Tuesday, September 15 2009 was a long-awaited day for all 20 Fashion Design Competition (LPM) semifinalists. After having been shortlisted from 202 applicants, the semifinalists were then challenged to present their design concepts in front of a panel of judges. They also had to materialize a garment selected by the judges based on the design criteria as well as the level of intricacy involved in its construction.
It is not easy to translate a sketch into a 3 dimensional ready-to-wear garment but the semifinalists managed to present innovative if not awe-inspiring creations. Only here will you find a 2-in-1 gown made out of a songket textile from Makassar, a kimono-style sarong, a lurik cloth poncho or even a modified Balinese woven textile done in such a way to exude glamour.
The panel of judges—Sebastian Gunawan (Designer), Petty S. Fatimah (Editor In Chief of Femina Magazine/ Representative of Femina Group), Taruna K. Kusmayadi (Designer/ Head of APPMI), Ninuk Pambudy (Senior Editor of Kompas) and Timur Angin (Photographer)—gave scores on the basis of creativity, originality, wearability and commercial appeal.
Furthermore, the semifinalists also had to answer a series of grueling questions on the concept and practicality of the designs when worn by a model. “How much would you price the garment?” and “Is it difficult to sit in this garment?” were some of the questions that made the semifinalists nervous.
Bearing in mind that the focus of this competition is ready-to-wear, comfort is one of the main criteria considered by the judges. Ready-to-wear as a concept may be manifested as daywear or eveningwear but the application of each garment is entirely up to each designer’s individual interpretation.
The panel of judges had announced 10 finalists, who will be required to undergo a fitting session with designers Sebastian Gunawan and Taruna K. Kusmayadi prior to the final elimination round. The 10 Fashion Design Competition 2009 (LPM) finalists are:
- Albert Garry Yanuar, 24, Jakarta, ESMOD – Percampuran Budaya (Culture Mix)
- Bethania Agustha Tamsir, 19, Tangerang, ESMOD – Mood Swing
- Denise Kristi Trisna, 25, Jakarta, Susan Budihardjo; Abinieri Ang – Contradictive
- Elizabeth Myra Juliarti, 33, Jakarta, ESMOD – Culture Rocks!
- Galih Prakarsa, 19, Jakarta, Susan Budihardjo – Mahadewata
- Imelda Kartini, 23, Jakarta, ESMOD – Impossible-Possible
- Kursien Karzai, 29, Jakarta, Interstudy – Save The Forest
- Reviansyah Al Hamidi, 22, Jakarta, ESMOD – Papua Nugini’s Gold (Papua New Guinea’s Gold)
- Vinora Ng, 20, Jakarta, ESMOD – Edito
- Vonny Chynthia Kirana, 22, Jakarta, ESMOD – Indonesian Beauty
The final round is scheduled on November 19, 2009 as part of Jakarta Fashion Week 09/10 that will commence on November 14, 2009.