pernak.pernik

After long semester (in which I hardly written anything but papers), and holiday! :D Here’s another review of our dearest young designers who, also, have patiently waits for the post to emerge to existence (Sorry girls) : it’s KAMINI !!!

Kamini brings us (the young generation, if we may say so ;p) their contemporethnic style, which of course essentially derived from traditional style with contemporary design nowadays, in the hope that batik is not just presented as formal clothing but also as casual as converse and H&M bags .While indeed use of Batik, especially Sukapura style which has been booming in within our circle of fellow designers, but yet, another uniqueness brought by Kamini shows us how one batik style may be modified to infinite creativity. Started early 2008, hectic days recalled by Kamini girls who were then still doing their bachelor thesis at ITB Bandung, they were initiating by making velvet laptop bag which they regretted that its ‘batik’ pattern was overly obscured in the design and was hardly seen. 

Their passion to Indonesian culture has brought trio-Kamini together : Aurora Rintya (Bachelor of Interior Design), Meirina Triharini(Bachelor in Product Design), and Arianti Ayu (Bachelor in Product Design) who joined the latest. From 20 February 2010, they have been playing with batik tasik style, and seems they’re not bored yet, and  exciting stuffs keep on flowing out of their workshop :D

Kanaka Darpa Padmini, in sanskrit means “gold that women proud of”. So guys, seems Kamini hasn’t yet able to fulfil your fashion needs. But on the other hands, for girls, look how Kamini satiates your crave! and please do stay tune, coz..Pssttt…they will also launch kamini living in near future! :) . Like other guerillya enterpreneurs, they are now having limited items with custom making (well, this originates also from batik tasik themselves which are hardly replicable). 

I know when I’ll be going home in 18 days (weeheee!!), I’ll definitely grab one of their jackets, and or also the bag. :P (drooling mode - on). Go to http://inikamini.blogspot.com for their nice products (they also make good pictures! slurppp!)

ok, now—as usual, little peek to Kamini’s souls :)

What inspires you?

(AR) Anything can inspiring me. 
(MT) Friends, family
(AA) Especially nature like flower and leaves, terutama alam indonesia tuh menginspirasi banget, indaahhh banget.

2. When you’re having a really bad day, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up? Craves?

(AR) batikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk…..and my ugly sketch
(MT) good books, good songs, good food and a moment on my own
(AA) Looking for new kind of fashion at mall, heheheheeeeee

3. What makes a good design, according to you?

(AR) listening-browsing-sketching-editing
(MT) Understanding, of what people needs and what we want to give
(AA) Its unique, timeless and useful. Menurut saya kalau desain itu tidak mengikuti trend dan mampu membuat trend sendiri (unik) itu good design.

4. Favorite designers (local and intl) you look up to?

(AR) Alvin Tjitrowirjo, yang int. siapa yaaa, hmm…salah satunya nate berkus dehh…
(MT) My future designer friends =) & Louboutin
(AA) Local: Runi Palar, Yana Diah Kusumawati. Kebanyakan desainer perhiasan, cause i adore jewelry soo much ;Int : i dont know much about international designer, but i know about Marion Barclay’s work, its great

5. What’s the hardest part of making your own design and running your own business. How do you cope?

(AR) The Indonesian labours, arghhhh…..don’t expect them to be ON time , so I have different deadline for us (kamini) and for the labours.
(MT) The consistency. our business is our journey. no need to run, just walk steadily, take a little time to relax when we are tired, then continue the journey
(AA) Its easy to create some sketches, but not easy to made it as good prototype, it needs more time.

6. Make a wish (and blow the candle). :D

(AR) Hope………..Kamini will go international with Indonesian ethnic textile fhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……

(MT) Wish we could do better together..hehe..
(AA) people loves our design, our works :)

Kamini’s girls with the model 

by Madness  *Hopefully I can get them to be reviewed here* they’re indeed MAD !!

