Photo: Myra and I chatting at Old Friends Coffee in Ubud, Indonesia.
Respecting People and The Planet through Fashion.
Bali based, Myra Juliarti, is the designer and founder of the brand, Siji. Her mission is to create gender fluid and environmentally sustainable fashion. Siji eschews stereotyping of people through fashion and provides timeless and poetic pieces. Siji customers are often artists who like to buy local and independent brands.
Myra herself is a vegan and an environmental engineering graduate. She describes herself as an introvert, and her designs are inspired by introversion. I was very happy for the opportunity to learn more about her approach to design over coffee in Ubud :).
In this episode:
Part 1 – Reflections on Gender Fluid Design
- Sally Edwards – menswear designer and academic.
- Mark Neighbour – patternmaker, designer and academic.
- Menswear has very specific details and design codes.
- Is gender neutral clothing a marketing strategy? or is it challenging norms in society and fashion?
Part 2 – Siji, a gender fluid & sustainable fashion brand
- Siji began in Jakarta in 2011, and re-established in Bali in 2013 as a sustainable fashion brand.
- Myra and her sister run the business together.
- Myra studied environmental engineering before studying fashion design.
- Siji uses natural fibres and minimally processed fabrics. They also employ enzyme washes and hand-painting of fabrics. It is a leather-free brand.
- Siji shapes are designed to be comfortable and not provocative. The brand offers fashion that is durable and designed to be worn often.
- Myra translates her personal values into the designs and she aims to gently educate her customers about more sustainable fashion.
- Myra focuses on fashion as a vehicle for positive change, and sees increased support for local and independent fashion in Indonesia.
- Pasar-Pasaran – Biannual art/craft market for indie designers and local makers in Bali.
- Biasa – Indonesian based fashion brand by Italian designer, Susanna Perini.
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See more from Siji >> @akusiji
Image: Siji Street Wear Daily Outfit:
1. Stripes Jumpsuit
2. Canvas Shoes
100% Cotton, Hand Printed, One Size, Unisex