Running from Oct. 21 to 27 at Senayan City shopping mall, the six-day event is slated to present hundreds of designers from Indonesia and abroad, including from Australia, England, India, Japan, South Korea and Sweden. 

Svida Alisjahbana, JFW head and Femina Group CEO, in her remarks at the opening show on Saturday explained the theme choice to illustrate fashion at its core, which she says is a creative hub of inspiration.

"No other industry encapsulates the importance of having diverse influences and cultural heritage, as well as many different points of view and lifestyle choices as fashion does," Svida said. 

The theme this year takes on Indonesia's strength in diversity to spur creativity, she added. 

"This is the essence of Indonesia and we will never stray from bhinneka dalam berkarya [diversity in creating]," Svida said. 

Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) head Triawan Munaf, who also spoke at the event, underlined his side’s commitment to ensuring government support in developing the country's creative industry, which he said was evidently inspired by the nation's rich cultural heritage.

Triawan added that he was continuously inspired by the wealth of creativity across the country, saying that the development of technology had also helped in strengthening the role of culture in influencing new creations.

"Culture is one of Indonesia's mainstays," Triawan said. 

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Paul Smith, British Council country director in Indonesia, an organization that has supported the annual fashion for six years, echoed the same notion.

Describing Indonesia as the most diverse country in the world, Smith emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity, which can among others be channeled through fashion. 

Smith further pointed out the democratic experience of fashion, which he says is present in everyone's daily life to a certain extent, referring to the process of getting dressed even as an art. 

"It is a little moment of artistic expression," Smith said. 

The opening show presented down the runway 11 chosen Indonesian designers to represent the festival's theme this year. Assorted garments, ranging from wearable designs to avant garde costumes became evidence of Indonesia's fashion potential.

Among them, Ciel's structured fuchsia dress would be a welcomed wardrobe staple, with its flirty one shoulder knee-length easily imagined at parties and special occasions.

Notable fashion house Sebastian Gunawan, meanwhile, presented a feminine mermaid silhouette gown exuding mystery, as the model walked down the runway with an elaborate face-covering headpiece. Bare shoulders are balanced with black long, lace gloves and a matching mesh train lightly sweeping behind.  

Sebastian Gunawan design at the opening of Jakarta Fashion Week 2018 . (JP/Jerry Adiguna)

In contrast, Tex Saverio presented an ethereal white gown, intricately decorated within its every inch, the floor length delicate dress features a peplum waistline and a statement cape that stretches out onto a train.

Anne Avantie stayed true to her signature style, presenting a traditionally inspired jumpsuit, fusing kebaya elements with a twist by featuring a batik train that attaches to a waist belt. 

A model struts down the catwalk wearing an Anne Avantie design at the opening show of Jakarta Fashion Week 2018. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)

Other designers featured were Edward Hutabarat, Sapto Djojokartiko, Major Minor, Bin House, Itang Yunasz, Rinaldy A. Yunardi and Toton. (kes)