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.