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?