Batik Reimagined: Kozue Sullerot’s Residency Journey in Indonesia

The launch of PINTU Incubator’s Residency Program in 2025 marks a bold new chapter for Indonesia’s leading fashion incubator, reinforcing cultural collaboration between Indonesia and France. This three-month initiative invited French designer Kozue Sullerot to live, learn, and create alongside Indonesian artisans, immersing herself in the centuries-old tradition of batik in Tegal. The result is a collection that bridges heritage and modernity, preparing to take the global stage at Première Classe Paris Trade Show 2025.

Kozue’s residency began with a deep dive into the art of membatik, where every wax line carries meaning, patience, and cultural memory. Guided by local artisans, she discovered that batik is more than technique—it is an act of storytelling, rooted in community and identity. Each pattern is a record of time and place, a quiet expression revealed through wax, dye, and fabric. For Kozue, this practice became a foundation for reimagining batik through her dual Japanese and French design sensibilities.

Her collection celebrates resort-style living—garments that are light, joyful, and infused with vibrant energy. Crafted from hand-printed batik fabrics made in Tegal, the pieces embrace natural materials such as cotton and linen for breathability, comfort, and sustainability. True to her design philosophy, Kozue infused bold, uplifting colors into the collection, ensuring each garment radiates optimism. The inclusion of reversible designs adds versatility, offering two styles in one, while fluid silhouettes evoke freedom and elegance.

“My inspiration comes from the idea of creating resort-style garments that feel comfortable, full of life, and color,” Kozue explained. “I enjoy combining Japanese and French aesthetics with batik in ways that feel fresh and unexpected. Through vivid hues and contemporary silhouettes, I want to share batik with a wider international audience—celebrating its cultural depth while making it resonate across different contexts.”

Sustainability plays a vital role in her approach. By prioritizing natural fibers and working directly with artisans, Kozue ensures her designs are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. Every piece highlights the harmony between tradition and innovation, proving that fashion can respect heritage while embracing modern lifestyles. Her motifs—drawn from her travels, nature, and protective symbols—reframe batik as a living art form that speaks to today’s global fashion audience.

Another hallmark of her collection is playfulness. “Color is truly at the heart of my process,” she said. “And with reversible garments, I want to give customers flexibility to adapt their clothing depending on the occasion or their mood.” The result is clothing that moves seamlessly between casual and elegant, inviting wearers to experience freedom, joy, and versatility in every piece.

As Kozue prepares to unveil her six-look collection in Paris, her journey reflects the broader vision of the PINTU incubator program—to empower designers through cultural exchange, mentorship, and international exposure. By placing Indonesian heritage at the center of innovation, PINTU continues to strengthen the fashion business ecosystem and affirm its role as a vital bridge between tradition and the global market.

Through Kozue’s story, the Residency Program proves that when tradition meets fresh perspective, the outcome is more than fashion—it is cultural diplomacy woven into fabric, color, and form.