Oh Dayang: from batik scraps to stylish accessories

2026-03-28 - 23:40

With her brand Oh Dayang, Nur Arina upcycles leftover pieces of batik into stylish accessories. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: What many would consider scraps of fabric are getting a new lease of life thanks to one local entrepreneur. Oh Dayang, founded by Dayang Nur Arina M Roslan, upcycles leftover pieces of batik that might otherwise be discarded into stylish accessories, blending traditional motifs with modern fashion. For the 25-year-old, the brand goes beyond merely making accessories – it is also a way to give new value to recycled materials, while introducing batik to younger generations. It all began in 2018, when her sister Dayang Nur Syafiqah began experimenting with small accessories made from old batik fabric. “At first, we made and sold simple items like earrings and bracelets from recycled batik,” Nur Arina recalled. “As each piece had to be cut carefully, every accessory turned out slightly different.” Encouraged by positive feedback, the sisters realised they had an opportunity to turn batik into something fresh and wearable. Today, Oh Dayang produces a variety of accessories including hijab pins, brooches, hair clips, and bag and phone chains, all featuring distinctive batik motifs. Among the most popular items are the hijab pins, which often see strong demand during festive seasons such as Hari Raya. From earrings and hijab pins to brooches and hairclips, Oh Dayang is giving leftover fabric a new lease of life while showcasing Malaysian textile heritage. This year, the brand also introduced a collection of original, fully hand-painted batik accessories, in a bid to maintain the uniqueness of their designs amidst a growing number of imitations in the market. Prices range between RM29 and RM79, depending on the design and product type. In addition to enthusiastic local reception, Oh Dayang has found fans in as far away as Australia and Germany, showing that Malaysian textile heritage can still resonate internationally. For Nur Arina, the strong response proves that batik remains relevant in today’s fashion landscape. “Every piece of batik carries the identity of Malaysia,” she said. “When people wear it, they’re not only looking stylish, they’re also helping to preserve our heritage.” Learn more about Oh Dayang via its website and Instagram profile.