Traditional doesn’t mean dull

Frankitas is showing that the old ways can be trendy when it comes to fashion accessories and home decor items, writes Nadia Badarudin

SINCE its inception in 2014, Malaysian-born fashion brand Frankitas’ popularity has been growing among trend setters for its chic, colourful and collectible bags and clutches. What makes Frankitas unique and exclusive is that the textiles that are used in its authentic range such as ikat, batik, songket and rangrang are made using age-old traditional methods such as weaving and tie-dying by master craftsmen in Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Central Asia.

(To the uninitiated, ikat and rangrang are eco-friendly, hand-woven fabrics which originate from Indonesia).

In conjunction with its third anniversary recently, the brand unveiled a new collection of stunning, ethproducts nic-inspired ranging from fashion accessories to home decor items.

TRADITIONAL INFLUENCE “Starting from chic bags and purses in three designs, we have now extended our line to 13 designs for this new collection, which comprises bags, clutches, silk scarves, jewellery and home decor — all infused with a mix of traditional and tropical flavours,” says Frankitas founder and creative director Francisca Turner Shaik or Franki, as she is fondly known.

The new collection showcases contemporary masterpieces. Frankitas’ signature envelope clutch series Titin has been reinterpreted in new designs and enriched with vibrant colours.

The Tas Malam and Tas Midi Malam boxy clutch series features the elegance of Malaysian songket and batik, while the Mama Sabeena and Lannie clutches highlight the delicate art of Uzbekistan silk ikat.

“I worked with master artisans here as well as in Indonesia and Uzbekistan for this collection. I wanted to showcase various traditional textiles and make them current and more globally appealing,” says Franki.

“The product designs are secondary to me because my ultimate aim is to preserve heritage and make traditional textiles the ‘hero’.

The collection consists of fun, ethnic-influenced jewellery and accessories as well as home decor pieces ranging from picture frames and throw pilrugs lows to and floor lamps.

“Apart from the traditional appeal, the decor items are full of the rustic, tropiisland cal vibe, which I love.

“I want to create a warm, colourful and fun ambience with these products. I want people to feel like they are on a holiday or on a beach vacation although they’re at home,” says the stylish entrepreneur, who is a former journalist.

PRESERVING HERITAGE

Frankitas has always been the life-long dream of Franki who is known for her impeccable personal style.

The brand reflects her IndonesianBritish parentage and roots as well as the different cultures she was exposed to while living in several countries over the past 10 years.

The new collection also includes ethnic-influenced home decor pieces.

A boxy clutch made of songket is among the items in the†latest collection.

“I was raised by my Javanese grandparents in a very traditional kampung environment in Bogor, Indonesia. Wherever I go, I never forget where I came from. I’m proud of my roots and culture and I want to preserve that,” says Franki, recalling the humble beginnings of her fashion venture.

“Furthermore, I always wanted to communicate culture and heritage, particularly traditional textiles through fashion. So I created Frankitas, which is a marriage of my Indonesian background and Malaysian cultural influences from my husband’s side. I wanted it to be something that would remind everyone of their own roots.”

The name Frankitas is taken from her nickname and also embodies her love for bags - the word “tas” means bag in Malay.

The brand focuses on making traditional fabrics more relevant and appealing to the present demographic through tasteful and contemporary designs.

“Frankitas works on the idea that traditional doesn’t mean dull or old-fashioned. Besides contemporary designs with a global appeal, the brand stays true to producing limited, handmade art pieces with a value that goes beyond aesthetics,” she adds.

GOING FORWARD

Currently, Frankitas’ products are retailed through its distribution partners (including high-end hotels and resorts) in Malaysia as well as in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Maldives, Switzerland and Japan.

“For 2018, we’re looking into expanding our distribution network in the United States and Europe, and with our e-commerce website in place, we hope to attract more global customers,” says Franki.

She is also working on a project called the Frankitas Collective which features a

The latest chic clutches from Frankitas.

selection of unique fashion accessories from selected brands such as Isle & Tribe, MantraBand and Fugeelah that have similar design tastes and business values with Frankitas.

“I would like to position Frankitas as the go-to place for locals and expatriates looking for good quality artisanal fashion and home accessories. And I hope I can help preserve heritage along the way too,” she says.

Frankitas products are available online and at Frankitas Gallery, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur (open on appointment basis). For details, visit www.frankitas.com, www.instagram.com/Frankitas or www. facebook.com/frankitasbagsandclutches