UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce inspiring alumni who excel across various fields, and Wiant Dailla Azka is one of its recent success stories. A graduate of the Faculty of Humanities, Azka has established his fashion brand, WAINKA, which has captured public attention since its debut.
Azka’s journey began in 2016 when he joined a sewing workshop organized by the Surabaya City Government at Kaza Mall. From a large pool of participants, he was one of three selected to continue training at the Susan Budiarti fashion school.
“After graduating from Susan Budiarti fashion school, I began building my career in fashion. Starting in 2019, I participated in the ‘Mlaku-Mlaku Nang Tunjungan’ event, where my work started gaining recognition, and I began stocking ready-to-wear pieces at the Siola UMKM center,” he said.
Innovation and signature style
Azka’s success stems largely from his creative approach, which has become a hallmark of his brand. He skillfully merges batik, a traditional Indonesian fabric, with denim for a unique blend of cultural and casual elements. This original combination has set his work apart and drawn praise from the public.
“I have always been interested in blending batik with denim to make my designs feel fresh and appealing to a broader audience. WAINKA also produces ready-to-wear pieces suitable for daily wear. Additionally, our oversized sizing makes each piece versatile,” he explained.
When designing, Azka often finds inspiration in music videos and dramas, adapting his creations to align with current fashion trends. This allows him to maintain the uniqueness of his designs while keeping them stylishly relevant.
Active in fashion events
Since launching his career, Azka has participated in a series of major fashion shows, including Surabaya Fashion Week, Mlaku-Mlaku Nang Tunjungan, and events organized by the Department of Industry and Trade. His designs have attracted several celebrity clients, including Raffi Ahmad and Jirayut, and have even served as wardrobe sponsorships for Miss Grand 2019.
“In my career, I’ve never been afraid to try new things. Stepping out of my comfort zone is essential. I’ve also collaborated with fellow designers, stepping away from my usual approach of working solo. I keep pushing myself until I find the best path,” he concluded.
Author: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