Let’s all shout, “This is Indonesian Beautiful Pattern and Colours !!”, with Kavi Indonesia Dresses

It’s been quite some time since I’ve been seeing Kavi Indonesia. But I haven’t had the chance to get in contact until recently. For all these time. I have been craving for their yummy-coloured and patterned batik dresses. Which I would certainly be proud of going around in.

Like Dreamesh, creative creation of a future-mommy back then, Kavi was established when Kavita Rezi the founder—who is another creative HI UNPAR graduated(!)— was pregnant for her first baby. (Seeing the prevalences, It might as well be interesting to inspect what pregnancy do to our creativity level! it certainly boosts up creative hormone! :p). Anyway, back to Kavi Indonesia. Despite the batik-boom 2 years ago, she didn’t find any that could satisfy her style, Kavita said. Hence, Kavi Indonesia was created, as personal indulgence, which she was downrightly putting it, ‘gw banget gituu’, which in fact, in the end, turns out to indulge me!, and  certainly you too!!

The clothing and bags line are meant for Casual and Semi-formal. Her aim is to make her clothing line those favorite clothes in the drawer that you would subsequently use to go anywhere! Mall, Hanging out with friends, Work, Coffee meeting, Groceries, Cremaillaire party, Conferences, you name it—And if Kavi dresses can speak, they would shout “Hey, this is the beauty of Indonesian motive and colours!”. Well I dunno with you guys, But looking her line of clothing, I WOULD certainly wear them everywhere, and not just on Friday-casual-Day at work.  

Presented with passion, Kavi Indonesia for Kavita is ‘A ‘playroom’ where I put my heart and passion in.’, and where she can contribute her little effort for Indonesia (I like this)! Now, Kavita is helped with her 2 friends, one for managing the finance and one for marketing. And…If you’re suppose to dig a bit deeper into your pocket for her dresses, it’s because they are  indeed sooo cute and adorable, the exclusive hand made touch, and her limited production capacity at the moment. But don’t hesitate dig deeper and more for Kavi, hence she’ll be able to expand and make it more economize-able for everybody’s sake—-and for the beauty of Indonesia to be more pronounced widely!

Her online shop is quite succesful, admits Kavita. Apart from the frequent buyers in Bandung and Jakarta, Kavi has reached Gresik, Surabaya, Soroako, Aceh, Singapore, Canada, Dubai, Texas, Australia, Jerman.

Wew! I think I will ask Kavita to make me a custom dress of a motive I liked in her previous collection….humm hummm….Anyway, here’s her online shop you should go for a visit, right away! Best of Success, Kavita and Kavi Indonesia!

Here’s for you to get to know Kavita Rezi…..

What inspires you?

—-Lots of things! But Colors are definitely my biggest inspiration. I love Colors!

When you’re having a really bad day, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up?

—-Just by looking at my Son’s cute act will instantly give a big smile on my face [he’s 19 months now]…Hmmm what else?A long quality talk with my husband,  a cup of Hot Jasmine tea in the morning and afternoon,  Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, A cup of Frozen Yoghurt , oh ya.. Bala Bala and a bowl of Hot Bakso Malang will also cheer me up at anytime! J 

What’s your crave?

—-Unique Color Combinations [not only applied on fashion items ya] , FOOD!

—-Have I mentioned Mint Chocolate Chip, Frozen Yoghurt, Bala Bala, Bakso Malang, Batagor, Cireng, Steak, Serabi Solo, Sushi, Batagor, Bakmi Tasik, Blue Berry Cheese Pancake? Ahahaha

 When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

—-Stewardess, Kindergarten Teacher and a Broadcaster [Only one that hasn’t been accomplished –probably wont ;)]

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

—-Living in Northern part of Bandung now [Gegerkalong].

