Designer dressess find more buyers

I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta

Although the general outlook for the textile and apparel industries remains somewhat gloomy, the demand for designer dresses in the local market is showing a great deal of promise.

Designer dresses have become a status symbol for the country's growing middle class. This has become an important reason why the demand for specially designed and tailored clothes continues to grow despite the fact that the overall market for garments remains depressed.

The healthy growth in designer clothes can be seen in the growing activities of local designers. Although the economy is still under pressure, there seems to be more fashion shows in Indonesia compared to the past several years.

More local TV stations are also paying special attention to local designers, featuring their latest designs in regular TV programs. This has had a positive impact on people's opinion of designer and branded clothes.

"The market for fashion products is increasing and the prospects for this business are much more promising," said designer Abineri Ang.

He said the economic crisis, which hit the country during the past several years, did not really affect the fashion industry.

Besides a change in the lifestyle of the middle class, the surge in the fashion business has also been spurred by the fondness of many Indonesians to go to parties.

"I would rather say that more people are now aware that their clothing can reflect their status and background," Abi said.

The surge in demand for designer products is not only limited to men's and women's clothes, but also includes clothing for teenagers and children.

"Teenagers, in particular, always want to look up to date. A children are growing and certainly need new clothes," he said.

Designers from the Indonesian Association of Fashion Designers and Entrepreneurs (APPMI) and the Indonesian Association of Fashion Designers (IPMI) regularly hold fashion shows. Some of the Indonesian designers known for creating colorful ethnic motifs have even succeeded in overseas markets such as Singapore and Thailand.

In addition to Abi, winner of the Concours Internationale des Jeunes Creature de Mode in 1996, Indonesia has many famous designers, including Biyan, Denny Wirawan, Syah Reza, Taruna K. Kusmayadi, Oscar Lawalata, Poppy Dharsono and Josephine Werratie Komara, or Obin, who is popular not only in Indonesia but also in Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Holland for her traditional creations. There is also Farah Angsana, who recently participated in an autumn/fall men's fashion show in Paris.

Indonesian fashion designers are famed for their creativity. They usually combine various materials or fabrics, from brocade to silk, lace and tulles, and sometimes include embroidery, ikat (woven tie-dyed material) and lurik (striped woven material).

Some also create designs based on traditional blouses like kebaya, applying complicated details and motifs.

When asked if Indonesian designers could compete with international designers, Abi said they had the opportunity but it would be difficult.

The local market is quite big and if they are able to take advantage of it, that would be more than enough, he said.

Abi said Paris would remain the world's fashion center, and the designs introduced in that city would automatically influence the fashion industry around the world.