Featured Article: Biyan Spring Summer 2016

Biyan Wanaatmadja explored multiple emotions, such as surreal and magical, that comes within a dream for a dainty, delicate Spring Summer 2016 collection aptly named “Dream” that was presented last Thursday, June 11th 2015 at The Dharmawangsa Hotel, Jakarta.

He created a beautifully serene collection with his signature luxurious, feminine sensibility and relaxed yet dynamic sophistication. He combined the inspirations from Indonesia‘s own kebaya detailing, old children storybook and tiles pattern that seen at old churches and buildings with intricate workmanship such as lattice embroidery, eyelet, macrame, and chunky embellishments and embroideries.

The dreamy color palette is a mixture of neutral and muted colors like white, ivory, beige, grey, celadon, tile blue and powder blue. For this collection, Biyan merged heavy and light materials (glittered tulle, printed silk organza, linen, silk georgette, taffeta, and denim) with romantic yet whimsical silhouettes (long dresses, A-line skirt, palazzo pants and loose coats and jackets). Majestic white tree in the center of the runway, romantic sleek bun and neutral make up with a stroke of white on one side of the face completed the presentation.

Browse through our Facebook fanpage and let the beautiful collection speaks for itself.

Read our review of his past collections “Seruni“, “The Radiance Postcard” and “Foliage” by clicking the links.

Please do not reproduce the images without permission. Images must be accompanied by a working link to this post.

All images are courtesy of Yannis Yereoudakis for art8amby.

Featured Article: Senayan City Fashion Nation 2013 Opening Event

The annually held Senayan City Fashion Nation has reached its seventh edition this year and it’s bigger than ever! Last night, the opening event was held at the shopping centre’s atrium with a fashion show from Ari Seputra, Rusly Tjohnardi and Mel Ahyar. In the glamorous event, Senayan City also proudly announced that the prominent shopping centre will be the new home for Jakarta Fashion Week that will be held later this October.

Violinist Mayla Fayza serenading the guests as she opened the event in a Rusly Tjohnardi dress (she also closed the finale wearing a dress from Mel Ahyar) and riding the new Audi to the elegant black and gold stage. After she performed, the host of the evening, the ever lovely Nadya Hutagalung, come up and greets the excited guests wearing a gorgeous beaded strapless dress from Biyan. The top 3 finalists from the first cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model came to the stage afterwards to present The Style Maker Awards to model Paula Verhoeven, singer Andien, socialite Fitria Yusuf, and actor Rio Dewanto respectively as the recipient from each category.

Ari Seputra was the first designer to present the collection. Advina Ratnaningsih opened his fashion show in a sleeveless wrap dress with white hemline. The collection used the mostly the color of the season, black and white. Ari Seputra combined it with mullet shapes, loose yet edgy fittings and sporty details. Rusly Tjohnardi’s latest dresses and gown were mostly made out of tulle with his soft muted colors with a dash of blue, gold and green. Looks like that he was inspired by the Indian princess as the models strutting the catwalk (Antie Damayanti opened) in intricate headpiece that surprisingly fits the collection. Last but not least on the opening event of Fashion Nation we got Mel Ahyar. With her signature column silhouette, she managed to give interesting variety of long dresses with the used of fabrics including taffeta, sheer panels, textured fabrics, tulle and lace as soon as Sarah Azka walked the runway as first face.

We leave you with some of the runway images, special pics of Asia’s Next Top Model finalists and winner— the humble Stephanie Retuya from Philippines, the bubbly Kate Ma from Taiwan, the elegant Jessica Amornkuldilok from Thailand, and the leggy Sofia Wakabayashi from Japan (who’s represented by Perfect 10 Management in Jakarta)—and model off duty style with Ayu Faradilla and Dea Nabila. Browse through our Facebook fanpage for MORE exclusive images from the fabulous event!

The Seventh Edition of Fashion Nation will be held until April 21st 2013 at Senayan City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Senayan City Fashion Nation 2013 campaign image courtesy of Sapto Djojokartiko.

Please do not reproduce any images without permission. The images are all courtesy of art8amby.