—-Everything is great so far. Best thing is the cool air [although its not as cool as Bandung in a few years back] and the food [as mentioned before ;D] The worst thing about living in Bandung is on  week ends. You cant go anywhere without getting caught by a traffic jam. So I usually just stay home , cook for my family during week ends or go to someplace not too far from my house.

^^ Thanks a lot Kavita!

Watching Happy Salma’s monolog of Renggong Dukuh Paruk helps me realize Indonesian literature richness. Not actually myself a literature avid, but her genious theatrical show is nonetheless aspiring and mesmerizing!!

More on this…. :) hope to interview happy salma also…

Do you know that birds are used to decorate their nests with feathers? Decorating, is indeed a basic instinct, and not a mere a tertier need in life, so thought ina, the founder of Feather Nest Design. Before Feathernest and focus on becoming Work at Home Mom (WAHM) :), Ina had dwelled for some time in graphic and interior design industry. Now, as this ITS ( Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember) architect graduated settles in Singapore, her eye for indonesian beauty has evolved. Often combining indonesian fabrics such as kain troso from Jepara, tenun ikat, batik, with IKEA-cute fabrics in her cushion covers and table runner designs, as well as Sonokeling wood in some of her coaster and placemat designs, she tags her design as Fusion with taste of Indonesia. ;p sure is!

Always indulged with fresh ideas, we would never be bored with her design, despite the same fabrics used over and over again. Feathernestdesign comes with not only products, but also home and decorating ideas (using her products and more), in her blog. And moreover, not just home decorating ideas, she sometimes comes up with cute bag design! :P Her product so far range to accent pillows, Bowl, children’s decorating, coaster, cushion covers, display hanger, inner cushion, napkin, placemat, small storage, soap coaster, table runner, tealight holder, throw pillow, tray, vase. ….and the list would still roll…. =p

A hobby gone crazy, she put it that Feathering a Nest, the blog was initially her design diary, where she put & share all things about design in her perspective. Was made to cover about home design and decoration, and after it’s evolved also to customized crafts which she sells also online.

A lovely lady with thousand ideas, Ina has her partners in Indonesia and willing to market her products all over. Up to now, she doesn’t have any shop yet (although I’m really really looking forward to it, when she’ll have one, I guess it’d be beautiful!), but for now she caters orders from Indonesia. Distance is no barrier, she says. Ah, nothing is impossible. Sure we will be updated with your proceeding success ina! Finger crossed!

Lines from the interview : ….

What is your inspiration ?
everything that looks and feels nice

When you’re having a really bad day, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up?
my kids behaving nicely, someone likes my design and last but not least.. a comforting hug from hubby ;)

What’s your crave ?
looking, having & making pretty things

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Architect or Designer

What is the best and worst thing about being living in Singapore?
Spore’s best: public transport.. worst: public transport’s driver :))
Seriously, apart from that, the best thing is: it’s c l e a n here.
The clean streets, the clean air… when Singaporean complained about haze from Sumatra, I still feel it’s way less polluted than the air I breathe on busy streets in my hometown Jakarta :p
But the worst thing here is.. ga ada abang tukang bakso (atau miepangsit,somay,sate,nasgor,cincau,esputer,escampur,dll) yang liwat depan rumaaaah :((

*Aha, yes, yes, I understand your longing on that part. :p

Well, what to wait? roll to her online shop and blog ! :)

Cenikrenik. A very catchy name with also catchy products. Not just because they offer variety kinds of bags in all sorts of functionality, they are also trying to embed Indonesian signature in each of their designs….The most stunning collection we’d highlight is above attached exclusive collection for Alun Alun Indonesia. Ain’t they lovely!!!! and wouldn’t you be proud wearing them?! well, I would :D…and plus they have tons of other adorable bags in their catalogue.

