For Biyan Wanaatmadja, a shadowed forest floor is as rich an inspiration as an oil painting. Biyan SS24 Runway was a wooded coppice, mysterious and earthy. Hundreds of leaves carpeted the stage, crunching softly as silk-draped models glided past the audience. Tree branches stretched above and cast dappled shadows upon the makeshift forest. This may be Biyan’s fourth decade in fashion, but his wise design sense stretches beyond his years.
Within his spring collection, Biyan meditates and fascinates on the little things: the way leaf veins interlace across foliage, the unknown language of warbling birds, how sunlight spills through a verdant spring canopy.
It’s funny that these simple pleasures hold his (and our) attention, as Biyan’s work is typically known for its bold and intricate design. However, in addition to his ornamentation and precision, what always draws us back to his work is the detail.
From Biyan’s deft hand, find a master class in the distinctive: florals made from thousands of individual stitches, silk organza cut to maximize its airiness on the form and beads sculpted and strung together to create delicately gilded bees… one could get lost in his beaded lace alone…
Through his union of specialty and splendor, Biyan perfectly captures the Japanese concept of komorebi – literally “sunlight leaking through the trees.” This phenomenon is so naturally exquisite that it takes our breath away.
Ultimately, what reads as complex on the hanger is divine on the form – a sumptuous reminder of the way dressing can truly inspire and excite. To wear Biyan’s clothing is to embody the power and grace of its organic muse. We invite you to explore Biyan’s lush world of visual storytelling – and hope it inspires you to step just a bit more boldly into the day.
