KL-JAKARTA ISLAMIC FASHION FESTIVAL BOASTS THE BEST OF NUSANTARA DESIGNS

By Ndari Rumiwidyawati

JAKARTA, July 1 (Bernama) -- An array of Muslim fashion were displayed at
the Fourth KL-Jakarta Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), here last night,
showcasing Nusantara (Malay World) designs using traditional textiles presented
in contemporary fashion.

The two-day show, themed "Cita Nusantara Showcase", highlighted the best
work from renowned designers such as Melinda Looi and Tom Abang Saufi from
Malaysia, and Gea Panggabean and Samuel Wattimena from Indonesia.

The creations featured a blend of textiles such the Malaysian, Jogja and
Madura batik, as well as the tenun (woven fabric) from Kalimantan, East Nusa
Tenggara and Pahang, while retaining natural colours such as brown, brick red,
green and other bright colours.

Tom Abang Saufi put out several designs themed Romance of Borneo, inspired
by the exoticness of Borneo Island where she grew up, which also included the
Orang Ulu motifs.

Meanwhile, Gea Panggabean, who received an award of appreciation last night
for her 30-year of involvement in the fashion world, revealed several designs
inspired by traditional fashion from Sumatra, Java and Bali through a theme
called Journey of Textiles.


Models paraded during the event, showing off a collection of creations,
aimed to inspire and encourage new views on the concept of Muslim fashion.

“We offer a feast for the eyes from designers of two countries using
material and workmanship from Indonesia and Malaysia,” said IFF 2010 organiser
Raja Rezza Shah.

He said the concept of the IFF was not to show designs that modestly covered
the body, but various alternatives which still complied to religious
requirements.

“Fashion trends can be applied to any type of clothing. Muslim fashion is no
longer considered monotonous, but is able to adapt to global fashion and
hopefully start its own trends,” he said.

The event, which was opened with a gala night dinner, was also witnessed by
the Crown Prince of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, his consort Tuanku
Lailatul Shahreen Khalil Akashah and Women, Family and Community Development
Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

The second day of the festival (June 30) is scheduled to exhibit the designs
of Khadani, Mona Din Hajaba and Noraini Jarumas from Malaysia as well as Merry
Pramono, Jenny Tjahyawati and Hani Hananto from Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA




Delete & Prev | Delete & Next