archipelago's fashion

Batik Carnival & Fashion 2009 in Solo

2011-09-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

Handprinted batik needs a mixture of diligence and high precision. For classical motifs, the batik wax that has been melted is printed by hand using canting on the cloth. Now, the part that is covered by the wax will produce a very beautiful motif/pattern. “When we use manufacturer’s machine, it is not called making batik. It is textile,” stated Gunawan. Making batik process is starting by loyor step which is cutting and clean.

cloth before soaking it into hot burned rice straw water. Then, the kemplong stage or fiber compacting stage is done. After that, the pattern will be made and batik printing will be started. Nerusi or batik re-tracing on the other side of the cloth will be done and it will be followed by nembok or blocking the white part of the cloth with batik wax block.

Ngerok or nggirah, which is removing wax from the cloth to be died is another important step after medel or dyeing by soaking the cloth in dye. To avoid dyeing the cloth parts that should not be colored, there is a stage called mbironi or covering parts. This is conducted after nyoga stage or soaking the cloth (mori) into brown dye.

Solo Batik Carnival & Fashion 2009

2011-09-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Batik has a long history. It is a wealth of a very unique painting art. It is true that some people have shifted to manufactured printed batik to produce batik in big scale. But for us who live in kampong, we are still faithful with the natural process and natural dyes from teger, tingi and jambal woods.

The Wealth of Batik

2011-09-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

teks rusdy setiawan putra

Indonesian Batik is filled with techniques, symbols, and supreme artistic values.

Friday, 2 October 2009; the weather in Abu Dhabi or United Arab Emirates was rather bright and not so hot, thanks to the breezes of wind that come and go. The sky was also blue, as if providing a shade for the city that is located at 24°28’ Northern Latitude and 54°22’ Eastern Longitude. Skyscraper buildings stood tall, strong and luxurious. At one of the most known buildings in the City of Abu Dhabi that afternoon, the Committee of 24 countries from Unesco (United Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization) at their last assembly decided and declare officially the enlisting of Batik into the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Indonesian Batik becomes a part of 76 arts and traditions of the 27 countries that Unesco claimed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage through the decision of 24 countries committee that assembled seriously before determining their official declarations. Indonesian Batik was perceived as filled with techniques, symbols, and cultures those are inseparable from the community since their birth to their death. The good news was of course taken whole-heartedly by the Indonesian nation while keep on praising Almighty God.

The announcement of batik’s enlisting in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage – Unesco in Abu Dhabi or United Arab Emirates; becomes a great pride to Indonesia. Doddy Soepardi of the Indonesian Batik Foundation Guidance Council claimed to be optimistic that batik will evolve more in the future. Along with the progresses of designer products, motives or varieties of batik will also experience significant evolution. Unesco’s declaration towards batik affirmed it to be the third Indonesian cultural heritage that is approved globally. Before this, Unesco has declared wayang/ shadow puppet (2003) and the keris (2005) as the masterpieces of verbal culture and intangible cultural heritage.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism; Jero Wacik said that, with global approval toIndonesian batik, the obligation of Indonesian society to preserve the nation’s heritage becomes more evident. “We do not forbid other nations from using Indonesia’s cultural products. However, when there are claims or admissions of them as the possession of other countries, we must not stay still,” he affirmed.

This international affirmation of Indonesian batik does not mean that the Indonesian people themselves do not appreciate batik. The evolution of batik must remain, so it will always be a part of the people’s daily lives. Indonesian government is also aspired to strengthen the promotion. Thus, the existing batik centrals can progress and will be able to present more uniqueness in batik creations.

Indonesian Batik was enlisted in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage due to the historical, philosophical, and religious aspects that found the creating process. Unesco judgment is not just the Indonesian batik pattern that is worldly acclaimed.

The acclamation of United Nations towards Indonesian Batik is a form of pride that also escalates the nationalism of the Indonesian nation. This international appreciation is hoped to resurrect the batik industry in the regions. And batik must also be understood and not only seen as a mere outfit. Batik is the reflection of Indonesian national culture, the independent and creative customs.

