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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