New York, NY — (May 22th) Asian American fashion designer Natalia Yaya is making waves in the American fashion scene with her unique blend of Eastern tradition and Western modernity. Earlier this year, Yaya debuted over 150 couture pieces at the
Gala Fashion Show “East Meets West” in Chandler, Arizona a record-breaking showcase that captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts and media alike. Her designs went on to be featured at the prestigious 42nd Annual Lunar New Year
Celebration in Chicago, hosted by Asian-American organizations.

Yaya's work was described by Chicago Star columnist Candace Jordan as a “Dramatic Couture Fashion Show,” underscoring the strong reception from U.S. audiences.
In Arizona’s fashion scene, Yaya is known for her modern couture aesthetic, rich with Asian influences, particularly from her original culture, Indonesia. Her work bridges cultures, incorporating the traditional batik and handwoven textiles into collections that appeal to diverse American audiences  from casual ready-to-wear to elegant formalwear designed for all seasons.
"A commitment to traditional techniques while innovating for a modern audience is clear in every piece each one tells a story of heritage, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue," noted Fashion New York Magazine, which featured Yaya's couture
collection on its February cover.

An Exclusive Interview with Natalia Yaya

How did your journey in fashion begin?
I've loved designing since I was young. My mother ran a bridal fashion and wedding business in Jakarta since 1957, which had a big influence on me.

How did you transition your career to the U.S.?
I launched my fashion business in Jakarta in 2005, targeting markets in Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Singapore. In 2015, I moved to Arizona with my family. I restarted my
fashion journey in 2019.

What makes your designs unique?
I use high-quality Indonesian materials, such as hand-drawn Madura batik and Balinese woven fabrics. I collaborate with over 50 skilled artisans in Indonesia from batik makers in Madura, weavers in Bali, to tailors and beadwork specialists in Jakarta and Bogor. These small businesses help bring every element of my designs to life.

Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from Indonesia's rich arts, culture, and nature — blended with the natural surroundings of the U.S. I create textured outfits that merge Indonesian heritage with modern Western silhouettes, from ready-to-wear to couture.

What has been your most memorable fashion show in America?
The “East Meets West” solo fashion show in Chandler, Arizona this past January. It featured 150 original designs and was attended by notable guests including Mayor Kevin Hartke of Chandler and Afina Burhanudin from the Indonesian Consulate
General in LA. My collections range from $100–$500 for ready-to-wear, and over $700 for special occasion pieces. The most popular pieces were the Cactus Batik and Flora & Fauna collections, reflecting the beauty of Arizona’s natural landscape.

What are your future plans?
I aim to open a fashion boutique in the U.S. to further promote Indonesian culture and showcase my work to a broader audience. My hope is to help elevate Indonesian fashion on the global stage and continue working closely with local artisans back
home.

Written by : Naratama / Photo by: Creative Visual Image