Have you ever felt like there’s nothing to be grateful for? Let us share a simple but profound story from our dear friend in East Sumba, one that might shift your perspective on gratitude.
SUMBA, EAST NUSA TENGGARA
Sumba—an island where nature and culture converge in the most mesmerizing ways. It’s a place of rugged beauty, where every corner offers a new landscape to discover. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible island, not just for its natural splendor but for the chance to learn about its deep-rooted traditions. What truly struck us were the authentic villages still thriving in Sumba, untouched by time.
The warmth of the people was evident as we traveled from one village to another, but it wasn’t just their hospitality that left a lasting impression. It was a life lesson—one that taught us how perspective shapes reality.
What We Learned : "THE LATITUDE"
The word latitude is commonly used to describe the distance between an object and the equator, but it also refers to the freedom we have in making choices. As citizens of Indonesia, we all have the right to shape our own destiny. Yet, in Sumba, survival is a daily challenge. The lack of basic infrastructure—roads, water, communication—makes life difficult. But when we spoke with the Sumbanese people, we were astonished by their unwavering optimism. They didn’t see these challenges as barriers. Instead, they viewed them as opportunities for growth. Despite the odds, they continue to live with ambition, creativity, and an unbreakable spirit. What stood out to us was their gratitude. Even in the face of adversity, they choose to be thankful, embracing their struggles as part of their journey. Their belief that they are now in a better position than before is a testament to their resilience.
We often take our thoughts for granted. From the moment we wake up to when we fall asleep, our minds are filled with a constant stream of ideas and worries. Yet, we are so often blind to the beauty right in front of us. We get caught up in the noise, fixating on things that don’t really matter. But, what if we chose to focus on the good, to notice the small things that bring us joy? Gratitude is a choice—a way to shift our perspective. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
As we observed the Sumbanese people, we were reminded that gratitude is universal. It transcends boundaries, and it’s rooted in the heart. When we cultivate gratitude, we find freedom—freedom of the mind and heart, no matter our external circumstances.
Sumba Traditional Textile
First and foremost, we all should know that : making Sumba traditional fabric is everything but simple. It can take six months to three years depending on the complexity of the motives.
The art of weaving in Sumba is one of the old cultures that The Sumbanese devote to produce clothing, to meet the needs of the value system, and culture of indigenous interests related to marriage, religious events, and other social cultures. Moreover, according to The Sumbanese belief, their woven fabrics contain many meanings and particularly very detailed. Those diverse motifs usually reflect nature, animals, and other objects closely related to human life. These fabrics are all filled with prayers offered by the weaver. Each prayer is pinned for each of the important events in the life of the person who later wears the cloth. Although classic they may seem, The Sumbanese's enthusiasts and passion in advancing the woven fabric of Sumba remain constant.
The use of Sumba traditional textile in The Latitude is not only as a cultural appreciation for those skilled hands of the Sumbanese craftsmen but also as our tangible efforts to preserve and develop the unique cultural heritage of the ancestors of Sumba.
WE ARE PROUD : "Although classic they may seem, The Sumbanese's enthusiasts and passion in advancing the woven fabric of Sumba remain constant."
We love Sumba so much. In fact, The Latitude is fundamentally inspired not only by how beautiful and mesmerizing the island is or by how The Sumbanese beautifully dressed themselves up in their traditional clothing, yet also by how they see and face their predicament living in an area that is lack infrastructure; how they so persevere and creatively in spirits to grow and continuously hold up their heritage and cultures. The firm and asymmetrical cuttings in the collection are the interpretation of the various life struggles and battles experienced by The Sumbanese each and every day. Some of the looks come along with knots and ties that symbolize the spirit of solidarity of their unity in life. Overall, the collection is wrapped up in a modern concept but still has the traditional essence of Sumba.
Color Philosophy
We strongly believe that color gives our emotional building blocks. It has long been known to have an effect on psychology and the way humans act. A lot of studies say that color can also be a symbol that has a particular, specific meaning. Thus, the color of the outfit you choose actually conveys a message to the people around you.
The use of white in the collection is a symbol of the purity that we found and constantly feel in the hearts of The Sumbanese when we were there. Their warm hospitality and generosity lead us to an awareness of genuine kindness that is very visible in them. We truly believe the color white is perfect to sum it all up.
Meanwhile, we also picked black in the palette not only because it is an elegant, prestigious, neutral color but also because it symbolizes firmness and persistency. We can clearly see that those qualities are inside of every individual in Sumba. Altogether with the grey color. It is also a timeless, neutral, and practical color ever. Yet, for this collection, we chose this achromatic color to represent balance since it is one of the real, concrete elements that is born beneath the souls of The Sumbanese.
Despite the difficult, tough, and challenging circumstances they experienced, they stay upright and steady.
Finally, the blue. It is not just any blue color. It is navy blue, a very dark shade of the color blue, the blue with a certain depth point. It is strongly associated with open spaces and freedom. Open spaces are overwhelmingly seen all over Sumba as well as the breathtakingly beautiful sceneries there. And freedom, which is the core of this collection itself, a study believes that it is a beneficial color to people's hearts for it produces a calming effect every time we see it. As a matter of fact, we could not agree more that a calming heart is the start of real inner freedom.
In Conclusion: Embracing Freedom and Gratitude
"THE LATITUDE" is more than just a collection. It’s a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and gratitude of the Sumbanese people. Through their struggles and triumphs, they’ve shown us that freedom is a state of mind. It begins in the heart, where we choose to see the beauty in life and to be grateful for the journey. This collection is our humble tribute to their spirit—may it inspire you to look at your own life with a new sense of gratitude and freedom. Special Thanks to :
• Model/Agency : Tahlia Raji/Posture Management
• Photographer : Dan Putera