Ahlisia Amira
Nyai of Now
The Nyai of Now SS21 Ready-to-wear collection is inspired by urban legend of my hometown, Jakarta called Nyai Dasima. Nyai Dasima was a concubine to an English man living in 1813 during colonial era.
Inspired by Dasima, the collection’s main silhouettes will be from the exploration of something that she would wear on her time; Kebaya and from her culture as well; Ondel-ondel (Jakarta’s icon). To portray Dasima’s vulnerability and strength, I used fabrics that look vulnerable such as lace and organza with some leather for the strong accent. I also used stripes and gingham cottons inspired by kain lurik of Java and kain poleng of Bali to give a sense of playfulness and modern.
My collection is for working woman living in a big city with an old soul personality, romantic at heart, modern yet appreciate the traditional aspect of her heritage