Ferdi Hendarman wins designer award

JAKARTA (JP): Ferdi Hendarman, of Bandung, West Java, won the best new designer award here Friday evening, beating nine other finalists in the 19th Fashion Designer Competition.

The 26-year-old's designs won him Rp 7.5 million (US$2,500) and a return ticket to Paris.

They clearly represented his theme, Handcuffed, with the models wearing cuff-like metal accessories on their thighs and arms. His casual wear included hipsters and short dresses with belts across the chest, and the evening wear featured long- skirted gowns with writing and designs similar to those found on prison walls.

"It (his collection) was elegant, yet different. The concept of a jail-house, models parting prison bars, coming out cuffed and the eerie music. The outfits were fantastic," said local designer Ramli.

Second prize in the best new designer category went to Fransisca Suryaputra, 27, for her Sea-themed outfits. She took home Rp 4 million, while the Favorite New Designer award went to Cindy Wibowo, 23, who also won the third best new designer award and Rp 2 million, for her Say Cheese theme.

The other seven finalists were Nia Dimasto, Yani Salamah, Fajarliah Herlina, Rina Puspasari, Musi Nainggolan, Daniel Tjahyadi and Tiarma Dame Ruth.

Organized by local magazine Femina in cooperation with other publications Gadis, Dewi, Sartika and Ayahbunda, and Bank Universal, the competition overall had a very eccentric feel to it.

The 10 finalists were selected from hundreds of aspiring designers throughout the country.

The panel of judges consisted of six fashion designers -- Yoyok Budiman, Carmanita, Edward Hutabarat, Biyan Wanaatmadja, Samuel Wattimena, Sebastian Gunawan -- and Femina director Pia Alisjahbana. Each entrant was required to feature five casual outfits and three evening gowns.

Wattimena, winner of both the 1990 Upakarti fashion award and 1979 Fashion Designer Competition award, said: "Every year the designs just get better. Nothing is new in fashion but concepts make the difference."

Designer Poppy Dharsono said: "Ferdi's designs were ordinary and there was nothing new in them but the accessories were fantastic. But I have to say I preferred Musi D.L. Nainggolan's Underworld creations."

Gunawan commented that this year's collection contained more variations and more drama. (02)