I may have found the most exquisite batik of all time. There is a street in Denpasar called Jalan Sulawesi and it is lined with fabric merchants (heaven). I've trawled this street many times and found a pile of this beautiful batik in the back corner of a very non descript store. It had been sitting there for a while, as many pieces had sun fade marks. I carefully selected my favourite pieces in perfect condition and took them to Ketut, my wonderful tailor in Seseh to turn into magic.
Traditionally the piece of fabric in this dress was made as a sarong, and so the layout of the design reflects the use and shape of it's initial intended use. Hand batik techniques are used to make this fabric using the canting tool and wax to draw the patterns. This particular batik style is from an area in Central Java called Pekalongan.
We made two dresses in the sarong fabric (I kept one) and used the sash to give the dress the extra length it needed. It has a side zip to allow for easy pull on and off, a side split and darts to help with a more fitted look. Measurement details below.
Styling note:
- Great dress to style up or down
- Pair with an oversized jacket and flats to use throughout the seasons.
- Or style with an oversized tee over the top
Measurements - These are fabric measurements
- HSP (High Shoulder Point) to hemline - 134cm
- Bust width circumference - 84cm
- Hip circumference 110cm
- Invisible side seam zip length - 49cm
- Side split length - 56cm
Carlie is 180cm tall and usually a size 10 or Medium size.