Cenikrenik name comes from Balinese language cenik : little, renik : even more little. And hence, they’re having a slogan “Cikaracak ninggang batu laun laun jadi dekok”, “kecil-kecil menjadi bukit” . They limit their production in little amount, hence the exclusivity their products bring. :)

After their current project cenikrenik in fashion accessories, they’re also aiming on establishing their future project renikcenik which will run in home accessories designs. Never ending inovation that is! =D. The founder are amazing 7 ladies graduated from FSRD (Design faculty in Bandung Institute of Technology), 2001. Together, Anin,Citra,Ina (Visual Communication) Kiki,Anti (Interior design) Tantri,Uli (product design) are spurring their passion in urban and fashion in their project collaboration Cenikrenik.

They themselves would tag their product vintage and Indonesian ethnic, and online shopping as main marketing point to distribute Cenikrenik. With that, they’re not just aiming for national market, but also international! Though they sell ready stocked items, they’re very limiting their replicability. Each design (material) will be implemented in only two or three products. So for you who are really into a design,better grab it at first glance and enjoy your uniqueness as no one else in the world would have the same.;p

They haven’t got any plan to build a store yet, but their catalogue can be seen in facebook and their multiply page and immediately you can simply contact Uli (085641802051) or ym : uli_ulil to order.

Thanks Uli for the time ^_^ . Hope you girls success!

*this review will be continued*

—-anyway I feeel sooo prouuud of Indonesian women ——-oooohhh they are sooo creative aren’t they?!——

Daradara Bajuku has made me eagerly wanting to have a kid! really. looking at these tutu in batik pattern, and all variety of children wardrobe in Indonesian touch! Lia, the founder, shows us that it’s essential yet easy and chic to teach our youngs about the beauty that our ancestors has inherited us. Never too early to introduce them to Garut or Pekalongan Pattern ;p…

Setting up the business for the first time, Lia is inspired by her 6 year old daughter. After years of working inadvertising agencies from secretary, graphic designer, art director to creative group head, she finally gave up her career in creative industry when her daughter was three and as mother she felt that she belongs home, with the kid. While she’s having difficulty finding kids clothing suiting her unique style, she decided to jump in the industry, producing wardrobe line for girls! Anyway, fashion and design has always been her passion since ever. She said she regretted that her choice of career was not in fashion in the first place, but realize then that GOD sets the plan, and she finally found her everlonging passion now. :)

Since the beginning she’s committed to use indonesian materials, to also introduce indonesian textile since early in childhood.

“Kalo dari kecil udah demen pake batik (ato kain-kain Indonesia lainnya..), ntar ampe gede kan pasti nempel tuh…anak2 jaman sekarang jangan cuma tau Hannah Montana aja”

Regretting that one time a daughter of a friend rejected her design and prefers Hannah Montana’s clothing line. How sad it was :(

DARADARA gots its brand from her daughter (Adara) which means “beautiful” in greek and “girls” in Bahasa. As her source of inspiration, her daughter is also her partner in crime (see all the model in pictures is her lovely daughter! :p). She proposes unique ideas such as reversible clothes, which is good for your thin pocket in time of crises! ;p great look, save money! From February 2009 when it was founded, DARADARA has found clients from Jakarta, Bali, Bontang, Palembang, US and Sweden —mostly for Indonesian who lives there.

Daradara offers unique clothings for 2 - 10 year old girls with Indonesian touch. They’re now contactable by phone (+62811862090) or email (daradara2009@yahoo.com) and accept payment via BCA bank transfer. Delivery by TIKI. Currently not having any stores yet, but it’s actively participating exhibition and bazaar, so stay tune…

From the interview lines with Lia :

What inspires you?
my daughter

When you’re having a really bad day, what are some of the things that will definitely cheer you up?
I don’t know, it’s really rare that I have a really really bad day, because I’m quite a laid back person and now I’m more submitting…(berserah, red). So….if back then I got caught in traffic jam I would have got on my temper, now I can deal with it calmly… I suppose getting on my temper wouldn’t make the traffic smoother… :p My family, music, my friends and movies can definitely cheer me up….

