‘Kasut manek’ (beaded slippers) were worn by Peranakan women in Penang, Malacca, Singapore, Indonesia, and southern Thailand and Myanmar. It is generally believed that kasut manek developed in the 1920s to replace an embroidered version. Kasut manek were purchased or sewn by the bride’s family for use during the wedding. Decorative slipper faces were sewn with beads before being sent to Chinese shoemakers to be made into slippers. Although the practice of sewing kasut manek is not as widespread in the Peranakan community as before, it is still being practised and is undergoing a revival amongst Singaporeans today.
