JET’s Birthday in Tasmania: Indonesian Ikat & Australian Jenny Kee in Mount Wellington

Happy Monday fashionista!

First of all, I would like to give my best shout out and appreciation to my dear friends and faithful followers from every corner of our shared Earth who have been sending their kindest regards on my recent birthday. I am deeply humbled, honoured and touched by the warm and affectionate sentiments that I have been receiving.

I do not normally share how and where I celebrate my birthday. However, as a token of appreciation to my dear friends and followers, I decided to share a more private part of myself.

This birthday is truly special for me. As my parents were visiting me in Sydney, I decided to take them for a trip in the most Southern part of Down Under, a. k. a. Tasmania. We have never been there and we have always been intrigued with the photos and advertisement on the nature of this island. Some of my Aussie and Indonesian friends who have been there advised me to visit elsewhere as they are concerned with our enjoyment in Tassie –as nicknamed by Australians-. They probably think that I, being a metropolitan boy, would not enjoy Tasmania.

Well, I proved them that they were simply incorrect. In fact, I enjoyed Tasmania immensely that I found it hard to return to Sydney afterwards. From the nature –mountains and beaches galore-, history, food –glorious seafood-, clothing –Tasmanians are known for creative designs and high quality Merino wool clothing pieces-, architecture –art deco, Victorian and even Georgian is in abundance-

One of the most memorable experiences that I shared in Tasmania was the visit to Mount Wellington, or also known as Kunanyi (1270 metre above sea level) which is around 30 minutes by road trip from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania (http://www.discovertasmania.com.au). Mount Wellington provided the perfect background to Hobart as it allows visitors to view the beauty of Hobart, Tasman Peninsula and other Tasmanian cities.

Have you ever seen a fashionable Mountain climber? Or at least a well dressed tourists at the very top of the mountain? Well, prepare yourself for one then!

Although no difficult climbing was conducted –thank God for that-, I am pleased and proud to reach the pinnacle of Mount Wellington in a grand style.

As an ode to my Indonesian traditional textile heritage, I wore the Indonesian Ikat jumper with “IKAT” inscribed on the front part by Didiet Maulana, a well known Indonesian designer whose creations focus on Ikat (http://www.theikatindonesia.com). Didiet’s cardigans are one of the most sought after fashion items in Jakarta as he is one of the pioneers of Indonesian designers who focus in creating jumpers.

Now, have you ever seen anyone wearing a traditional Ikat combined with other vibrant colored and patterned ensemble?

Well, thank God for my fashion conscious Mom who prevented JET from wearing a dull colored scarf and dark denim that day, JET ended up wearing his black and red Ikat jumper with yellow colored chinos and Jenny Kee’s peace scarf with its classy black and white colour (http://www.jennykee.com).

And the result is MAGIC!!!

I guess when we listen to our beloved Moms, particularly on our birthday, then we will be blessed one hundred or one thousand fold more.

Thanks Mama for always being my source of style inspiration, my fashion muse and a true fashionista!

Now, what do you think of my look, fashionista? ;)

For more coverage of JET and his trips, add me in instagram (@jetjakarta), Facebook page (JET’s Fashion Diplomacy) and twitter (@jonesey4eva).

JET is all dressed up to the nines on the slopes of Mount Wellington (Kunanyi).

Jumper: Ikat Indonesia by Didiet Maulana

Scarf: Peace scarf by Jenny Kee

Chino: Zara

Bag: Prada Venezia (limited edition)

Mom and Dad are also all fashionably dressed up to visit Mt Wellington.

Mom

Jumper: JK signature by Jenny Kee

Scarf: Indonesian made handwoven Tenun Imam by Imam Budiono

Mom and Dad at the pinnacle of Mt Wellington, all dressed up.

Overlooking Hobart!

Jenny Kee’s beautiful B&W peace scarf

#jetfashiondiplomacy #jeintasmania #indonesianfashiondiplomacy #ikatindonesia #didietmaulana #jennykee #mountwellington #jetfamilytrip