The Brand

We are true to ourselves.
Our story begins in 1994 when BIASA was founded by Italian-born designer and art enthusiast Susanna Perini. A beautiful boutique and label inspired by Indonesian lifestyle and Italian design ethos, we were the first on the island to offer visitors and residents sophisticated resort-wear collections along with treasures from around the world: hand-cast homeware, artisan pieces and exotic handmade furnishings.

More than twenty years on, we have grown to become an award-winning and internationally recognized label, art space and lifestyle brand, with a growing reputation, fans, partners, collectors and customers.

In all, we encompass a vision and philosophy that we have remained true to since 1994; we are not a mere label or brand; we are true to ourselves, we are a unique expression of art, idealism and lifestyle.

What may appear simple at first glance reveals layers of depth at a closer look: BIASA is a unique combination of ‘extraordinary simplicity’.

Fashion through the eyes of an artist

Our signature style combines creative cuts, artisanal details and natural materials to create sophisticated clothing, perfect for tropical cities and shores. We offer truly unique style, suited to bons vivants, worldly travelers and those who choose to live ‘outside the box’. Best known for our free-flowing creative cuts, the beauty of our label lies in the details. What may appear simple at first glance reveals layers of depth in design at a closer look: handmade, hand-stitched, precisely cut with artistic attributes including hand-loomed fabrics, traditional weaving, appliqué, detailed embroidery and often a contemporary take on time-honored handicraft and techniques. The combination of these along with beautiful contemporary designs is BIASA, a unique label for both women and men.

ArtSpace

BIASA ArtSpace was founded in Bali in 2005 as a natural response to BIASA founder Susanna Perini’s passion for contemporary art. When it was founded, BIASA ArtSpace played a pivotal role, presenting artists from Indonesia and elsewhere at a time when there was little knowledge or support for the contemporary art in Bali.

Over the years, BIASA ArtSpace has grown to become a unique venue where artists are invited to present, develop, and create in total freedom. With spaces in Bali and Jakarta, BIASA ArtSpace has collaborated with institutions such as the National Gallery in Jakarta, MACRO in Rome, Delfina Foundation in London, and the Indonesian pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

Following these premises, our mission has recently expanded into three key goals: the first one is to continue supporting young Indonesian and Balinese artists but this time with a specific focus to the connection between art making and materials, which reflects BIASA’s unique research in textile and intimate relationship with local artisans.

The second goal is to host exhibitions at its space, which constitutes one of the most important contemporary institutions for contemporary art in Bali, together with Kayu, to which BIASA is a main sponsor. The third goal is focused on supporting new video works by contemporary artists such Laurent Montaron, Keren Cytter and Enrique Ramírez.

Philosophy

Made In Bali
Each morning as the sun rises on the island of Bali, women begin to prepare their daily offerings to appease both the Gods and Demons. Acknowledging that the universe is a balance between good and evil, the Balinese give thanks each day, asking for blessings and good fortune.

Culturally rich with a long-standing heritage of traditional arts and crafts, music and religious ceremonies, the deep-rooted culture of Bali is intrinsically linked to the foundation of our brand. Our home sits in the midst of the island, a creative hub where materials are received from exotic destinations, hand-dyed, hand-crafted and transformed into wonderful creations found in our boutiques and around the world. With over 200 talented pairs of hands that work closely with our founder Susanna Perini to create our vision of style and design, we are truly blessed with a beautiful home from where we spread our work and philosophy.

Making a Difference

Throughout the years, we give back to Bali by helping several non-profit organisations and individuals who have made a difference in the society. Among those is Matahari Terbit Center (MTC) that takes care of disabled children suffering from cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome or others on the island. Not only do we support them through monthly donation, we also sell beautiful jewellery pieces crafted by the beloved young souls at MTC, and the proceeds of which will benefit Matahari Terbit Center in carrying their noble mission. Pictured is a bracelet from the Cinta Kasih collection that can be found at BIASA stores. For more information, please visit www.mtcbali.com.