According to Hasanudin – a batik designer – in his book titled Coastal Batik Tracks the Influence of Religious Trading Ethos in the Various Decorative of Batik (2001), the influence of Chinese, Indian and Islamic cultures is rather immense in forming the various decorative of the nation’s textile and batik. Chinese various decorative is portrayed dynamic such as a meander that is rhythmically arranged, the shape of clouds, swastika that faces right or the entwining spirals. Aside from that the motives of phoenix bird and dragons in motion also comes from Chinese influence. It is not only motives those are related to the existence of batik. The definition of batik itself is inseparable from the process of batik creating which uses the dip-cover process; that is to dip in coloring substance, the cloth that has been covered by malam on certain parts.

Yan Yan Sunarya, the lecturer of the Fine-Arts and Design Faculty of Bandung Technological Institute explained that if the making process does not go through the dip-cover method, then the produced item cannot be called batik. The process of batik itself consists of design, malam printing (using canting/stamp/ brush), coloring (dip/ colet), color enhancing, drying, and rinsing by pelodon (malam rinsing). The pelodon rinsing is the last phase and afterwards the batik cloth is ready to be made into wardrobes or interior designs as required.

The history of batik in Indonesia comprise of two kinds of batiks those are characterized based on the producer and production location, which are the kraton batik (Surakarta and Jogjakarta) and coastal batik. Kraton batik is meant only to serve the interest of kings, palace officials, and palace employees, including the soldiers. Aside being assigned for the king’s “official wear”, batk is also used in weddings, birth, death, and dance art. It is also used in various palace traditional ceremonies. Batik cloths are often used as sarongs, long dress, tube top, shirt, head wrap, scarf, and wall interior decoration.

At the times of Mataram Islamic empire in Jogjakarta and Surakarta, Yan Yan Sunarya told, the making of batik cloths with the expression of artistic values with various complex, detailed and soft decorative was developed. Making batik was even made as the symbol of well-mannered upbringing of the royal families.

In its journey, the antithesis of kraton batik is the coastal batik. This batik is produced at the coastal regions of Java, all the way from Indramayu, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Lasem, Rembang, Juwana, Tuban, Sidoarjo, Pacitan, through Madura. What differs the two is that coastal batik is the batik that is produced beyond the walls of kraton palace. The batik workers in Surakarta and Jogjakarta those are beyond the walls of the palace are categorized in the coastal batik. This batik is also called by market batik, because the production of the batik is meant for retails and wears by the public society and does not go by social strata.

In Indonesia, for any official events, the government officials and President all the way down to Head of the Village also wears batik. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the ministers, members of the Board of Public Representation and other elite officials along with the ambassadors from neighboring countries also wear batik in various national or ceremonial events.

History proves that batik is the result of Javanese society traditional cultural process that is inherit for generations. Even so, back then it was not yet called batik-printing. As the Grand Master of Archeology from Gaah Mada University, Timbul Haryono, the technique for cloth processing has been known even before the Hindu era in the Nation at about the 4th Century. The evident is cited in numbers of ancient artifacts and statues.

Numbers of artifacts from the 9th Century acclaim that, the types of cloths processed are done through a technique similar to batik. One of them is the Balitung Artifacts that tells the story of a palace ball. “The description of this cloth is similar to the technique now known as batik. From these evident I’m convinced that batik is a Javanese native culture,” Timbul said.

The evident was also supported by the apparels on ancient statues. The motives on those statues’ apparels have similarities to the kawung batik that is known nowadays. However, the origin of the word “batik” is still yet to be traced until now. From the likeness of sound, some assume that “batik” is made of two Javanese words, which are “amba” and “titik” that means to make dots. But still, there is no solid proof of that assumption. Timbul said that batik is not a sudden invention. The processing technique is the result of a cultural process that is inherited for generations.

