The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Life style
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post
Clad in a mini skirt and blouse, five models walk onto the stage one after the other -- barefooted. They take pairs of shoes put on a makeshift stage and wear them.
The colorful leather shoes bear various ornaments -- red roses, green leaves, golden flowers and white fur. Wearing these lovely shoes, the models parade at the Boulevard Lounge of the Nikko Hotel here.
This is an ""art shoes"" show, and the venue is packed -- journalists, visitors and customers.
The 35 pairs of art shoes on show that afternoon did not bear foreign designer brands, such as Etienne Aigner, DKNY, Calvin Klein or Tommy Girl.
The shoes are a collection from local designer Linda Chandra.
Although Linda has been in this business for 14 years, her name is still relatively unknown among the general public.
Only few people wear her products. Not only because of their high price compared to other local-made shoes, but also the lack of public promotion.
""My customers often know the products from their colleagues. After wearing my designs, they often tell their friends or family members,"" Linda said.
During the show titled Intimate, Romantic, Tender and Beauty, Linda said that most of the raw materials for her designs are imported and that is why the prices of her shoes are high.
""My creations are made of high quality materials, be it the glue, the nails, the steel or the leather. High quality materials are needed for shoes because they support the body weight,"" she said.
Linda added that she also gave a lifetime guarantee and helped with the maintenance of the shoes.
With high quality materials and a guarantee, Linda sells her designs at variable prices, ranging between Rp 600,000 (US$60) and Rp 10 million ($1,000).
Linda says the high prices do not deter customers from visiting her boutique in Bandung, West Java. Indeed, even more customers have come and this has drawn her to open another boutique at the upscale Dharmawangsa Square shopping center in South Jakarta.
From the two boutiques, Linda sells 50 pairs of shoes every month.
""We also make shoes to order from customers,"" she said.
Linda's choice was not only driven by business orientation but also driven by her willingness to build the image of Indonesian shoe designers.
She said that for most customers in Indonesia, brand was still very important.
According to Linda, the situation occurs because locally made shoes were not designed and manufactured optimally.
""Some shoes have nice design, but they do not last long. Others are strong, but their designs are not good,"" she added.
This condition has driven Linda to create shoes that combine nice design and high quality shoes. Of course, the price is also higher than other locally made shoes.
""In fashion terminology, I work on couture shoes,"" she added.
To her surprise, the response from the public has been good. This is possibly because Linda gives her customers the chance to take part in the design and to choose the leather.
""Our products provide comfort, strength and exclusivity to customers. That is important,"" she added.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Bali dressing up for International Fashion Week
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta Lifestyle
Forget the economic crisis or violence that has hit some parts of Indonesia. Come to the paradise island of Bali and watch the latest international fashion trends at Bali International Fashion Week to be held from July 5 through July 8 at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua.
The fashion week, the first of its kind to be held in Indonesia, will seedomestic and foreign fashion and textile designers exhibiting their latest creations to big buyers.
Roesniati Dudi, vice chairwoman of Bali's Textile Producers Association, warmly welcomes the event as a turning point in the local textile and fashion industries.
""Most of textile and garment producers, especially those operating in Bali, have been hit by the crisis. Yet they are still surviving,"" she said. Robert Yapari, managing director of Buana Talimas Textile, said the upcoming international fashion week would improve the image of Indonesia asa producer of textiles and garments.
""Many foreign buyers recognize Bali as a fashion and garment center and already have business relations with Balinese textile and garment producers,"" said Robert.
Bali's garment and fashion producers have already established strong business ties with foreign countries, especially in Europe and Australia.
He expects the fashion week will enliven the textile and fashion businessas well as the tourism-related industry.
""Buyers can make business transactions and at the same time spend their leisure time at several holiday resorts,"" he explained.
Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the Indonesian textile industry is still robust, he said. ""The declining value of rupiah has made our exports more competitive in the international market,"" said Robert.
The real threat to the local textile industry has been the deluge of cheaper textiles from China and other Asian countries.
Indonesian textiles and fashion items are of high quality in term of patterns and designs, he said.
