The Beauty of Indonesian Fashion in Women Expo 2016

“The dress must not hang on the body, but follow its lines.

When a woman smiles, the dress must smile with her”

(Madeleine Vionnet, Couturier, 1876-1975)

Where would we be without women? Mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, lover, auntie, cousin, niece, best friend, partner, colleague, they are the sunshine of our lives.  

Launched by Mr Triawan Munaf (Chair of Indonesian Creative Economy Agency), Women Expo 2016 was recently held in Indonesia in order to celebrate the role of women in our lives. The Expo aims to serve both as an education and entertainment forum. 

With regard to education, the Expo featured substantial talks regarding enhancement of creative economy as well as the impact of climate change to women. 

Didiet Maulana, Oscar Lawalata and Nita Seno Adji, who are three of Indonesia’s most prominent and sought-after fashion designers, presented their latest collection in the opening of Expo as part of the entertainment. Thirty most well known Indonesian women participated as models on the runway, from senior actress to models, from professionals to home makers, these smart and charming women show that they dearly hold Indonesian values and they proud in wearing Indonesian beautiful outfits. 

Fashion and culinary fair presenting the very best from Sabang to Merauke was held for two days. The fair aims at promoting creative talents of Indonesia as well as introducing young entrepreneurs. 

JET is thrilled to be invited to the prestigious opening event where he gets to witness the lovely fashion show as well as greeting old friends who are the icons of Indonesian fashion. 

Stay tuned for JET’s constant fashion travels in IG (@JETANDJUNG) and Facebook Page (JET’s Fashion Diplomacy). 

Catatan Kecil untuk Sahabats Fashionista dan Rekans Diplomat:

Perhelatan akbar atau event besar di bidang budaya dan fashion merupakan salah satu ajang dimana kita dapat menampilkan keapikan busana tradisional serta kontemporer karya desainer Tanah Air. Tengoklah busana-busana yang dikenakan para sahabat JET pada Women Expo 2016. Anggun dan rupawan bukan?! Dari Batik sampai Tenun, baik panitia maupun hadirin tampil prima dalam balutan busana Nusantara. Namun ingatlah bahwa sebaik-baiknya busana kita, busana tersebut akan tampil lebih anggun jika kita kenakan dengan penuh percaya diri, full of confidence and charm. Always remember that it is the person that wears the dress, and never the other way around. Do not just be an ordinary wearer of beautiful textile, but be an outstanding one which all eyes gaze upon. 

JET and Didiet Maulana (IG: @didietmaulana), the designer of Ikat Indonesia, with our Mothers, the two Henny, namely Mrs Henny Tandjung (my Mother) and Mrs Henny Triharyani (Didiet’s Mother).

JET’s violet cardigan with Lampungnese Ikat is designed by Didiet Maulana for Ikat Indonesia (IG: @ikat_ind). Elephant, Lampung’s most famous fauna, is the pattern of my Ikat shirt. 

Mom shares a tender moment with an old friend, Madam Linda Agum Gumelar (former Indonesian Minister for Women’s Empowerment) and Mrs Nita Seno Adji (IG: @nitapradipta12), whose designs were presented at the show, with

With the stunning Madam Rosa Rai Djalal, spouse of H.E. Mr Dino Patti Djalal (former Indonesian Vice Minister on Foreign Affairs), who wore a classy black kebaya with Eastern Nusa Tenggara Ikat sarong. 

Front-rowing with the influential Who’s Who in Indonesian fashion industry, namely:

Mr Suwarno M. Serad and Madam, JET, Mom, Mrs Rima Melati (Indonesian senior actress), Mr Sugijanto H. Soetopo (Batik expert).

With the uber talented Mr Oscar Lawalata, Indonesian designer whose creations have graced European Royalty, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Look at Oscar’s lovely golden thread sarong which is called Songket. This type of Songket is crafted in Pandai Sikek area in West Sumatera. 

With the unique Janna Soekasah, Creative Director of Ghea Kids. Janna wears his Mother’s (Mrs Ghea Panggabean) signature Jumputan tie-dyed creation.

Indonesian women do age gracefully. Look at these three women who prefer to be called as classy beauty rather than aging beauty. 

Mom and two of her old friends, Mrs Widyawati Sophiaan and Mrs Rima Melati. Both ladies are Indonesian senior actress and model. 

With the graceful Mrs Nita Yudi, the Chair of Indonesian Women Entrepreneur Association. Adore how Mrs Nita Yudi combines her pinkish kebaya and veil with a similarly fair colored bag. Pink charm!

With the ever charming Ms Dian Soedarjo, the CEO of Fimela Publication. Ms Soedarjo wears an Ikat dress by Didiet Maulana.

With the eclectic Mr Merdi Sihombing, designer of Tapanuli traditional textile and also an expert on conservation of Indonesian traditional textile. 

As Marcell, a famous Indonesian singer, serenaded the opening, Mrs Widyawati Sophiaan, a senior actress and model, walked elegantly in the catwalk to begin the show. Mrs Widyawati wore the creations of Nita Seno Adji from head to toe. 

Ms Citra, a senior model, shows off Nita Seno Adji’s latest embroidered kebaya.

Nita Seno Adji with all models charmingly clad in her embroidered kebaya.

Mrs Chrisye Subono in Oscar Lawalata’s lace kebaya with Songket (golden-thread hand-woven) charmed the audience. Oscar Lawalata specially designed his Songket collection, hand-crafted using most exclusive materials in Pandai Sikek, West Sumatera. 

Mrs Sendy Yusuf, the Chair of West Java Batik Foundation, is an elegant vision in ivory colored kebaya and Songket.

Oscar Lawalata (IG: @oscarlawalata) presenting Songket (golden thread) from Pandai Sikek, West Sumatera with Jakarta-based socialites all dressed to the nines in his grand creation. 

Ms Sarita Thaib, Indonesian senior model, wears Didiet Maulana. 

Indonesian crème de la crème strutted down the catwalk in the newest collection by Didiet Maulana for Ikat Indonesia. 

The three designers took their final bows at the closing of the show. 

Marcell with his signature voice at the closing show. 

With Mrs Meme Hartoto, Owner of Andika Shipping Lines/former Chair of Indonesian National Shipowners Association.

The fragrant Papuan Coffee from the Papua province can be purchased at the fair.

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