Karina Zen

What is your full name?

Karina Zen.

What is your first name?

Karina.

Where were you born?

Balikpapan, Indonesia.

Where do you currently reside and work?

Before, I lived and worked in Paris, France. Now, I am in Bali, Indonesia.

What is your educational background?

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Stylisme and Modélisme at the École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode (ESMOD) in France, followed by a Master’s degree in Contemporary Fashion Design at the International Fashion Academy (IFA).

What are other details of experiences, work or otherwise, that have led you to your current work?

I worked as a designer and stylist for several French brands. I interned for Bless Paris, Luz collections, worked backstage for Zuhair Murad, Issey Miyake, and Giambattista Valli, to name a few.

How would you describe your practice/business?

Born in Indonesia and raised in France, House of Kaéna is a melting pot that weaves Indonesia and France in a collection called ‘REVERIE INSPIRED’. I craft the majority of our creations,  alongside a skilled artisan in Bali. Our aim is to create timeless pieces that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

Drawing from my deepest memories and values, my work embraces a sustainable approach and aligns with the slow-fashion movement, focusing on high-quality pieces. Although I moved often growing up, living in Qatar, Indonesia, and France, and never felt fully rooted in one place, the innocence of childhood and my way of dreaming have remained constant. They consistently lead me back to the same reverie, a world shaped by soft explosions of motherly love, blurred forms, and a sense of fantasy. It is both an escape and a therapeutic experience.

What are the highlight projects in your career so far?

We presented our collection at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, drawing inspiration from motherhood and Mother Earth. Our designs have been worn on stage by French artists such as Luxie Music and Molka Aouij, and our runway work was highlighted in an interview with the magazine Dew.

What are you currently working on?

We are creating custom pieces for artists, singers, and special occasions, while also developing our new collection centred around cottons.


Instagram: @houseofkaena
Website: www.houseofkaena.com