Heirloom, Javatemple borrow from the past

Prodita Sabarini ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 03/16/2008 3:41 PM  |  Lifestyle

(JP/Berto Wedhatama)

One of the names is about vintage clothing and the other one traditional Indonesian fabrics.

Both emphasize nostalgia and cultural heritage.

The new labels -- Heirloom is four years old and Javatemple five -- held an exclusive fashion showcase at D'Galerie caf*, South Jakarta, impressing the women in the audience with their collections.

Heirloom showed a selection of fifties-style belted dresses, while Javatemple showed modern kebaya and batik blouses. Tasha D gioielli provided the accessories.

Heirloom's collection was refreshing. The label's slogan is "chic vintage".

Mira and Chicco, the motor behind the label did creative things to their vintage dresses. One can easily imagine slipping into a red-and-white-striped Heirloom hourglass embellished with colorful beaded embroidery for a cocktail party.

Javatemple took a turn toward refinement. Perfect for a formal wedding reception, the collection's waist-length kebayas with shiny-sequin-on-soft-chiffon appliqu* are paired with traditional batik sarongs.

(JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

Elegant but safe, the pieces are nicely done and wearable, not fashion genius.

Vintage and cultural heritage is tricky. It means fashion innovation on the one hand and brings the past to life. But there are also pitfalls here for fashion houses and designers.

Javatemple is owned by Fiona Surjauaja, Helda Santoso, Karina Nugroho and Karina Suklan.

"We cooperate with batik makers across the country," Ms. Nugroho said.

The label had in-house designers, she said, and would remain wrapped up in batik, ikat and similar Indonesian cloths for now.

Where did the beautiful fabric come from? "We scoured Indonesia."

The vintage dresses of Heirloom owners Chicco and Mira have been cunningly retouched. Floral embroidery and batik touch-ups are a signature.

(JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

They were also creative with belts. Most of their vintage dresses are wide fifties-style dresses, which are best complemented with big belts. Mira and Chicco had fun with the belts, using everything from leather to vintage neckties.

Mira, said the dresses came from flea markets around the world. "Garage sales will also do."

She said going vintage was a good thing for the environment.

"It's eco-fashion in the sense that we don't produce new clothes. We re-use and modify old clothes into something new, which reduces the use of hazardous chemicals."

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