After working as a trained architect for six years, Clara Simanjuntak’s career took an unanticipated pause in 2010—she was diagnosed with early-stage cancer.
But instead of letting this diagnosis define her, she saw it as an opportunity for change.
Determined to embrace a healthier lifestyle, Clara began researching ways to do so, including adopting organic food choices.
It was during this time that she discovered the benefits of organic fabric—much like organic food, it can also “positively impact one’s health” and is especially beneficial for those with skin conditions as it is “non-toxic” and free from harmful substances like pesticide residue.
Fuelled by this newfound discovery, Clara launched Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, a brand offering eco-friendly clothing and accessories made out of certified organic and naturally dyed fabrics—and as she puts it, her goal was to produce “fashion that’s better for the producer, the wearer, and the planet.”
Seeking for artisans in rural Indonesia
Clara first conceptualised the brand in 2011, but it wasn’t until a few years later that she managed to launch Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion.
Several challenges delayed the process, including the resurfacing of her cancer, where she needed another surgery.
Despite the setbacks, she dedicated those years to researching and sourcing organic and naturally dyed fabrics. According to Clara, these materials “were difficult to find” at that time, but her research led her to Indonesia’s “rich heritage of indigenous natural dyeing techniques.”
I visited rural villages in Indonesia to connect with artisans personally to work together and build the brand. I look for artisans that use natural dyes, and [inspect their] supply chain, [I see if] they grow [the natural dye plants] nearby, harvest it in the same area, and dye it there.
Founder of Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, Clara Simanjuntak
She goes beyond merely inquiring about their working conditions, ensuring that both the production process and disposal methods are eco-friendly.
After establishing a network of eco-conscious artisans, she launched Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion in 2017, selling accessories like silk batik scarves and neckties online and at pop-up events, including at Singapore’s National Heritage Board museums.
But Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s first breakthrough happened in 2020, when the brand was selected to participate in a brand call and began retailing at Design Orchard, a multi-label retail store showcasing apparel and lifestyle products by Singapore designers.
Eventually, Clara was able to expand on the brand’s offerings—ultimately fulfilling her long-held dream of becoming a fashion designer.
From architecture to batik
While transitioning from architect to fashion designer may seem like a big shift, the switch was smoother for Clara, as both careers fall “within the design field.”
In an interview with aNERDgallery, she explained that she was able to reuse software she was already familiar with, allowing her to repurpose her skills for creating clothing and batik patterns.
“I do still use my old computer programme, like AutoCAD, to draw clothing because I do not want to learn a new programme,” she noted.
That said, Clara still had to take up sewing and pattern-making lessons at the Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (Taf.tc) to refine her skills and gain more hands-on experience.
On top of that, she also had to learn how to manage her own business. Not only did she have to design her garments, but she also had to source materials, manage the business’s finances, oversee production, and build the brand from the ground up.
Staying eco-friendly
According to Clara, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion uses pre-consumer textile waste from “ethical factories and workshops in Indonesia” to produce their apparel.
Materials used are certified organic by global certification bodies such as The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which guarantees that textiles are made responsibly, using minimal chemicals. In the case of Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, their apparel is also made from natural dyes from plants.
The brand repurposes fabric off-cuts, end-of-roll materials, and defective stock, applying dyeing and batik techniques to breathe new life into these fabrics. Their collections are also made in small batches to prevent overproduction.
Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion is also a member of Singapore’s Social Enterprise (raiSE), which offers similar brands credibility and access to resources such as funding and networking to help businesses grow and enhance their social impact.
Pricing for Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s offerings starts at S$49 for entry-level items, with most mid-range products priced between S$50 and S$150. However, prices may fall on the higher end for special collaborations, including those with other Singaporean designers.
For instance, in a collaboration with Mandai Wildlife Group, a camp shirt is priced at S$105, while a vest costs S$99.
These prices may seem steep to some, however, Clara had a reason for that. “Considering our handmade, certified organic fabrics and natural dyeing processes, our products are competitively priced.”
Opening their first retail store
In early 2024, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion had the opportunity to showcase a special collection at Design Orchard, where the brand was given a larger space to display its pieces.
The positive response from customers during this event inspired Clara to invest S$24,000 and open her first retail store—Something Sustainable (SoSus), in August 2024.
In addition to showcasing Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s products, SoSus features a curated selection of local brands that align with its vision and mission. These include:
- Pao Pao The Label
- Flair By Tori
- Sway
- Aestivale
- Projet1826
- One Puram
- Virya by Urbi
SoSus also carries international brands such as Vino Supraja from Dubai.
Furthermore, brands have the opportunity to set up pop-up booths at the store, which typically last between three days to a week, with new brands featured each week.
“We understand how difficult it is for a small brand to establish an offline presence, which is why we decided to share the space through consignment, pop-ups, and workshops,” explained Clara.
In addition to SoSus, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion is also currently available at other retail channels, including the Night Safari Store at Mandai. The brand has also expanded its presence in two cities overseas: Bali, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Looking ahead, Clara aims to make sustainable products more accessible and provide a platform for local and regional designers through SoSus, with the goal of becoming a go-to retail destination.
This March, SoSus will collaborate with 10 local designers to launch the Tanjong Pagar Designer Clan—which, according to their website, is a “collective of Singapore-grown, creative brands with a passion for design and quality craftsmanship.”
As for Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, Clara aims to reduce textile waste by using 60-80% pre-consumer textile waste and plans to increase this percentage each year.
- Read more about Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion here.
- Read more articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.
Feature Image Credit: Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion
