Sumatra's Hand-Woven Textiles Open Indonesia Fashion Week 2018
Jakarta. North Sumatra's traditional textile, ulos, took center stage at Indonesia Fashion Week in Jakarta on Wednesday (28/03).
Top Indonesian designers, Merdi Sihombing, Ivan Gunawan, Ghea Pangabean and Sikie Purnomo, turned the fabric into modern ready-to-wear collections by combining it with faux fur, tutu, tassels and intricate beadwork, mixing up ethnic traditions with modern flair.
The show began with Merdi's collection themed "Toba," in which he used ulos for casual shirts, blazers, pants and summer dresses. With their ethnic tinge, the loose-fitting, asymmetrically cut pieces in khaki, soft pink, light grey and red are also suitable for special occasions.
The show was followed by Ivan's collection "Great Toba," in which he transformed ulos into elegant pastel dresses and professional attire.
"I made the collection very simple, with clean cuts, to highlight the ulos fabric more."
Ghea chose to have her show bolder and more vivid.
The designer, who has been present in the fashion industry for 38 years, is known for her consistency in promoting heritage motifs and textiles, which she translates into contemporary looks.
Her newest collection, titled "Horas," was inspired by the culture of the Batak people living in the region of Lake Toba.
She combined ulos with gorga, a traditional motif found in Batak architecture, which inspired her upon a visit to North Sumatra.
"I love traveling and I always find myself mesmerized by our beautiful textiles. My husband comes from the Lake Toba region, and as I haven't used ulos in my collections before, I thought it would be great to try something new."
Ghea's bohemian collection of skirts, dresses and outerwear was dominated by saturated tones of pink, mauve, orange and blue.
Besides ulos, she used chiffon, organza, jersey and satin.
The show concluded with Sikie's glamorous collection marrying Victorian-style outfits and Batak tradition.
Dark pieces with high collars, leg-o-mutton sleeves and ruffles were adorned with golden, black and burgundy embroideries, fur and statement jewelry, which added to the already luxurious and couture look.
Indonesia Fashion Week at the Jakarta Convention Center ends on April 1.
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