The renown Indonesian batik designer, Iwan Tirta, once said, "Batik should always be worn to keep its meaning alive." It has been three years since Iwan Tirta died at the age of 75 due to diabetes, but his masterpieces remain alive. A boutique in Senayan City, Jakarta, captures his eternity.

The success of Iwan Tirta was celebrated during the opening of Iwan Tirta Private Collection last week. It presented several hand-made batiks ever created by the late Iwan Tirta.

Era Soekamto, the Creative Director of Iwan Tirta Private Collection, designs the collection that combines both authentic and contemporary pieces using the royal technique. "Our collection portrays royal tradition. The essence of batik was having a story. Batik is used for a theology of culture," Soekamto said.

Iwan Tirta Private Collection carries a wide variety of exclusive hand-made batiks aimed for both ladies and gentlemen. It creates modern design of batik wear while still maintaining its royal authenticity.

Soekamto's design is in line with the authenticity of Iwan Tirta collection, which is simple yet elegant. The modern side is portrayed with draping technique. Blazer, evening gowns and cocktail dress are presented in feminine design while using dark basic color and bright motif.

The collection brings classic batiks, such as parang barong, modang, terang bulan, parang kemitir, kawung, sawunggaling and truntum. Each pattern has certain meaning and philosophy. Truntum, for example, represents loyalty of a queen to his husband.

Soekamto said proceeding cultural heritage from the maestro Iwan  Tirta was a big responsibility. For Iwan, batik is not just trend. It is an identity.

Soekamto said she had to learn the alternative of the design and study the background of the batik. "I have to learn many things," she said.

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