Akshan Auliya, a passionate fashion designer and founder of Studio Ikaten in Sragen, is making waves in the world of batik fashion. His journey and creative insights took center stage during a talk show hosted by TP PKK Tuban Regency as part of the 52nd PKK Unity Day celebration on Tuesday (05/11) at Pendapa Krida Manunggal, Tuban. At the event, Akshan shared practical tips and techniques for creating captivating fashion designs.
His love for fashion began in junior high school, where he often sketched dress designs. However, his career path initially took a different direction, guided by his parents who encouraged him to pursue automotive studies for better job prospects. This led him to attend SMKN 1 Miri, Sragen, and later enroll in an automotive program at university. “According to my parents, the automotive field was considered a safer route to secure employment,” he recalled.
Yet, just one year into his automotive studies, Akshan realized his true passion lay elsewhere. Determined to follow his calling, he enrolled at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Surakarta, majoring in batik fashion design.
Akshan’s self-taught journey began in 2015, learning from online resources in internet cafés. His persistence paid off in 2016 when he won the Jogja Fashion Week competition. This success, along with a strong portfolio, opened the door for him to work professionally as a fashion designer in 2018.
Today, Studio Ikaten stands as a creative hub in Sragen, with Akshan’s batik creations setting new trends in the fashion scene. His designs have been worn by well-known Indonesian celebrities such as Raffi Ahmad, Judika, Weird Genius, RAN, and various influencers.
For Akshan, the greatest capital comes from within. “Always believe you can, and keep going even when the storm hits — eventually, the results will show,” he encouraged.