Featured Article: Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 – Melinda Looi Couture

Kuala Lumpur-born fashion designer, Melinda Looi showcasing one of her labels (the other two are Melinda Looi Prêt-à-Porter and MELL) in the recently held Indonesia Fashion Week 2013, last Thursday.

The three times Designer of The Year recipient (two from Malaysian International Fashion Week, and one from Mercedes Benz Stylo Fashion Awards) wowed the guests at Jakarta Convention Center with her folkloric, gypsy girl meets African queen collection. Chiffon, animal prints, lace, satin, and textured fabrics were her choice of fabrics. The shapes were loose and flowing, but somewhat still exudes the feeling of sexy, sultry and fierceness as top names Kimmy Jayanti, Dominique Agisca Diyose, Christina Borries, Putri Sulistyowati, Katya Talanova, Ilmira Usmanova, and Reti Ragil amongst other models walked on the wide runway that evening.

Looi, who graduated from La Salle School of Fashion in Montreal, Canada, completed the bold looks with equally bold accessories. Multiple strands necklaces, big glamourous earrings, multicolored turbans, chunky bracelets, and striking antlers headpiece and arm bangles. See the complete runway looks on our Facebook fanpage, and get ready to be blown away!

You can also read our previously posted reviews of Rudy Chandra, Jeanny Ang Couture, and Kraton by Auguste Soesastro.

Please do not reproduce any images without permission. All images are courtesy of art8amby.

Featured Article: Backstage Images of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012, Final Day

Simona and Kelly Tandiono have a chat during the rehearsal for the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

Merry during rehearsal on the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

Please enjoy the images taken by art and amby from the backstage, rehearsal, run through and after shows of the final day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012, Friday, November 18th 2011 at Pacific Place.

That night, five of Indonesia‘s talented fashion designers, Auguste Soesastro, Sally Koeswanto, Sebastian Gunawan, Sapto Djojokartiko, and Tex Saverio, are presenting their interpretation on “Celebrating Women”, the theme for Dewi Fashion Knights, the final show on the highly anticipated annual event, Jakarta Fashion Week.

Auguste Soesastro, who once worked for Ralph Rucci, dons minimalist collection with great tailoring in cream, ivory, white and a hint of black and orange. Sally Koeswanto, who graduated from Whitehouse School of Design, Sydney in 1994, presented sexy and body hugging Chinese inspired dresses titled “Love, Passion, and Lust“. Sebastian Gunawan in his second participation for Dewi Fashion Knights gave something different from his usual elegant collection with tribal printed flowing dresses and edgy headpieces.

Sapto Djojokartiko made people gasp with towering high laser cut steel heeled shoes where the model could barely walk. His Calon Arang inspired designs were mysteriously breathtaking and very editorial ready! Last but not least, Tex Saverio, whose his gown was featured in a spread of Harper Bazaar US worn by Lady Gaga, presented gold themed collection with magnificent detailing. Lady Gaga should worn Tex‘s and Sapto‘s dresses for her next performances in our opinion.

Click on the designers name to view their complete runway images and click here to view our extensive selection of backstage images.

Hope you enjoy our photos guys 🙂

Regards, art and amby.

Thank you to all the models, designers, crews and everyone who made this photo report possible.

The models during finale rehearsal at the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

Bunga Jelita and Dea Nabila just before their rehearsal on the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

Elena photographed backstage before Dewi Fashion Knights fashion show in her sequins adorned appliqué for Sapto Djojokartiko segment

Paula Verhoeven with her gold make up and hair for Tex Saverio segment in Dewi Fashion Knights fashion show

Prinka Cassy snapped backstage during Dewi Fashion Knights rehearsal

Fashion designer Auguste Soesastro posed for art8amby backstage at Dewi Fashion Knights show

Fashion designer Sapto Djojokartiko photographed backstage at Dewi Fashion Knights on the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

Fashion designers Firenzano and Soko Wiyanto before entering the Fashion Tent for Dewi Fashion Knights on the last day of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012

The lovely presenter Rahmah Ummaya posed for art8amby after her gig hosting Barli Asmara/The Body Shop fashion show

World Batik Summit 2011

The Batik facade

My green cased Blackberry and the id pass

The traditional dancers in rehearsal. Image by Armadina

Batik, a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique, has been associated with Indonesia since a very long time. But not until The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized batik as an Indonesian heritage and cultural treasure in October 02nd 2009. Even though the exquisite fabrics can also be found in other countries, but now more people are aware that batik are originally from Indonesia.

