A conversation with Putri Soediono-Horsburgh
Ours is a curious story. We both grew up and lived in Singapore; both frequented a similar circle of high school friends, and years down the line, we both worked for Vivienne Westwood. Yet it is only when chancing upon a picture on social media of a mutual friend sporting a show-stopping leather fan that our paths (finally) crossed. From our professional connection, a friendship blossomed.
Putri Soediono-Horsburgh is the founder of luxe leather and accessories label, Pubumésu - a reflection of Putri’s distinct Javanese heritage coupled with her boundless imagination and an incredible grit of character. From her brand’s early beginnings almost a decade ago, the importance of provenance and a deep respect for local craftsmanship were ingrained into her design ethos long before any such concepts became mainstream lingo within the fashion world.
Putri Soediono-Horsburgh
Today, Pubumésu is stocked globally and sold by the likes of The Modist, Net-à-Porter, Browns Fashion and Canaan - testament to Putri’s visionary aesthetic and appreciation for creating designs that embody her unique flair whilst remaining timeless.
With the new decade approaching and Pubumésu on the cusp of incredible new projects, we decided to catch Putri and ask 10 questions inspired by the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A day where I don’t have to think or talk; I’m in my kimono at home watching Netflix, and eating.
What is your current state of mind?
Stressed, and overwhelmed, but I know that I need to motor on as I’ve come this far and need to see things through.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?
I’d like to come back as me. I don’t think being someone else would be any better because we all have our individual struggles. I’m not creative enough to think of a life as an animal or an inanimate object either.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Strength. Mental, emotional, and physical strength.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Perseverance, as women we’re still expected to do so much and it’s perseverance that allows us to do anything and everything we want.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being alive. It’s a daily achievement, just to wake up and want to live. If you can do that, then you can do anything.
What is your motto?
“When life throws you lemons, make vodka lemonade”.