New York Fashion Week has officially commenced and FW19′ has come full force. On Thursday, February 7th designers Dian Pelangi, Zakaria Hamzah. Itang Yunasz and Maggie Hutauruk displayed their collections at Industria for Indonesian Diversity at NYFW.
Indonesian Diversity in cooperation with Indonesia Fashion Gallery presented four top designers straight from Indonesia. All four designers put stunning cultural twists on modern and on-trend fashions to NYFW.
Designer Dian Pelangi opened the show with the collection titled “Social Love,” a play on Instagram or social media fashion culture. “Women rocking a hijab should be still able to represent the modern, dynamic, and sporty street style typical of Manhattan.” shared Pelangi backstage.
As far as blending culture with today’s “social media fashion” Pelangi nailed it. I, alongside many in the audience, found myself in awe at the designs that came down the runway. Everything from the vibrant yet simple color scheme of pink, yellow, black and white boasted on-trend. Some looks are paired with small framed shades and an Adidas fanny pack which have become staples in NYC street style looks. The brilliant designs allow hijab-wearing women to maintain modesty in street style fashion at their will.
Designer Itang Yunasz brought a batik, a traditional print of Indonesia, and bohemian style together. To make the batik print is an art form itself. Batik print made by brushing hot wax onto a cloth and then following the wax brushing by dyeing the fabric; this leaves an elaborate pattern on the fabric. Yunasz’s collection showed beautiful, luxurious designs detailed with crystal embroidery. The bohemian aspect was apparent in the individual pieces with silk organza and tulle full length flowing dresses.
At first glance, there’s a uniformity to Yunasz’s collection. However, when presented as a whole, the collection is a lovely representation of an Indonesian art form meets “boho-chic.” What makes Yunasz’s collection incredible is the intricate detailing of the crystal embroidery and batik technique used to make each piece unique.
2 Madison Avenue founded by designer Maggie Hutauruk brought looks from around the world. Drawing inspiration from Africa, Japan, Spain, and NYC Hutauruk’s collection had vibrant colors, new silhouettes, and textile designs.
2 Madison Avenue is known for artsy, modern style leaning towards editorial fashion using traditional Indonesian fabrics that are locally made. The different colors and textures made the collection stand out during the show. Every look that came down the runway was fun to see.
Designer Zakaria Hamzah closed the show with his collection, Alleira Batik. Alleira Batik, one of the largest Batik retailers in Indonesia, is known for presenting batik as wearable modern fashion. Hamzah brought sophisticated styles to the runway with tunics, structured jackets, and a jaw-dropping pantsuit.
The gorgeous prints used in the Alleira Batik collection stayed true Indonesian culture with a traditional color scheme of red, aqua blues, and burgundy hues. The Alleira Batik collection displayed well cultivated, cosmopolitan, wearable looks that graced the runway.
It is incredible to see two cultures collide in the world of fashion. I will most definitely be keeping an eye out for more from these designers.