classy tops

Colorful flowers blossom with exotic elegance over a crimson background. "Red symbolizes courage," says Yuni Kristina, as she decorates this silk shawl with batik techniques. The traditional patterns originate in Pekalongan, central Java.

Evoking coral reefs in a midnight sea, this beautiful batik robe expresses the artistic freedom of Nyoman Nadri. She creates this graceful rayon robe with wide sleeves and a matching belt. In traditional kimono style, the robe features openings under the arms for adjusting the robe and for ease of movement.

Batik is a fabric art in which the cloth is stretched on a wooden frame and the design sketched with a pencil. Then a mixture of melted wax is painted by hand onto areas where color is not desired. When the fabric is crumpled into the dying solution, the wax cracks, creating an attractive network of fine lines. The wax is removed and the process is repeated for each color utilized. Finally, the cloth is washed and rinsed to remove any excess dye.

This handpainted batik robe is a truly original work of art. Sunlight, water, dye and temperature all factor into the look of the finished robe. This should be considered a unique design made especially for you. Colors and pattern placement will vary.

Gorgeous flowers in storm grey shower this rayon batik robe with tropical elegance in a design by Bali's Nyoman Nadri. She creates this graceful rayon robe with wide sleeves and a matching belt. In traditional kimono style, the robe features openings under the arms for adjusting the robe and for ease of movement.

Cream arabesques swirl across crimson silk in a glorious design from Melati's Collection. Created in batik, the motifs cover a feminine fan.

The silk on the fan is only a small part of a larger textile with a complete motif. Thus motifs and color could vary slightly.