Designer Yunita Harun breaks out from the pack

Designer Yunita Harun breaks out from the pack

Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta

Amid the numerous fashion shows during November, young
designer Yunita Harun tried to draw the attention of fashion
lovers in Jakarta by displaying her debut collection at
Kertanegara House in South Jakarta.

The 25-year-old designer, who graduated from KVB Institute of
Technology and the University of New South Wales, Sydney, worked
with well-known Australian designer Collete Dinigan before
returning to her homeland.

Yunita is yet another young designer trying to enter the
Indonesian clothing market. A lot of young people have tried to
become designers by producing shirts, selling their products to
boutiques or receiving orders at home. If they are lucky, they
can finally gain fame and a market.

Still, many realize that the public's purchasing power for
luxury goods is down due to the country's economic woes, and
their customer base is the same women who are regulars at fashion
shows.

Yunita believes she has what it takes despite the obstacles.

"I have courage and self-confidence. It is understandable that
some people would be interested in my collection and others not.
What is important to me is that I have introduced my works," she
said a day after her fashion show.

Her collection has noticeable and consistent characteristics.

"My designs are not glamorous. I concentrate on the cut to
make the garments look more interesting," she said. The core of
her collection consists of asymmetric clothing, drapery and
light, flapper-style clothing.

A quadrangle blouse like baju bodo (woman's sleeveless tunic
from South Sulawesi), for instance, is made asymmetric. There is
1920s flapper-style attire with frayed cuffs like handkerchiefs.
She also introduces a halter with drapery longer than the torso
in the front.

Several blouses are combined with lace trousers that open in
the lower leg, revealing the wearers' calves. Using the same
concept, she also designs men's clothing, like shirts with
Sabrina collars and drapery in the front.

"Usually I prepare the pattern first and then develop it. I
want to be more practical. I use rectangular or triangular
material to make dresses; that is my concept" she explained.

"For that purpose, we attach the fabric to a mannequin first
and sew various parts of the materials, then we design the sewing
pattern. The result is a pattern rich in drapery and pleats."

Yunita's collection is pleasant and relaxed looking, in line
with the latest fashions. She creates a romantic image by
choosing satin and chiffon as materials. "Perhaps I'm falling in
love as I'm interested in producing romantic garments," she said.

The uniqueness of her designs will stand out better if her
ready-to-wear collection is shown with dynamic choreography in
more open settings, and not in closed spaces or rooms with big
sofas, crystal lamps and dim lighting, as is the case at
Kertanegara, especially as Yunita's collection is more
contemporary.

More importantly, Yunita has been able to create a remarkable
and conspicuous brand image by introducing asymmetric drapery in
feminine and sexy attire for upper middle and modern consumers.
She shows she has the potential to become part of a new
generation of Indonesian designers.