""Young designers are getting more and more export-oriented and their products are of high quality,"" commented Robert.
Designers like Biyan, Ramli, Corrie Kastubi, Ghea Sukasah and Itang Yunasz have already penetrated foreign markets. ""In the past, many designers tended to produce made-to-order dresses and were reluctant to mass produce,"" he said.
The fashion trend has changed and people around the world are now seekingready-to-wear clothes which are affordable, trendy and fashionable.
""Local designers must grab the opportunity to tap the demand of international fashion buyers during the upcoming fashion week,"" he added.
During fashion week, numerous local and foreign designers will take part in the four-day event.
Choreographer and designer Guruh Soekarnoputra, the youngest brother of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, will show his exquisite batik collection on July 5 at 3 p.m.
The Martha Tilaar beauty salon will stage a body painting show in the evening at 7 p.m. on 7 July.
Animale and Everest, big wholesalers and retailers, will participate in fashion shows.
One of the major sponsors of the event is Buana Talimas Textile from Bandung. The company will display its most recent products, known for theirfashionable and innovative patterns.
A large number of designers and garment factories have confirmed their participation in the fashion week.
Other participants include Tini's Collection and the A Yin collection, who are known for their handwork and beaded garments. Ayu Orchids, Wira, Pacific Express and Santhi are known for their embroidery, while Maimoon and Khrisna Kreasi are renowned for their casuals.
Bulan Putri Sembada, Dipa and Sybra Syra are well-known for printed batikgarments; Prayudi, Runi Palar, Nita Azhar and Wira for the most exquisite and fine batik; and Parang Kencana for garments and batik collections, while Anugrah Agung Abadi is producer of high fashion for the last 10 years, including names such as Hippi Chic London. They screen dye, hand-paint fabrics and decorate the garments with sequins or embroidery.
Designers with fine ethnic and fashion collections like Musa, Poppy Dharsono, Jean Joanes, Olga, Dina Midiani, Denny Khosumo, Anom, Ika, Nandie, Raphael and Adri joined hands for the first time in the history of Indonesia to stage The Indonesian Fashion Designers' Show on July 7.
European designers like VioVali Manica and Aaron Chang, who live in Bali,are also taking part in the fashion week.
Forget the economic crisis or violence that has hit some parts of Indonesia. Come to the paradise island of Bali and watch the latest international fashion trends at Bali International Fashion Week to be held from July 5 through July 8 at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua.
The fashion week, the first of its kind to be held in Indonesia, will seedomestic and foreign fashion and textile designers exhibiting their latest creations to big buyers.
Roesniati Dudi, vice chairwoman of Bali's Textile Producers Association, warmly welcomes the event as a turning point in the local textile and fashion industries.
""Most of textile and garment producers, especially those operating in Bali, have been hit by the crisis. Yet they are still surviving,"" she said. Robert Yapari, managing director of Buana Talimas Textile, said the upcoming international fashion week would improve the image of Indonesia asa producer of textiles and garments.
""Many foreign buyers recognize Bali as a fashion and garment center and already have business relations with Balinese textile and garment producers,"" said Robert.
Bali's garment and fashion producers have already established strong business ties with foreign countries, especially in Europe and Australia.
He expects the fashion week will enliven the textile and fashion businessas well as the tourism-related industry.
""Buyers can make business transactions and at the same time spend their leisure time at several holiday resorts,"" he explained.
Despite the ongoing economic crisis, the Indonesian textile industry is still robust, he said. ""The declining value of rupiah has made our exports more competitive in the international market,"" said Robert.
The real threat to the local textile industry has been the deluge of cheaper textiles from China and other Asian countries.
Indonesian textiles and fashion items are of high quality in term of patterns and designs, he said.
""Young designers are getting more and more export-oriented and their products are of high quality,"" commented Robert.
Designers like Biyan, Ramli, Corrie Kastubi, Ghea Sukasah and Itang Yunasz have already penetrated foreign markets. ""In the past, many designers tended to produce made-to-order dresses and were reluctant to mass produce,"" he said.
