Yogyakarta's fashion designers stand up to be counted
Yogyakarta's fashion designers stand up to be counted
Purnawijayanti Contributor Yogyakarta
A festive mood took over the restaurant at Santika Hotel Yogyakarta. Guests got the opportunity to enjoy their lunch and feast their eyes on a fashion show organized by the local chapter of the Indonesian Association of Fashion Designers and Businessmen (APPMI).
On the theme "The Spirit of Indonesia", the show, featuring the collections of 12 APPMI members, was intended to draw public attention to the region's rich potential and foster the interest of the public, particularly the young generation, in their cultural assets.
It was also about putting themselves and their craft out front. As with their counterparts in most Indonesian cities, fashion designers in Yogyakarta have to face the prevailing view that Jakarta is the be all and end all for the country's fashion.
Standard advice for designers from areas such as Medan, Bandung, Bali and Yogyakarta is to head to Jakarta to obtain the best opportunities available.
That is the reality, but the designers showed that they are still trying to hold their own by focusing on their particular strengths.
Motifs of the designs emphasized Indonesian characteristics, befitting the cultural hub of Java.
There were some standouts. Ramadhani A. Kadir was one of those who opted for the beauty of Indonesian heritage as the theme of his designs, a celebration of local flora and fauna.
Tomy Tri Wahyudi presented graceful dresses dominated by black and white, with the designs much inspired by traditional Yogyakarta kebaya (the traditional Javanese blouse) and lasem batik cloth.
Other designers also taking inspiration from traditional motifs were Michael, Mamik Puspito, Dandy T. Hidayat and Lia Mustafa.
Designer Afif Syakur presented the theme of "Putri Kosmo" (Kosmo Girl), while Luki Fajariati, who has become well known beyond Yogyakarta, came up with the theme of the Orient Express in keeping with his interest in Muslim fashion.
As the show was staged amid patriotic fever during mid-August, the month commemorating Independence Day, several designers were inspired by the revolutionary spirit of the moment.
Amin Hendra Wijaya, in featuring Muslim dresses, lent prominence to the spirit of the national colors of red and white. Ninik Dramawan, Sumarmi Arimbi and Kristiana Noviantari Caecilia were drawn to the "Brave Heart" theme for their casual dress in the dominant color of red.
The clothes on show carried price tags ranging between Rp 200,000 and Rp 3 million.