The history of batik development in Java itself has even begun since prehistoric time. “But since the evident is rather minimal, then it is hard to trace,” he claimed. The batik workers in Giriloyo and Karangtengah, I,ogiri, admit that their skills in batik printing is inherited from generations. Their ancestor’s skills came from the Keraton Jogjakarta. “This is inevitable from the regional factor that is close to the graveyard of Imogiri past kings. They are taught by the palace people during visits to the grave,” revealed Suryati (35), a craftswoman of Karangrejek, Karangtengah.

Untl now, there are at least 40 batik workers in Karangtengah. They use natural coloring with two methods, which are hand-drawn and stamp. The stamp batik just came out recently because consumers often complain about the high price of hand-drawn batik. The said work is sold for Rp. 250 thousand up per cloth, while stamp batik is only for Rp. 50 to 100 thousand per cloth.

It is a totally different way with the traditional batik workers of Banaran, Kulon Progo. They perceive that the batik acclamation from Unesco has done nothing to escalate their livelihood. As long as there is no pride in wearing local batik cloths, the workers will remain in a bad condition. Widodo, a worker from Banaran even bet that out of all the people who wear batik this Friday, not even 10 percent is putting on local batik. The majority must wear Pekalongan or Solo batik those are less costly.

In fact, it is the print batik that really sets in the market. What is considered truly batik are those of hand-drawn, stamp, and the combination of both. Print batik is only cloth in batik motive. According to Murdjato Gardjito, General Secretary of the Sekar Jagad Batik Lovers Community, print batik will only destrot traditional batik industry, and also put a scar on the face of Indonesia. Low price has always been the appeal of print batik, such as those sold along the street of Malioboro. Tourists, especially locals, purchase them in bulks as souvenirs for family and relatives. (Source: Arti magazine, and various other sources).

Indonesia Exotic Dance 1 with Batik as a Costum

2011-08-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Apart from the Ramayana Ballet, you can also watch performances of classical Javanese dance jogja force that usually staged at the Ward Srimanganti Kraton Yogyakarta. Usually performed every day in the week, starting at 10.00am-12.20pm. Some classical dance is often performed here include Serimpi Dance, Beksan Dance, and Golek Dance.

Serimpi Dance is a dance performance by 4 people (the word “serimpi” it was 4 girls), who performed at the beginning of the show or as the opening dance. The story can be taken from the story of the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, Menak, as well as the history of Java. Usually tells the battle between good and evil, symbolized by the two leaders involved in a war.

Another case with Beksan Dance. This dance is one appear in pairs. The story can be told stories of romance, war, or part of the puppet story in which two characters in a puppet certia involved in the fight. Dance costumes quite clearly illustrates Beksan character or a character brought.

If you want to see a romantic dance, please watch dancing Marionette. Golek Dance is a single ladies dance, but can also be played by several people at once. This dance tells the story of a young girl who started to fall in love. Wow! do not be surprised reply this dance is usually played by a sweet girl and for her appearance on her face flowery expressions.

: Indonesia Exotic Dance 2; article source: http://www.moreindonesia.com/indonesia-exotic-dance-at-kraton-yogyakarta/

Mentawai-Tattoo Designs

2011-08-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

The term “Tattoo” is taken from the word “Tatau” in the language of Tahiti. Tattoo was first recorded by Western civilization in James Cook’s expedition in 1769. According to some researchers, the oldest tattoos found on Egyptian mummies from the 20th century BC. But, the art of body painting found in almost all parts of the world with a variety of designs and patterns.

Tattoos Egypt, which estimated the oldest tattoo was discovered in 1300 BC. whereas the Mentawai been tattooing their bodies since their arrival to the west coast of Sumatra in the Age of Metal, 1500 BC – 500 BC. Proto-Malays nation came from mainland Asia (Indochina).

