The Work of Three Designers JFW 10/11 for First Lady

Jakarta, 10 November 2010. The arrival of U.S. President, Barack Obama, and U.S. first lady, Michelle Obama, to Indonesia this week is more than a political visit. Sebastian Gunawan, Priyo Oktaviano and Auguste Soesastra, whose work appeared on the runway of Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 10/11, had the opportunity to exhibit their work to Michelle Obama during a visit to the Presidential House, or Istana Merdeka, on 09 November 2010.

“It is my honor and pleasure to showcase my work to the first lady of U.S., as well as to meet and shake hands with her,” recounts Sebastian who participated in JFW 10/11 at the BNI presents Cita Tenun Indonesia show on Monday, 08 November 2010. At the request of the Presidential House, Sebastian specially designed two outfits; a ¾ batik coat in light blue and yellow along with brokat dress and off white batik.

Auguste Soesastro also expressed his honour for being chosen to participate in this occasion. “It felt very rewarding when Michelle Obama said thank you”, explains the young designer who is based in New York. Auguste’s work is a product of collaboration with Rumah Pesona Kain. The outfit comprises a jacket and a scarf that are made of West Sumatra’s silk tenun songket in reddish orange and magenta. The jacket is paired with black silk pants. The jacket’s motif is specially designed so that there is no leftover of fabrics by implementing a couture wear’s technique that was often practiced in the 60’s.

Do not miss out on Auguste Soesastro’s Kromo collection in JFW 10/11, on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 15:00.

In other respects, Priyo Oktaviano explores the culture of Bali for his collection. Priyo collaborated with Cita Tenun Indonesia and Garuda Indonesia by incorporating songket and endek material that are produced from the village of Sidemen, Bali. These materials are transformed into a sleeveless dress in purple along with long coat in fuschia and purple. “I noticed that Michelle Obama is fond of bright exotic colors, and she really listened to the explanations of each designer who participated in the occasion”, recalls Priyo. Priyo Oktaviano’s collection, that is selected as one of the participating designers of Dewi Fashion Knights, will be exhibited at JFW on 12 November 2010 at 19.00