Ethical Gifts 2020, Batik Boutique
Monica Tindall
I do try my best to live a zero-waste lifestyle, insisting that no gifts be purchased other than those that are edible, growable or educative in nature. Perhaps because I do make such an effort to reduce my impact, and have happily gone without for so long, receiving gifts this festive season unexpectedly brought so much joy. I have been blessed with kindness recently in the form of presents delivered to my home and figure if they can bring so much happiness to me, why not make the purchases benefit others in some way too.
That is exactly what Amy Blair set out to do when she founded Batik Boutique. This social enterprise empowers “hundreds of artisans… by offering them a fair and sustainable income, producing beautiful, high-quality fashion and gifts.” Seamstresses set their own wage and hours, and with the sewing centre conveniently set up where they live, costs of transport and childcare are greatly reduced. Not only do the artisans gain the ability to provide for themselves, but customers benefit from quality, creative and locally-inspired pieces that make excellent gifts to others (or yourself).
This year, however, has brought many challenges for the team at Batik Boutique. Amy tells of the struggles.“2020 has been a very difficult year for all businesses, and our struggles have been very real too at Batik Boutique. We went from forced closures of our production centre, which is where women from low-income backgrounds come to learn how to sew and earn sustainable wages, to our top seamstress’s son being in a motorbike accident, to road closures, boutique closures, and even flooding on the East Coast where our batik is made.
All of these were obstacles faced this year, and many occurred during the design and production of these Holiday pieces. Our collection this year is a tribute to home from versatile loungewear and reversible homewares, to gift sets galore. We have all spent a lot of time at home this year, and our artisans have worked hard, using so much creativity and tenacity to bring you this range. We hope you will love it, love the story of the hand-crafted textiles behind it, and love the stories of the women’s lives each piece stitched impacts and provides dignified work for. Above all, we hope you will be proud to gift with purpose this holiday season with Batik Boutique.”
Ethical Gifts 2020 – Batik Boutique
Batik Boutique frequently runs themed sales to match the season and occasion. It’s best to follow their social media pages to stay up-to-date with the latest curations. I’ve been browsing just in time for Christmas and found several articles making ideal presents.
Homeware Gift Set – Tan Bunga (RM 289)
As we won’t be attending all of those festive celebrations this year as was customary in times pre-COVID, this high-quality homeware set is an attempt to inject our home with some holiday spirit. Holding more intimate gatherings, the Homeware Gift Set not only protects your table from spills, and hot plates, but more than brightens up a setting with their floral design. These handmade pieces use batik, a wax-resist technique of fabric dyeing on 100% natural cotton. Hand-drawn and hand-painted, much care has gone into their production. Additionally, the four placemats and coasters in this set are reversible; so, essentially, you’re getting two in one!
Night Routine Gift Set (RM 389)
I had my sister in mind with the Night Routine Gift Set, but like it so much that I might order one for myself too. The set includes a batik camisole, pyjama shorts, an eye mask and a copy of the ‘Bursting Fixed Mindset’ book by Freda Liu.
Both the camisole and shorts are hand block print on cotton, and, as everything is done by hand, patterns and colours may vary slightly from piece to piece – making each set unique. Although it’s packaged to look like bed ware, the camisole is normally sold separately and mostly worn as a top, often with jeans. The shorts too are often worn out with button-down white-collar shirts a favourite match. The focus is on versatility so Batik Boutique’s products can be used or worn different ways.
The shorts are fabulous for Malaysia’s warm climate and made additionally comfortable with an elastic waist, drawstring tie for a secure fit, and side slits making them easy to move in, maximising comfort. What’s nice about the majority of the items at Batik Boutique is that they’re easy to care for being machine washable in cold water. They should be hung to dry, and a warm iron can be used if necessary.
A 100% silk shibori eye mask turns the day wear set into cute sleeping apparel, and the book is just the boost a busy woman would appreciate. It tells the stories of Malaysian female entrepreneurs and the struggles they have overcome to beat the odds and set up successful businesses.
Tote Bag (Canvas Base) Black Fern (RM 269) & Zip Pouch (Leather) Black Fern (RM 95)
My final selections are a tote bag and a zip pouch. Again, the technique used is hand-blocked Malaysian batik on canvas. The tote features a cotton lining, an inner zipped pocket and the straps are made of PU leather. It fits comfortably over my shoulder and rests under the arm. I chose this style as it’s big enough to fit my laptop and the black hue as it’s versatile enough to go with many outfits. The zip pouch’s bottom is made of durable leather, with a YKK zip and satin lining on the inside protects your delicates.
Reasons to purchase ethical gifts 2020 at Batik Boutique: premium quality hand-crafted apparel and accessories that also benefit the people who made them.
Batik Boutique KL
3 Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia
+603 2303 6052
www.thebatikboutique.com
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