(X)S.M.L

Designer

Jun Mardian

Category

Men’s & Women’s / Ready To Wear, Shoes, Bags, Hats and Accessories

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

I have always been very passionate in fashion as I found solace in fashion for it is the most effective medium for me to express myself. It is a way to translate and interpret the world around me and create something that can be seen, worn, and understood by different people. However, I didn’t pursue an education in fashion; instead, I followed the wish of my parents to study engineering and eventually, I sold my soul to Wall Street. After ten years of doing what the society thinks is good, I decided to let go comfort and plunge into the world of fashion through (X)SML.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

I seek to be the innovative machine the world is constantly searching for. I want to push my limits to achieve the impossible through creativity and hard work. I am committed to keep thinking outside the box and challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. Perfect tailoring, highest quality and affordability are the three key words I want to communicate through my brand.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I rely a lot on my immediate surroundings: the things I see and feel during my solitude moments. Beautifully aged interiors always evoke a feeling of nostalgia and romance. In this fast fashion world, I have to turn my sketch ideas into actual pieces in less than three months. The beauty of being vertically integrated with having my own factory is that we can churn new designs to the shop quickly and consistently.

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

We have twelve own stores with two in Singapore and ten in major cities in Indonesia. The typical areas of our stores are around 100 meter square to 200 meter square. We are also selling online through zalora and also our own online store. For department stores, we can be found in Takashimaya Singapore and Sogo, Metro, and Central Department Stores in Indonesia and finally, Robinsons in Bangkok.

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

I am what they called a Third Culture Kid since I spent most of my formative years in various countries. I am a global nomad, an international traveler, a wanderlust; hence, the way I am is not shaped by a single culture, single style, and single designer growing up. My style is an eclectic mixture of Japanese, American, Australian, and chinese cultures and brands.

About 2018 A/W collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo(Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO) as the venue for presenting your collection?

Tokyo has always been the fashion inspiration to the whole world and as a young boy growing up in the village of Indonesia, I have always been enamored by Tokyo and it is my dream to present my collection for the world during the most revered Fashion Show, the Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2018 A/W season?

A dress to me is a vision, a style, and the work of an artisan and I would like to portray this image and concept for (X)SML 2018 A/W season. I hope that my vision transcends fashion and defies what is perceived as the norm. All pieces will be edgy in (X)SML way.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal?

I believe that creativity and arts don’t have boundaries. At the present, I just want to sketch and reconnect with my inner child that used to dream and imagine the impossible. With each stroke of the brush or pencil, each muse and each collection, I want to grow the brand to the global brand that I believe it has the potential to become. Eventually, this will be a story of my life.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

There is always an elusive quality to Tokyo, a lingering obsession. The juxtaposition of elegance and ghettoes. Kabukis at night and the insolent buildings really resonate with my soul. There is this coldness and harshness of life in Tokyo and behind the smiles of its inhabitants, there is this strength that radiates from within. Tokyo is the ultimate city that I want to live.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

I like Azabu Juban. It is very fashionable and exclusive. I can find amazing shopping boutiques, cool little cafes ad most importantly small independent stores in which I can find something a little different to that of the big chains of some of Tokyo’s more business oriented sectors.

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

My favorite places to shop is definitely the shops located along the road that connects Harajuku and Shibuya. Favorite brands are Scotch & Soda, Duffer, and Denham.