Nuniek Mawardi

One especially pleasing aspect of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012 was the rising number of eco-conscious fashion designers. Those present at JFW’s closing night witnessed Auguste Soesastro’s stunningly elegant collection made from all-natural fibres. And in the Islamicwear camp, we had Nuniek Mawardi.

Nuniek, who has a degree in industrial engineering, came up with her collection Dystopia after she witnessed the deteriorating condition of a mountain in East Java. Its erosion worsens every year due to mining. ‘The ever-so-intriguing elements of Tuban’s limestone mountain, such as its texture, patterns and colours, became my inspiration for Dystopia.’ It was launched to warm response at JFW 2012.

Nuniek hopes that this won’t be the last impact her creations draw. ‘My wish is that my collections make me more recognised as a designer who cares for the environment… I hope my design concepts will move people at an emotional level… to stop overexposing Mother Earth and ruining it. It will eventually affect human lives too,’ says Nuniek, whose signature style reflects ‘androgynous, independent and confident women’.