Kuala Lumpur, 4 November 2025

The word ‘grand’ barely captured the energy and excitement surrounding the opening of Kapten Batik’s new flagship boutique at The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur, early November.

The atmosphere was buzzing, as guests and media gathered to celebrate this milestone for the homegrown brand that has redefined modern batik. From the moment you approach the store, it’s clear that this is not your typical boutique.

The striking façade - a wall adorned with bronze batik stamps, traditionally used to imprint intricate designs onto fabric - immediately draws the eye. Inside, the space unfolds like a story of craftsmanship and modern elegance. Even the fitting rooms are a delight and elegantly designed with warm tones and leafy accents.

While Kapten Batik is best known for its men’s fashion, including sleek shirts, casual wear, and statement pieces perfect for both work and travel, the store also carries a small selection of women’s designs, with plans to expand further during festive periods.

Shoppers will also find an impressive range of accessories - from handcrafted bags and stylish hats to patterned shawls and pocket squares that add a touch of personality to any outfit.

The event’s highlight came when founders Farhan Omar and Ekram Faiz, graced by the presence of YAM Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, took to the stage for the ribbon cutting ceremony, officially marking the boutique’s grand opening. The duo shared the inspiring story of how Kapten Batik began:

“We met during our university days,” said Farhan.

“After graduating, we wanted to create a modern batik fashion line for men. One day, I simply bought two tickets from KL to Indonesia - and off we went! Indonesian batik is more everyday wear there, and their patterns and techniques fascinated us. We learned everything we could, then came back to Malaysia to craft something uniquely ours - a Malaysian brand with a local soul and a global outlook.”

That was seven years ago. Today, the label stands as a symbol of contemporary Malaysian culture - confident, creative, and connected to its roots. The flagship boutique, designed in collaboration with Matthew Lim Associates (MLA), reflects that journey.

Every corner, from the product displays to the ambient lighting, is designed to evoke emotion and tell the story of discovery, craftsmanship, and pride.

As for what’s next, Farhan and Ekram smile:

“We’re looking to take Kapten Batik international. Singapore and Brunei are on the list - and from there, who knows? The world is wide, and we’re ready.”