Featured Article: Biyan Spring Summer 2015

In Asia, Seruni (in Bahasa Indonesia) or Chrysanthemum is often believed as the symbol of life and immortality. Based on that spirit, prominent Indonesian fashion designer Biyan Wanaatmadja presented his latest collection on Tuesday evening, June 17th 2014 at Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta which was inspired from the fusion of Japanese art and culture and the tribal nuance of Sumba-Indonesia.

On the first sequence, silk flowing dresses in soft muted colors like cloudy blue, blush pink and mint green with chrysanthemum and paintings-like prints were dominating the runway. The serene feeling was completed with the occasional crane and floral appliqué. We love how Biyan perceives his women as feminine, pure/innocent, stylish and at the same time they are also strong, cool, open minded and both equally balance and beautiful.

Darker colour palette like black, midnight blue and aubergine purple took over the second sequence, where you can drooling over those heavily embellished top and jacket/coat with droopy shoulder. The intricately authentic Indonesian traditional Sumba figurative inspired ikat were seen in this sequence. Tribal essence on some of the beading details gave a nice surprise in the collection. The trapeze and A-line silhouettes made recurring appearances with various placements of ruffles (hemline, neckline and sleeve).

Other than the crane appliqué and floral print, the Japanese inspirations were elaborated even more in the form of loose shapes, kimono collar, and Samurai-inspired pants. Not to mention the post-runway-show-selfie-backdrop-ready bamboo forest where the models came out to strutting down the runway. We were excited when we see his favourite models such as Hege Wollan (the show opener), Paula Verhoeven, Izabel Jahja, Laura Basuki and Nayla Alatas walked the runway in sky-high wedges on wooden floor with sleek Samurai chignon. White highlights adorned models’ eyelids and some of them wearing beautiful handmade Japanese-inspired necklaces made out of horns, feathers, shells, cowries, crystals and semi-precious stones.

Gorgeous sheer evening dresses with divine details closed the final sequence of the evening. If you look closely, you will appreciate the hard-work and craftsmanship from those who created the beautiful dresses. The magnificent embroideries and embellishments were superb! The juxtaposition of bright-light and dark-intense, pure and strong, feminine and masculine in Seruni collection were a total feast to the eye.

Read our review of his last year’s collection “The Radiance Postcard” and 2013 “Foliage” collection by clicking the links. Visit our Facebook page to view MORE runway images of “Seruni“.

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Featured Article: Biyan Spring Summer 2014

Four huge “Garudas” placed strategically and majestically at the beginning of the runway, as a hint that for his latest collection, Biyan Wanaatmadja is taking inspiration from his homeland, Indonesia.

He used authentic Indonesian traditional textile and craft (batik, songket, tikar and basketry), as prints on light silk. He twisted the keraton inspired coats and jackets by adding his signature glamour touch in the use of intricate embroideries, beads and embellishments, which exudes the refined sophistication feeling. Some kebayas were modified in different silhouettes and volume, not to mentioned sarong inspired skirts. The juxtaposition between masculine and feminine were inevitable as some lace dresses were paired with cigarette pants. The use of delicate lace were interesting yet refreshing because Biyan usually used organza, tafetta, and tulle (which also appeared this time). Loose shapes is back on the runway, along with the effortless billowy sleeves.

Biyan doesn’t need bright and bold colors to celebrate his 30 radiant years in fashion. He mostly used down to earth and muted colors such as washed white, taupe grey, sogan brown, pumpkin brown and dusty pastels (chalk blue, celadon, peach, lilac tint, pale khaki). Even the lighting was sephia to make it more intimate yet serene. He also presented the ever lasting black and elegant midnight blue on the runway of his fashion show at Hotel Mulia Senayan on Wednesday, June 05th 2013.

