BWA's fashion show sets a new trend

By Thalia Kamarga

JAKARTA (JP): A group of Jakartans have discovered a new, unique way of presenting a fashion show.

Consisting of several little acts/dancing sessions along with interesting selections of music -- from Let's Hang On from The Manhattan Transfer to Shoop from Salt N' Pepper -- the 16th annual fashion show presented by the British Women's Association (BWA) in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel's grand ballroom was anything but customary catwalk choreography.

The gala event, featuring works by six designers, included three categories -- formal, informal, and bridal -- and all were both wearable and affordable.

"Our main concern this year was to have clothes on the catwalk which you can actually go into a shop and buy," said Simone Willimann-Novotny, the director of the show's production team.

Eveline Ma'roeff, who studied fashion in Germany for six years, is one of the six designers who displayed her formal collection in the show.

It appeared only at the beginning of the show as an opening appetizer, was very formal, young, and chic in gold, silver and black color lines. The shimmering pieces consisted of jacket- trousers sets and a selection of evening gowns.

The other formal collection was presented by Incognito, a fashion line owned by Syvlie Roszel. The clothing was very Europeanesque with solid, bright blues, pinks, and yellows combined with leopard-spot patterns, or black and white dresses, mini A-line skirts, and trousers.

Dhanny Dahlan, a professional model turned designer, displayed both her formal collection -- elegant blazer and skirt sets along with matching hats -- and casual wear, which are mostly three- piece outfits. Bright colors were beautifully combined with either black, for the formal collection, or colorful flower prints, for the casual clothes.

Animale, a famous Bali fashion house established in 1992, was also included in this event. With its cool and comfortable designs, Animale gave a great selection of informal wear. Colorful patterns of loose and simple pieces, which are always accompanied by ethnical accessories, appeared not only smart and casual, but also elegant.

Another casual line of fashion on display was by Nico, a line owned by Linda Santo, who is also known for her ethnic designs. Her collection -- oversized tops harmonized with knee-length skirts or long pants, or casual, light-weight dresses -- was toned mostly by earthy colors.

Starting with Vanessa Mae's Classical Gas, the 22 models wearing Eveline Ma'roeff's collection emerged onto stage one by one, through three different entrances -- from backstage and two other ballroom entrances. It all looked a little hectic until one by one the models went backstage, leaving half a dozen on stage until the song finished.

Twenty one musical tracks were played during the show, each with its own choreography.

For example, All 4 One's Skillz accompanied three men dressed as workers with their overalls and safety helmets trying to talk and tease two snobby girls wearing sixties outfits from Incognito complete with big sunglasses, little purses, and head scarfs.

This refreshingly different fashion show was surprising and entertaining at the beginning. However two to three-minute songs were far too long for the audience, and it all turned flat by the end.

The climax of the show was when model Dianne Trigg stepped onto the stage wearing a Rp 9 million (US$3,829) Johnny Andrean white bridal gown, escorted by four male models.

The other attractive feature of this show was that none of the models were professionals; merely members of the Jakarta BWA.

The fashion show, organized to celebrate the BWA's 25th anniversary, was a charity event.

"This is probably the best way to give back what we received from the Indonesians," she said, "so we will give the proceeds to people who are in need."