Tattoo Desaigns of Mentawai Tribe

According to the researchers “tattoo” of Indonesia, Tattoo Mentawai is the oldest in the world known as Titi. For the Mentawai society, a tattoo is the spirit of life. One of the tattoo position is to show identity and difference in social status or profession. For example, Tattoos Sikerei (called healers for the Mentawai) different with tattoo hunter. Hunter known for his catch pictures of animals, like pigs, deer, monkeys, birds, or alligators. while Sikerei known from star tattoo “Sibalu-Balu” in those body.

Based on Mentawai tradition, tattoo also has a function as a symbol of natural balance. In the tradition of Mentawai people, objects such as rocks, animals, and plants should be enshrined in their body. They regard all things have souls. Another function of the tattoo is art, Mentawai people tattooing their bodies in accordance with his creativity.

The position of tattoo is governed by the trustworthiness Mentawai tribe, “it’s termed Arat Sabulungan”. The term is derived from the word “sa” (a collection), and “bulung” (leaves). A collection of leaves that are arranged in a circle made of palm or sago palm tops, which is believed to have magical power called “Kere” or “Ketse”. It’s used as a medium for the cult of “Tai Kabagat Koat” (God of Sea), “Tai Ka-leleu” (God of the forest and mountains), and “Tai Ka Manua” (God of the clouds).

Woman Tattoo of Mentwai Tribe

“Arat Sabulungan” used in every ceremony, birth, marriage, medical, moving house, and tattoos. When boys enter puberty, the age of 11-12 years, parents called Sikerei and Rimata (tribal chief). They will negotiate to determine the day and month of implementation of the tattoo.

After that, selected “Sipatiti” (tattoo artist). Sipatiti isn’t based on the appointment of public office, such as shamans or chiefs, but the male professions. Expertise Sipatiti’s must be paid with a pig. Before the tattoo done, arranged first Ceremony led by Sikerei, in “Puturukat” (sipatiti’s gallery).

Body of boy who would tattoo was drawn with a stick. The sketch on the body was then stabbed with a wooden-handled needle. the body of boy slowly beaten with a wooden bat to insert dyes into the skin layer. Dyes used is a mixture of banana leaves and coconut shell charcoal(Source, Ady Rosa-The Tattoo researchers).

Mentawai-Traditional Tattoo Designs

Traditional Tattoo of Mentawai Tribe Designs

article source: http://www.moreindonesia.com/mentawai-tattoo-the-oldest-tattoo-designs-in-the-world/

Naked Bed Batik

2011-08-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

I’m moving right along on our quilt for the Naked Bed Challenge that I posted about here. A few more of the 16″ blocks to make, and then on to piecing them together and also piecing the border which is smaller squares in the same block design. This is a California King and I’ll probably send it out to get it quilted because I just don’t think I can do a good enough job on the quilting on a king size with my current sewing machine (which I love and am throwing out good vibes to constantly!).

My machine is a 70′s model Husqvarna Viking 6440 that I have had for many years. It’s a tough machine and I have sewn boat loads of canvas for our sailboat. I’m fortunate that a very kind lady at the local HV sales store recently gave me her non-working 6440 to use for parts, along with all the accessories, including a walking foot (that I didn’t have!).

Excuse the poor picture – first thing in the morning lighting isn’t all that great in my home…you can click pic to get a better image. These are just the completed blocks tossed together, they haven’t been sewn up yet, of course.

Article source: http://www.tropicslady.com/2011/06/naked-bed-batik/

Batik Tanah Liat, another Indonesian treasure in West Sumatra

2011-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

If you consider Batik is only found in Java, you are wrong because Batik is also found in Sumatra precisely in West Sumatra. Minang people call it “Batik Tanah Liek” which means clay batik(in Indonesian language is Batik Tanah Liat). Interestingly, Minang people produce Batik immersed in clay to create different colors. Immersion process to make Batik is done before and after manufacture. Besides, dyes were derived from plants. Batik Tanah Liat is typically, you’ll look motif on batik was plant capture that found in nature. Paintings that appear as Batik Tanah Liat motif is non-figurative, emblems or symbols such as found in batik of Java.

