MaryamBayam & The Batik Movement | Lady Tulip

WHEN TRADITION MEETS POP CULTURE FASHION...

Hello, Dolls & Gents,

Modern fashion pop culture somewhat survives based on recycling. This is why old becomes new and new becomes old in a consistent cycle. But how often do we see tradition meets pop culture? Well, not enough. Often times, traditional clothing do not resonate with modernity. Especially in parts of the world where the traditional styles are becoming nothing more than history. Commonly, we see the youth take one step further and further away from traditions that make us unique. Ironic, considering how fashion is fundamental to exhibiting unique individuality. Nevertheless, we see designers taking up initiatives and recycling elements, to introduce tradition into modern clothing and accessories.

Meet the brand that is bringing an important part of Asian/African (regional) tradition into popular fashion culture. MaryamBayam specializes in creating homemade accessories, ‘mainly headbands’. But what makes this brand so unique? These products focus on one key material… ‘Batik’. What is a Batik you may ask? A Batik is a marvelous piece of fabric that stands testament to a craftsmen’s passion for cultural art. The central idea when manufacturing Batik is to wax, dye, and boil. The wax acts as a color blocker for the main dye and protects the wax covered spots from getting stained. Meanwhile, the boiling process removes the wax for the final product. The end result is a decorative fabric that adds life to garments, homeware…etc. Which makes sense when MaryamBayam advocates that ‘Everything Looks #BetterInBatik’.  

Maryam Mutalib- Founder of MaryamBayam

Maryam the founder of MaryamBayam, sat down with me earlier this month to introduce me to her brand. From the first minute forward, I felt nothing but honored that she was willing to share her story with me. At 12 years of age, she picked up the needle as a hobby, although it didn’t become routine. Fast forward to today at 24, she saw an opportunity upon observing headbands in high-end stores. This Malaysian self-taught designer took it upon herself to create her own headbands, by adding a hint of culture which she admires greatly. In the end, she opted to share her designs with the world. And ever since the release of her first collection, she has a mission. A mission to revive the love affair for Batik in a very relatable manner.

“It’s more than a headband, you don’t just wear it to pull back your hair while doing chores. When you wear this, you are making a statement. It’s so versatile and can be worn with a majority of styles.” she explained while putting on one of the headbands.

This is an entrepreneur that keeps her customers in mind. A highlight among her business goals include diversity in her target audience; and she wants everyone, yes… even you, to be able to have her products. She achieves this by selling her products on Lazada. Each headband costs around RM29 and is shipped worldwide.

Earlier this week, she released her new collection. Read my review for this collection here. In addition, she is looking to expand her product ranges. She will soon be introducing other accessories such as earrings, hair ties, and turbans; all following the concept of the Batik headbands.

MaryamBayam products are a fresh addition to the market. This outside of the box invention is a good invitation to incorporate notes of culture into modern styles. The worldwide access to her products means that people everywhere can appreciate a beautiful part of Malaysian and other Asian cultures. Not only does Batik looks better on everything, but everyone as well. So if you are in Malaysia or outside of Malaysia, get your hands on MaryamBayam products here.

Thank you so much for reading this post, and I shall see you on the next one.

Read my review here: http://ladytulip7.blogspot.com/2018/10/maryambayam-headbands-review-lady-tulip.html

Shop MaryamBayam: https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/maryambayam

Follow MaryamBayam On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrymbym_/