The fashion trend has changed and people around the world are now seekingready-to-wear clothes which are affordable, trendy and fashionable.
""Local designers must grab the opportunity to tap the demand of international fashion buyers during the upcoming fashion week,"" he added.
During fashion week, numerous local and foreign designers will take part in the four-day event.
Choreographer and designer Guruh Soekarnoputra, the youngest brother of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, will show his exquisite batik collection on July 5 at 3 p.m.
The Martha Tilaar beauty salon will stage a body painting show in the evening at 7 p.m. on 7 July.
Animale and Everest, big wholesalers and retailers, will participate in fashion shows.
One of the major sponsors of the event is Buana Talimas Textile from Bandung. The company will display its most recent products, known for theirfashionable and innovative patterns.
A large number of designers and garment factories have confirmed their participation in the fashion week.
Other participants include Tini's Collection and the A Yin collection, who are known for their handwork and beaded garments. Ayu Orchids, Wira, Pacific Express and Santhi are known for their embroidery, while Maimoon and Khrisna Kreasi are renowned for their casuals.
Bulan Putri Sembada, Dipa and Sybra Syra are well-known for printed batikgarments; Prayudi, Runi Palar, Nita Azhar and Wira for the most exquisite and fine batik; and Parang Kencana for garments and batik collections, while Anugrah Agung Abadi is producer of high fashion for the last 10 years, including names such as Hippi Chic London. They screen dye, hand-paint fabrics and decorate the garments with sequins or embroidery.
Designers with fine ethnic and fashion collections like Musa, Poppy Dharsono, Jean Joanes, Olga, Dina Midiani, Denny Khosumo, Anom, Ika, Nandie, Raphael and Adri joined hands for the first time in the history of Indonesia to stage The Indonesian Fashion Designers' Show on July 7.
European designers like VioVali Manica and Aaron Chang, who live in Bali,are also taking part in the fashion week.
Get the look: Be a boho bride
Prodita Sabarini , The Jakarta Post , Lifestyle
Fun and quirky wedding gowns are the new trend: Brides are unconventional but still they are wearing white.
In "Garden of Love," a wedding exhibition organized by women's fashion magazine Bazaar last weekend at the Four seasons hotel, four local designers gave couples some tips on doing weddings with attitude.
Sebastian Gunawan, Rusly Tjohnardi, Ronald V. Gaghana, and Adjie Notonegoro mixed up the basics: white and broken white; taffeta, tulle, chiffon, satin and silk; beads and sequins; corsets and bustier; veils and tiaras.
Sebastian and Rusly were less radical. Their message: elegant and classic will never go out of style.
Ronald opted for a quirky bohemian look, while Adjie leapt back in time to the 20s, messing around with appliqu* roses and complex cuts and seams.
Sebastian started the fashion show with a low-waisted billowy taffeta gown -- the bustier meticulously embellished with beads. Exhibit number two was another low-waisted billowy gown, with a V-neckline and intricate beaded embroidery. The models wore Tiaras -- never veils.
His last dress for the night was a strapless gown. The top accessorized with a ribbon tied into a bow, while the entire dress was embellished with embroidery and beads.
Rusly also went with big gowns. He played with a lot of tulle combining it with tight fitting embellished corsets. After the show Rusly explained that he chose the style because that was what the market demanded.
"I designed the wedding gowns that way because everyone wants to look sexy and elegant at their wedding reception," he said.
Though brides could not put a foot wrong in Sebastian's and Rusly's classic designs, the show stealers that night were Ronald's and Adjie's dresses, which are designed only for women who have the confidence to stride down the aisle.
Ronald presented mermaid dresses and gowns, with big satin bows and beaded embroidery, tiny chiffon boleros and chiffon coverings that made the head as trim and neat as possible.
A loose satin beaded singlet was paired with a straight feathery long skirt, embellished with a big bow and layers of satin behind the dress. The model was also wearing a transparent chiffon veil.
Another standout design was Ronald's mermaid dress. He embellished the front of the dress from top to bottom with appliqu* roses. The model wore a light chiffon scarf wrapped around her head gypsy-style.