Batik Tanah Liat have own characteristics compared with Batik of Java. Batik-making process begins by soaking the cloth to clay. Soaking is done for long lasting color and blend with the cloth. After that, the cloth is washed and then spiked with batik motifs like natural motive.

In West Sumatra there are three Batik Tanah Liat centers, Padang with Batik Monalisa, Dharmasraya and in Pesisir Selatan area. Although fellows are Batik Tanah Liat but in each region motif are vary according to topography and natural resources respectively. For example on Dharmasraya, in besides the basic motif, there is also renewal motif such as palm oil that inspired in the numerous palm plantations in this area.

Article source: http://www.moreindonesia.com/batik-tanah-liat-another-indonesian-treasure-in-west-sumatra/

Batik making process

Naked and Sacred

2011-08-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Imposed by the body naked and sacred, maybe they do not wear underwear, then the batik cloth that wrapped the body becomes so attractive it seems exotic and ancient. This is one of the treasures of art and culture of Indonesia. Which country can match the elegance archipelago?

New Creation

2011-08-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

New Creation, innovation give inspiring for designers in contemporary era.

Kebaya

2011-08-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Kebaya

When Foreign Girl Wearing Indonesia Batik Variety

2011-08-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Ika Butoni Colection

Like This

T-shirt decorated with batik patterns

2011-08-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

This t-shirt decorated with batik patterns. Paint to decorate it is to use natural or organic materials which are mixed from natural dyes. If you are interested, you can order this shirt to gammapaintindo.com

Cute girl wearing a cute dres

2011-08-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Transparent batik clothing 1

2011-08-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Transparent batik clothing is perfect worn by women, who make women look more attractive and become the center of attention of the men. One of batik is transparent as shown in the photo.

Transparent batik clothes

2011-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Transparent batik clothes are charming, making a charming come to be seen wearing it. But in the midst of the people of Indonesia are still hypocritical, transparent dress like this can not be used in a public crowd. Transparent as batik clothing in this picture, can only be modeled in fashion shows.

Anisa Pohan: Promoting Batik in the United States

2011-07-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

By Devi Apriani

She also creates in making wearable outfits in various occasions.

She also mentioned of her experience as Ramadhan comes along. As a wife, and also the mother of Aira Yudhoyono, Annisa had the marvelous experience of going through the fasting and celebrating Aidil Fitri in other countries. Going in the Ramadhan month of this year, there is a possibility that she would be going back to the USA along with her husband and soon to be 2 year old Aira. "I had my full month of fasting and also celebrated Aidil Fitri there last year. It may be the same for this year, but I still don't have my departure schedule," continued the lady who was once a broadcaster for a radio in Bandung.

To fast in another country and not being surrounded by her beloved family gave a whole new experience for the daughter of Aulia Pohan. One experience is never hearing the prayer call (adzan) for the lengthy distance of the mosque. Asie from that, as a minority, the atmosphere of fasting is far different from what she knows in Indonesia. The Aidil Fitri celebration experience of last year becomes something new for her and her nuclear family.

"There is no holiday there during Aidil Fitri. Over here there is holiday and you get to have a gathering with families and relatives. But Alhamdulillah las celebration fell on a Sunday, making us able to have Ied prayer calmly without being chased off by my husband's campus schedule. It was such a great time being able to gather with fellow muslims from various countries, and after the Ied prayer, we had a open house," said the shampoo commercial star.

Even when she can't gather with her big family in going thfough the fasting month and celebration, Annisa still feels good because what she's doing is her responsibility as a wife that must accompany her husband. And also, to comfort and give her reassurance is her daughter, who is now very witty and does a good job in making her laugh.

source: arti 31 magazine edition

Designing Geometrical Islamic Wear

2011-07-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

By Devi Apriani

Architectural background influenced her in creating an outfit.

