To help make AANHPI more special we and IG decided to take the opportunity to collaborate with a designer who can bring a personal touch to the event. We reached out to the very talented designer Ekaemma and asked if she was interested. She has brought us a truly wonderful and well crafted collection that you can find in the shop right now until the end of the day on May 31st.

Hii everyone! I'm Ekaemma<3

Some of you already know me, some might recognise my name from my designs in the Community Shop, and some might not know me at all. But I’m Ekaemma, I’m half Indonesian and half Norwegian, and for the last month I've been working on a collection for AANHPI heritage month, honouring my Indonesian heritage <3

I am sooo excited (and ngl a bit scared) to finally drop this collection as it means a lot to me! I designed three full outfits; one traditional, one streetwear and one masculine outfit. The collection includes some traditional Indonesian clothing, as well as some basics. Here are some pieces I’d like to tell you more about:

Kebaya

This is a long-sleeved blouse that has its variations from different regions. It is believed to have originated in the 15th century, influenced by the Arabic abaya. There are many types of kebaya, but all have the same modest and elegant look, with a top underneath a blouse or shirt. In the past kebaya has been mostly used in traditional and formal settings, but in the later years the kebaya has been more promoted to be used in everyday life, and there is even a National Kebaya Day to celebrate the importance of this traditional clothing.

Sarong

A sarong is a fabric wrapped around the waist, like a long skirt. It is a unisex clothing, worn to all sorts of events, ceremonies or just in daily life. Usually dyed with a batik or ikat dyeing techniques, and with animal or plant designs. It looks similar to the Indian lungi.

Songket

A songket is hand-woven and is typically worn as a sarong (skirt) or shoulder cloth. It's woven with patterns of gold or silver threads. Originally the songket was worn by nobles and royals, as the songket required real gold leaves and gold thread woven into exquisite fabric. It was a pretty luxurious textile that symbolised luxury and wealth. Today, songket is mostly worn as traditional costumes in traditional settings like weddings.

The headpiece

Each region, island, tribe, and culture in Indonesia has its own headpieces worn traditionally by the people of the area, typically golden. The headpiece made for this collection represents all the different headpieces, from simple tiaras to big, extravagant crowns. Some have intricate carvings or are embedded with stones, and some are intertwined leaves and flowers. These headpieces are usually worn by brides on their wedding day, or dancers and performers.

Hijab and streetwear

Did you know that Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population? For many Muslim women traditional clothing doesn't always reflect their personalities or lifestyles. Pairing a hijab with streetstyle provides a way to maintain modesty while also getting to express their personality. Hijabi streetwear challenges outdated stereotypes about Muslim women, and empowers Muslim women without compromising their religious values.

Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru and Mount Batok

The background is a scenic view of three well-known volcanoes in East Java; Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru and Mount Batok. Two of which are active while the third is not. Indonesia has around 130 active volcanoes up to this date. All across Indonesia there are ceremonies held around or on top of the volcanoes. At the summit of Mount Bromo, Tenggerese people (an ethnic group native to Java) pray at the volcano’s edges before making offerings to their Hindu gods by throwing produce, livestock, and money into the volcano. 

And now I just want to say thank you for reading this <3 and to those of you who have supported me through my design journey so far and worn my items from time to time - THANK YOUUU! I appreciate you all so so much <333

I hope you like the collection! I can't wait to see your looks <3

Hugs and kisses, Ekaemma <3

We aim to continue collaborating with designers to help celebrate or bring awareness to special occasions where we have the opportunity to do so. At the moment this is not something you can directly apply for but when there is an opportunity we may be reaching out to designers who we think would be a good fit for an event. 

However, if you are interested and have a connection to a particular event you are welcome to make it known to us so that we can keep that in mind for future opportunities.

Love // gSm & IG