Neurosis Fashionably Defined

The first designer showcasing at Fashion Mavericks this Friday is Indonesian born designer Rinda Salmun, a recent Masters Graduate from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Her objective as a designer is 'to create wearable artwork'.

This Season, Rinda Salmun will present her Spring/Summer 2011 collection, NEUROSIS inspired by the 'science of dream' and the surrealistic view of how the human brain and its sensory system behave.
The fabric prints for this dramatic collection are based on the brain-cell shapes and surreal plant shapes printed on a combination of different materials from jersey cotton, silk georgette, silk, nylon plus other varieties to create an edgy everyday look.

Check out Louise Hunt's Interview with the designer below.

Rinda Salmun is an Indonesian born designer, who is now based in London. Despite the fact that she originally completed a bachelor degree in fine art, she went on to complete an MA in Fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and so her impressive career in fashion began.

In spite of still being young, this talented designer already has some impressive internship’s under her belt and since graduating she has worked for Natasha Stolle, Giles Deacon, Giorgio Armani as well as various prominent Indonesian fashion designers. Alongside this, her work was chosen and displayed at major worldwide events such as the Bali Fashion Week in Bali, Ringastrassen Galleria Award in Vienna alongside being featured in various magazines in both the UK and Indonesia.

I met with this talented young designer today in London to discuss her incredibly bright future in the fashion industry, her latest collection and the up and coming showcase of her work on fashion week. As we meet and she hands me her ‘look-book’ I am immediately captivated and intrigued alongside being filled with a complete comprehension as to what all the fuss is about. Mesmerized by the almost eerie, artistic beauty of her latest designs; she begins explaining to me the ideas and inspirations behind the so perfectly entitled ‘Neurosis’ collection and the path that led her there.

How did you get into fashion design? Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I originally started out studying fine art in which I did a bachelors degree in Fine Arts at the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia. However, I had always been interested in fashion design since I was a child and so I continued my studies and did a Masters at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. It all took off from there really!

Can you tell me about what you will be showing at Fashion Week?

I will be showing ten looks from my Neurosis collection, which are based around the idea of dreams and the surreal world. This collection really explores the notion of the ‘science of the dream’ looking at the way in which the human brain and its sensory system work from a very surrealistic perspective.  It also focuses on the idea of plants and consists of almost surreal plant shapes.

Where did you find inspiration for your collection?

With this collection being based around the idea of dreams, I found myself greatly inspired by Salvador Dali with this key notion of surrealism. I was also very inspired by Tim Burton characters so I spent a lot of time looking through these ideas.  Alongside this idea of surrealism and dreams, this collection was also greatly inspired by plants and the use of plant like shapes.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is ultimately an attitude. It is a way to express yourself and show your identity. It is about the every day and can be seen in every culture and social class. I really think fashion is not just about style, but is an attitude.

What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

I think making it to the final for ‘Not Just a Label’ at the Ringstrassen Galleria Award in Vienna was a great achievement for me.  Also, having my work selected for the Bali Fashion Week in Bali. I have also had several internships since graduating which have been amazing.

What goals do you have for your future as a designer?

I think my main goal would be to set up a buzz in London. I would very much like to have an established label with people buying my collections. I would also like to be able to bring my label back to Indonesia, which is where I’m originally from.

Is there someone in particular you would love to see your designs on?

I would have to say Lady Gaga. She really has been my muse this past year....although isn’t she everybodies? I think she is incredibly inspirational!

What are you most looking forward to about the Fashion Mavericks event?

I am most looking forward to the publicity and exposure that this event will bring which I really hope will help towards the next step in my career. I’m also very much looking forward to seeing peoples reaction to my designs, especially considering I never had the opportunity to show my graduation collection. This was due to being the first year to do my course at my University, so we were almost the ‘guinea pig’ year and only got to do a presentation at the end of our studies. Therefore, I am very excited to present my collection at the event.

Apart from fashion design, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I absolutely love cooking in my spare time, especially Indonesian food!

Charming, creative and full of artistic flare; it is apparent that Rinda Salmun’s ‘Neurosis’ collection will be absolutely enchanting experience.