It all begins with an idea.
I’ve always struggled with labels and my personal style. Lesbian, bisexual, and ex-heterosexual were not labels I wanted to embrace. Being in a professional atmosphere where my personal style directly influences the way others see me; I was also troubled figuring out how I wanted to present myself professionally. I tried all different things, nothing seemed to work. I could not find a comfortable style in the ladies’ department and my body would not allow me to shop in the men’s department, I wanted a happy medium. Why can’t I find clothes for me without a hunt? I envied the people in my life that found their style and were able to express themselves authentically without worrying what others thought. My partner, Nicole, for example. We started dating in 2014. I envied her personal style. I was quick to buy clothes for her. Perhaps I was living vicariously though her. I knew exactly what to get for her and it always was in the men’s department where I was consistently asked if I was buying for my husband or boyfriend. Though the styles there were perfectly her, the fit wasn’t consistent and why did I need so shop in the men’s department? I was uncomfortable and I have seen friends struggle with these same problems specifically for wedding clothes, date night and business clothes. Why isn’t there a place, I could go, she could go, you could go that has the styles we want, without the stigma of the gender you should be to wear them? As we develop Batik Clothing Company, we are keeping in mind that we are designing clothing to fit people, break the barrier of the department you shop in and connect you to a style that fits you. Be comfortable, Be confident, Be authentic with Batik. #bebatik
The Batik Clothing Co is a unique brand clothing line founded in the heart of western Massachusetts and a countercultural population. Visionary and CEO, Carrie Blair along with her Principal partner, Nicole Bourassa created the company to solve an expanding need for sharp gender neutral clothing looks without the labels of gender. Therefore, allowing the consumer to freely authenticate themselves without the gender label. As people who struggle with the department store labels of Men’s and Women’s and don’t feel either are suitable to give the look that we want for business and fashionable wear, we are bringing the fashions we love to anyone who wants to wear them.
Additional inspirations to developing a clothing line like this was to not only solve the problem of having to purchase in a certain department, we also wanted to bring our consumer clothing that is durable, sharp looking and easy to take care of. These things we found the majority of our current clothing felt short of. Ironing and pet hair were the two biggest culprits. We look for fabrics that can give you the look and not have you spending extra time removing pet hair or ironing.
Be comfortable.
Dressing for work or for a party can be hard when you are not comfortable in the clothing you are wearing. Self expression is just as important as the movement your clothing gives you. Batik Clothing Co wants you to be able to move with ease through your day and into your evening while still retaining that sharp look you had as you left your home, being comfortable with your look and feel.
Be confident.
Your personal style is dependent on how you feel emotionally in your clothing. Worrying about if your showing parts of your body unintentionally or having more room in places you don’t need. Your clothing fitting you well with material that feels good can boost your confidence!