The Batik And Kimono Series was produced in the era of Tun Dr. Mahathir's Look East Policy, whereby the initiative considers the best practices from East Asian countries. These include the work attitude and ethical values of the Japanese, who placed a strong emphasis on discipline, diligence, and creativity across all job sectors. This work delves into the theme of femininity, drawing a cultural comparison between Malaysian society and the refined self-presentation of Japanese women. Through this juxtaposition, the artwork reflects on the issues about identity, empowerment, and the various ways femininity is expressed and valued across different cultures.  Romli Mahmud graduated with a Fine Arts Degree from the MARA Institute of Technology, Shah Alam and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts and Design from the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia.