Barli Asmara's Latest Collection Is All About Beauty and Elegance
Jakarta. Young and vibrant designer Barli Asmara presented 14 elegant and glamorous evening gowns, mainly in white and silver, when he returned to the Indonesia Fashion Week catwalk with his latest collection, "Dazzling," on Saturday (31/03).
Inspired by women's fashion from the Renaissance era, "Dazzling" showcases women's romanticism, sensuality and femininity.
The designer took the audience back to the fashion scene of the 14th century by incorporating ribbons, sequins, embroidery and fringes into his outfits. However, his styles appear more stridently unique than outdated.
A white evening gown embellished with intricate tulle pleats, beaded with Swarovski crystals and covered in beautiful embroideries around the décolletage area, was the highlight of Saturday's show.
Barli's artistic approach does not only comprise beauty, but also incorporates unique stories behind his collection.
"I am very conservative. Creating something beautiful and long lasting is very hard. To me, the stories will add more value to the dresses I made for the collection," he said.
"Dazzling" was a stark contrast with his previous collection, which offered minimalist silhouettes and constructions. Barli said he experiments with new approaches in designing his collections.
"I definitely played more with beading work, embroideries and asymmetric silhouettes for my [new] collection. With the intricate work and detail, my team and I have spent more than two months to create it," he said.
Barli said he wanted his collection to be different from what he used to show at previous editions of Indonesia Fashion Week.
"I like to experiment with materials, new styles, and creative techniques. I think as a designer, it is important to always be different and stand out," he said.
Passionate Designer
Born in Bandung, West Java, in March 1978, Barli has always been fascinated in art and fashion and these passions had grown inside him since he was still at school.
Following his dream to become a fashion designer, he started his high-end ready-to-wear and couture label Barli Asmara in 2002.
He has since won multiple awards as his fashion career grew and matured. As the label proved its quality and beauty, Barli was selected as one of the best Indonesia fashion designers by Dewi Magazine in 2008.
Barli is also known for incorporating Indonesia's traditional fabrics into his designs.
Through his exquisite collections, he has successfully displayed his ability to present alluring fashion details and to perfectly incorporate embroidery, macramé and smocking in his carefully handmade garments.
Among the awards he has won are The Best Choice Dewi Knights (2010 and 2011), Amica Young Talented Designer Award (2009), Elle Designer of the Year (2009), The Best 20 Designers for High End Masterpieces, and Kartika Magazine's Best Designer of the Year.
The designer currently owns and manages three labels: B Homme (high-end men's wear); B by Barli Asmara (modest wear); and Barli Asmara (women's wear).
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