Awareness of International Fashion Colours Vital

Awareness of International Fashion Colours Vital
There is a lack of awareness among young batik designers in Malaysia of international fashion colours, a textile expert here said.

“If we want to market batik to the world, we need to know what are the fashion forecast colours for the next season or next year in other countries,” said Eddie Yap, at the end of the first round of judging for the Piala Seri Endon 2004 batik design competition here, yesterday.

Fifty entries were selected for the second round of the competition co-managed by the Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) and its subsidiary Batik Guild Sdn Bhd.

Yap, who is the chief judge, said inspiring designers must strive to perfect their skills and be outstanding in their creations.

The nationwide competition drew 96 entries in the Fashion category – almost twice the number of last year’s competition, and 13 entries for its new Soft Furnishing category.

Pieces of batik draped on mannequins formed a vibrant display of colour and creativity when the first round of judging kicked off yesterday.

“The overwhelming response is an indication that people acknowledge the Piala Seri Endon as a competition that will spark off their careers in batik designing,” said Batik Guild director Leela Mohd Ali, who is also the chief executive officer of Penyayang.

Patron of the foundation, Datin Paduka