Written by Rahimah Syakirah
SHAH INDRA
Specialising in the artistry of modern luxurious heritage pieces that embody a sophisticated fusion of tradition and innovation, Shah Indra seamlessly intertwines classic craftsmanship with contemporary design. If you appreciate timeless elegance and style, this one’s for you! The collections are full of nostalgic elements whist boldy pushing boundaries, infusing each creation with a modern twist that captivates the imagination in every piece. Their bespoke Tenunan Songkok brought them viral fame, with the combination of skilled craftsmanship in Songkok and local Tenunan craftsmanship from Shah Indra;s finest weavers and craftsmen using Brunei’s centuries-old perfected methods.
Another statement piece by Shah Indra that you’ll love owning is their Grand Sejadah prayer mats. Made from high-quality materials that provide comfort and durability, these mats are designed with intricate traditional patterns and designs representing the Islamic element of Brunei’s history. The brand’s craftsmanship exudes sophisticated refinement and their enduring elegance has even sought the kindness patroship from elite customers including Bruneian and Malaysian royalty.
IG: @shahindra.bn
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LAWA BY LUWA
Specialising in Bornean handicrafts, Angelyn Luwa opened Lawa by Luwa in 2021 to create a sustainable fashion brand that focuses on batik scrunchies and accessories. She started her own brand while also balancing her academics at UNIMAS, carefully hand-sewing each item herself, and these exclusive handmade pieces are popular for their Borneo-inspired designs, and the unique indigenous motifs intend to highlight sarawak’s cultural heritage. Between 2021 and 2024, the brand has launched a variety of collections and managed to maintain their online presence despite the challenges of being a slow fashion brand.
Lawa by Luwa has also showcased their products outside of social media – from Festival Kraftangan Borneo 2022 to Rainforest World Music Festival in 2023. These festivals not only allowed her to connect to a wider community, but also helped expose Lawa Luwa in terms of introducing the beauty of Bornean handicrafts to international visitors who are also interested in fashion.
IG: @lawabyluwa
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PRUDENTJANE.CO
Timeless and classic, there is nothing better than high-quality leather, especially when crafted into functional and stylish goods like bags, keychains and more. Made with absolute care and precision, Kerry’s hobby turned into a career and he created a brand that introduced Prudent Jane as a unique expression of traditional artistry. Using only real leather is what differentiates Prudent Jane’s products from others. Focusing on authenticity makes their products not only durable, but also exceptional – not to mention that they repurpose unused leather so it won’t be wasted in landfills! Notably, each one of their goods are crafted entirely by hand using various techniques, creating polished details that cannot be produced by machines. Be it bags, card holders, wallets and even passport holders, Kerry is committed to keep on making goods that can be cherished for years to come – so go check out their products now!
