Jakarta. For most of us, food means more than just sustenance. Food, when created with love and passion, can be a source of inspiration and creativity.

Jun Mardian Sugandhi, chief executive of ready-to-wear brand (X) S.M.L, has always been an avid foodie. He loves to dine out and try new restaurants everywhere he goes.

In February, the entrepreneur was delighted to find an outlet of casual dining restaurant Pancious in Plaza Indonesia, the same mall as one of his boutiques.

"I love their pastas and pancakes so much that I always come back for more," Jun said.

The restaurant's delicious food sparked his curiosity and Jun sought out the owner, Francisca Tjong. The first meeting went well, with the foodies sharing their passion for business.

Francisca and her siblings first launched Pancious in Permata Hijau, South Jakarta, in 2007 focusing first on pancakes. Today, the restaurant has extended its menu to include steaks, burgers and pastas, while boasting 15 outlets in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Makassar.

Jun, meanwhile, took control of the fashion brand from senior fashion designer Biyan Wanaatmadja earlier this year. Since then, he has revamped the brand and collaborated with local and international designers for new collections. Jun currently manages 12 12 (X) S.M.L boutiques in Indonesia and Singapore, with an aim to bring Indonesian fashion to a wider global market.

"We're both local brands with similar vision, missions and target market," said Jun. "So, I was saying, 'Let's do something different.’"

Francisca liked the idea.

"I've known (X) S.M.L for 17 year and worn some of their items since I was a teenager," she said. "I also admire Pak Jun, who dares to innovate. I’d love to do a collaboration with him.”

The restaurateur has created a series of new dishes, drinks and desserts inspired by (X) S.M.L signature monochromes.

Among the news mains at Pancious is a squid ink risotto, which looks intriguing at first with its jet black color. But a whiff of its delectable aroma will rid any hesitations. The risotto is cooked al denete and flavored richly with savory squid ink.

The restaurant has also added new drinks to its menu, including the lychee charcoal lemonade, high in antioxidants. Activated charcoal, lemon juice and lychees combine in a mix of sweet and sour flavors.

For dessert, Pancious offers a new ricotta and raspberry pancake. The black pancake is flavored with sweet cocoa and blends nicely with the raspberry jam, vanilla ice cream and ricotta cheese toppings.

(X) S.M.L on the other hand, has created a series of cocktail dresses for its fall/winter 2016 collection, which are inspired by the Pancious creative twists on its menu.

"(X) S.M.L is known for its black-and-white styles," said Jun. "But we try to be daring this time by presenting [dresses in] red color, just like the color of chili on [Pancious'] pastas."

(X)S.M.L's cocktail dresses are chic and elegant. The simple silhouettes are adorned with discreetly placed ruffles, which augment the wearer's feminine charms.

Both Pancious' new dishes and (X)S.M.L fall/winter 2016 collection were introduced to Jakarta's foodies and fashionistas at Plaza Indonesia, on Wednesday (26/10), in a fashion show/menu presentation event themed "La Storia del Banchetto" ("The Story of The Banquet.")

“The new dishes have unique, delicious tastes,” said Ario Astungkoro, host of the Foodgasm radio program on Hard Rock FM, who attended the event. "(X) S.M.L new dresses are equally adorable. Good quality fabrics highlight their classic modern styles."

"I think the idea is really cool," Ario said. "These local brands are supporting each other through their products and promotions."