Batik Boutique Takes Malaysian Craft to the Formula One Grid

The exclusive collaboration translates Bahrain International Circuit’s visual identity into long-sleeved shirts rooted in Malaysian batik.

When Formula 1 returned to Sepang last weekend, Malaysian craftsmanship took its place on the grid. At the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wore a custom red shirt by homegrown label Batik Boutique, taking the locally made design from trackside to the podium.

The shirt is part of an exclusive merchandise collaboration between Batik Boutique and Bahrain International Circuit. The collaboration was created for the race’s move to Malaysia this season. Rather than producing conventional event merchandise, the brief called for pieces that felt distinctive and locally rooted. These were designs that guests could keep wearing long after race weekend.

Batik Boutique approached the project as an exercise in design translation. Its team studied the lines and movement of the Bahrain International Circuit logo. They then reworked them into a batik-inspired repeat pattern, bringing the graphic energy of motorsport together with the intricacy of traditional batik.

The result comes in long-sleeved shirts for men and women: a smart, versatile cut for him and a tailored fit for her.

Batik Boutique handled the process in-house, from adapting the design and developing samples to production, finishing and packaging. The choice of a long-sleeved shirt over the usual event T-shirt gives the pieces a more polished feel, suited to hospitality suites, team dressing and corporate gatherings alike.

“The strongest merchandise is not just produced. It is designed with a story,” said Amy Blair, founder and CEO of Batik Boutique.

Anwar Ibrahim wore the print throughout race day. He watched the action trackside above the grid before presenting trophies to the winning drivers on the podium alongside Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari was also spotted in the print.

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