Ten years ago Islamic wears were still clothing worn by only muslim women. The models were also rather simple without any accessories added. But now, the progress of Islamic wear fashion is very rapid and has become a trend. Various designs allow the muslim ladies to become more fashionable.

Events of fashion shows were then held to accommodate the creativity of Islamic wear designers. Names such as Iva Latifah, Jenny Tjahyawati, Ida Royani, Merry Pramono, Monika Jufri, Anne Rufaidah, Dian Pelangi, and of course: Hannie Hananto, are some of the most well-known Islamic wear designers with renowned works.

As seen in a fashion event a while back, around 10 Islamic wear designers participated in displaying their latest creation in welcoming the 2010 month of Ramadhan. The event that is aspired to be Indonesia's first step in becoming the "mecca" for Islamic wear; opens up more chances for the fashion industry doers. And Hannie Hananto is one of the Islamic wear designers who is consistent in maintaining the quality of her designs.

Hannie Hananto started concentrating in the Islamic wear fashion since year 2004, beginning with her involvement in the Islamic wear design competition held by a magazine. Hannie who has an architectural background won runner-up in the competition. It is from there that she began to have self-confidence and continues to give more color to the Indonesian Islamic wear fashion.

"At first I design with minimalist lines. Since I have architectural background, I like geometrical shapes. Flowers confuse me," she laughed.

Her design style that always put in the elements of lines and squares become unique when applied into various kinds of cloth with trendier cuts. She even had the time of designing Islamic wear with futuristic theme, displaying a new image to the Indonesian muslim ladies. She wishes for muslim ladies sense of fashion to be unlimited. According to her, right now muslim ladies are considered active people with various activities; thus they are demanded to pay attention to their appearance.

"I feel that Islamic wears do not limit ladies to not paying attention to their appearance. There used to be the impression that ladies with Islamic wear are weak, frail. But look now, almost in all sectors there are ladies with Islamic wear. I wish for them to follow the shifts of era, to stay stylish and have the look of power. Don't get stuck in the monotonic style, exploration is a must," she wished.

For her Ramadhan month collection this time, Hannie chose the theme of 'La Mozaique'. And in accordance to the theme of carrying traditional cloths, this time the tartan sarong 'Makasar' from Sengkang, Wajo District of Southern Sulawesi became the base material used; applying the loose cut style cutting, inspired by the bodo wear and African style of ladies wear which is the Kaftan.

"This is the third time I use traditional cloth. To be honest, it is more costly because I have to make it one by one, manually. Automatically the price for one piece of outfit becomes more expensive. However this is one of the efforts in preserving and carrying out the heritage of traditional cloth. We have to give full support," said the designer who is also looking for inspiration from interior design books.

The designer who also has a readyto-wear line under the name Anemone admitted that the rivalry in Indonesian Islamic wear fashion goes head to head. It is quite different from the time she first started. Nowadays there are more designers that also launch Islamic wear fashion and it gives more options to the people. But Hannie claimed she is pleased because this shows how the Indonesian Islamic wear fashion has evolved very rapidly.

Hannie who never misses issues of fashion in the global catwalk continues to work with her unique style of lines, geometrical shapes and also bright colors. For her, to have a unique style is a must for every designer. That is why architectural books become inspiration materials in each her design.

Source: arti magazine 31 edition

Batik for Sexy Dancer

2011-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Becoming more sexy body with wearing a minimalist dress. Style batik cloth, or even batik cloth (batik), are now increasingly used for base material minimalist clothing for women. Is this a manifestation of the spirit of nationalism or an implicit attitude of the political economy?

Sexy with batik

2011-07-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Sexy Batik

2011-07-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Batik Charm

2011-07-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/hiroyuki.ninja1/SistGot#5605884663785135298

Village Charm

2011-07-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

Batik Style for Lingerie

2011-07-12T15:11:00.001-07:00

Batik Style for Lingerie

2011-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ika Butoni Batik Cloth Colection

2011-07-12T13:54:00.001-07:00