Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy
Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy

Fashion

Lifestyle /  Fashion & Beauty

Modern batik: Malaysian fashion designer’s simple, wearable clothes, with bold designs inspired by nature

  • Fern Chua wondered why batik was so entrenched in traditional wear, so she started using it for everything from shift dresses to wrap skirts
  • Her signature designs – sprays of leaves, clusters of coral, cresting waves – have found a ready market both in Malaysia and internationally

Topic |   Fashion
Emma Chong Johnston
Emma Chong Johnston

Updated: 5:49pm, 12 Aug, 2019

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Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy
Batik is a technique of wax-resistant dyeing applied to cloth that originates in Indonesia. While mostly associated with traditional wear, Malaysian designer Fern Chua is bringing it up to date with her clothing collection. Photo: Alamy
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