Simple and modern batik designs from Batik Keris blend elegantly with Swarovski'€™s crystals '€” an increasingly popular fashion item due to their close resemblance to diamonds.

It is not the first time for the batik company to collaborate with a renowned brand. It previously worked with Disney International.

In a recent showcase, five collections were presented in Surakarta, Central Java. Apart from handmade batik, there was also printed batik and combinations of both.

'€œWe wish to offer something different. Along with Swarovski we'€™re parading batik art and luxury crystal art to create an impression of elegance of batik attire,'€ said Batik Keris'€™ deputy executive director Elvina Tjokrosaputro.

The show'€™s long catwalk was opened with teenage clothing made from cotton with batik motifs, emanating a casual feeling. Bright and contrasting colors dominated the runway.

The energetic display flaunted a ready-to-wear collection of printed cotton blouses with jeans or hot pants to match. Accessories like bracelets, glasses and necklaces gave a fresh touch to the batik wear.

The family collection utilized day-dress cotton material with batik printing, fit for parents and children. The clothes offered were not all uniform '€” some of the batik motifs for men were not necessarily the same as those for their spouses and children.

New touch: The Batik Keris Puspa Nusa collection blends elegantly with Swarovski crystals.
The wax collection boasted premium quality designs with classic-modern mullet-motif blouses, asymmetrical dresses and silk-based tight-fitting skirts, which looked even more elegant with Swarovski accessories.

Using wax cotton as the base material, classic-modern patterns and trendy colors were dominant, as apparent in green dresses with flower motifs and a waist obi accent, pink mini dresses with two broad pockets on both sides and various items designed for work and informal occasions.

In the silk batik collection, modesty and luxury were displayed in dresses with casual designs and natural colors typical of Surakarta'€™s style and Batik Keris.

The silk clothes were enhanced by Swarovski crystal beads on the neck, chest and shoulders.

Silk was indeed the highlight of the fashion show, with Swarovski sparkles radiating an air of glamour.

Djongko Raharjo, who was involved in Batik Keris designing, said Swarovski had become popular among designers and fashionable garment consumers.

'€œPerhaps glittering dresses make them look more elegant. But the colors of Swarovski beads are also easily adaptable to most outfits.'€