Sun, 27 Aug 2000

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.