Young model Hege Martine Wollan landed the honor to opened the show, while Paula Verhoeven closed. Some Indonesian runway veteran such as Laura Basuki, Izabel Jahja, and Wiwied also walked the show that night sporting similar neutral make up with sequined lids and sleek chignon like other models. He even casted supermodel Fahrani Pawaka Empel! What a lovely surprise for the excited guests.

“The Radiance Postcard” suits perfectly as the collection’s name because it reflects his creativity journey for the past three decades. He translated his memories diversity to this elegant yet modern collection with traditional twist. We are wishing Biyan all the very best for his upcoming collections and we are looking forward to see these dresses, coats and jackets on the displays of Bergdorf Goodman, Blake, Joyce, Club 21, Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai, and of course Net-A-Porter.

Read our review of his last year’s collection “Foliage” here, and click here to view MORE runway images of “The Radiance Postcard“.

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All images are courtesy of art8amby.

Featured Article: IKAT Indonesia by Didiet Maulana 2013-2014

2013 has been a busy year so far for Didiet Maulana. He recently showed the first ever bridal line, released the 2013 campaign for his Mentari collection, and we heard that he’s going to launch a jewelry line later this year.

Last week, Didiet Maulana presented “Romansa Gala”, a 35-look latest collection from his growing IKAT Indonesia label in conjunction with the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S4 at Grand Hyatt Jakarta‘s Ballroom. Consistent with the use of Indonesia’s traditionally exquisite fabrics, he paired the conventional look with some conservative shape like below-the-knees sheath dress and adding some chic 1920s flapper details such as long pearl necklaces, headpiece and bias cut shapes. Soft color palettes like peach, olive green and pink dominated the rather casual first sequence. For evening choices, IKAT Indonesia offered luxe satin suits in dark green for men (which we lusting over it!) with ikat details on the shawl or long jacket, and elegant black dresses with sparkly sequins scattered all over.

Last but not least, we’d like to congratulate Didiet Maulana on his new collection and we are looking forward to see more from him in the future!

You can enjoy the complete runway images on our Facebook fanpage, here.

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Svarna by IKAT Indonesia 2013 Ad Campaign

You’ve seen the 27 looks from IKAT Indonesia’s first ever Bridal line on our blog last February, and now please enjoy the campaign images from the Svarna (it means gold in Sanskrit) , photographed by Luki Ali featuring real life couple Dominique Agisca Diyose and Marshall Sastra, with the cute Nikki Jusuf.

Didiet Maulana brings “Flora Paradiso” as the theme for his first ever bridal line for IKAT Indonesia which was inspired from the beauty of flowers from our archipelago and combined it with the exquisite woven fabrics from Palembang.

Images via IKAT Indonesia.

Featured Article: Ikat Indonesia Bridal Collection 2013

The talented Didiet Maulana, with his growing Ikat Indonesia label, is branching out to the bridal wear with the brand’s first ever bridal collection Svarna (means gold coins) that was presented on Saturday, February 16th 2013, at The Ballroom Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta.

He combined the traditional Palembang’s woven fabrics with lavish gold threads with international shapes of wedding gowns such as ballgown, strapless dress with long tulle train, peplum dress with tiered train, cheongsam, and halterneck. Even the menswear attire were using the similar fabrics which we definitely drooling over.

For the traditionally conservative brides, Didiet Maulana showcased a number of modified kebayas in rich, exquisite embroideries and paired it with beautiful shawls. As real life couple Dominique Agisca Diyose and Marshall Sastra opened and closed the show (with a special runway appearance from adorably cute flower girl), we couldn’t help but think that they two should get married in the beautiful pieces from the designer, right away.

Browse through our Facebook fanpage for the complete runway images from the fashion show, and a glimpse of the high-profile guests whose attending such as Mrs. Widi Wardhana, Mr. Ronald Liem (the publisher of DestinAsian, DaMan, Prestige Magazine and Joy Indonesia), Mrs. Miranda Tobing (the editor in chief of Herworld Brides Indonesia), and Miss Indonesia Universe 2013, Whulandary Herman (pictured below).

