Based in Tokyo, MUME is a fashion brand committed to its concept of “contributing to better ways of consumption” by offering made-to-order for the most ethical supply chain system.
Irene Wira, the founder of MUME, created the brand as part of the growing slow fashion community in order to educate people on sustainability.
“As much as ‘sustainability is a buzzword nowadays, it doesn’t hinder the fact that the fashion industry is one of the major pollutants in the world,” says MUME. “Creating a brand with that knowledge generates an immense sense of duty for us to utilize the most environmentally friendly way of producing garments that we love and create with utmost passion and creativity.- One of our biggest goals is for consumers to harbor a sense of appreciation for garments. And especially in times where purchasing clothes can be effortless transaction with short lifespans.”
Choosing to be more conscious
Unlike the conventional production processes in the fashion industry, MUME chose to create each item by hand and only when a purchase is made. In this way, they can minimize the total amount of waste garments. Additionally, this gives them the most efficient way to create every piece with each customer’s preferred size measurement.
Their commitment towards slow fashion is not only by producing handmade. In their production line, from fabric sourcing, ideation, pattern making, sewing to packaging are down by one person only. By recycling old fabrics from the previous collections, creating every care label with leftover fabric, the consumer can see their effort to avoid less waste.
Furthermore, each piece is coloured by all-natural resources selected carefully. Using the Japanese mugwort and Copper mordant to dye 100% organic fabrics. Such as Japanese linen, Southern cloth cotton, Crease Finish Cotton, and Broadcloth. Dried guava, wood iron acetate, and sodium stannate for the colouring of the last A/W collection. In their third collection, they set the theme “what is conventionally considered ugly.” By means using the rust from bikes or any kind of electronics to see the beautiful part through their design.
Embracing the connection with life is the positivity that we need in the current fashion industry to change.
The inspiration comes from their care about the connection with their daily life, the emotion at that moment. MUME says, “VOL 003 was about the uncomfortable turbulence of graduating and the stress of life changes. The summer collection was about being back home in Indonesia, relaxing and feeling the comfort of home, and relaxation of being in the topics.”
MUME, as a slow fashion brand
Since “sustainability” and “slow fashion” became a huge trend, many companies are marketing by using these words without clearness. The best way is to keep wearing what you already own. The biggest issue is the amount of consumption that we make every day. However, making a conscious decision will create a positive impact rather than consuming it randomly. More brands became conscious, more consumers can change. What MUME is trying to achieve is a key to make a difference with others, or even to inspire others.
All images in this article are courtesy of MUME unless stated otherwise.
