Handoko strives to popularize fashion statement

Handoko strives to popularize fashion statement

By Asniar Sahab

JAKARTA (JP): Handoko became known to the fashion world when
he came second in an Indonesian Dress Designing Contest organized
by a women's magazine in 1989, the year that the fashion world
was at the peak of its popularity.

For him, the chance to be a newcomer in the world of fashion
design was highly promising. He did not initially seize this
opportunity though and spent the next 11 years in search of his
identity. Only afterwards did he realize the need to devote
himself to the fashion world. Today, he has his own concept, one
that he believes will be popular nationwide. To display this
concept, he exhibited his works in a solo exhibition at Niaga
Tower building, Jakarta in early June.

Back in 1989, no sooner had he won second prize then he flew
to Australia, where he stayed for 18 months studying fashion
design. Soon after his return to Jakarta, he spent the next six
months working with Alex AB, a fashion designer.

Thinking he got very little from this job, he moved to Biyan's
fashion house. It was here that he thought he got what he needed
to be a professional fashion designer. He was grateful to Biyan
for allowing him his freedom. Biyan, by then a fashion designer
with an established reputation, had a special way of dealing with
employees.

Nobody would feel forced to do their jobs. Handoko felt the
same too and he even believed he was creatively influenced by
Biyan. Unfortunately, Handoko could not bear living in noisy
Jakarta and decided to move to Bali, hoping to be able to get
away from all the metropolitan hustle and bustle.

He chose Bali because he believed it was not as stressful as
Jakarta and also because he knew he could free his imagination on
the island.

He stayed in Bali for six years and had an occasion to work
for Elice Seymour, an internationally recognized designer. Again
though, he could get very little from Bali and believed he was
just wasting his time. One day he got acquainted with Eddy Bety
and Didi Budhiarjo, then already two established designers.

These two designers encouraged him to leave Bali and build his
career in Jakarta. He thought long and hard before deciding to
return to the fashion world as a fashion designer. He was single-
minded about his return to Jakarta: he felt he had the guts to
compete.

"My lack of self-confidence may have been a constraint to my
career then. Luckily, Eddy encouraged me and strengthened my
conviction. As proof of this, I surprised the fashion world with
my solo show (early this month)," said Handoko with a tone of
certainty.

Born on Nov. 6, 1969, Handoko spared no effort to make up for
the eleven years he had lost and would do just about anything to
be on the same level with others. He was lucky to have spent
quite some time in the fashion world so he found it easy to get
along with other designers. He worked very hard in the first six
months to prepare his first-ever solo show. As many as 79 dresses
featuring his designs were displayed with styles geared toward
being chic, sexy and modern.

The cowboy theme he presented in this solo show was inspired
by Madonna's dressing style. He expressed this inspiration in a
ready-to-wear dress reflecting a dynamic silhouette. Blazers and
tunics combined with mini skirts, tight maxis or straight and
broad trousers have lent Handoko's works a down-to-earth feel. He
has also added his particular designs to accessories, like boots
and broad belts.

"Obviously, I have not tried to ape contemporary world trends.
I don't want to be influenced by magazines. I agree that trends
are there but the problem is how I can make use of them for the
benefit of fashion users. It is as if I were speaking to them,
saying that they must have their own self-identity and must stay
away from aping other people's choice of fashion. Take the
blazer, for example. A blazer is not only worn when you go to the
office. You can wear a blazer as a night-gown. In short, I intend
to present something different. A night-gown, for example, must
not always be associated with sparkling tiny beads and grand
luxury. It can be outstanding if the right color and a soft
material is chosen," he said with conviction.

It is not without reason that Handoko has intended to appear
different from others. He hopes to be able to lure the fashion
community to turn their attention to him and his concept.
However, despite his refusal to keep up with contemporary trends,
Handoko has not stayed away entirely from the in-thing in the
fashion world as indicated by his frequent use of the now
universally popular denim material. Whatever his argument against
being trendy, he has proved his seriousness with his solo show,
in which his designs appeared commendable and full of potential.
What of the future? Well, he has made a promise to further
popularize a chic, sexy and modern style in his future creations,
so I guess we will just have to wait and see what comes of it.