Founded in 2011 by sisters Inwi, Veronica and Dora Willy, Indonesian fashion label SISSAE began with a simple wish: to create a qipao that felt youthful, feminine and true to its heritage. What started as a personal search soon grew into a shared passion for bringing traditional clothing into the modern wardrobe. Over the years, the sisters expanded their designs to include the kebaya, drawing inspiration from Peranakan culture while developing a distinct style through floral embroidery, thoughtful cuts and carefully considered details.
Fifteen years on, SISSAE continues to celebrate the beauty of heritage dressing, with pieces designed to be worn, loved and passed down through generations. From intricate embroidery to the smallest button, every detail reflects the care of its Indonesian makers and the sisters' appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
We speak with Inwi Willy, Founder and Designer of SISSAE, about building a fashion label with her sisters, the stories behind their signature designs, and why keeping heritage relevant to a new generation remains close to her heart.
Below, Inwi Willy takes us behind the brand, sharing the journey she began with her two sisters.
Take us back to 2011. How did three sisters come to start a fashion brand together, and why did you begin with the qipao?
It began from my personal love for the qipao. At the time, it was difficult to find one that felt youthful, modern and feminine while still respecting its heritage, without having to make it from scratch with a tailor.
I shared the idea with my sisters, and together we began building SISSAE. What started from a personal need gradually became a shared vision: to create pieces that feel modern and relevant while still carrying a strong sense of heritage.
Today, both qipao and kebaya are an important part of SISSAE. When and why did the kebaya enter the story of the brand?
We have always loved the kebaya as well. To us, the qipao and kebaya share a certain cultural closeness, especially within Peranakan culture.
From there, we began imagining our own interpretation—a Peranakan-inspired kebaya that brings together the elegance of Nyonya culture with SISSAE’s signature femininity, embroidery and modern proportions.
Are there particular historical references, archives, places, women, or memories you return to during your creative process?
Our creative process comes very naturally from the heart and imagination. My mind is often filled with flowers, beautiful colours and details that I want to bring to life.
Sometimes inspiration comes from a memory, a feeling, or simply an image that suddenly appears in my mind. For me, creating is about turning love, emotion and imagination into something beautiful.
Embroidery has remained a signature of SISSAE across different types of clothing. Why has it endured as such an important part of your design language?
Embroidery has always been one of the strongest identities of SISSAE. We love how it can turn a simple fabric into something much more special. For us, embroidery is like painting on fabric. It brings colour, texture, depth and emotion into a piece, and allows us to express our imagination in a very personal way. We see each SISSAE piece as more than just clothing—it is a small work of art, created with thought, detail and emotion.
Embroidery is not simply decoration. It has become part of the soul and character of SISSAE.
Tell us about the seamstresses and makers behind SISSAE based in Indonesia. Who are they, and what particular skills does this work require?
Our pieces are made in Indonesia by a team who have grown and learned together with us through many years of trial, error and experience. They work with great patience, precision and care, especially with embroidery, lace, construction and finishing.What matters most to me is that they do everything with heart. We have been through many ups and downs together, and that journey has become part of the soul of SISSAE.
What details in a SISSAE garment might a customer not notice immediately, but matter enormously to you?
There are many small details in SISSAE that people may not notice immediately, but they matter enormously to me. From the shape of a button to the lace, the edge of a blouse and the finishing, many of these details are designed by us specifically for SISSAE.
I believe these quiet, almost hidden details are what give each piece its character and make it feel truly special.
How do you approach fit, cut, and proportion when designing for women of different ages and body types?
I understand how a woman’s body and proportions can change through different stages of life. As a woman and a mother, this is something I understand personally.
When I design, I think about how a silhouette can complement the body, create balance and make the wearer feel comfortable, feminine and elegant. For me, the right cut and proportion should not only look beautiful—it should make the woman wearing it feel beautiful too.
Please choose three pieces from the collection Dia will be carrying and tell us the story behind each—its inspiration, materials, embroidery or construction, and what makes it special to you.
Kebaya Ajeng
- Ajeng is one of SISSAE’s most loved pieces in Indonesia, worn by public figures, artists and socialites, many of whom collect it in different colours. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility—it can be styled with traditional woven textiles, skirts, trousers or even jeans, while still feeling elegant and distinctive.
Ajeng Kirana
- Ajeng Kirana feels like a piece of art to me. Its embroidery combines around twelve different thread colours. The silhouette is designed to feel feminine, flattering and graceful.
Mahadewi
- Mahadewi is a particularly special piece when paired with its matching skirt. The velvet, embroidery and refined silhouette come together to create something rich yet elegant.
After 15 years of working with garments that carry so much history, what are you still curious to explore?
There is still so much I want to explore—especially Indonesian woven textiles and traditional craftsmanship, and working with artisans who share the same integrity and commitment to their work. For me, beautiful clothing should carry a story, be treasured, and last beyond one generation. I also hope to make heritage feel relevant to younger people, so these stories can continue in a new way.
What has surprised you most about building SISSAE?
Even today, I still see SISSAE pieces from many years ago ,sometimes from collections that are almost 15 years old, being worn and loved. For me, that is very meaningful. It reminds me that good design can live far beyond a season.
When someone encounters SISSAE for the first time today, what do you hope they notice?
I hope that when someone sees SISSAE for the first time, they can feel the love behind every piece. Every design is created with care, imagination and attention to detail.
More than simply seeing something beautiful, I hope they can also sense the thought and dedication behind it.
What has surprised me most is that SISSAE has grown into a real community. I never expected the brand to create such a strong connection with the women who wear it.
