Bandar Seri Begawan - Fans of batik prints should make their way to The Mall this weekend, as a renowned Malaysian company specialising in the materials is offering a wide range of its quality fabrics, handbags and other accessories at reasonable prices.
Lyanne Batik Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in contemporary ethnic tribal Malaysian batik, has chosen to expand its collection to the Brunei market, catering to the needs of not only the Malays but also other races.
Originally established in Puchong, Selangor, the batik specialist has already explored other international markets and has been exporting its handbags to Australia.
According to Kamaliah the owner, this is the first time that she has hosted an exhibition in Brunei, adding that the threeday programme‘s purpose is to test the local market, as she is looking to open up a batik shop here soon.
In an interview with The Weekend, Kamaliah said, "I usually work with Tourism Malaysia to host fashion shows and showcase my products overseas, and this is the first time I am doing it on my own.
‘Batik is a big business in Malaysia. I have a group of designers working at my factory in Selangor and, once a week; we have meetings to discuss the latest concepts that would be used for our batik designs.
"I come up with my own designs, inspired by nature. I would say that most of my designs are contemporary and some with abstract prints on it."
Apart from materials, her company also offers ready-made blouses and baju kurung for women and Hari Raya festivities are just around the corner.
Kamaliah added that she comes from a family of painters and artists. Her late father Ismail Zain was well known in Malaysia and his artworks have also penetrated the international art scene.
The not-to-be-missed batik showcase is being held on Level Three of the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong until tomorrow.
Source: www.brudirect.com (8 September 2007)