Following the previously discarded-inspired OVERTHING collection in mid-2025, ORKES continues Kapten Batik’s exploration of creative possibilities through the craftsmanship of fashion in the first half of 2026. This time, the designers draw inspiration from musical instruments, both past and present, translating them into a batik shirt series that expresses an appreciation of music as an essential part of life.

ORKES: A Symphony in Batik — a collective expression shaped by an ensemble of modern and heritage musical instruments, honouring the shared artistry between hand played music and handcrafted batik. An exchange of philosophy reimagined into motifs that bring music to life on fabric.

The motifs are inspired by modern instruments such as the saxophone, electric guitar, and synthesiser, as well as heritage instruments including the gong, sape, gambus, serunai, seruling, and selected elements from gamelan sets.

A range of artisanal batik designs has been developed for this collection, each dedicated to Kapten Batik’s signature series: the copper-wax produced Masterpiece, the carved wood artistry of Maharaja, and the limitless design possibilities of Nusantara, alongside the special Linen line and the newly introduced Kurung Kedah sets. The designs are offered in a variety of fits, including Modern Fit and Slim Fit, with short-sleeve options available.

In addition, the collection is certified under OEKO-TEX® standards, a globally recognised certification for textile products that ensures health safety, responsible production, and supply chain transparency for consumers.

The campaign’s visual direction for ORKES, led by Syazwan A., the brand’s Creative Services Manager, together with the shared vision of Fadli Muhsin, explores the shared artistry of two crafts: batik and music, presented as a singular work of art.

This full-circle creative process is rooted in Syazwan’s personal passion for music, architecture, and storytelling. It led him to curate and assemble a collective of modern and classical musicians from Agal Musik, who composed Nusantara funk – inspired pieces titled Suzanne, Gemerlapan, Awan, and a cover of Dendang Perantau.

These works are presented through a live performance set within a batik workshop, where the brand’s in-house artisans practise traditional batik canting alongside the music. The visual work creates a shared space where these two artistic worlds converse harmoniously, forming an interpretation of how the motifs designed by Syahirah and Sofeanna translate music into life on fabric.

Kapten Batik, an award-winning brand founded by Ekram Faiz and Farhan Omar, views batik as more than formal wear, but as a symbol of limitless lifestyle possibilities. Through its appreciation of heritage craftsmanship from around the world, the brand is on an ambitious mission to position batik and other artisanal wear as more than just a fashion statement, but as a deeper appreciation of the quality of making and the stories behind it.

ORKES will be available in boutiques and online starting 20 February 2026 — as part of the first release of the brand’s main collection, launching in conjunction with the Ramadan and Raya season.