Cultures, fabrics mix and match

Triwik Kurniasari, THE JAKARTA POST, JAKARTA | Sun, 11/15/2009 2:25 PM

Glimmering gowns: Models show off creations by Indian and Indonesian designers at the opening of the 3rd Jakarta Fashion Week at Pacific Place mall here on Saturday. About 100 designers are taking part in the annual event. (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

Works of more than 90 leading Indonesian fashion designers are on display in the country's most anticipated fashion event - the annual Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW).

During JFW, which concludes Nov. 20, several Indonesian designers will showcase their latest collections, inspired by elements of Indonesian heritage.

Also taking part are renowned Indian designers Tarun Tahiliani and Malini Ramani, using Indonesian fabrics such as batik and ikat.

Their fabulous creations hit the runway Saturday night in "A Tale of Two Cultures", a project with Indonesian designers Sebastian Gunawan and Priyo Oktaviano, who used Indian fabrics in their designs.

Earlier in the year, Tarun and Malini visied Jakarta to select traditional fabrics, and Sebastian and Priyo visited India to explore the richness of traditional Indian textiles.

The Indian designers said they were excited to be part of JFW.

"I love ikat. I like the colors and patterns. But I find it a bit difficult to combine the fabrics," Malini said. "I thought about what I could do to make it nice, and how would I combine them and make them a little bit Indian."

Tarun combines traditional textiles with fabrics such as velvet and chiffon. Malini uses tribal styles and embroidery in her collection.

Svida Alisjahbana, CEO of Femina Group and chairwoman of this year's JFW, said at the opening ceremony Saturday that the goal of JFW is "to turn Jakarta into a major fashion hub, both within the region and internationally.

"It is also a good event to promote our traditional textiles."

Prominent Indonesian designer Taruna Kusmayadi called the event "every designer's dream, because this is a good event to show and sell products to promising customers."

During the week, several independent designers, such as Ivan Gunawan, Stella Risa, Merdi Sihombing and Benten, will display their latest creations.

Also on display will be collections from designers specializing in Islamic wear, such as Merry Pramono, Monika Jufry and Iva Latifah.

As always, the festival will include the final stage of the annual Indonesian fashion design contest.

There's plenty for children also, with the Bubble Girl collection by Sebastian Gunawan and his wife Christina Panarese, and the Kids Model Search modeling competition on Sunday.

Main events will take place at Pacific Place mall in South Jakarta.

For more information, see www.jakartafashionweek.co.id.