Fashion Fusion: Big names on show in extravaganza
Fashion Fusion: Big names on show in extravaganza
Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Bali. What normally comes to mind is a paradise island with
beautiful beaches and traditional culture. But that's not
everything about Bali. So much else is on offer, including the
second Fashion Fusion at the Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort and Spa in
Jimbaran.
Last year's initial event saw Hong Kong designer Kevin Yeung,
Yogyakarta-based batik specialist Afif Syakur and Musa
Widyatmodjo, as well as gold and silver jewelry designer Runi
Palar.
This year, the extravaganza continues with fashion-lovers
getting a chance to see the latest collection from guest designer
Tadashi of Japan, whose base is in Los Angeles, California. His
creations combine simplicity and glamor, and got his company
elected as the official sponsor of the Miss Universe pageant.
During the sneak preview here on Thursday, Tadashi presented
two items from his collection to be displayed in Bali. The first
was a white satin long gown with long tail, while the second was
a white blouse in tuxedo-cut look, combined with a long black
organza dress.
"Tadashi's designs have long been associated with young,
active women. Therefore all his items can easily be carried,
enabling these women to travel without rumpling the dresses,"
explained Mardiana Ika, founder and organizer of Bali Fashion
Week, who helped organize the event.
With annual sales projected at US$20 million this year alone,
his name is a guarantee of glamor at Fashion Fusion.
From his two gowns, it is obvious that he emphasizes perfect
cutting with small details that beautify his work as well as make
women look sexy.
Noted Indonesian designers Adjie Notonegoro and Carmanita will
also display their work.
During the sneak preview, Adjie presented two prototypes of
his work. The first was inspired by kemben (camisoles) usually
worn by village women in Java. The silk, long gown is fully
embroidered and payetted with Baroque motifs added to a taffeta
tail.
The second is a black chiffon asymmetric camisole enriched
with black feathers on the chest and combined with a long black
dress. Just like the first creation, the second is also full of
payettes.
"These are not actually the ones that I will present at the
Ritz-Carlton. I want to make something different, definitely
haute couture, but haven't yet completed all the work," Adjie
told the conference.
"My theme will be Bias Kristal (crystal reflection) in Prada
Bali, something that I have never done before in my shows, as I
will be sharing the stage with a Japanese designer."
The graduate of Paris-based Esmod Modelle L'Ecole and
Dusseldorf-based Mueller Und Dohn Modeschule will display his 20-
item haute couture collection at the event.
Carmanita sticks to her trademark of lycra batik combined with
silk, hand-knits and nylon, with colors ranging from natural, sea
and terra-cotta. For accessories, she chooses silver and stones.
Her first design is a black lycra top with a "window" on the
chest plus a black lycra dress. It's interesting to see Carmanita
combine this simple outfit with an asymmetric dark gray silk
accompaniment. The second design is an orange lycra top and a
sporty-look taffeta dress enriched with stone accessories around
the hip.
East Kalimantan-born Kiata Kwanda will also mark the Fashion
Fusion with his contemporary Zen designs using transparent
material.
Apart from fashions, the event will see the latest collection
of silver jewelry designer Suarti, known as the goddess of art
and knowledge.
Her work will range from rings, earrings, bracelets and
necklaces to brooches with local precious stones, particularly
opal and amethyst.
With all those big names above, resort guests can enjoy the
event at only US$325 for two. Anyone interested?