We are excited to announce that Studio Sejauh and BIASA proudly present Mata Sawah (The Eyes That See Simplicity) at Plaza Indonesia Men’s Fashion Week 2024, held on September 6, 2024. This marks the first collaboration between our two brands, blending the creative visions of BIASA Founder, Susanna Perini, and Sejauh Mata Memandang Founder, Chitra Subyakto.
BIASA, with its deep roots in Indonesian heritage and contemporary arts, is known for celebrating “Extraordinary Simplicity” through timeless, free-flowing, and minimalist collections. Their designs are enriched with artisanal craftsmanship, which aligns perfectly with our values at Sejauh.
At Studio Sejauh, a collaborative space under the Sejauh Mata Memandang umbrella, we strive to bring together key players across Indonesia’s fashion industry—from farmers and artisans to designers and brands. Our focus is on circularity, ethical production, and preserving the environment through every step of the supply chain.
Mata Sawah beautifully fuses BIASA’s signature style with the unique fabrics and principles of Studio Sejauh. The collection draws inspiration from Indonesian elegance and the simplicity of the sawah (rice field). Each piece—relaxed, fluid, and understated—tells a story. From the ethical sourcing of materials to the intricate design process, every garment is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship.
The fabrics used in this collection are responsibly sourced from across Indonesia, crafted by our artisan partners. A key highlight is the batik fabric featuring a nitik motif, created exclusively for BIASA. Inspired by the distinct weaving traditions of Tuban, East Java, this fabric is woven by artisans in Pekalongan, Central Java, and later finished with plant-based indigo dyes by batik artisans in Tuban.
The collection also showcases some of our signature fabrics, such as the “Muara” jacquard, made entirely from recycled cotton yarns—a result of our ongoing recycling initiative since 2021. Our beloved “Ayam” (chicken) motif, which has become a mascot for Sejauh, is presented in white-on-white jacquard weaving. Other motifs, such as “Bambu,” “Bija,” and “Ombak Laut,” feature in hand-stamped batik, hand screen-printing, and jacquard weaving.
In terms of design, Mata Sawah offers a diverse range of garments: oversized, unisex t-shirts, voluminous Hakama trousers, kimono-style jackets, hand-woven poncho scarves, and tailored shirts. These are made in a variety of fabrics—denim, monochromatic tones, and indigo batik with abstract motifs—each embellished with BIASA’s intricate appliqué, embroidery, and hand-stitching techniques. Touches of tangerine and red cotton details add a distinct artisanal texture to the pieces. To complete the looks, we’ve styled the outfits with BIASA’s signature white linen shirts, fisherman sandals, hats, leather belts, and reversible tarpaulin bags.
This collection is a celebration of Indonesia’s natural beauty and craftsmanship, acknowledging them as our greatest treasures and sources of endless inspiration.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Susanna Perini shared her excitement: “This is a first for BIASA, and I am thrilled to see this project come to life. Chitra’s passion for working with villagers and artisans is inspiring. Her commitment to sharing her learnings on circularity and responsible practices to create meaningful change is rare in this industry. This ethos, coupled with our shared love for Indonesia and its people, deeply resonated with me. Together, we explored fresh perspectives and ideas for this collection that go beyond fashion.”
Chitra Subyakto also expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s an honor for Studio Sejauh to collaborate with BIASA, a brand we have admired since its inception 30 years ago. The fashion industry holds the power to address crucial environmental, social, and ethical challenges, and we believe that collaboration is key to driving positive change. BIASA is not just an inspiring brand but also sets a higher standard for quality in Indonesia. Their passion, craftsmanship, and design philosophy perfectly exemplify how great partnerships should be created. We are incredibly proud to work with BIASA and to debut this collection during Plaza Indonesia Men’s Fashion Week. Through this collection, we celebrate Indonesia’s rich diversity and our love for its vibrant fashion industry.”
The Mata Sawah collection will be available in BIASA stores in Jakarta and Bali by the end of 2024. We look forward to sharing this unique collaboration with you.
