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)