‘Kebaya’ honored at city fashion event

Impian Monalisa-On the catwalk: Four models display the kebaya during a “Tribute to Kebaya” fashion show at the opening of Jakarta Fashion Week in Jakarta on Saturday. JP/Nurhayati

Around 159 fashion designers will showcase their stylish collections at the city’s biggest fashion event, the Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2010/2011, which opened Saturday at the Pacific Place shopping center in South Jakarta under the theme “Styling Modernity”.

This event, organized by media group Femina, was opened with a show titled “A Tribute to Kebaya”, which featured the beauty of kebaya (traditional Indonesian blouse-dress combination) from noted local designers such as Anne Avantie, Ari Seputra, Edward Hutabarat, Harry Darsono, Lenny Agustin, Musa Widyatmojo, Priyo Oktaviano, Raden Sirait, Ramli and Suzy Lucon.

Designers participating in the JFW event include several from the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (APPMI) and the Indonesian Fashion Designers Council (IPMI), as well as other independent designers.

APPMI, for instance, will stage six shows with 30 fashion brands, while 10 designers from IPMI will also display their collections.

Sebastian Gunawan is scheduled to bring fun and joy on Sunday through his very own children’s clothing line, Bubble Girl.

This year’s fashion week, which runs until Nov. 21, will also feature a special show from independent designer Ghea Panggabean, celebrating her 30-year journey in fashion.

Not only showcasing local labels and designers, the JFW also always features the creative works of international fashion stylists.

This year, local designer Oscar Lawalata will show his latest creations, made from traditional textiles in collaboration with the UK’s Laura Miles, in a segment titled “Weaving the Future”.

For tickets, schedules and more information, log on to the JFW official website at www.jakartafashionweek.co.id.