Biyan Wanaatmadja, An Interview with Indonesia’s Best

Biyan Wanaatmadja's necklace and bracelet pieces he has just debuted in Hong Kong's Lane Crawford are bold, feminine and striking,with intricate details carefully tailored and constructed to make for a stunning accessory collection. And his fashion line, Biyan, is conceived of genius draping and embroidery, relaxed fits and experimental fabrics, altogether embodying the Indonesian heritage that Wanaatmadja knows best. His style is a favourite among Indonesian socialites, and his designs has seen him awarded the Indonesian Designer of the Year in the Asean Fashion Connection Awards for three years running.

However we learn, Biyan would much rather let his work do the talking on his behalf. Having been in the industry for more than 25 years, he's adopted a behind-the-scenes approach to fashion, progressing slowly and steadily as he churns out incredible designs that fuse his knowledge from his studies from the West with his background of the East together.

As he launches his latest accessory collection in Lane Crawford, we chat with the celebrated Indonesian designer to learn more about him.

Asia Tatler: Can you describe yourself in three words?
Biyan Wanaatmadja: Perfectionist, shy, creative

AT: What do you think you've added to the fashion industry?
BW: I like to believe that over the years, I've dedicated and channelled my designs to influence and encourage the use of ethnic Asiatic fabrics and prints into modern fashion design.

AT: With your plethora of experience, why do you feel Asian fashion has been slowly gaining ground in the industry, and what is your niche?
BW: The world is getting smaller and more accessible as it becomes borderless. Asia is no longer a place far away from its European counterparts in Paris and Milan. Asia is now a source of inspiration for many creative talents, hence, the growth of Asian fashion evolves. For myself, I find inspiration everywhere around me and mostly in the rich heritage that surrounds me. My forte is combining the richness of my culture and infusing that into modern wearable designs.

AT: What should our readers know about you?
BW: I love details of any form, shape or size

AT: What tips do you have for our readers to wear fashion, be it dresses or accessories, well?
BW: Be comfortable and confident. It shows in how you wear it. If you feel great, the world will know it.

AT: What is your pet peeve in fashion
BW: Insincere people who don't take fashion as a serious art or industry

AT: How does the style in Hong Kong compare to Indonesia?
BW: Hong Kong fashionistas are amazingly confident and they know what they want, and they buy it. They have a natural flair for fashion here in Hong Kong and I simply love the fashion adrenalin here in this city. Indonesians love fashion too and although slightly more conservative, they make fashion look so effortlessly chic.

AT: They refer to you as the dries van noten of the East, can we ask who your favorite designers are?
BW: I have high respect for all designers but I look up to Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto.

AT: What does it take to be a good designer?
BW: Patience and faith.