Tunku Azizah (at front, in light green), with Nori (on her right) and Leela (next to Nori) with participants of Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Traditional and contemporary ideas enthral in design competition that highlights research, presentation and commercial viability
INFUSING traditional and contemporary influences proved to be a successful strategy for a team of four when they walked away with a RM30,000 cash prize at the 18th Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition.
The Brovaries team, comprising a lecturer, two of his former students, and an entrepreneur, emerged as champion in the Soft Furnishing category.
Tunku Azizah (left) looking at some batik products made by participants of the competition, which is open to individuals and groups.
Their creation of batik prints inspired by bamboo shoots on bedding items beat six other finalists in the category.
Fashion and design lecturer Mohd Iszwan Mohd Sidik from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang, Johor, said this was their second time entering the competition.
“We took part last year and placed second. That gave us the motivation to try again this year.
A creation by The Guardian team themed ‘The Majestic Rebung’ that takes inspiration from young bamboo shoots.
“Our team comprised individuals from various age groups, and this gave us a healthy mix of perspectives on batik-making and designs,” he said.
His teammate and former student Misbaahussalam Zakaria, 29, hoped his participation would encourage more youths to learn about batik.
“There is a misconception that batik refers to the pattern, when in fact it is about the technique used to make the pattern,” he said.
The winners were announced at an event held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The event, organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang), was graced by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
A model wearing an outfit designed by Wan Mohd Hafiz Wan Hamid in the fashion category.
The competition welcomed Malaysians aged 18 and above, who could take part individually or in a group of not more than four people.
Apart from soft furnishing, there were two other categories namely fashion and handicraft.
The prizes in each category were RM30,000 for first, RM10,000 for second and RM5,000 for third. There were also five consolation prizes of RM1,000 in each category.
In the preliminary round, participants were required to submit product samples and sketches.
(From left) Misbaahussalam and Mohd Iszwan with Brovaries team members showing off their batik prints on bedding creations which helped them win RM30,000 in the soft furnishing category. — Courtesy pic
Those shortlisted then presented their final products to a panel of judges comprising fashion industry experts.
Among the criteria considered were design, research and development, product presentation and commercial viability.
The fashion category recorded the highest entries at 28, followed by handicraft (24) and soft furnishing (9).
Syahrul Amirul Samsuri placed first in the handicraft category while Desa Alam and Nadia Rosdi came tops in fashion.
Batik prints designed by Mohd Hafiz Drahman.
Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah said the products and designs created reflected the participants’ talents and calibre.
“The active promotion of Malaysian batik will ensure continuity of the craft as our national heritage,” she added.
Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali thanked Bonia, Nivea and Chester London for sponsoring the event.
Also present at the event were Tun Jeanne Abdullah and Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia director-general A’inu Sham Ramli.
