D.j.e.n.a.r.a – uhm…before we get to the reviewing part…reviewing creative Indonesian brands all these times give me some inspiration on how to name my daughter ( I dunno when yet…but still); and Djenara, I would say would be one strong candidate. :p
Ok, Back to Djenara Bags!
Lania Rakhma, the founder, is by coincidence also the wife of a friend back in college (I now must admit I admire my guy friends’ taste in choosing wives :p ). She found her passion only after finishing her undergraduate study in Environmental Engineering…She participated in several fashion design competition and having convinced of her new passion, she took fashion classes at Studio Intermodel Bandung. And now—supported by her husband along the way—she has established several fashion lines (clothings, Djenara Bags, and hopefully soon, shoe lines!).
Lania admitted that she always has a particularly ‘high‘ taste in fashion, “it’s hard to find something that is really me in the market”. This is the base that she takes when she designs her products. At the mean time, she’s into batik and tenun ikat—and found herself loving and treasuring it even more as she gets mesmerized towards the rich variety of traditional patterns she found along the process. “Why not mix my hobby in designing, exploring own culture…and business..?” –she said.
Djenara comes from ‘Jenar’ (Javanese root) that means ‘Red’. Red, for her symbolizes courage, to try new things, to go beyond one’s comfort zone—“Like I did when I swerved from engineering to design, for instance”, Lania said. Djenara is still new though, and Lania expects that it will still develop in its slogan as well as its style. It may as well remain as it is now, ”Simple, chic, eclectic”.
Every Djenara design is made a la boutique : each made unique, meticulously taken care by skillful bag artisans.
For fellow designers, it’s worthwhile to hear what she says on her design and business philosophy:
Actually, when the idea of starting business suddenly pop up in your head, don’t wait till the right time come, bcoz it will never come. Just do it already and i believe when you keep on the right track & keep believing in yourself, the ‘supporting factors’ will come along the way. Amin.
As usual, I asked her some personal questions –for you to know more about Lania, the lady behind.
1. What inspires you?
What inspires me in designing bags in batik fabric is simply the fabrics itselves. They are so beautiful and I only have to mix and match the character of colours, the patterns, with my style.
2. When you’re having a really bad day, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up? Craves?
Taking with someone or people you love : husband, family, friends, and fellow workers…simple but warm chat would definitely boost my mood instantly
3. What makes a good design, according to you?
Originality, strong character, but not egoistic—in the sense that it can be appreciated easily by other people / customer. Design for me is more commercialized, unlike art. Art you can make however you like, but design has its commercial side. (Well, maybe I don’t know that much…hehehe)
4. Favorite designers (local and intl) you look up to?
I like more with young people who devoutly follow their passion and do their business according to it—without having to have large name or certain organization’s support..They’re more original.
My favourite international designer is Tsumori Chisato (Great imagination he has. WAW!)
5. What’s the hardest part of making your own design and running your own business. How do you cope?
Time problem. As I’m also tacking production and running clothing line also, it’s hard to find relaxing timeto design. In the end, usually I give last minute design to be produced. The source may be also Human resources problem. I cannot yet delegate much of the works and I’m still handling things across the value chain. The only best way to tackle it is just to accept it gladly, “Insya Allah everything finished at time and everything goes well”. It’s cliché maybe, but true…
At this moment, Djenara bags can be found in Shajna Store @ Kompleks Kue Soes Merdeka Jl. merdeka No. 29 Bandung, or at Djenara Facebook account here. Happy Shopping, and Good Luck Djenara!!!
