Bali dressing up for International Fashion Week

Bali dressing up for International Fashion Week

JAKARTA (JP): 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 see domestic 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 as a 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 business as 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 seeking ready-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 their fashionable 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 batik garments; 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. (raw)