Adjie was more playful with his designs. A long-sleeved mermaid dress with an off-the-shoulder cape-collar was pulled together with an oversized bow on the front.
He enraptured the audience with his last piece: a bright red long kebaya embroidered gold roses in full bloom. In true Javanese style, model Karenina Anderson's hair was pulled up into a sanggul and she carried a fan.
Fun and quirky wedding gowns are the new trend: Brides are unconventional but still they are wearing white.
In "Garden of Love," a wedding exhibition organized by women's fashion magazine Bazaar last weekend at the Four seasons hotel, four local designers gave couples some tips on doing weddings with attitude.
Sebastian Gunawan, Rusly Tjohnardi, Ronald V. Gaghana, and Adjie Notonegoro mixed up the basics: white and broken white; taffeta, tulle, chiffon, satin and silk; beads and sequins; corsets and bustier; veils and tiaras.
Sebastian and Rusly were less radical. Their message: elegant and classic will never go out of style.
Ronald opted for a quirky bohemian look, while Adjie leapt back in time to the 20s, messing around with appliqu* roses and complex cuts and seams.
Sebastian started the fashion show with a low-waisted billowy taffeta gown -- the bustier meticulously embellished with beads. Exhibit number two was another low-waisted billowy gown, with a V-neckline and intricate beaded embroidery. The models wore Tiaras -- never veils.
His last dress for the night was a strapless gown. The top accessorized with a ribbon tied into a bow, while the entire dress was embellished with embroidery and beads.
Rusly also went with big gowns. He played with a lot of tulle combining it with tight fitting embellished corsets. After the show Rusly explained that he chose the style because that was what the market demanded.
"I designed the wedding gowns that way because everyone wants to look sexy and elegant at their wedding reception," he said.
Though brides could not put a foot wrong in Sebastian's and Rusly's classic designs, the show stealers that night were Ronald's and Adjie's dresses, which are designed only for women who have the confidence to stride down the aisle.
Ronald presented mermaid dresses and gowns, with big satin bows and beaded embroidery, tiny chiffon boleros and chiffon coverings that made the head as trim and neat as possible.
A loose satin beaded singlet was paired with a straight feathery long skirt, embellished with a big bow and layers of satin behind the dress. The model was also wearing a transparent chiffon veil.
Another standout design was Ronald's mermaid dress. He embellished the front of the dress from top to bottom with appliqu* roses. The model wore a light chiffon scarf wrapped around her head gypsy-style.
Adjie was more playful with his designs. A long-sleeved mermaid dress with an off-the-shoulder cape-collar was pulled together with an oversized bow on the front.
He enraptured the audience with his last piece: a bright red long kebaya embroidered gold roses in full bloom. In true Javanese style, model Karenina Anderson's hair was pulled up into a sanggul and she carried a fan.
Lights, camera, catwalk! The Singapore Fashion Festival returns
Supplement, Singapore News
Isn't it hard to disagree with those who think there is always a reason to visit Singapore? Whether it is for a real holiday, a fun weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or just to catch your favorite superstar idol so you won't miss his performance, the island is like a magnet that pulls you with its endlessly inviting events that you find hard to resist. The glamorous Singapore Fashion Festival is one of them.
Renowned for being one of Asia-Pacific's most exciting events for international and local designers, retailers and the public at large, Singapore Fashion Festival will be held from March 28 to April 6 in Ngee Ann City, which is located in the most famous shopping havenOrchard Road.
