Keeping a Friendship: Sheila Dara and Fita Anggriani

Long-lasting friendships don’t always grow from daily encounters. For actress Sheila Dara and Fita Anggriani, a relationship that began in 2012 has thrived precisely because there hasn’t been too much pressure. Fita Anggriani recalls meeting Sheila about thirteen years ago when they were introduced by a friend and later went to karaoke in the Kemang area.

‘I first met Sheila in 2012, introduced by a friend, and we karaoke-ed together. I thought, wow, she’s gorgeous, and her voice is great. From there I wanted to be friends,’ Fita says, recounting the moment at the launch of Uniqlo’s first collaboration with Copenhagen-based womenswear designer Cecilie Bahnsen, at The Dharmawangsa hotel, Jakarta, yesterday.

Sheila responds with a playful remark. She notes Fita might have simply been looking for a karaoke buddy at that moment. But behind the jest, she credits Fita with being consistently attentive to their friendship.

‘Fita does like to maintain friendships. I’m often the one who disappears, but she always reaches out. Our homes have always been close, so sometimes she just appears at my doorstep,’ Sheila says.

For Sheila, part of what has kept their friendship going is that it has developed with little pressure. They do not demand to meet all the time, but when they are together, it feels as if no moment is wasted. ‘For me, less effort is better. Even though we’re busy, when we do meet, it feels effortless,’ she explains.

Their closeness extends to simple things, including trying out foods. Fita describes Sheila as someone she can explore dining spots with. Sheila jokes that Fita’s appetite is quite remarkable despite her small frame: ‘Even though she is tiny, her eating capacity is exceptional.’

Beyond food, they recognise shared fashion sensibilities. They have occasionally bought the same outfits, and when on holiday together they will discuss what to wear to avoid looking too matchy-matchy. ‘There are many moments when we realise, ’Oh, your top is the same as mine,’ says Fita.

But as they have grown older, their perspectives on fashion have evolved. Sheila says her style is far more reflective of her core identity now than in 2013. ‘Back in 2013 I was blindly following trends; now I can curate what truly suits my core identity,’ she notes. Fita shares a similar sentiment, moving from prioritising appearance to comfort. She believes clothing should let the wearer move freely and feel true to themselves.

The discussion aligns with the themes of the Uniqlo and Cecilie Bahnsen Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Shapes of Poetry. The collaboration merges Bahnsen’s romantic, feminine design with Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy that emphasises comfort, quality and everyday function. The collection is scheduled to be available from 27 May 2026 in Uniqlo Indonesia stores and online.

Cecilie Bahnsen, the Danish designer, is known for blending couture touches with wearable everyday pieces. In this collaboration, features such as florals, voluminous silhouettes, frills and shirring have been translated into lighter, easy-to-mix pieces. ‘I have always admired the design ethics of the Japanese brand. The LifeWear philosophy feels very aligned with our approach, which is rooted in how women move, live and express themselves through clothing,’ Bahnsen said in the official release.

Evy Christina Setiawan, Senior Marketing Manager at Uniqlo Indonesia, said the collaboration goes beyond design and aims to deliver clothing suitable for a range of daily situations. ‘Through this collection, we want pieces that feel romantic and special, yet light, versatile and comfortable for everyday wear,’ she said.

At the same event, Fita spoke about her roles as a woman, a public figure and a mother. She believes that taking on many roles does not require sacrificing herself. Rather, she sees these roles co-existing and shaping one another. ‘Initially there was a lot of trial and error. But now I’m more aware that different roles in life can coexist. Being a mother has made me braver in my career because you know who you are fighting for,’ she said.

The collaboration also marks Cecilie Bahnsen’s first foray into children’s wear. The children’s collection for girls includes dresses, T-shirts and skorts designed to complement the adult range. For Fita, the connection is personal, as her daughter Emma has begun to form her own opinions on fashion. ‘Since I got married I’d hoped to have a daughter to dress together. But as Emma grows, she too has her own opinions about the fashion she likes,’ she says.