Oriental taste inspires handbags and shoes

Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta

For fashion-savvy Delia, 19, life is too short always to dress like everybody else. Dubbed "Miss Matching" by her friends, Delia always tries to achieve a completely fresh, unique look that others will notice, admire and even envy.

"I always pay attention to the details and styles of vintage clothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags that I buy because I don't want to encounter a "double" when I go to a party," she said.

However, choosing the right handbag and shoes is not a simple thing. She can spend hours just looking for the latest styles at shopping malls or checking out the latest trends by flipping through current fashion magazines.

According to Denny Wirawan, a designer, before purchasing handbags or shoes, women should consider their outfit, the occasion and their physical features. If they want to wear floral or colorful outfits, the handbag and shoes should not be too colorful.

They should also consider whether they want to wear shoes and take the handbag to a mall, a party, office, or a casual occasion. It is advisable that women take small handbags to a formal occasion while women who are overweight should avoid using large handbags, he said.

Another designer, Susan Santoso, said that obese women should also avoid using soft colors, such as pink. They should choose brown or black handbags and shoes because these colors will make them appear slimmer.

She added that big women should not carry handbags with large, floral motifs because people will pay more attention to the handbag instead of the carrier.

Susan also suggested that women wear shoes that match their outfit. High-heeled shoes are suitable for those who wear skirts, but for those who go to the office, it is better to wear shoes with medium heels. Women with big toes should also avoid using ballerina-like shoes that have many straps because they will be uncomfortable.

According to Susan, shoes that have straps are much in demand nowadays. Just as in ballet shoes, the strap is a thin ribbon that surrounds the leg as far as the ankle, and sometimes up to the knees. The thong is casual and chic for this summer, she said.

But in general, Susan said, oriental taste has inspired the latest trend in handbags and shoes in the world, including Indonesia. Take for example, Prada shoes, whose soles and heels resemble those of Japanese sandals. The shoes are covered by fabric with a kimono motif.

Gucci, for example, emphasizes the use of flat shoes -- just like sandals used for inside the house. Those kind of shoes are suitable for summertime because they are made of soft leather so that they won't make people tired after sightseeing.

Denny and Susan agree that high-heeled shoes are still an enduring favorite in Asia because they can flatter the appearance of women who are not so tall. Shoes nine centimeters (cm) to 12 cm high are currently much in demand in Indonesia. Usually the heels are like stilettos and most shoes are in bright colors, Denny said.

Meanwhile, said Susan, many handbags made of printed fabric that resembles the floral motifs of Chinese ceramics, use colors like blue or dark blue. Others resemble the floral motifs of kimonos from Japan, such as gold or red flowers on a black fabric.

Nowadays, handbags are designed based on their functions. Most, although not too large, feature many compartments or pouches, so their owners can easily access their personal items, such as cosmetics, mobile phone, etc.

Products from world-famous designers like Gucci and Prada also use antique beads. Prada uses a white kimono design with a pink, floral motif and antique gemstones. It also has many pouches for cosmetics and accessories. Meanwhile, handbags produced by Susan, under the title Biru, use dark-colored kimono fabric with hand-carved gemstones.

Denny said that the current trend for handbags was also inspired by 40s styling, when simplicity and femininity were important. The handbags have a "hippy" style, with many tassels and small ornaments and bright colors.