Featuring world-class designers in town, international top models, fashion exhibitions and club parties, the 10-day festival has lured various fashionista, shopaholics and fashion enthusiasts from the region and from different parts of the world. And again, some of the biggest names in the international fashion industry will be presented, together with the season's hottest buys. As for the catwalk, it will come back to shine with exciting brands and trend-setting collections straight off the runways of New York, Paris and Milan, and cutting-edge creations by talented home-grown designers, all brought and shown by top international models. For this year, be prepared to sit there and witness from a close distance the beautiful face of Erin O'Connor, who has modeled for Chanel, Christian Dior and Valentino. Another eye-turner on the catwalk will be the new up-and-coming Chinese supermodel Emma Pei, aka Pei Bei, who recently graced the runway with her slim and enchanting figure in Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2007. But probably, ladies (and gentlemen?) the most sizzling appearance that will heat up the catwalk will come from the perfect 6-pack body of Marcus Schenkenberg, named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People on the planet by People Magazine. Obviously, it came as no surprise to anybody*
As for the designers, participating at this year's festival are those who have shown their fabulous talent in the fashion industry like Ashley Isham, Francis Cheong, Izumo Ogino, Sven Tan, Carlos Miele, and Matthew Williamson to name a few. The latter was also one of the designers to take part in last year's Singapore Fashion Festival, closing it with a full-scale runway presentation for his dazzling Spring/Summer 2007 collection.
Showing its success as one of the most prestigious fashion events in Asia, Singapore Fashion Festivals is indeed one of the most-awaited annual events in the country. Last year's festival was colored by more than 100 local and international designer*labels hitting the catwalk.
The Singapore Fashion Festival 2007 has lined up a range of premium designer collections, from*Vivienne Tam, Matthew Williamson and MARC by Marc Jacobs, as well as local talents behind such home-grown labels like Baylene and alldressedup.
Don't want to miss all the glamour of the lights, camera and catwalk? Be there to witness the latest trends on 2008 Singapore Fashion Festival's runway.
Isn't it hard to disagree with those who think there is always a reason to visit Singapore? Whether it is for a real holiday, a fun weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or just to catch your favorite superstar idol so you won't miss his performance, the island is like a magnet that pulls you with its endlessly inviting events that you find hard to resist. The glamorous Singapore Fashion Festival is one of them.
Renowned for being one of Asia-Pacific's most exciting events for international and local designers, retailers and the public at large, Singapore Fashion Festival will be held from March 28 to April 6 in Ngee Ann City, which is located in the most famous shopping havenOrchard Road.
Featuring world-class designers in town, international top models, fashion exhibitions and club parties, the 10-day festival has lured various fashionista, shopaholics and fashion enthusiasts from the region and from different parts of the world. And again, some of the biggest names in the international fashion industry will be presented, together with the season's hottest buys. As for the catwalk, it will come back to shine with exciting brands and trend-setting collections straight off the runways of New York, Paris and Milan, and cutting-edge creations by talented home-grown designers, all brought and shown by top international models. For this year, be prepared to sit there and witness from a close distance the beautiful face of Erin O'Connor, who has modeled for Chanel, Christian Dior and Valentino. Another eye-turner on the catwalk will be the new up-and-coming Chinese supermodel Emma Pei, aka Pei Bei, who recently graced the runway with her slim and enchanting figure in Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2007. But probably, ladies (and gentlemen?) the most sizzling appearance that will heat up the catwalk will come from the perfect 6-pack body of Marcus Schenkenberg, named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People on the planet by People Magazine. Obviously, it came as no surprise to anybody*
As for the designers, participating at this year's festival are those who have shown their fabulous talent in the fashion industry like Ashley Isham, Francis Cheong, Izumo Ogino, Sven Tan, Carlos Miele, and Matthew Williamson to name a few. The latter was also one of the designers to take part in last year's Singapore Fashion Festival, closing it with a full-scale runway presentation for his dazzling Spring/Summer 2007 collection.
Showing its success as one of the most prestigious fashion events in Asia, Singapore Fashion Festivals is indeed one of the most-awaited annual events in the country. Last year's festival was colored by more than 100 local and international designer*labels hitting the catwalk.
The Singapore Fashion Festival 2007 has lined up a range of premium designer collections, from*Vivienne Tam, Matthew Williamson and MARC by Marc Jacobs, as well as local talents behind such home-grown labels like Baylene and alldressedup.
Don't want to miss all the glamour of the lights, camera and catwalk? Be there to witness the latest trends on 2008 Singapore Fashion Festival's runway.
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