Biyan Wanaatmadja and THE GOODS DEPT Won Pia Alisjahbana Award

Pia Alisjahbana Award is five-yearly recognition, given to creative people who contribute greatly for national fashion industry. Oscar Lawalata, Itang Yunasz, and Cita Tenun Indonesia are among the winners.

This year’s jurors are household names in creative industry. They are Mari Elka Pangestu, Triawan Munaf, Irma Hadisurya, Itang Yunasz, Lynda Ibrahim, and Yoris Sebastian. Obviously, choosing only one of six names nominated in each category was tough. Nevertheless, the long debate of the jury finally came to an end. Individual Category winner went to Biyan Wanaatmadja.

Biyan Wanaatmadja graduated from Mueller & Sohn Privat Mode Schule in Germany and London College of Fashion in the U.K.. After 15 years living in Europe, he retuned home and released three labels. Biyan consistently holds on to his achievement, being a succesful designer commercially. His three prominent labels, BIYAN, Studio 133 by Biyan, and (X) S.M.L., open stores in the most prestigious shopping centers in Jakarta.

"I used to hear that as a profession, designer is a dreamy kind. In fact, dream is not enough. It requires perseverance and persistance. However, I am still doing my job with a sincere heart. It never crossed my mind to be given such recognition," uttered Biyan in his winning speech.

Accompanied by Petty S. Fatimah, Mrs. Pia Alisjahbana presented the Award of Intitution Category that was won by The Goods Dept. The retail store has been the most favorite joint of youngsters or young souls who love quirky style. On the same occation, The Goods Dept. presented some of its leading labels.

"Today, The Goods Dept. has grown to 27 outlets with at least 200 collaborators, including designers and labels. We believe that continously tuning in to technology development and listening to young generation could help Indonesian fashion make a way to global retail market," concluded Anton Wirjono, one of the The Goods Dept. co-founders.

Original writer: Zea Zabrizkie/Reportage Team of Jakarta Fashion Week 2018
Translator: Dolly Sylvia/ Reportage Team of Jakarta Fashion Week 2018