Timeless elegance with Darshi

Darshi Keerthisena never fails to bring the latest yet classic styles in her batik creations, intertwining the use of traditional batiks prints with modern concepts. Darshi sure knows to make her creations timeless. Let’s get up close and personal with this talented lady to get her insights on her label Buddhi Batiks. Darshi Keerthisena of Buddhi batik fame has taken one of the oldest Sri Lankan artisan crafts and stamped her own individuality and style. Keeping abreast with modern technologies and innovations, she adds more value and texture to the fabric. Every piece that you see in her gallery is a hand crafted, individual work of art. No two pieces are the same. Even if you were to request a bespoke design similar to one on the site, what she designs though similar in colour and motif, will be unique, giving the wearer a total new look. She has revolutionized the traditional batik industry in Sri Lanka. Dharshi Keerthisena, now the managing director and creative designer at Buddhi Batiks, a company her parents founded in 1970. ” . Her challenge was to update the art that she had learned in her family’s factory, she says. “I needed to give newness to batik and preserve this age-old craft,” she says. She also departed from the strong colour that characterize traditional batik. “I used subtle colours and natural dyes such as tea and turmeric,” and batik became a cool trendsetter.” Under Ketterings direction, the company produces exclusive contemporary batik fashions, including swimwear, dresses, shirts, saris and even traditional bridal wear. Using the smallest scraps of leftover batik fabric, she also has created shoes and sandals, laptop and ipso covers, and a range of novelty items.

Buddhi Batiks is an ethical fashion business, where the batik craft is practiced by women, some of whom have been with the workshop since the company’s inception in 1970 my Buddhi Keerthisena and Ransacker Keerthisena (Darshi Ketterings parents), and are considered the life blood of the business. The batik workshop, located in the village of Kowhai on the north-western coast of Sri Lanka, in turn plays an integral role in the economy of the village.

How does Buddhi Batiks differentiates itself within the batik industry?

Buddhi Batiks has been a leader in the batik industry for over 50 years, thanks in large part to its commitment to innovation and quality. From the start, the company has prided itself on creating designs that push the boundaries of what is possible with batik fabrics. To achieve this, Buddhi Batiks invests time and resources in research and product development, constantly seeking new and improved ways to produce and refine its products.

This dedication to innovation has helped Buddhi Batiks stand out in a crowded market and has earned the company a loyal customer base. Whether it’s the latest trends in fashion or the advanced techniques in fabric design, Buddhi Batiks is always looking for ways to take its products to the next level.

But innovation is just one part of the equation. At Buddhi Batiks, quality is also of the utmost importance. From the raw materials used to the final product, every step of the production process is closely monitored to ensure that the company’s high standards are met. This commitment to quality, combined with the company’s innovative designs, has made Buddhi Batiks a trusted and respected name in the batik industry for over half a century..

Expanding Buddhi batiks network internationally which markets have you identified as key targets for your exports?

We have been exporting saris to India. We also do business with Philipines and Greece currently.

In your industry what makes you unique?

There are several factors that make our company unique within the batik industry. First and foremost, we are committed to exploring and experimenting with different fabric weaves and types in order to create innovative and one-of-a-kind products. We also enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional colour palettes and motifs, and we are constantly seeking new inspiration from various sources, including history and traditional practices not just what’s current.

In 2007, we were able to create a “new look” with new to Sri Lankan batik – fabrics, motifs and colour combos We are always looking for new ways to improve and evolve, learning from our past to move forward.

What has been your greatest entrepreneurial success?

Being able to sell sari to India felt like selling coal to New castle, india being the biggest market of sari producers. This was a highlight in my career as well as being invited to represent Sri Lanka to exhibit sustainable fashion at the Buckingham palace.

What are your challenges?

Biggest challenge in the batik industry in Sri Lanka is to get standardised raw materials in quality and price.

Is there any colour palette that you are partial too?

I work with colours that inspire me for the season and the collection.

We do look at current and future global trends but ultimately we work with what works for us. So there is no particular set colour palette

Batik is an exceedingly competition industry in Sri Lanka: How do you think you will stand out form the rest?

We concentrate on providing our customers best quality fabrics we could produce with unique and new designs

This keeps us moving forward, however slow but steadily

Describe your designs from Buddhi in three simple word?

UniqueInnovative Experimental

How is your company positioned towards co-operation with international partners and foreign investors?

As a final message what would you like our readers to member about Buddhi batik.A local brand thats a trend setter who brought back the Batik sari   and made saris a staple in younger women’swardrobe

In your opinion what is most important in maintaining your success?

Unique and high quality products and right approach to marketing

How do you envision Buddhi batiks grow in the next decade?

We hope to to take our uniquely Sri Lankan batik products to new forgiven markets and to make it into a global brand that’s truly Sri Lankan with a contemporary outlook  What can you tell us about your inspiration and designs for the international Thai Silk fashion show  Our outfits and the accessories was inspired by the lotus flower and it’s strength.

Quote “Because lotuses rise from the mud without stains, they are often viewed as a symbol of purity. Since they return to the murky water each evening and open their blooms at the break of day, lotus flowers are also symbols of strength, resilience, and rebirth” unquote.For us it represents us and the world post pandemic. It also represents the delicate yet strong Thai silk fabric.