With the new designated title from UNESCO two years ago as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, batik is even more popular these days. Every Friday, here in Indonesia, most of people are wearing batik to the offices and work places to celebrate our lovely national heritage.

I got a wonderful opportunity to covering the Cultural Evening Performance during World Batik Summmit 2011 in Jakarta Convention Center couple of days ago. That night, a fashion show by 10 fashion designers from 4 countries was held in front of the high profile guests and invitations as the main event.

With more than 30 models, Carmanita, Ramli, Chossy Latu, Danar Hadi, Parang Kencana, Sebastian Gunawan and Anne Avantie from Indonesia are presenting their finest batik designs along with fellow designers from China (Lu Kun), Malaysia (Deanoor) and Japan (Kaoru).

Dea Nabila and Prinka Cassy

The handsome Nikola at SUM

Bulan at Platinum

L Men of The Year 2011 Runner Up, Adijaya, during rehearsal

Supermodel Asia Pacific 2011 winner, Bunga Jelita during rehearsal

Mister International 2009 top 15 finalists from Indonesia, Holly Feriston and Dominique Agisca Diyose. Image by Andreas Yudhi

Another fun part during the event was of course the rehearsal and backstage visit where I can snapped the models before and after the make up. The models for the fashion show are lovely and wonderful mixed of new faces and established ones.

There’s senior catwalker Dessy Mulasari and Nien (who opened the show), new face Hege at Look Models, top names such as Julia Jamil, Teuku Zacky, Katya Talanova, Drina Ciputra, Whulandary Herman, Ilmira, Advina Ratnaningsih, Dhining, Dominique Agisca Diyose, Advina Ratnaningsih, Selvi Rivera, Bunga Jelita, Renata Kusmanto, Hendy Bramantyo, Christina, Kimmy Jayanti and Indonesia‘s ‘IT‘ model of the moment, Prinka Cassy.

Feel free to visit and enjoy our Facebook photo album to view MORE exclusive backstage images of the models during World Batik Summit 2011.

Opening dancers rehearsal

Hendy Bramantyo snapped backstage

The beautiful Whulandary Herman

Larina at Damn! Inc. with the amazing Temple miniature behind her

The make up that night was done by Sariayu team and it was soft smokey eyes with a dash of bright red lips and dramatic eyelashes to create the sexy yet beautiful feeling just like Polina at Damn! Inc. shown above.

Some of the models are sporting a sophisticated little bun with blunt bangs, some of them are having a simple slicked back low ponytail and the others are sporting the very exquisite ‘sanggul‘ or chignon (shown by Ilmira and Mungky) to completed the look by Indonesia‘s foremost Kebaya designer, Mrs. Anne Avantie.

World Batik Summit 2011 exhibition will be held until tomorrow, October 02nd in Jakarta Convention Center. So, if you want to view the amazing displays of various types of batik in one place, this is really the place you want to be. Just like the tagline “Indonesia : Global Home of Batik”

A very special thanks to Tara Makmun, Panca Makmun, Andreas Yudhi and Armadina.

Amby.

Mrs. Anne Avantie and her beloved mother, Mrs. Amie Indriati

The elegant Mungky

Merry at JIM and Dea Nabila backstage after the hair do

The always fun Kimmy Jayanti

The flawless Renata Kusmanto

The energetic dancers

Our friend, fellow blogger Armadina and photographer Andreas Yudhi

It girl of the moment, Prinka Cassy in backstage during final run through

The boys (from top left clockwise : Nico Christianto, Wesley, Jacoeb, Nikola, Holly Feriston, Adijaya, J Ryan, Hendy Bramantyo and Fernando) backstage before the show. Image by Andreas Yudhi

The beautiful flower arrangement by Bellish

Tia strike a pose in Danar Hadi

Ilmira before the finale

Christina smiles backstage with the intricate head piece

J Ryan in his second look

Hege at Look Models with Katya Talanova and Julia Jamil, both at Damn! Inc. Image by Armadina

Table arrangement with white orchids from Bellish