Back in early 2000s, Bali was forever changed by a series of terrorist attacks that killed many innocent lives. Chusnul Chotimah is one brave survivor from those tragedies ravaging the island. BIASA took the initiative to consistently support Chotimah in building her life back after the attacks. You can reach us through our contact link at the bottom of the page for more information.

Founder

Susanna shares her vision of ‘extraordinary simplicity’ with those who seek it.

Photography by Lukas Vrtilek for The Yak Magazine
Susanna shares her vision of ‘extraordinary simplicity’ with those who seek it.

Inspired by Indonesian tradition and ancestry, Balinese community and spirituality and many forms of artistic expression yielded through fashion and art, Susanna shares her vision of 'extraordinary simplicity' with those who seek it.

Born into a family of couturiers, Susanna Perini’s innate approach to design and the arts was inherent at a young age. The early years of her career saw her playing an active role in her mother’s boutique, while studying anthropology and working as a fashion photographer in her native Italy. It was a shoot for Donna that first brought Susanna to Bali in 1987, a trip that deeply impacted her journey as she instantly decided to make the island her home.

Over two decades later, Susanna remains at the helm of our brand, with the same spirit and philosophy with which we were founded. Her life’s work in fashion and contemporary art teamed with her Italian sensibilities and longstanding support for Indonesian culture has helped promote the country she now calls home to an international audience. She actively supports local artisans, traditional crafts, sponsors Indonesian artists on international residencies and remains an active support to many charities across Indonesia. Susanna received a “Knighthood of the Order of Merit” from the President of the Republic of Italy in 2017 in honour of her continuous support of Indonesian arts throughout her career.

1987

Our founder Susanna Perini lands in Bali and falls in love with its culture and beauty, instantly deciding to make the island her home.

1992

BIASA is a seed planted in Susanna’s mind, the wheels are in motion with exciting plans and ideas coming together.

1994

BIASA is founded. Our first boutique is opened in Seminyak, Bali, surrounded by rice fields. Our first collection hangs on the rails for all to see. We are one of two stores in Seminyak at the time. Our neighbor BAIK BAIK is happy to have company.

1996

We move into our flagship store in Bali: 36 Jalan Seminyak Raya. Still open to this day, this store is the beating heart of our brand where visitors from all over the world come to indulge in our new collections.

1999

We are going global, available in Greece, Australia, Maldives, Mauritius, USA, Spain… the list is growing.

2004

Our art gallery, BIASA ArtSpace, is founded in a beautiful space in Seminyak. Architect Giovanni D’Ambrosio is invited to design the space: a large, contemporary open space with an iconic floating staircase and orange roof made from rice-harvesting material.

2006

We open our expansive Jakarta store, allowing our dearest fans and customers in Jakarta access to our new collections without having to plan a trip to Bali.

2010

Our store in Ubud, Bali, is now open. A beautifully unique space, residents and visitors of Bali are letting us know how much they love walking down the street in their respective towns to pick up pieces from our latest collection.

2011

We collaborate with MACRO Testaccio, Rome, for ‘Beyond the East’ exhibition, ‘A Gaze on Indonesian Contemporary Art’ as part of BIASA ArtSpace’s program for the year. It is a moment of pride and a huge success.

2012

Our store in Sanur, Bali, is now open. Located in the quieter part of the island, the languid weather in this shore suits the vibes of our tasteful designs.

2012

We open our partnership boutique in Mexico, an exciting foray into a new world of resorts and relaxation.

2013

Opening of BIASA+ concept store. BIASA+ sees Susanna’s passions for art and fashion come together along with the addition of homeware and lifestyle products.

2014

BIASA celebrates 20 years of growth. BIASA 20th Anniversary Campaign featuring 20 inspiring young profiles won the Best Ad Campaign by The Yak Magazine Awards.

2015

Our fans are excited to see Jessica Alba and Michelle Yeoh spotted in BIASA on the set of their film ‘Mechanic: Resurrection’.

2016

Our store in Batu Belig, Bali, opens for business, along with a store in Cancun, Mexico. We are on a roll…

2017

We open a new store in the International Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Nestled in a strategic corner in the domestic departure area, our customers can easily pick up their favorite outfits on the way home from their holiday in Bali.