Dhanny Dahlan displays classic elegance
Dhanny Dahlan displays classic elegance
By Danielle Bray
JAKARTA (JP): Guests were seated on comfy couches around small
coffee tables. A light afternoon tea was served, and idle chit-
chat and introductions filled the air.
A conglomeration of the well-to-do gathered to enjoy a fashion
show entitled A Touch of Simplicity by designer Dhanny Dahlan in
the Cascade Lounge at The Hotel Mulia Senayan held last week in
commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day. The show featured
the designer's latest collection of ladies clothing, marking a
fashion trend of elegance and style.
Dahlan's designs featured simple cuts, and incorporated a hint
of modern flair.
Pastel colors splashed the models in two piece suits, and
business attire. The evening wear consisted of basic black
fabric, highlighted with sequins, creating a classic elegance and
an air of mystique. Each look exemplified a timeless, classic
look for women of today.
"I always design clothes that are basic and simple. My target
market is conservative ladies... most of them tell me that they
still have the clothes they bought from me years ago... my
designs are basic, and long lasting."
Dhanny Dahlan's latest collection meshed the ideas of
simplicity and detail. The color combinations, diverse textiles,
and accessories consisting of purses, scarfs, corsages, and
dazzling diamond-like jewelry completed the desired look. The
primarily older, established clientele fussed over the fabric,
feel, and style of each individual piece. The models gladly
removed their jackets to display the outfits and answered the
numerous questions posed by the guests.
Dhanny Dahlan incorporates great care into the details of her
ensembles. Jackets and cuffs are often rimmed with beads and
sequins, blouses are often touched with lace, and the rich colors
of the fabrics are mixed appropriately.
"The trends are returning to beautiful, glamorous and
glittery... I always like to add details to my collections. Such
as beads and the combination of two different textures, motifs or
colors," said Dahlan, who created her collection in a mere three
week period.
The 32 ensembles were presented in a variety of colors.
Broken white, cream, chocolate, and black influenced the majority
of the subdued designs. However, she included bold lime green
suits, multi-colored checked outfits, fashionable long jackets
and capri pants among her featured wear. This versatile
collection was created for the executive working woman or the
fashion conscious housewife, in daily or formal activities, both
afternoon and night. The designs showcased at the Hotel Mulia
ranged in price from Rp 1 million to Rp 2 million.
It is apparent that the fashion trends of the future are
returning to the feminine touch popularized in previous decades.
Women are starting to incorporate practicality with femininity,
and gracing themselves with beautiful fabrics and chic
simplicity. As Dhanny Dahlan said, "I have hope that we will
overcome the implications of the economic crisis in Indonesia...
The recent forecasted trend is to look and feel beautiful and
glamorous. Bright colors are making a comeback." The designer
added, "In the recent past, fashion has taken a minimalist
approach to designs. I believe that has to do with the world's
recent economic instability. With the improvement in the
international economy, I think the minimalist lines will be in
the past... beautiful and glamor are back!"
Dahlan does not create styles that follow the fashion
bandwagon, she prefers to promote the longevity of her styles
with classic, simple designs.