Madness has recently received a wave of rave reviews, from Teen Vogue to Refinery 29 to Chloe's Chic Conception - and no wonder! This quirky Indonesian label has burst onto the scene with unabashed youthful vigor and dark dramatic flair.
Their designs feature traditional materials like Balinese batik, Javanese liruk and Sumba weaving, carefully intertwined with exuberant embellishments like sequins, feathers and beads to create ornate headbands fit for a queen, statement-making necklaces for your inner rock star and hippie-inspired handbags. Check them out online or at the AlunAlun boutique in Jakarta!
The absolutely lovely and uber talented trio of designers behind Madness - Ajeng Dewi Swastiari, Bonnie Natasha Arif and Vannie Astecat - took some time out to answer a few of my questions. So what are you waiting for? Read on!
How did you guys meet?
We met accidentally in college and we've become partners in crime ever since.
Where did you study fashion?
LaSalle College International in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Describe your label Madness in 3 words.
Surreal, unpredictable, strangely beautiful.
What are your inspirations?
There are many - our nightmares, velvet morning, Indonesian fabrications, 60s-80s culture, paganism, witchcraft, Deborah Harry, PJ Harvey, David Bowie...awwwww...there are too many...we're gonna spend a whole day if we have to mention them one by one! Hehe.
Do you have any future plans for the label?
Open a store in the US, Europe or Australia and collaborate with Martin Margiela or Hussein Chalayan or Alexander McQueen...hahaha! (Actually now we're looking for some stockists for our pieces.)
Thanks girls! I can't wait to see your label take over the fashion universe!
Photo credits: http://project-madnesshome.blogspot.com
