Please explain your craft …
I am the founder of my brand, Baju By Oniatta, which specialises in batik pieces. I have ready-to-wear batik pants, dresses, shirt dresses, tops, and more, and I also have kebaya and baju kurung. I launched in 2016 with 12 pieces of Utama pants which I consider to be my signature.
When did you get interested in design and textiles?
I’ve always been surrounded by batik. My grandmother wore it, my parents wore it – it’s a cloth that’s present in everyday life in my culture. I still find myself going back to old family photos for inspiration. My appreciation and love for batik deepened with my frequent travels to Indonesia where I had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with batik artisans. I realised that I wanted to champion their craft and stories beyond Indonesia.
How common is batik in Singapore today?
It is a significant part of our history and heritage, from the SIA flight uniforms to the works of batik artist Sarkasi Said. However, traditional batik is rare in Singapore today because we don’t have the makers or craftspeople here.
Why do you think this is?
I think this is due to a mix of historical, economic, and cultural reasons. While it’s a beloved art form in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s unique historical development and economic priorities have led to its limited presence. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts are helping to keep the appreciation for this intricate craft alive.
Do you work with specific kinds of batik?
No two pieces of batik are the same. What I love is that each one tells a story and every pattern or motif is purposeful. This year I launched the Naga Collection which features the dragon (naga is another word for dragon). The naga motif is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and also protection to the wearer of the batik.
“Ongoing efforts are helping to keep the appreciation for batik alive”
You visit the kampongs of Indonesia for fabric …
I want to know where my batik comes from and I feel inspired going to the homes and talking to the makers. It’s important to feel connected to the clothes we wear so I am happy to share where each piece originates from with customers.
How are you reinventing the way batik is worn?
Batik is timeless. I always tell people that the batik chooses you and not the other way around. There’s a piece for everyone – sometimes more than one!
Do you feel a responsibility to keep this heritage tradition alive through your work?
I’m lucky to be able to do what I do and call it my life’s work in as much as it is my responsibility to keep this tradition alive. Whether it is a “modern” batik dress or a piece of kain cloth to be used with a kebaya, the fabric makes me feel closer to my heritage and the makers.
What do you hope to achieve through your designs?
I want the wearers to feel connected to their pieces. I hope whoever wears Baju By Oniatta feels and knows they are putting on something very special.
