The last month in 2014 is finally here. We only have 30 days left to celebrate the new year and to fill in your last days in December, we are proud to present the latest edition of NEIGHBOURTALK, this time with the young talented designer known as Tengku Maulana Edrin aka “Mol Edrine” from 707 Group and HUNTED Inc. As a local enthusiast, we have followed the career development of Mol Edrine while he was still in Bandung with his very own creative studio. Through this medium, he helped various big international brand names by creating enormous cool designs and posters for their latest campaigns. Moreover, he also had an independent clothing line under TDQ Clothing MFG and created the renowned leather jacket dubbed as “Young Messiahs”. Without further ado, please read the full interview below.
We have been following your career for years now. Could you describe about your background and how you involved into this creative business?
I was born and grew up in Medan, within a struggling between skateboard and punk rock music scene which became very fundamental for these things I do today. I moved to Bandung unintentionally because of my previous high school that failed to release my A level certificate. Therefore I could not continue my study for design abroad nor any local institutions. I tried to apply to Fakultas Seni Rupa Desain at Institut Teknologi Bandung two times and sadly did not cut through. At that time, I was already in Bandung and decided to keep on going by start pursuing my art and design career right away.
You and your team used to have a creative studio right, back in Bandung? Could you describe what is the motivation?
My motivation is to build a creative home and environment for my fellow aspiring designers and design students from outside of Java and currently resides in Bandung at the time. The objective is of course to survive by making money from doing what we do best and loves to do, while also sharing opportunities and networks to collect more portfolios which is very essential in creative career building.
When did your love of fashion start, and how did that lead to TDQ MFG? Could you explain in details for those who do not know about your brand?
I do not know if I love fashion (laugh). I think I just love to dress well and dress the part. But I study and do a lot research for fashion subjects because I design things and art direct fashion brands and stores. As for TDQ MFG, its the medium I used to experiment on various art direction, concept, and design ideas which I can not conduct on my clients or simply stumbled upon while doing research for projects from my clients. It is also the canvas to express my own thoughts and ideas. TDQ itself stands for Trans-Disciplinary Quality. It is very honest and unpretentious.
Its the medium I used to experiment on various art direction, concept, and design ideas which I can not conduct on my clients or simply stumbled upon while doing research for projects from my clients. It is also the canvas to express my own thoughts and ideas. TDQ itself stands for Trans-Disciplinary Quality. It is very honest and unpretentious.Tengku Maulana Edrin
Then suddenly you moved to Jakarta and work under 707 group? How did that happened?
I have been interviewed by 707 before, back in 2011 but back then I was struggling to establish my design studio business in Bandung while they ask me to move to Jakarta to work in house. Last year while I was doing a lot of reading and suddenly realized there is still so many things I have not seen in this world and yet I have been too caught up inside the comfort zone I built. I simply do not like this and urged myself to leave everything behind me and start from zero again, moved to someplace else where I could feel stupid again, bail off my comfort zone. I was originally planned to move abroad but I do not have enough money. So I decided to contact them, 707 and next thing I know, I have moved to Jakarta as the art director for the group.
Who is the 707 customer? Could you please describe the man and woman of 707 group?
707 customers are very unique and discerning people. The people I work with at the store and behind the workshop are all very great and motivating. We have DJs, influencers, musician, designer, and business savvies work together under 707 group. The vibe here is very great and encouraging.
Along with your daily job, you also recently designed streetwear label known as HUNTED Inc with Rio, Adul, and Almaun. How did you enjoy those experiences? What is your main position at HUNTED Inc.
This one I really enjoy. We are making these beautiful and classy pieces of clothing in manly silhouette. Currently I am the art director and co-owner at HUNTED Inc.
Could you describe what is HUNTED Inc (brand position and the main items). What are you guys trying to offer.
We offer wearable and comfortable pieces of clothing with a very fashionable and contemporary approach. Not to forget the exquisite tailoring techniques. We are also brewing more creative projects with the brand, outside of fashion at the moment.
What is the concept behind the HUNTED Inc debut collection. Why the goth ninja approach?
I did not design the stuffs for the debut. I only designed the marketing strategies, decoration for our launching event and art direct a few parts on the clothes design. I guess street goth term is a bit more fitting. HUNTED Inc is contemporary, it is what’s going on, all our favorite designers like Alexander Wang, Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Olivier Roustein, and Riccardo Tisci are doing the thing. We love them and the inspired us a lot, so we decide to give our take on what’s going on.
As a young designer you influenced a lot of young people with your artistic sense. How do you feel?
I do not know about that (laugh). Most of the time I dont feel a thing. I am constantly battling with my own thoughts, criticizing myself, and trying to find flaws in what I do. I blame myself a lot that I did not go to college. I am really intense and hard with my own self so I do not think I am such an influencer. I just do and create and trying to find what I do not like the most from what I did.
Ok then. Now let’s get comfortable with the questions. What is your favorite brand right now? Anything particular that you would love to see being available at 707?
There is a few. Fear of God, Bianca Chandon, and Harmony from Paris. For business and branding wise, I love what Kith have been doing lately. I also love Stampd a lot and luckily we start carrying them at the store by the end of this year. I want them all for 707!
I am constantly battling with my own thoughts, criticizing myself, and trying to find flaws in what I do. I am really intense and hard with my own self so I do not think I am such an influencer. I just do and create and trying to find what I do not like the most from what I did.Tengku Maulana Edrin
How important is the opinion of others in what you do?
As a designer it is essential, because I have to make my designs works and I need feedback to evaluates. As an artist, I do not give a fuck.
What other projects are you involved in for 2014 or 2015?
There are some expansion projects from 707 group but still very discreet. I am also working on rebranding project for the store starting this month and an event with Nudie Jeans and Standard Denim. As for HUNTED Inc, I can promise you that we have a lot of surprises for 2015.
Last but not least. What is your moral?
Get off your comfort zone.