Irene Wira
What is your full name?
Irene Wira.
What is your first name?
Irene.
Where were you born?
Jakarta, Indonesia.
Where do you currently reside and work?
Jakarta, Indonesia.
What is your educational background?
I graduated with a BA in Fashion Technology from Bunka Fashion College, Tokyo.
What are other details of experiences, work or otherwise, that have led you to your current work?
Before graduating, I had already started working on MUME, though at the time, I was still torn between pursuing a career in Japan or continuing to grow my own brand. As a student, I interned at several places, including a Japanese fashion brand in Harajuku and an OEM denim manufacturing company that produced for Celine, Saint Laurent, and other luxury houses. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of both the creative and production sides of fashion, and shaped how I approach craftsmanship and brand ethics today.
How would you describe your practice/business?
My practice is personal and human-centred, focusing on handmade, made-to-order pieces that reflect care and time. Each garment is crafted using natural fibers and dyes, with attention to sustainability and mindful production. We also offer custom sizing based on request to ensure every piece truly belongs to the wearer. Our pattern-making approach minimises fabric waste by working with the natural width of the material, and while not everyone may resonate with the style, those who do often return because it feels authentic and made for them.
What are the highlight projects in your career so far?
One of the highlight projects in my career was when we presented an installation at PILLAR in Plaza Indonesia last March 2023. It was our first time creating an installation, and I experimented with fabric dyeing and heat manipulation to create a natural crinkle effect, which was then draped to form part of the display. Another meaningful project was when we developed a batik-dyed fabric using the traditional Indonesian wax-resist technique, but reinterpreted it in a more contemporary way, merging heritage craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic.
What are you currently working on?
I have not released a new collection in the past year as I am currently focusing on building a tea house and retail space that will extend MUME’s philosophy into a more holistic experience. The space will feature wearable, comfortable pieces for men, women, babies, and pets, all naturally dyed and handmade. Alongside the clothing, we are curating a selection of pure teas sourced from Nepal, India, Japan, and Taiwan, all without artificial flavouring and often auction-picked. It carries the same spirit as MUME—personal, hand-picked and grounded in mindfulness and craftsmanship.
Instagram: @irenewiraa
Website: www.maisonmume.com