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The Malay Mail, Thursday, 22  January 2004

Batik is as batik does : 

Michelle Lin Sinnathamboo speaks to batik designer Lee Yulie at Suria KLCC's Aseana and finds that when it comes to this piece of Asian culture.

BATIK-PRINT sarongs are very much a part of the Asian cultural heritage.  Exemplifying the demure femininity of Asian women, the wrap-around skirt has stood the test of time, being as fashionable today as it ever was.

"Batik is batik, and it is truly Asian," said Aseana's Lee Yulie. "Malaysian batik unifies our rich ethnic-diversity while endorsing the unique Malaysian lifestyle."  Thanks to her masterful use of vibrant hues and pulsating colours, sarongs have never looked more alive. With a dash of the modern, the former dancer has taken her artistic handiness to silk sheets, creating hand-printed batik designs fit for the modern-day women, without having to compromise on its charm and appeal.

"People should be able to wear batik without the feeling as though they are strapping on a national costume."

Yulie's Zen-like sarongs are easy, fuss-free and flexible. Her insightful pattern placement and her daring use of vivid hues reflect her way of modernising tradition, bringing the conventional batik sarongs up a few notches.

"I like to use a lot of bright colours for my sarongs. I cater my designs, not just for the older, more mature women, but for the younger generation as well."

Her inspiration comes from her surroundings and she channels all of life's wonders into abstract motifs onto her sarongs. An artist at heart, she wishes she had more time for her drawings.

"I get ideas from everything around me - plants, shadows, faces - that's why I always carry a sketch pad."

The simplicity of her creations makes them ideal for just about any occasion. Dressing up, or down when need be, is so simple. All you need is a little creativity.

"I want to encourage people to be imaginative and daring in their dressing. The same sarong can look different every time, depending how its tied and what its matched with."

Yulie said designs should enhance the wearer, not steal the limelight. Rigid and over-powering patterns may be beautiful as art pieces, but they are relatively hard to wear. "Over-elaborate, cluttered designs are the result of designers trying too hard. Simple is best."

Not wanting to do as the other designers do, Yulie keeps abreast with current trends in the local and international fashion scene. Having done extensive research on the art, she applies her understanding to further develop and enhance her designing skills.

"I 'm experiment with my designs and I learn a lot by trial and error. Instead of following the current trends, I set the trend by creating designs one season ahead."

Her sons are  her greatest critics. With their straightforward frankness, they do not hesitate to tell what works and what doesn't. While she meticulously masterminds her designs, her team of skilled batik-painters sees them through. Her sarongs are all hand drawn, making each and every piece distinct from the other and one of its kind.

With no two articles being identical, every piece is a collector's item.

"However practiced at sleight of hand, mistakes are inevitable, but any slip ups in a design are not seen as flaws; they add to the appeal."

A little piece of herself goes into one and all of her sarongs, And although she is grateful each time someone picks one up and takes it home, she can't help but feel sad to see them go.

"I remember all my designs. Surely, I have my favourites, but even those I am not quite satisfied with end up being exactly what someone else was looking for." "Instances like this remind me that I no longer design for myself, but for others."

Yulie's circle of supportive family and friends is the driving force behind her success.

A year ago, her sarongs were mere friendly conversational pieces at social events, now they are part of Kuala Lumpur's haute couture.    

Ends

''Well renowned for her exclusively designed hand printed fabrics, Yulie showcases her artistic architecture of vividly bold colours mixed with the contemporary elements of nature, flora and fauna. Use her versatile sarongs as a pareo, skirt, dress, shawl, scarf, trendy hand carrier or even as wall hangings to fully accessorize your home.''  

~ Malaysiana at Aseana, Suria, KLCC

Decorative handprinted silk