Hooks the Look

Motif Madness: Batik

Batik is a method of dyeing fabric in which patterned areas are covered with wax so they remain untouched by the color. Multi-colored and blended effects are achieved by repeated applications of the process, with prior patterns of wax boiled off and another design applied before redyeing. Techniques of wax-resist dyeing of fabric have existed for centuries and used in many cultures, especially in Southeast Asia. However, in more modern times, the more common patterns are most closely associated with Indonesia and the Island of Java.

While not a traditional Indonesian garment, my multi-tiered skirt is my featured piece for this month’s Motif Madness theme. I found this skirt a couple of months ago at a local thrift store. How could I miss it on the rack with these gorgeous colors? Along with black and cream, there’s a mix of golden tones ranging from saffron to mustard to hazelnut. Each of the tiers is slightly ruffled and has a different pattern with a couple of repeats. The fabric has “good hang” and is 100% cotton. I could easily wear this beauty year-round. Not bad for a $4 investment.

There’s one more detail that I think makes this batik inspired print skirt even more special and that’s its label. If you were shopping in one of many better market department stores in the 1980s and 1990s, you likely couldn’t turn around without bumping into a Carole Little display. There was a real Carole Little behind that label and she was a visionary. Focusing on her observations of Parisian style, Carole felt that American women could benefit from using separates for creating different looks.

To me, the Carol Little aesthetic embraced the classics but with a decisively feminine flair. The clothing allowed you to put together casually chic, mix-and-match outfits. I fondly recall having several Carol Little pieces in my wardrobe back in the day so seeing the label in this skirt made it a must buy. This brand was known for showcasing a variety of prints and patterns from a wide range of inspirations. In fact, this skirt is a second Carole Little item that I’ve found recently.

I’ve since discovered that my skirt was likely made sometime in the ’90s or maybe earlier. According to the label, the skirt was manufactured in the “British Crown Colony of Hong Kong” which gained its independence in 1999. In my research about Carol Little, I came across a reference to “Little’s signature tiered skirt” which I believe is exactly what I’m wearing. A quick look through my closet would reveal that I have a definite affinity for this style.

With this bold batik print, I opted to go more low-key with the rest of the items. But low-key doesn’t need to mean a lack of details. Some shine and sparkle in my jewelry along with fringe on my boots round out the look and boho vibe.

For me, the appeal of batik is the handcrafted look of the print. Like tie-dye or macrame or crochet, batik appeals to the “Badass Boho Babe” inside of me. Badass Boho Babe is a style genre coined by Shelbee, a blogging bud of mine, which she used to describe little ol’ me in a recent post Inspired by Fine Whatever: Would You, Could You? Double Denim & Ruana. Are you a fan of batik as well?

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10 Comments

  1. Anne M Bray

    Oh, how I love batik! I even attempted the craft back in my neo-hippie days (high school), without much success. It’s very messy! Wax and dye — what could go wrong? (Hahahaha). I have several pieces of yardage in my “collection”, and garments as well.
    Your skirt is gorgeous — of course I remember Carol Little! She was a mentor at Otis (gave direction for fashion projects, much like the Project Runway challenges). That style skirt is SO forgiving. It’s also known as Santa Fe style and I think
    Georgia O”Keeffe wore them back in the day. You’re in good company!

    • Rena Post Author

      It was nice to read that Carole business was based in Los Angeles. Thanks for the added tidbit about your connection as well as the style.

  2. Jodie

    Such a gorgeous print Rena. I don’t even think I have any of this in my closet…how terrible of me. But easily remedied when I can get back to the thrift stores…haha!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena Post Author

      I didn’t have any batik either until I happened upon this skirt. I’m glad to be a shopping inspiration for you.

  6. shelbeeontheedge1

    I have always loved batik prints! What a great skirt and I love the black and tan combination. But it is your fabulous boots that really caught my attention. So cute! And you are totally rocking some badassbohobabe vibes with this outfit!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com