By Aisha Hassan on January 25, 2025
We first encountered Tangsi Tujuh when they joined Dia at the Ombak Festival and were quickly taken by their balance of tradition and modernity, which was executed with grace and intention. Soon, ideas started flowing for an exclusive collection, and the Tangsi team — Juju, Oscar, and Nasya — made it a wonderful experience.
Known for their commitment to slow fashion and the cultural heritage of Nusantara, the Dia x Tangsi Tujuh LIUK collection is a poetic homage to the graceful movement of nature, capturing the fluid elegance of bamboo swaying in a soft breeze. (“Liuk” is the Malay word for “bend.”) At the heart of LIUK lies the clematis flower motif, a symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and strength, which beautifully mirrors the climbing vine’s ability to rise above challenges. Luxurious materials like soft voile, sturdy cotton, linen and ethereal organza silk celebrate the duality of femininity—graceful yet powerfully grounded.
In the following interview, Tangsi Tujuh reveals the inspiration, craftsmanship, and values behind LIUK, sharing how they seamlessly weave heritage and sustainability into their brand.
How would you describe the Tangsi Tujuh aesthetic?
Tangsi embraces slow fashion that honors the cultural heritage of Nusantara. We strive to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, merging traditional elegance with contemporary style. Our designs tell stories through mindful craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability.
Where do you look to for inspiration?
Inspiration can be found anywhere. The colors, textures, shapes, and even the smell of fruit being cut can spark an idea. The movement of trees swaying in the wind can also be a source of inspiration.
[For LIUK], inspiration came from observing the gentle, yet purposeful movement of nature, particularly bamboo swaying in the wind. This, paired with the symbolic strength of clematis flowers, laid the foundation for the collection’s narrative of resilience and elegance.
Take us deeper into different facets of the LIUK collection.
Themes: This collection celebrates the duality of femininity—graceful on the surface yet profoundly powerful within. It reflects the essence of women who exude quiet elegance while commanding the strength to lead and inspire.
Materials: A curated blend of fabrics mirrors this dual nature: soft voile, sturdy cotton, and structured yet translucent linen and organza silk. Each material symbolizes the interplay of delicacy and resilience.
Design Elements: Flowing silhouettes meet sharp, defined lines, embodying strength and elegance. Clematis floral embroidery symbolizes inner beauty, while cut-out lace and appliqué reflect the multifaceted layers of the soul. Contrasting fabrics add depth—like “Gemalai,” where structured linen pairs with ethereal organza silk, or “Ayun,” blending soft voile with crisp linen piping. Every piece speaks to the complexity and quiet power of femininity.
Tell us about the luxury craftsmanship in the LIUK collection.
Beyond the use of eco-friendly fabrics, which align with modern consumer values, this collection emphasizes craftsmanship. Most pieces feature French seams, and all embroidery is done using traditional techniques, maintaining authenticity and responding to heritage preservation. The collection is also produced in limited quantities and only released in one batch, ensuring exclusivity. The artistic expression in the design and the attention to detail further distinguish it from the market.
What did you find the most fulfilling in creating LIUK?
When all the samples are ready, they look cohesive yet stand out individually with their own character. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see all pieces align with the story behind the collection.
Congrats on your seven-year anniversary! What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your journey?
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of staying true to our core values while remaining adaptable and open to new possibilities. The balance between these two has been crucial for our growth. [And this year], we aim to do seven collaborations with local artisans and businesses in conjunction with our seven years.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs or designers?
For those wanting to start a business, our advice is to simply begin. A little knowledge is enough to get started, and you'll learn along the way. Maintaining passion is key.
For aspiring fashion designers, we recommend staying authentic to your vision and values. Embrace adaptability and be open to new opportunities as they come.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Preserving traditional craft while making it relevant in today's style. We aim to celebrate cultural heritage through thoughtful, timeless design, empower local artisans, and promote a sustainable and slow fashion movement. We hope what we do will inspire others and future generations.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
