A small figures dons an elaborate outfit, featuring geometric shapes and patterns reminiscent of eyes.

“Wanda.” All photos © Irene Saputra, shared with permission

Extravagant garments and quirky accessories adorn Irene Saputra’s characters encapsulating the boundless possibilities of fashion. The Tangerang, Indonesia-based embroidery artist, a.k.a. Nengiren, centers her work around dressing a nona kecil, or little woman.

Nengiren creates each character with no plan in mind. In the same way we might get dressed in the morning, she spontaneously designs the components of each figure’s outfit of the day, or “OOTD,” as she embroiders. She shares with Colossal:

Nona Kecil’s evolution mirrors my own journey as an artist. Initially, she adorned simple OOTDs with muted colors and straightforward patterns. However, the turning point occurred three years ago when I embraced motherhood. Balancing time between my son and art intensified my experimentation, leading Nona Kecil to explore more expressive and elaborate outfits.

With a graphic design background, illustration experience, and an interest in fashion, overarching motifs of typography, flashy patterns, color combinations, and texture guide the fabrication of each outfit, creating an array of harmonious looks. By way of vibrant threads and satin stitches, geometric shapes join together to construct a completely unique ensemble every time.

See more work on Nengiren’s Instagam, and keep an eye out for shop updates.

 

A small figures dons an elaborate outfit, featuring geometric shapes and patterns reminiscent of cherries and leaves against a yellow dress.

Detail of “Nona Kecil #OOTD, Kenny’s Private Collection”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

“Kieran & Li”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

Detail of “Nona Kecil #OOTD, Kenny’s Private Collection”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

“Nona Kecil #OOTD, Spring Season Collection”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

Detail of “Nona Kecil #OOTD, Kenny’s Private Collection”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

Detail of “Nona Kecil #OOTD, Kenny’s Private Collection”

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing

“Nona Kecil #OOTD, Worried Season Collection”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing appeared first on Colossal.

©

Related Posts

Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in ClothingNengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing
Elegant Figures Inhabit the Surreal Dreamworlds of...
“Season of silence.” All images © Thanh Nhàn Nguyễn, shared...
Read more
Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in ClothingNengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing
Taking on the world of leisure, together:...
In a move to bring great minds and creative ideas...
Read more
Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in ClothingNengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing
This IKEA Hack Makes Your Dream Dressing...
Renowned kirigami artist and designer Marc Hagan-Guirey, also known as...
Read more
A Monumental Immersive Installation by ENESS Prompts Joy and TogethernessA Monumental Immersive Installation by ENESS Prompts Joy and Togetherness
A Monumental Immersive Installation by ENESS Prompts...
A nine-meter-tall passageway made of eight individual arches enticed visitors...
Read more
Flos showroom window at 3daysofdesign 2025.Flos showroom window at 3daysofdesign 2025.
With 3daysofdesign, Copenhagen is Reinventing What a...
Copenhagen’s 3daysofdesign has been touted as Milan Design Week’s little...
Read more
Nengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in ClothingNengiren’s Embroidered Figures Embrace Feeling Carefree in Clothing
Philanthropic Organization Headquarters – Redwood City
Engaged to create a vibrant headquarters for a mission-driven philanthropic...
Read more