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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.

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Featured Article: Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 – Rudy Chandra

Parisian chic with Indonesian twist. Perhaps that’s the perfect words to describes the latest collection from Rudy Chandra, that was presented last Thursday during Indonesia Fashion Week 2013, at Jakarta Convention Center.

The designer used lots of chiffon crepe, silk satin, jacquard, gabardine, batik from Pekalongan, and combined it with 40s and 50s silhouettes, such as A-line skirts and dresses + chic details like gloves and playful ponytails. Peplum accents, pipe trousers, and pencil skirts were also shown quite oftenly in the collection. He completed the looks with ropes embroideries (symbolizing that women can be soft, vulnerable yet strong and powerful at the same time), to make it even more distinctive.

With the use of bronze, champagne, brown, and black as the main color palettes (with few looks in blue), Rudy Chandra managed to created a glamour, elegant, yet feminine collection, as intended.

Browse through the gallery in our Facebook fanpage to see the complete runway images from the fashion show. You can also read our previously posted reviews of Jeanny Ang Couture and Kraton by Auguste Soesastro.

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

Featured Article: Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 – Jeanny Ang Couture

Sugary, sweet, and princess-y are the terms associated with Jeanny Ang Couture‘s latest collection that was presented during the first day of Indonesia Fashion Week 2013, last Thursday, February 14th at Jakarta Convention Center.

The theme for her Spring Summer 2013 collection was “Blossoms”, in which she incorporates the bright flower colors (pink, yellow, turquoise, mint green and peach) with feminine fabrics (tulle, chiffon and some lace), and also even more feminine shapes (ruffles, minis, draping, flowing dresses and more ruffles). Some of the combinations worked, but some doesn’t.

When the palettes were more than three different colors, or the dress’ shape got too much ruffles on it, it goes from pretty princess to prom queen instantly. But nevertheless, most of the dresses fits the theme perfectly. Some of our favourites are the weaved-like mini dress on Marcella Tanaya, and the closing dress that Christina Borries worn on the second sequence of the fashion show (both pictured below).

Because the show was supported by the famous hair product Pantene, two of the brand’s current ambassadress actress/host Nirina Zubir and singer Rossa (pictured below) made a special appearance on the runway, which surprised lots of people and gained applaud from the excited guests. You can enjoy the complete runway images from the fashion show on our Facebook fanpage, here.

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Featured Article: FOLIAGE by Biyan

One of Indonesia’s established fashion designers, Biyan Wanaatmadja, presented his 2012/2013 womenswear collection for his mainline, Biyan, earlier this month at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, June 06th 2012.

The 58 year old was longing for the luxury of enjoying the beauty of lush green leaves and a field filled with wildflowers. That’s what inspired him for the ninety gorgeous looks entitled FOLIAGE. He translated his imagination on the forms of comfortable, easy to wear, easy to mixed and match, yet powerful, stylish and elegant collection.

Before entering the venue that accommodates more than 1000 guests, he teased us with the gorgeous greeneries installation at the foyer that suits perfectly with the lovely Victorian conservatory house-themed runway backdrop. Kinda reminds us about that 1998 movie adapted from Charles Dickens novel, Great Expectations.

Other than black and gold, the color composition (tones of green leafs, celadon, sky blue, grey and geranium orange) reminds us about the green conservatorium/green house and floral scenery that is subtly nostalgic. We are loving the mix and match concept that harmonized and accentuate the femininity and subtle hint of masculine side of a woman such as shown in boxy jacket with wide skirt or palazzo pants and boxy blouson with svelte skirt.

This time, the designer who’s consistently held his annual fashion show every single year since 2002, goes different direction with loose relaxed fit, folkloric shirt dress, innocent peplum and dropped waist that’s combined with intricate details such as gorgeous floral beadworks, eyelet embroideries, exquisite Swarovski appliqués and ferns and leafs prints.

