This collection was inspired by my Malay Chinese heritage. I grew up wearing Batik, so it’s very exciting to finally share it in my work, as I know so many Aussies also share a love of SE Asian culture.
The Kite Top’s clean lines and neat fit really showcase the rich colours, striking patterns and hand crafting beautifully – a unique merge of traditional and modern style.
This style has become a crowd favourite because it solves a little everyday dressing dilemma. Are you ever hunting for a top that isn’t tight but finishes at just the right spot on the waist so you don’t need to tuck it in but it’s not too loose and shapeless if you don’t? Well this design solves all those little niggles!
The unique kite shape offers looseness across the shoulders, bust and tummy for an elegant yet relaxed look, which then slightly draws in to a flat front. The back has a softly billowing effect created by a little elastic along the bottom. This makes it ideal to wear over slim fitted bottoms like a straight or a line skirt, tailored pants, jeans or shorts. But it can also balance out a full or voluminous skirt without having to wear something tight on top.
It’s a style that is super comfortable and versatile, accommodates a variety of body shapes, including bust sizes and whilst being shorter than our other tops, it isn't cropped, finishing just on the hip bones. If you have our Lucy dress you might notice a similar cut to the neckline and sleeve.
ABOUT THE FABRIC
Batik is a traditional textile technique of south east Asia, originating in Indonesia and Malaysia, called resist dying. Wax is used to draw or stamp a pattern onto the fabric, usually cotton, before the colours are added. Older pieces have a distinctive “crackle” effect from the broken wax that forms part of their unique character.
It dates back to ancient times with more history recorded from the 1800’s onwards.
Colours are usually rich, earthy and warm - tones we all seem to gravitate towards this time of year. As technology improved there’s also some screen printed versions that may not be made using wax, but use the traditional classic motifs and designs associated with batik, often in a much brighter colour palette. I estimate the pieces I cut for this collection were produced in the 70’s and 80’s, though being collected over many years from a variety of sources, I can’t be sure of the exact provenance of each piece.
One or few of a kind individually hand cut in my studio then sewn by professional local Makers in Sydney.
CARE
Cotton. Genuine vintage fabric in excellent preloved condition. Handwash or gentle machine wash in cold water using delicate phosphate free detergent, low spin, dry on a coat hanger and you may not need to iron. Hot iron if you wish.
SIZING & MEASUREMENTS
Sizing is consistent with my usual Kite Tops, this one is very soft, more light weight than the block colour ones made from the organic waffle cotton.
Model is average height with big bust wearing size 12.
Sizing is average to generous and To check your size, lay flat a favourite top and run a tape measure across the garment (not something stretchy) and compare your measurements to these below.
Size 8
Bust: 58cm
Length: 54m
Size 10
Bust: 61cm
Length: 55cm
Size 12
Butst: 64cm
Length: 56cm
Size 14
Bust at darts: 67cm
Length: 57cm
Size 16
Bust: 70cm
Length: 58cm
Size 18
Bust: 73cm
Length: 59cm