What are 5 things you are working on right now?
Mmm….let’s see….I’m on DARADARA (preparing new collection, finding materials, etc), quite busy with my kid, pick her up at school and courses…, attending and participating bazaar and exhibition (especially approaching Lebaran Days…., while I still don’t know where…;p )…Opening wing for network…DARADARA just got reviewed by SEKAR magazine which will be out in September….*so excited*, and in August DARADARA was in Parenting Indonesia. That’s quite some!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Ha..Ha…It changes overtime….I used to be wanting to be stewardess, that they’re able to go anywehere, and somewhile after I wanted to be a docter and engineer, and while I get older like I’m now…I want to be a businesswoman…It’s ok to be late, rather than never starts, no?

What is the best and worst thing about being living in Jakarta
Best: variety of food, cheap to pricey ones….
Worst : Pollution, Traffic Jam, Crime on the street (Once I’d been robbed in a taxi…. :( )

Ah Thanks Mbak Lia!! Pleasure to have you!

So, mummies (or poppies), and wanna be mummies (and poppies :D), you’d better see what Daradara Bajuku offers! N O W !!

KULKITH :collaborating modern and traditional culture. Another shoe-crave-ooh-aah I shouldn’t miss. Kulkith is combining traditional patterns in their modern designed shoes, sandals, bags and jackets. Eco-friendly and idealistic too, It utilizes leftover traditional materials (which would end up as junk, elsewhere). They really know how to appreciate what we’ve got ;p. Your good money goes for good causes buying kulkith designs! What more value can we add ? Exclusivity, unique, beauteeeeffuuuulll, and, for good cause!

Who’s Behind Kulkith ?

Agnes Tandia | FSRD ITB’06, Kriya Tekstil (Design Faculty of Bandung Institute of Techology, majoring in Textile Craftmenship)

What’d inspired her to build Kulkith ?

Her abundant pile of textile rags from her college years, They’re all in small sizes, and rather than dumping it, she’d rather use it for crafts, and Voila! Bags, Shoes, of Kulkith! She’s brought with Kulkith exclusivity out of hand made things, that can be mass-produced, but not industrious. Hence the aesthetic side of her products is still emphasized, as well as its functionalities.

Ok, where can I find Kulkith ?

Shop : (will be at) jalan setra sari 2 no 21, suka galih, sukajadi, bandung (we’ll tell you when it’s up….Agnes, paint it quick! :p )
For contact, please see their facebook profile, or contact :+6285659235272 or 62-22-92905568 (Bandung) or Yahoo : agnes_tandia

“Wear’em and be PROUD !! =D”

*this review will be continuted*

acrobatik
“Create your own Batik motif..!!” quite some catchy slogan for this emerging business.

Acrobatik is a creative fashion business which is born from the invention of fractal concept in batik (or usually called “Batik Fraktal”). The unlimitedness of Batik Fraktal enables them to produce endless variety of patterns, exclusive, and unique. They are currently offering t-shirt, shirts, jacket and other clothings products….in the future they might add up product line….

The fascinating part of this product is that they’re using some mathematical & Physics algorithm to modify their pattern. o_0. Bravo!

visit also their site and facebook profile for more information

Talking about Alun-Alun Indonesia, This store is located in Grand Indonesia, Jakarta which is mainly expatriate consumption…., but they have really some well-selected items (which i think if you’re adventurous enough to go places in Indonesia, you’d get it in much less price, but perhaps after tremendous effort digging up places). Soo? it ain’t bad buying here. They also showcase local artists designs, which would support their value and reputation…

I cannot help not to post this first. I adore the look of this sneakers….well, despite perhaps that the fabric would stay long, but hey, this batik-motive sneaker is truly indegenous idea! I would want some pairs, PLEASE! apparently these Moksha handmade shoes is available in Alun-Alun Indonesia. I’ll update if they appear somewhere else! Gorgeous!