Biyan used various materials such as delicate french lace, tulle, silks, dots tulle, satin organza, woven raffia, crisp lurex taffeta, heavy crisp silk shantung, viscose gabardine and light cotton and combined it with wearable and covetable accessories: chunky necklace, beaded pouch and platform pump shoes (some of the shoes were decorated with beautiful crystals!).

Overall, those ninety looks from the designer whose his collection sold at Joyce (Hong Kong), Bergdorf Goodman (New York), Club 21 (Bangkok), Maria Luisa (Qatar) and Blake (Chicago) are very wearable yet delicately beautiful. It’s about time to see those dresses in real life worn by famous celebrities and featured in magazines (fashion editorials and socialites page) in the upcoming months.

Feel free to browse through our Facebook Fanpage for MORE images from the runway and guests.

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All images courtesy of art8amby.

Featured Article: Backstage Images of Winning Mark 3 Grand Final

Hair and make up has always been THE most essential part in the world of beauty and fashion and it takes the creative mind of a true talent to produce an extraordinary ensemble.

‘In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.’ – Coco Chanel

And boy, do we fully understood what she meant when we attended the Grand Final of Winning Mark 3, a biennial make up and hair bridal competition held at the Grand Ballroom of Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, Jakarta on Tuesday, May 29th 2012.

There were 10 finalist competing in each of the three categories – International, Traditional and Modern Wedding categories. Each of the finalist was handpicked and crowned the winner in their respective regions. At the event, they displayed their individual artistic make up and hair talents to their finest and impressed not only the judges with their creations but the audience alike.

While awating for the results to be announced only at the end of the show, the audience was treated to a visual feast by Indonesian make up extraordinaire, Qiqi Franky and Ave Sanjaya. As usual, the duo never failed to impress with their interpretations of hair and make up masterpieces. Ravishing Selma Abidin, who is returning on the catwalk scene after giving birth, open the show for Ave Sanjaya alongside other models in International Wedding gowns.

Next in line was a gorgeous model in a traditional Balinese ensemble followed by Whulan Dary Herman, 3rd runner-up of International Model Of The Year 2009 in her gorgeous gold dress and exquisite headpiece from Palembang. Top runway model, the elegant Laura Muljadi appear soon after in an Indian inspired dress and make up. Thomas Sebastian, Mister Indonesia International 2010 swept the ladies off his feet next with a display of his fine,chiseled body alongside other gorgeous model in an intricate Javanese wedding dress.

Runway veteran Nayla Alatas and Best Male Model in Asia Model Festival Award 2011, Hendy Bramantyo walked the runway next in a beautiful black velvet Solo wedding dress with gold embroideries. Ave Sanjaya kept the best for last with a dramatic sequence of Oriental male models (in Rinaldy A.Yunardy headpieces) fighting over two girls who wore lovely cheongsam dresses. The feud stops when an ” Empress”, played by Pantene spokesmodel Dominique Agisca Diyose, arrived on the runway.

Finally the result of the Grand Final Winning Mark 3 was announced and what’s impressive was Traditional and Modern category were won by the same person. Congratulations from us!

At a glance, we felt the event was a little too far streched, saved only by Ave Sanjaya and Qiqi Franky display of talents. Ave Sanjaya with his amazing skills in hair & make up and the gorgeous bridal costumes while Qiqi Franky, on the other hand with his mile-long Rapunzel braids, multiple cubes on Marcella Tanaya’s head and of course that “pirate-ship” hair do on Dara Warganegara!

Qiqi was also the artiste responsible for Katya Talanova’s colorful LT Pro head piece in the finale. Those fabulous make up done by him were matched equally with one-of-a-kind dresses from Sapto Djojokartiko and Tex Saverio (his dress were worn by Lady Gaga on Harper’s Bazaar US and on her Asian tour!). Anyway, if you are curious to see their creations..feel free to browse through or Facebook fanpage for more images taken at the backstage of the event.

Until next time, people!

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All images courtesy of art8amby.