pernak.pernik

Djenara Bags : Red for Courageously Indonesian!

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!!!

Pak Ujang’s Sundanese Crafts at Gasibu ‘Kaget’ Market

For Bandung citizen, not once we’re passing through Gasibu sunday market but rarely we take notice of genuine crafters who are selling their crafts over there. So, why not we try to highlight one of them, Pak Ujang, a wayang golek (traditional wooden puppet) and Sundanese craft designer and seller.

A family business, Pak Ujang’s crafts comprises of wayang golek(as seen in picture : gatotkaca, and also others : rama, shinta, arjuna, etc). Sizes vary and it can be presented with or without box, according request. Other than wayang golek, he also make wooden craft in animal shape (elephant, horse, decorative wooden wayang spoon and fork). Specializing in Sundanese craft, he produces also angklung (traditional sundanese music instrument), real one and miniatures…..which of course, are in lower price compared to souvenir shops :)

As we mentioned….at the moment Pak Ujang has his stall in Gasibu market, every sunday although based in Sumedang, his business has served requests from all over nusantara. To contact pak ujang, email at etniknusantara(at)yahoo.com, or come to gasibu market at sunday :D..

Despite the limited space and resources, Pak Ujang’s business is running quite well. At that very day that we visited his selling place in Gasibu, there left only 1 wayang golek, out of 50 that he brought that day—-and it was only 9am! Good luck Pak Ujang! and for dear readers…

Let’s support our local crafters!!

Reviewed by Erli Sarilita

Manikam Indonesia, the future ‘classic’ of Indonesian’s design

Manikam Indonesia.Glancing at the name, I already sense the ‘elegance’ that it brings. And the first impression proved indeed. Manikam Indonesia is established based on similar vision shared by Aini, Fajar (Manikam’s designers), and Agni (Manikam’s management) who are determined on enhance our culture, and not merely repeting the existing. Enhancements are done in terms of pattern, technique, or the general context. ‘Manikam’ itself derives from Sanskrit language, which means ‘jewelry’. Jewelry here does not only represent ‘beautifying’, but more of that, it is a manifestation of culture simbolism, and as something that transcends values. The Slogan,”Customize Your Life” promises personal and characterized design based on client’s need. They hence believe that every individual are unique, and they appreciate and respect each uniqueness in Indonesian contemporary designs that they offer.

Manikam particularly moves in Indonesian comtemporary Batik and Jewelry, ranges from wearable to collection designed batik, whereas for jewelry, are still made based on order. Future collection of jewelry is anticipated although spirit of handmade and customized design are still preserved. Also for marketing, they’re still relying on word of mouth, so guys, please spread the great creation!

Lines from Interview with Agni (Ag), Fajar (Fa), and Aini (Ai)

What inspires you?

Ag : Batik crafters in Bandung whose house used for production : intimate community, innovative, rich of collaboration with colleagues on enhancing batik, hence we see the passion. These humble and visioned crafters induce also my spirit. We’re determined on creating high quality national product using traditional inspiration and patterns
Fa : IWAN TIRTA…, but batik itself is already an abundant inspiration for me to create…
Ai : Same with Agni, inspired by the businessmen who are moving in artistic industry and gives purposes to people. As of my artistic inspiration..Everything can inspire me, but actually I’d love to see the basic problem first. That’s design are for, rite? Solving human problem ;)

In the hardest days, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up?

Ag : Sleeping, Biking, Writing on the issue…
Fa : Fortunately drawing is a hobby that brings more luck. I also like to write…
Ai : I’m a reflective person, so… try to see the whole picture then find the best solution will definitely cheers me up. Off course before that, I need to be calm first. That’s my boyfriend specialty ;)

…And your crave?

Ag : Book Store as Periplus’, foldable bike that fits angkot-commuting
Fa : Batik!, and no printing OK?!
Ai : Deep purple color, absolutely!

…your childhood wannabe?

Ag : War doctor as in Band of Brothers : Eugene Roe
Fa : Exactly what I am thinking now :) Young desainer with characterized design, and famous!
Ai : I want to be everything! It seems changing time after time

What is the best and worst thing about living in Bandung?

Ag : Worst : Crowded and unmanageable people (whose ruler are also referring only to self-interest)…Motorcycle booming. The bests definitely is the passion, community in creativity, cool, and the food!Fa : Idem with Agni! Plus, Bandung won’t leave you impression if you’re leaving it too long. Ai : I’ve just always tried to makes ‘the-not-so-good’ things better, and the best thing comes great ;)
Wow, I’m really proud of this three young Indonesians. Big vision and surely they’re competent designers (LOOK at those designs! Gaaah!! I’m gasping! They’re truly original and the wonderful thing is that they are truly Indonesian! I’m quite sure, despite their contemporariness at the moment, in some 50 years their designs can already be called ‘classic’ Indonesian…as they sure are bringing it all out with CLASS!

Nice to know you all three (of course Agni I already know for years ;p, but Fajar and Aini, nice to know a bit of you and keep on creating! Indonesia need more of you guys :D …..And dear readers, you can go ooh-aah on their designs on their blog, multiply, facebook, and email at manikam.indonesia(at)gmail.com
Long live Indonesian’s design!