Older models back in demand<\/p>\n
Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Like yesteryear's fashions being given a reworking for a fresh
\nnew look, older models are also returning to sashay again on the
\ncatwalk.<\/p>\n
Ria Juwita and Henidar Amroe, two top models of the 1980s,
\nhighlighted the show of Sebastian Gunawan earlier this year,
\nwhile no fewer than six \"veteran\" models appeared alongside their
\nyounger colleagues in Oscar Lawalata's show. Even Ria Saha,
\npopular among fashion buffs in the early 1980s, displayed the
\ncollection of Andrea Sutisno, along with other 30 plus models,
\nsuch as Auk Murat and Lulu Dewayanti.<\/p>\n
When they appear, they are greeted by applause. It's not only
\na nostalgic nod to the past, but also the spectators'
\nacknowledgement that these models have something that the present
\ncrop lack.<\/p>\n
\"Models of the previous era have a stronger mark of character
\nthan their fellows of today,\" said Panca Makmun, a choreographer
\nwho has organized various major fashion events since 1985.<\/p>\n
For Panca, character is defined as a combination of a strong
\nexpression and a striking personality on the catwalk. The return
\nof these models may be taken as a backhanded response to the
\nperformance of younger models, who, according to the fashionista,
\nso closely resemble one another as to be indistinguishable.<\/p>\n
That means boring.<\/p>\n
They walk like robots, without the flair or maturity to
\nunderstand the fashions they are displaying. That is why a really
\ngood model, like Arzetti, really stands out.<\/p>\n
\"By Indonesian standards, we don't have any super models now.
\nWhen Okky Asokawati and Ratih Sanggarwati were still queens of
\nthe catwalk, they could be called super models,\" said Panca.<\/p>\n
In 1980s, when the fashion world began to develop in the
\ncountry, it was the dream of many a young girl to be a model.
\nModeling was associated with glamor and the upper class.<\/p>\n
As there were only a few established models, those aspiring to
\nclimb the modeling ladder had to work hard to ensure that they
\ndeveloped their own character and became the center of attention
\nof the mass media. They realized they had to be able to lure the
\npublic either on the catwalk, in front of the camera or in their
\ndaily lives. In short, they strove to become public figures.<\/p>\n
Apart from popularity and good character and personality on
\nthe catwalk, a model needs to maintain her reputation. All these
\nqualities shape models with charisma.<\/p>\n
In the case of super models, it is also expected that they
\nwill have \"spirit\" or a high dedication to their profession.<\/p>\n
\"In the past, models had a vision that they had to be on the
\nsame level as public figures. They had their dreams: to be top
\nmodels and enjoy a good reputation,\" Sebastian said.<\/p>\n
When private TV stations began operation in the early 1990s
\nand TV films were made, new stars began to emerge. The music
\nindustry has livened up with the use of video clips to popularize
\nsingers and their songs. Presenters of entertainment programs,
\nsingers and TV stars have become a new breed of personalities in
\nthe country's entertainment world. Gossip shows and a glamorous
\nlifestyle have led to the emergence of new divas and public
\nfigures, positions previously held only by fashion models.<\/p>\n
Times change. Modeling is no longer a special, exclusive
\nprofession because there are too many models today. As a result,
\nthe only place a model can achieve distinction is on the catwalk
\nand on the pages of a magazine. She will never attempt to turn
\nherself into a public figure. So, there is no challenge of
\nserious competition to shape one's character.<\/p>\n
Models today have lost their charisma. Yes, they have the
\nrequired height and a pretty face, and they are satisfied that
\nthey can take part in many shows. In the past, fashion shows were
\nheld only in star-rated hotels, but today they are also held in
\ncafes and malls.<\/p>\n
\"Compared with the past, our models do not seem to possess an
\ninterest in building their character. Perhaps, this is the result
\nof a more simple form of show, so that people are not moved to
\ndevelop themselves. In the end, however, these fashion models
\nvary little from one show to another,\" Panca said.<\/p>\n
This has prompted designers and show choreographers to recruit
\nolder models, those who would have been considered past their
\nheyday. \"I deliberately put on show these old models to ensure
\nthat they will bring about the right atmosphere and because they
\nknow how to move on the catwalk,\" said Sebastian.<\/p>\n
Panca, who always takes part in determining which models will
\nbe hired for his shows, added that senior fashion models actually
\ninspire the viewer with their glamor. They know how to don the
\ndresses and wear them so they appear expensive.<\/p>\n
\"In every show, they will look different. Models with
\ncharacter actually should not refuse to don dresses designed by
\nanybody,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, Indonesia is not alone in witnessing the return
\nof older models. Linda Evangelista, one of the \"trinity\" of
\ninternational super models in the early 1990s, recently returned
\nfrom a long hiatus to grace the cover of American Vogue. Other
\n\"old\" faces like Christy Turlington and Stephanie Seymour
\ncontinue to work.<\/p>\n
\"The fashion world longs to see the appearance of super models
\nbecause they are crazy and interesting but have their own
\nattitude,\" current top model Amber Valetta said in Vogue.<\/p>\n
Sebastian has recommended that more rewards be extended to
\nmodels today to ensure they enjoy equal respect as people in
\nother professions. Women's magazines, for example, should shape
\nthe image of models instead of merely using them as pretty
\ndecoration.<\/p>\n
As for Panca, he believes that it is good for a model to be
\nallowed to delve deeper into herself. Relevant parties, like
\nmodel agents, for example, may provide their models with
\ninformation about the attitude, character and charisma that a
\nmodel should possess.<\/p>\n
Both Panca and Sebastian are optimistic that some day there
\nwill appear models of character and charisma like those of the
\nprevious generations. The question is when.<\/p>\n
\"If we take examples from the past, it will take about four or
\nfive years before our present models will have their own
\nparticular character,\" Panca said.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, older models are happy to fill their shoes.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/older-models-back-in-demand-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }