A trip to Lombok inspires an Indonesian designer Ari Seputra. While visiting local art market, he was enchanted by ketak, Lombok handicrafts made of woven ketak. "I wanted to transform ketak pattern into fabric," Ari said.

Ketak is a grass growing wildly over tree trunks. Ketak is smaller than rattan. It is flexible so that it is easy to plait and weave into handicrafts. Ketak can be weaved into dish coasters, baskets, or tablecloths.

However, Ari does not transform ketak directly into clothes. He prints the pattern of ketak using digital printing. He also uses embroidery technique to print ketak. Then, the ketak is put above weaving fabric. The result is beyond his expectation. The pattern of ketak looks fascinating.

His new collection reflects two characters, masculine and feminine. A modern touch is presented in white, brown, and natural brown palette. Masculine side is seen on structured blouse and shirt, while drapery skirt represents feminine side. Ketak pattern is also combined with stripes and geometric patterns. "I pour new energy into ketak," he said.

Ari loves playing with local riches. Traditional fabric and pattern successfully steal his attention. He is interested to make cultural riches into everyday wear. A designer, he said, must be able to design everyday wear apart from haute couture.

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