Ferdi Hendarman wins designer award

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)