“I went to Terengganu and Kelantan to learn more about batik,” says Fern. “It was really interesting because I thought to myself, why was no one doing something different with batik. Why was it limited to traditional wear?”

She started her eponymous label in 2013 to bring a contemporary spin to batik. Eschewing wax prints, Fern experimented with watercolours to create dresses, maxi skirts and jumpsuits with modern batik patterns such as coral, waves and fern leaves. Her efforts did not go unrecognised in the industry, with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik himself officiating the opening of her boutique earlier this year.  

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Two heads are better than one, and Fern found a kindred spirit in Ruzz Gahara, a fashion brand that incorporates traditional Kelantanese batik in modern wear. Fern notes: “I admire their hand-block technique and how different their style is.” The partnership in 2014 birthed the Fern x Ruzz Gahara collection, which brought a fresh, contemporary perspective to the batik print. The success of this collaboration has only spurred her to work harder to realise her batik dreams.

Read also: Piala Seri Endon Recognises Malaysian Designers For Their Creative Work With Malaysian Batik.