Pungu Borneo “ethnic handicrafts of the indigenous communities of Sarawak”

1. Tell me a bit about your brand?

Pungu Borneo is a Kuching-based social enterprise and accessory label that focuses on the ethnic handicrafts of the indigenous communities of Sarawak. Earrings, necklaces of varying lengths, and even prayer beads form a major part of what the brand stands for and presents. Our direction is to express and develop a unique interpretation of traditional designs while creating awareness. By generating interest in Bidayuh culture, which was at risk of being forgotten.

Our focus is to ensure that we adhere to at least five United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

(*Kuching is a City in Malaysia)

2. What’s the story behind this collection? Who/ what inspired it?

This collection is titled Rebirth. It is a story based on passing traditional and cultural knowledge on to the newer/younger generation through inheritance. So that the practice and knowledge will never be forgotten. The inspiration behind this collection is based on the personal story of how I, Lucille, became a traditional jewelry designer. Beautiful pieces of jewelry in exquisite traditional designs were handed down from our forefathers to various members of my own family. From this, born with the desire to create and continue doing jewelry in our traditional cultural designs. This collection also focuses on contemporary accessories with a strong reflection on designs exclusive to the indigenous communities in Borneo. The Rebirth collection is made from sustainable resources such as woven rattan beads and job tears seed. Wild jungle seeds, handmade ceramic and natural stones were also included. All of the material is planted, harvested, and cured in traditional ways by our beneficiaries. Our aim is to create more awareness of the SDG impact on the fashion industry.

3. What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

As a trendsetter and one who creates awareness in various forms, social media is the best platform to help market and promote brands. Especially, independent and rising brands, like ours.

4. Way to reach the showcase of a fashion designer?

IDFW is the first and only international digital fashion week that showcases fashion designers from all over the globe and that airs exclusively on FNL Network for FREE. Just click here https://linktr.ee/fnlnetwork to install FNL Network for free. As the first and only TV network to create a digitally broadcasted global Fashion Week, IDFW is the biggest fashion week ever showcased to date and is accessible everywhere around the world on Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Android devices, all iOS devices and even your Mac computer from your app store all for FREE.  Yogofi by TravelWifi is the official telecommunications partner of International Digital Fashion Week, they offer mobile Wi-Fi for global business and leisure travel with network coverage of 140+ countries check them out here https://yogofi.com/