Finding the Best Talents in “A Journey to the World”

Dewi Fashion Knights never fails to be the sweet ending for the yearly event Jakarta Fashion Week. Aside from being the leading platform for Indonesian fashion talents, Dewi Fashion Knights has also become one of the most awaited shows throughout Jakarta Fashion Week. This year, Dewi magazine proudly presents the seventh Dewi Fashion Knights on Friday evening, 7 November 2014, in Fashion Tent Jakarta Fashion Week.

Unlike in the previous years, the designers for Dewi Fashion Knights this time were assessed by Dewi magazine team together with Dewi Fashion Panel, which comprises of Jati Hidayat (Director of Editorial Department of Femina Group), Mia Egron (Board Director & Chief Commercial Officer of Plaza Indonesia), and Andien (Singer & Fashion Influencer). The criteria of assessment include design character, craftsmanship, innovation, consistency, appeal, and tremendous potential. 

Dewi Fashion Knights this year is entitled “A Journey to the World”. According to Ni Luh Sekar, the Chief Community Officer of Dewi magazine, the theme tells the journey of the exploration of the senses and the soul. For the five chosen designers—Auguste Susastro, Nur Zahra, Priyo Oktaviano, Sapto Djojokartiko, and Vinora Ng.—the world is indeed a limitless source to explore their creativity.

The show began with a special segment by PermataBank Priority in collaboration with Iwan Tirta Private Collection. It featured twelve mesmerizing designs with classic inggil batik motifs which were the specialty of Iwan Tirta, the maestro of fashion. After that, the collections of the fashion knights were one by one revealed on the runway.

Priyo Oktaviano was the first fashion knight who displayed his designs. With a strong desire to transform denim into high fashion, the designer took inspiration from the exoticism of Africa and came up with “African Blu”. This collection reconstructed denim, which is identic with casual style, into something more feminine and elegant by combining it with other materials such as silk, chiffon, and linen. Moreover, Oktaviano exhibited his exquisite craftsmanship in various details like the artistic laser cut, pleats, draperies, embroideries, and studs made of large crystal stones which looked beautiful side by side with traditional Javanese striped pattern (lurik). The nuance of the African wilderness was presented through the applications of bird feathers and wild flowers motif on blue and dark colored apparel.

The second designer, Vinora, translated the coldness of the very end of the hemisphere, Arctic and Antarctic, into various clothing in cool white monochromatic color. This collection was dominated by basic pieces such as shirts and tailored jackets with strong construction. The application of raw fabric cut resulted in a very special look.

Nur Zahra took a nuance from the cultural diversity of Navajo Indian community. This was apparent through a wide variety of typical Indian capes in blue and brown. Jumpsuits with jackets and baggy overalls with tassel at the bottom became the highlights for the wearers.

Auguste Susastro seemed as if he was showing the superiority of Russian Tsars through his bold designs. Tailored pants and jackets did not lose their feminine side in the hands of Susastro. Meanwhile, simple white tops looked totally different with a long cascade on the back.

The last fashion knight who displayed his works was Sapto Djojokartiko. The designer got his inspiration from the life of Mata Hari, one of the most famous women in the mid-20th century. His interpretation arose in modern silhouettes which appeared luxurious with intricate crystal beading motifs and applications. As a result, long dresses or combinations of pants and jackets appeared very sophisticated.