MALACCA: Kraftangan Malaysia’s batik and tenun promotion at Dataran Pahlawan Megamall here recently proved that the traditional fabric is something that anybody can wear and appreciate.
The five-day event drew thousands who came to admire and purchase the stylish pareo, shirts and blouses, and elegant caftans, made of silk, chiffon and cotton.
The printed and weaved fabrics on display represented the work of 22 entrepreneurs from all over Malaysia.
Eleven of the 22 were Malaccan talents with the rest coming from Terengganu, Pahang, Kelantan and Perak.
Besides the apparel, the event also saw exhibitors promoting a variety of local handicraft including fashion accessories such as brooches, chains, hairpins and traditional kerongsang made of silver and pewter.
Several artists held a demonstration on batik drawing using the traditional canting, a hand-held tool with a small brass scoop and a tiny spout to allow melted wax to run onto the fabric.
The vibrant dyes applied by expert hands gradually transform a white piece of cloth into a piece of art.
Many children who came with their parents ended up having fun when trying their hands at batik painting.
Entrepreneur Mohd Farid Zamry said the event was a good platform for batik entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and improve product quality and design.
“Besides encouraging more people to wear Malaysian batik, it is hoped that the event will bring the craft to the world’s attention,” said the 31-year-old from Terengganu.
Kelantanese Ruslan Mohd Razali, 48, said he grew up with a love for art and decided to set up a batik business with his wife.
Ruslan said that batik-making was not difficult as there were only five stages in its production.
He said that a piece of fabric was laid out and the design outlines sketched with melted wax by using the canting.
The wax will form a barrier that contains the dye within the designated areas. Once all the outlines were done, the areas were painted before a silicate wash was applied to seal in the colours, he added.
“The fabric is then washed in boiling water to melt away the wax and leave the white borders in contrast against the coloured areas,” said Ruslan, adding that entrepreneurs tended to customise the making of batik to keep up with modern trends.
Korean expatriate Choi Young-Mi, 34, who came across the event by chance with her daughters, was impressed by the colour and versatility of batik.
“It comes in a lot designs and the materials used are very comfortable.
“I can use them for clothes, curtains, tablecloths and even as a runner,” she said.
Avid batik lover Hartati Yahaya from Padang Temu said she had never missed the annual event as she sourced for the best materials to sew into clothes for her family.
“There is such a wide variety including batik from east coast states such as Kelantan and Terengganu. “The prices are reasonable and I get good deals every time I come here,” said the 40-year-old.
--http://thestar.com.my
