From Indonesia Fashion Forward to Fashion Diplomacy

 Good Evening, Ambassadors, Distinguished Guests, and Fashion Lovers,
 
We have come to the end of this year’s, our ninth year, Jakarta Fashion Week 2017. Very soon, we will see the best designers for this year, the Dewi Fashion Knights, as chosen by the editors of Dewi Magazine and a select independent panels. But allow me to ponder for just a bit.
 
It has become even more evident that the incubation program Indonesia Fashion Forward has reached new heights as it has become even more matured. The trained designers have grown from strength to strength and we have heard that buyers from very prestigious American retail companies, following the footsteps of those based in Britain, Europe and Japan, have made orders. The international collaborations that we actively promote have also contributed to the growing strength of our designers.
 
This year Jakarta Fashion Week made further inroad in promoting sustainable and ethical fashion through our #FAIR movement by featuring designers, experts and companies from countries as diverse as India, Britain and Sweden. At times, the discussion was very passionate and intense, but it was essential for progress. This is a topic that we are committed and will continue to promote despite the complexity and challenges.
 
Yesterday we saw very concretely that our event has become a key part in what maybe called as “fashion diplomacy”, a term which was promoted by the Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, who made a courtesy visit to see the works of some our designers. Indeed, through fashion industry, both Indonesia and Australia can foster closer relationship – with benefits beyond mere economic considerations (even though it is of course an important factor). We believe by working together in fashion, both countries can further push the values of diversity and creativity through a very vibrant, fun, and indeed beautiful field.
 
Last, I want to thank all of our sponsors and partners who have stood by us despite the challenging economic situation facing our country at the moment. Without your support, there will be no Jakarta Fashion Week this year.
 
We want to thank Bapak Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and Ibu Veronica from the Municipal Government of Jakarta for their support, Bapak Triawan Munaf from Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Bapak Enggar Lukito from the Department of Trade, and Bapak Airlangga Hartarto from the Ministry of Industry.
 
We would also extend our gratitude to the Ambassadors of Great Britain, Australia, Thailand, South Korea, India, and Sweden, as well our cooperation directly with the Japan Fashion Week Organization: who have played instrumental roles in various exchange programs carried out by their respective Cultural Centers needed for building the ecosystem of fashion industry in Indonesia, as well as the respected countries.
 
We also want to express our appreciation to various learning fashion institutions from overseas, as well as domestic, including Istituto Marangoni, Abineri Ang, Binus Northumbria School of Design, Istituto Moda Burgo, LaSalle College, Esmod, Universitas Media Nusantara and London School of Public Relations. 
 
Our deepest gratitude also to the Association of Fashion Designers of APPMI (Asosiasi Perancang Pengusaha Mode Indonesia) and IFC (Indonesian Fashion Chamber). 
 
We are deeply indebted to our sponsors and partners.  First, of course, many thanks to Senayan City, which is our venue partner for the fourth time and next year. 
 
We want to thank Wardah Cosmetics, L'Oréal Professionnel, CIMB Niaga , Matahari Department Store, UBS Gold, Dulux, GIV, Softener So Klin, Systema Oral Care, Top Coffee, Make Over, Epson, BliBli.com, Batik Air, Rumah Luwih, Aqua Reflections, Fashion Valet, Carlo Rino, Bakmie Mewah, and so many more partners that due to time, we are not able to mention here one by one.  From our deepest heart, thank you for this fantastic partnership!
 
Not to forget the fantastic team under the helm of Lenni Tedja and her Jakarta Fashion Week team, Azura Production Team and F&G Model & Talent Management Agency.  Last but not least, I want to thank all of my colleagues within the Femina Group – for all the hard work.
 
Thank you all!
 
Enjoy the show!

Svida Alisjahbana
Chairman of Jakarta Fashion Week/CEO of Femina Group