Local Flora, Fauna, Filigree Motifs In Malaysian Batik For ASEAN Delegates

By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Local flora, fauna and filigree motifs are to be used to form a vibrant design for the Malaysian batik attire to be worn by delegates at the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The handiwork will be that of Wan Mahtar Wan Salleh, a 60-year-old local batik designer who is no stranger to producing 'wow factor' batik attire for major events. "I'm using satin in the 'super extra exclusive' category to produce the attire as the material showcases exclusivity and uniqeness," said Wan Mahtar, who has been working diligently on the project for about a month now. He said he submitted 20 designs and the secretariat selected six for the summits. The design would incorporate the ASEAN vision and showcase the region as one of unity, he said. "The techniques to be used involve movement and repetition, whereby we repeat the motifs to display uniformity with the addition of primary colours like red, blue and green," he said. Wan Mahtar said the tailoring measurements of the delegates were provided by the secretariat through the respective embassies. "I feel honoured and proud as my batik will be worn by leaders from all around the world," he said, adding that US Secretary of State John Kerry had worn an attire designed by him at the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in August. Wan Mahtar said he hoped that his works would promote Malaysian batik internationally. -- BERNAMA