Fashion

9 Homegrown labels to shop from if you’re looking for traditional batik with a modern twist

25.08.2020

By Joan Kong

9 Homegrown labels to shop from if you’re looking for traditional batik with a modern twist

Batik needs no introduction, but for those of you who are not familiar, it refers to the wax-resist dyeing technique that was brought into Malaysia by Indonesian (or then, Javanese) immigrants. Nowadays, the traditional textile art can still be found in states such as Kelantan, Terrengganu, and Pahang, but there’s been an emergence of homegrown labels that are all about giving it a modern update, and they should definitely be on your radar.

This Merdeka, get your batik on by knowing—and shopping from—the list of contemporary brands below:

The Batik Boutique

 

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Founded in 2009 by Amy Blair, The Batik Boutique is a social enterprise that aims to transform and empower women from marginalised communities. Hiring village artisans to provide them with work and a sustainable income, together, the brand is now one of the most known brands locally, and their products span across face masks, bags and pouches, apparels, homeware and more.

Shop The Batik Boutique on its website or at its boutique at 3, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Frankitas

 

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Unlike the rest on our list, accessories brand Frankitas champions an array of traditional textiles, from ikat (from Uzbekistan and Indonesia) to songket and batik (sourced locally) and more from India and Africa. Aside from preserving the heritage of the weavers in Asia, its founder, Franki Turner, also stresses on the importance of an ethical and fair-trade process.

Shop Frankitas on its website or at its boutique at 21, Jalan Setiabistari, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Fern

 

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Although Fern still uses the wax-resist dyeing technique, the brand—and its tagline “The New Batik”—is all about pushing the boundaries, be it in the tools that they make the pieces with (from canting to brushes and sponges) or its patterns. A scroll through its site and you’ll find an array of feminine and polished pieces in nature-inspired prints that are rendered in silhouettes that radiate a sense of ease.

Shop Fern on its website, at its flagship at UGF-17A, Upper Ground Floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, or at Tanjung Jara Resort.

Related: Watch our Inside The Atelier episode with Fern’s founder, Fern Chua here.

Kanoe

 

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