Bangkok-born, London-based textile designer Lisa King has always cherished her late mother’s eclectic collection of cultural artifacts, ranging from kimonos and Japanese crockery to traditional Indonesian batik. However, a recent discovery following her mother’s passing turned out to be an unexpected treasure trove that would inspire King to embark on a mission to preserve this rich art form.

Discovering the Hidden Archive

Last January, while sorting through some of her mother’s belongings stored in a warehouse, Lisa King came across 100 boxes filled with Southeast Asian textiles. Among them were over 500 pieces of batik—traditional Indonesian fabrics dyed using wax-resist techniques.

“This is so typical of my Asian mother,” King recalls, reflecting on the unexpected find that included sarongs, kains, and selendangs worn by generations of women in her family.

Embracing Batik’s Heritage

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for King. She had just begun to incorporate batik into her own work, finding its intricate designs and cultural significance a perfect fit for her creative vision.

“Suddenly, I’d been given this archive—what do I do with it? Am I allowed to cut these things up?” King pondered the fate of these heirlooms that had traveled across generations.

Consulting Experts

To navigate her way through this rich heritage, King consulted with batik experts from institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Indonesian Embassy. Their guidance was invaluable in deciding how to honor her mother’s collection while ensuring its legacy.

Reviving Batik for Modern Audiences

Determined to give these textiles a new life, Lisa King partnered with the British menswear brand New & Lingwood. Together, they launched a 30-piece collection during London Craft Week, showcasing upcycled batik fabrics in contemporary designs such as shirts, trousers, and dressing gowns.

“We used silhouettes that we knew would resonate with [the brand’s] customers,” King explains. “But it’s a bit experimental—we don’t really know what the reaction will be because batik can be quite full-on as an aesthetic.”

The Challenges of Preserving Traditional Batik

Despite its UNESCO heritage status, traditional Indonesian batik is at risk due to the time-consuming and labor-intensive process it involves. Many artisans have turned to machine-printing methods as a more cost-effective alternative.

A Call to Action

King’s collaboration with one of Yogyakarta’s oldest batik factories signifies her commitment to preserving traditional techniques. By learning from an 80-year-old artisan, she aims to keep this cultural art form alive and relevant in modern fashion.