Modern Asian fashion at L’Indochine

MANILA, Philippines - L’Indochine’s lifestyle journey continues with a fashion stop in Indonesia, a country that has a rich tradition of hand-made textiles.

Discover Indonesia’s woven wonders in L’Indochine’s collection of exquisite batik and ikat pieces. UNESCO designated Indonesian batik, which originated from Java, as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2009.

Batik, said to be derived from the word ambatik, which means “a cloth with little dots,” as well as tritik, which describes a process similar to that of tie-dye techniques, has many expressions. Central Javanese designs are influenced by traditional patterns and colors, while batik from the north coast of Java was influenced by Chinese culture and has bright colors and more intricate flower and cloud designs.

Ikat, on the other hand, is a technique that uses a resist-dyeing process on warp and weft fibers prior to dyeing and weaving.

These exquisite techniques have since found their way into the international fashion scene with designers Dries Van Noten and Frida Giannini from Gucci, Oscar de la Renta and Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg and Monique Lhuillier bringing batik and ikat to the mainstream world’s fashion industry. 

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, who is fast becoming a fashion icon, is seen wearing clothes with batik and ikat motifs, as are fashion independents Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Richie.

 At L’Indonchine, batik and ikat find contemporary expressions in Calla mixed print batik vests and printed raglan sweaters, as well as Ikat harem pants, and wrap skirts with hand drawn flowers. These beautifully handcrafted pieces from Indonesia can be worn with your basic wardrobe — crop tops, white blouses, jeans, sweaters, and skirts for a Modern Asian look.

Add a touch of the exotic to your wardrobe with the Indonesian fashion collection at L’Indochine store located at the 3rd floor of SM Aura Premier.