Maybemay, a student business group at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, led by I Made Krisna Mahardika (Dika/Management), Christian Elang Sakti Putra Pakpahan (Elang/Product Design), and Joshua Max Wilbert Udampo (Wili/Product Design), showcases a unique multifunctional fashion product called ‘Tote Bag to Vest,’ crafted from denim. These active 5th-semester students have brought together functionality and environmental consciousness in a single product.
The essence of this product revolves around waste management and denim itself. Waste management is a pressing issue, with several cities in Indonesia facing waste emergencies. The lack of waste management infrastructure has contributed significantly to this problem, as highlighted by recent data from cnbcindonesia and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The ‘Tote Bag to Vest’ concept not only emphasizes functionality but also addresses environmental concerns by repurposing denim material.
The denim aspect adds a layer of excitement for denim enthusiasts. From premium denim materials sourced from Kaihara, Kuroki, Okayama, Zimbabwe, and others to discussions about denim types, brands, and care, the world of denim is vibrant and dynamic. Maybemay’s focus on denim as a fashion line aligns with their passion for fashion, design, music, business, and sustainability.
While denim tote bags are not uncommon in the market, Maybemay distinguishes itself through pattern formation. Their signature puzzle pattern, combined with patchwork techniques, transforms donated jeans into unique tote bags. The addition of paisley-patterned pockets further enhances the product’s distinctiveness and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
What sets ‘Tote Bag to Vest’ apart is its versatility. The product can be effortlessly converted from a tote bag to a vest, offering practicality and style in one package. This innovation not only showcases denim’s strength and durability but also promotes eco-friendly fashion choices.
Maybemay’s entrepreneurial journey received a boost through the UKDW Entrepreneurship MBKM Program, securing IDR 10,000,000 in funding for their business proposal. The product’s niche market appeal underscores its uniqueness, combining functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and market acceptance—a testament to Maybemay’s commitment to bridging fashion with environmental care. [amp/Eng.bella_ed.drr]