Long passed its glory days during colonial times, batik Kudus is experiencing a revival in the fashion industry.

Renowned designer Denny Wirawan showcased the latest collection of his label Balijava Batik Kudus to commemorate his two decades in the fashion industry.

Held in late September at the Kempinski hotel, the show, titled Wedari (Flower Garden), was a celebration of the rich traditional patterns that took inspiration from nature.

“I was inspired by the beauty of batik Kudus. There are many motifs featuring flora and fauna. With that in mind, I decided to make a showcase with a flower garden, palace and other related things as the theme.” Denny, who presented the splendor of his second label during New York Fashion Week last year, said.

Balijava Batik Kudus hit the stage this year with more complex peculiarities in its motifs, highlighting isen-isen motifs for the first time.

The designer said he spent a year preparing for the show, figuring out various details, including choosing a theme and determining the fabrics and materials. Creative consultant Agam Riyadi also helped Denny choose the motifs.

“This fashion show is being held to reintroduce batik Kudus to the fashion world,” Denny said, adding that some of his pieces were made by batik artisans in Kudus.

Opened by a dance by actress Asmara Abigail, the show featured 93 designs and was divided into four sequences.

During the first sequence, Sekar Murni (Pure Flowers), 15 models strutted down the catwalk wearing white long dresses. Details like ruffles and see-through elements were the highlight of this part. There was no batik in the sequence.

The designer said the all-white outfits symbolized the purity and gratitude he felt after having gone through various ups and downs in the industry.  

In the second sequence, Taman Sari (Flower Garden), floral batik motifs were showcased on various long dresses and jumpsuits.

Meanwhile, the third sequence was a ready-to-wear collection that featured geometrical shapes and sogan (brown soil color). Titled Ganda Arum, Denny wanted to represent the inner and outer beauty of Indonesian women during the sequence.

The show closed with the fourth sequence, Ningrat (Noble), which exuded luxury and glamor. A motif called merakatelia, which combines peacock and flower motifs, stood out in the sequence.

Composer Yovie Widianto composed elegant music for each sequence. Mario Ginanjar, among vocalists of the band Kahitna, and singer Andien also performed during the show, which was supported by the Djarum Batik Foundation.

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— Photos Courtesy of Image Dynamics

— The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.

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