun, has become much more than a prelude to Unduk Ngadau, the annual traditional beauty pageant. The event has evolved into a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary indigenous fashion, shining a spotlight on the designers, artisans and cultural custodians behind the garments. While contestants took centre stage at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA hall in Penampang on Thursday, the evening also paid tribute to the creative minds whose work transformed traditional attire into contemporary wearable art. Gone are the days when traditional attire was seen only during festivals and cultural performances. At Sodop, h...