Rumah Uis: A Haven for Karo Ethnic Fashion Enthusiasts
Located in the bustling city of Medan, Rumah Uis has quickly become a favorite shopping destination for residents of North Sumatra who have a penchant for collecting traditional woven fabrics, clothing, and accessories with a Karo ethnic flair. Owned by Averiana Barus, this unique boutique has garnered attention from notable figures such as Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution, who has made multiple visits to Rumah Uis on Jalan Jamin no 252 Ginting, Medan, to indulge in some shopping.
Averiana Barus‘ deep love for Karo culture is the driving force behind the establishment of Rumah Uis, even though not everyone initially appreciated her creations. „In the beginning, not everyone liked my modifications to Uis. People have different perspectives when it comes to traditional fabrics. Some see the sacredness, while others focus on the cultural aspects that should not be altered,“ explained Averiana Barus in a recent interview with Tribun Medan.
Uis Gara or Uis Karo is a familiar sight in Karo society. It is a fabric or garment worn during traditional ceremonies or daily activities by the Karo people. Ave, as she is affectionately known, saw the economic potential in Uis and decided to breathe new life into it. She faced criticism from those who believed traditional fabrics should not be altered.
Ave’s concern for the popularity of Uis Karo led her to take action. She noticed that at traditional fabric exhibitions, Uis Karo was often overshadowed. „In 2014, compared to other woven fabrics, Karo fabric was not in the spotlight. It was always in the background, reserved for ceremonial use only,“ Ave recalled. „I thought to myself, why doesn’t our beautiful, fine fabric have a platform? Maybe it wasn’t trendy at the time,“ she added.
Starting with simple accessories and bags, Ave’s creations evolved into clothing that she made at her parents‘ home. Each piece produced by Rumah Uis features unique motifs. „Since Karo weaving is all done manually, each weaver’s work is different. Even one piece of fabric can vary,“ Ave explained. This personalized touch appeals to customers who seek one-of-a-kind designs.
Inside the three-story shop, a young woman browses through the collection of Uis, looking slightly overwhelmed by the array of choices. She occasionally consults with a friend over the phone to help make a decision. The price range for Rumah Uis‘ collection starts at Rp 50,000, with the most popular item being Uis Nipes.
Rumah Uis has successfully carved out a niche in the fashion market, offering a blend of tradition and modernity through its unique creations. Averiana Barus‘ dedication to preserving and promoting Karo culture through fashion has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also attracted visitors from far and wide who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of Karo ethnic wear. Rumah Uis stands as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in celebrating Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
