Batik artist Rosliza races three‑week deadline to craft Queen’s dazzling National Day dress

Kota Bharu, Sept 6 — With a mere three weeks to complete a trio of outfit options, batik artist Rosliza Muhammad, 59, delivered the design ultimately chosen for Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah at Malaysia's 69th National Day celebration on August 31. Rosliza's journey in batik art began in her childhood, and she has over three decades of experience in the field, earning her the responsibility of crafting outfits for the Queen for the second consecutive year.

The trust was both a source of pride and pressure, as she had to ensure the new designs differed from last year's work. Rosliza was approached about the order three weeks before National Day via her acquaintance, fashion designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill, who represented the Queen. The filigree motif for the dress drew inspiration from Malay designs, while elements of the hibiscus and the Jalur Gemilang were incorporated to maintain the National Day theme.

The design process began with a pencil sketch on white cloth, followed by a careful drawing on silk cloth by canting, a complex step that requires precision, as any errors in the lines or patterns would necessitate redrawing. The dyeing process involved multiple stages, with the fabric having to dry for about a day before each new layer of wax-coated color was applied.

Rosliza, who holds a Textile Design Degree from Universiti Teknologi Mara, used Remazol dyes in blue and violet to create a brighter, more striking blue tone reminiscent of the Jalur Gemilang. Her studio was assisted by three employees, Wan Nur Amira Wan Adnan, Luqman Hakim Mohd Salim, and Nik Saiful Azri Nik Mohamad. Apart from the Queen, Rosliza's batik creations have also earned orders from other royalties and dignitaries, including the Raja Permaisuri of Perak and the Sultanah of Terengganu.

She expressed hope that batik art would continue to thrive among the younger generation and evolve through creativity and new designs, while maintaining the Malay identity.