Silk Batik: From the Middle East to the Land of Batak

October 23, 2013

Qonita Gholib’s handwriting Batik of Pekalongan came in an elegant style of the Middle East at the Fashion Tent of Jakarta Fashion Week 2014 on Wednesday (10/23). Bringing up the theme “Romantica Batik in Middle East Style”, Gholib’s typical batik was applied to floaty silk, beautifully dangling. The earthy colors were combined with sequins and stones, making the series of Moslem wear in the first sequence looked exceptionally glamorous.
In the second sequence, outfits for a cocktail party appeared in more festive colors. Orange, purple, and green dresses with fabulous cut-outs on the arm and back or a one-shoulder cutting made any women who wore them sexy. Designing bridal gowns for the first time was a new highlight of her designs. White lace, sequins, and layer accent were seen on arms giving a strong character; beautiful and balanced.
On the same stage, Tieka Huza, the designer of Huza Batik, presented the batik of Pekalongan on silk chiffon with black-white domination. A parade of Huza’s clothing titled Black Touch did not feel monotonous because of the combination of plain fabrics and soft colors. Long and short dresses were embellished by excellent embroidery and beading that appeared on the waist and chest. Boleros with layer and drapery accents made the gowns more effortlessly stylish. 
On the next session, Risty Tagor came up with the theme Gorgeous Gorga. In Batak language, Gorga means motif. Propagating tree’s roots, modern geometry, and ulos were the three styles that were seen in her collection consisted of a set of dashing tops and bottoms. Her collection looked cheerful with vibrant-colored tops accentuated by layered necklaces made of stones.
 
In the rhythm of Batak Karo songs, Si Kacang Koro and Piso Surit, Bataknese motif on selected silk and cotton appeared in a form not only of clothing, but also of necklaces and scarves wrapped around the neck. The evening dresses also looked stunning with the accents of a scarf and veil.
(Mariska Sebayang/ Women’s Health Indonesia).