Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace is one woman’s passionate journey to make exceptional fashion product with the traditional craft of Bali. Its a journey of over 50 years. Her name is Ni Made Jati, founder of Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace.
Sometimes in early 1970s she converted her passion for Balinese lace to a business. Over next few years, it was a relentless journey on camper vans along the West Coast of America selling all that she carried from Bali. Back home, in this lush green paradise that has been called “The Morning of the World“, that the Balinese themselves call “The Island of the Gods“, she found a undying passion to explore further through the creative spirits that guided her.
Its here in Bali, artistic ability is not regarded as a rare talent. Children absorb the techniques while watching painters as they paint, listening to musicians as they play. Artistic expression becomes part of life.
For over 50 years Uluwatu has drawn upon these natural skills to produce lace of a unique quality. This lace work, known in English as cutwork, is called krawang in Balinese. Uluwatu krawang is made in the traditional way. Lace is stretched on bamboo hoops and sewn by hand on foot-powered machines identical to the old Singer machines now seen only as antiques in the rest of the world. The thread is carefully built up layer upon layer as the hoop moves back and forth. The empty areas of the lace are delicately cut away with sharp little scissors while the loose edges are caught and bound up by the whirring needle. A single item may take five or more days to complete and the end result is a work of art.
Today Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace employs over 500 craftspeople in a truly modern atelier. The atelier in Tabanan, Bali is vertically integrated to make a complete product. It is a zero-emission factory and highly committed to sustainable manufacturing, working towards fulfil United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-17). While the Corporate Culture, since inception is committed to FairTrade, Fashion Circularity, Blockchain & Ethical Sourcing, the process certification is right now underway. The company is also committed to Ethical sourcing, and shall ensure all its raw materials are organic, recycled or up cycled by 2025. (If you are eager about these ideals, do connect with us.)
It is not just craftsmanship but styling that sets Uluwatulace apart. The design palette was always global. Today the designers explore global fashion trends to ensure clients from Paris, London, New York, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Mumbai or Adelaide, find the silhouette suitable to their taste. Thats how we have taken our brand to over 150 countries.
We are glad to see you here. Take your time to explore the designs in Resort, Casual, Formal & Bridal. There’s also an enviable collection of Menswear, Accessory & Home Linen. All in queue for launch over next few months.
When you come to Bali, meet us to see how we make a true heirloom. kUTA
