RI fashion world mourns Versace's death

RI fashion world mourns Versace's death

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian fashion circle mourned the death
of flamboyant Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, who was
shot dead on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion on Tuesday.

Designer Poppy Dharsono said Versace's death was tragic and it
would greatly affect the world of fashion.

"We've lost one of the world's most talented designers,
someone who was capable of creating new fashion images," said
Poppy, who is also a noted businesswoman.

Versace, dressmaker and confidant to some of the world's
wealthiest and most glamorous people, was one of Italy's favorite
sons and was internationally considered at the cutting edge of
fashion.

With his clean approach to design, simple shapes, unerring
sense of proportion and inspirational use of color, he created a
look which fundamentally influenced the direction of fashion.

Poppy said Versace was a trendsetter. "He could transform
vulgarity into elegant and luxurious fashion styles admired by
celebrities around the globe, including those living in
Indonesia," she said.

She admired Versace because of his hard work and dedication to
the development of fashion. "Indonesian designers can learn a lot
from Versace's creativity, innovation and brilliant strategies in
marketing his products," said Poppy, who prefers to dress in
Giorgio Armani suits.

Another designer, Dhedy Rizaldy, admitted he was not a Versace
fan. "But I was very shocked and felt sad to hear of his tragic
fate," he said.

Rizaldy said many local designers were inspired by Versace's
styles in previous years. "His influence on Indonesian fashion
has been great. A large number of people here are crazy about
Versace designs," Rizaldy said.

Ninuk Mardiana Pambudy, fashion editor of Kompas daily, said
Versace products have become a societal trademark for the newly-
rich in Jakarta and other big cities in the country.

"In the past, local rich people liked to wear Coco Channel or
Christian Dior products. Now they are proud to be clad in Versace
designs or wear one of his accessories. He was more than a
designer -- he was a brand name," explained Ninuk.

Versace had several fashion lines, including the glamorous and
flamboyant Couture -- the main Gianni Versace label; and other
lines like Versus, Istante and Versace Jeans.

He also produced menswear, children's clothing, lingerie,
beachwear, accessories, perfume, fabrics, linens and china.

Ninuk said Versace's designs for women were too sexy for
Asians. "They do not fit our culture. But Versace menswear and
other products, like handbags, shoes and accessories, are in
great demand in exclusive fashion markets," she said.

She said Versace counterfeits have flooded local markets.
"It's proof that Versace is popular here. Even traditional
goldsmiths are very proud to offer Versace-style jewelry."

President of PT Bali Jeff Group, A.H. Bimo Suryono, who wears
Versace ties and shirts, met Versace when he and his wife were
shopping in one of the designer's boutiques in Italy last year.

"Versace paid a great deal of attention to a display at an
outlet of his. When I was there, he reprimanded a subordinate
because the display was not as good as he wanted. I was later
introduced to Versace. He was friendly," he said.

Bimo said he was not affected by the news of Versace's death.
"It was his destiny," he said. (raw/sim)

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