Franklin Firdaus

Tell us your story – how did you get here?

At seven years-old I already knew what I wanted to be. I hated my school uniforms and wanted to work in magazines. I felt privileged to have been raised by parents who themselves had never completed their schooling, but were still able to provide me with the best opportunities and upbringing they possibly could. Fast forward to 2002 back in my home island, Kalimantan, I started laying the foundations by myself for FRANKSLAND, with jewellery and t-shirts, and my first pop-up – which was sold out immediately! From then, the brand expanded, finally making a home in Bali. FRANKSLAND is inspired by Bali and Indonesia’s vibrant atmosphere, with a focus that lies on luxury resort essentials. Each piece is infused with concepts of elegance and playfulness.

Now, I’ll flash back a bit between Covid and after Covid in Bali, as I think this was the most crucial moment for everyone and all business sectors, especially on an island that depends mostly on tourism. It was a challenging two years for us – many of our lives were turned completely upside down: in life, financially and mentally. Trying to wake up each morning loving the world all over again has been challenging. The pandemic was unlike anything we could have predicted, and it has left no person or business untouched. We’re now controlling what we can control and we’re emphasising kindness as much as we can.

Business wise, we are pivoting, since our market is a niche market and it’s shrinking. We created a new market through product development – I might mention that FRANKSLAND was the first fashion brand in Bali that created fashion face masks, diffusers and antibacterial hand moisturisers. I’ve learned a lot from previous challenging moments such as the Bali bombing, the Gunung Agung volcano eruption, and Covid. I know we need to prepare for “rainy days”, both financially and mentally. I will do everything to help my brand – longevity and legacy is key. My ambition is to create a signature style that’s valid throughout the rest of my life. I will die, yet people will look in a book and see images and photos and say “This is FRANKSLAND style”.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Most recently it was being a part of The Apurva Kempinksi Bali’s Unity in Diversity programme – I presented a Borneo Collection, inspired by my island, which featured a selection of hand-made Bornean fabrics that were created and made in Borneo and Bali.

Unity in Diversity – “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” – means that although we have differences, we are still one, that despite being diverse, Indonesia as a nation is still one unit. And for me, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” is a very powerful combination of words that binds this great country together. As a fashion designer, I find it very inspiring. If we want this culture to be enjoyed by future generations, we must continue to preserve it. At the end of the day we have to start with ourselves, and inspire those around us by bringing traditional fabric into present day use and make it relevant.

What impact have you made in Bali?

FRANKSLAND is the first fully dedicated menswear brand in Bali that I can think of. I mean, I love men, so it’s only natural that I created a menswear brand! I also love wearing things that I have created myself. I have always loved contributing my creativity to the arts. Because fashion is such an impactful tool to bring about awareness in our society, I always encourage people in my industry to always give back to society in any positive way. With WhoaFrank, a percentage of every transaction goes to Balinese charities.

And to make Bali more beautiful, not just through clothes or individuals, we also design uniforms for hotels, resorts, beach clubs, restaurants and fine dining venues. For some reason, so many venues place elegant uniforms as a low priority! The management might have a stunning venue with a great view and breathtaking interiors, but they forget to make their best asset, AKA their staff, look great. There are times that some uniforms hurt my eyes, or maybe I see the fabric is just not comfortable for the staff. I decided to improve that. That is my job. It calls to me.

What does the future look like for you?

The future is unsure, however, being positive in every situation is not naive, it’s leadership. There is always good in the future: focus on the good, the good gets better. We can and should start within ourselves and the ecosystem around us.

What do you love most about Bali?

Still the Balinese people and its culture. These are the two things that enticed me to Bali. Since the very beginning of my first visit until now, they are the reason that I am still here.

In your opinion, what does the future of fashion look like?

I actually miss the the creativity from the “old” designers, from about 10 or 10+ years ago: loud but non-commercial, different, fearless, no boundaries, brave, stepping forward, unusual and sometimes silly. And they did it for creativity. We never used to think much about the sales or profit, or at least, that was not our main priority. It was all about being creative… Food for the soul.

But things changed. The rent and prices in Bali went up enormously, many of them give up, and the rest are pivoting their business or finding additional sources of income. Just being creative is no longer enough – having business skills and persistence is very important.

These days, hundreds of new designers and brands have been ‘born’ in Bali. I can see mostly (not all) have a similar collection, pattern, rhythm, and have a similar shop next to each other. Similarly, when an innovative cool barber enters the Bali scene, we can suddenly see more barbers every 10 meters. It’s the same if we discuss ramen, speakeasy bars, and the list goes on. Sales and profits seem to be the main focus at the moment. They aim to fulfil what the customer and trend want. But mediocrity is boring.

Who is your Local Legend and why?

Golden Babe aka Bella, who owns Pink Tree Label. I think she brings ‘glamour’ as a fearless addition to Bali, bringing sexiness to the next level. I think Bali needs variation at the moment, not just the ‘sustainable’ or tie-dye collections.