Tryambikay (left) showing a batik saree during the press conference to announce her upcoming fashion show.
FORMER beauty queen and etiquette coach Tryambikay Vengades Nair has her sights set on having saree with batik designs listed on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
But first, she has to showcase these creations.
Tryambikay, popularly known as Bkay, is holding a batik saree fashion show on Nov 23 at The Toffee, an event space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
During a press conference, the entrepreneur said 10 participants had registered for the Malaysian Heritage Showcase (MHS2024) fashion event that would feature two sessions and some 100 batik saree presented.
“During the sourcing process, it was decided that the designs of choice should use the canting (hand tool used for wax drawing) method.
“So, we are working with Jadi Batik, a manufacturer and wholesaler, as well as the Prison Department,” said Tryambikay.
“Inmates at correctional facilities in Kajang (Selangor) and Machang (Kelantan) have been taught to use this method in their skills workshops.
“We are putting in the effort to source hand-drawn batik works from prisons as they are of high artistic value.
“I was told that they have experience with batik saree too, as there had been several requests for these garments in the past,” she said.
Tryambikay revealed that she had once been swamped with enquiries after posting on social media a picture of her wearing a batik piece purchased from the Kajang Prison product gallery.
She also aims to feature these artists.
“The event is also supported by Malaysian Fashion Business Development Association where I am president.
“One of the aims of the association is for the work of fashion designers from every sector to be given visibility,” she said.
Tryambikay, who owns 300 saree, had organised “World Saree Day” in March where she worked with the Indian High Commission to showcase different styles of saree draping.
Following this, she organised another fashion event to showcase batik and songket designs.
For the upcoming show, designers and attendees who are eager to be part of the event can contact MHS2024 on Instagram to find out about registration fees.
Tickets for the show are priced at RM250 to RM500.
