‘I don’t miss the rumors and jealousy back home’

There have been glimpses of Indonesian textiles – a swatch of batik here, an ikat shawl there – on international catwalks over the years. But it was Medan-born Farah Angsana who made headlines as the first Indonesian designer to present her Indonesian-inspired haute couture collection during the major Paris shows in 2002. She continues to live abroad, commuting between homes in Zurich and New York, where she showed her spring 2010 collection during New York Fashion Week in September. “Despite today’s economic crisis, I believe that as long as you create high-quality products, people will still buy your creations,” says Farah, who was scheduled to show her bridal collection in the Big Apple in mid-October. “We will survive these difficult times. I feel I am blessed and looking forward to what life may bring me.” Although Farah rarely makes it back to her homeland, she remembers many aspects of it fondly (and some things she would rather forget), as she reveals here, and has a grand plan to take her and Indonesia’s name to the very height of fashion.
   

Illustration by Martin Dima

My mood right now …
Stressed and happy at the same time.
 
In a word, I am
Ambitious.
 
My best trait …
Challenging and adventurous.
 
And worst …
Impatience!
 
I’m happiest …
Surrounded by my family and close friends.
 
And saddest …
When saying goodbye.
 
The love of my life is …
My supportive, patient and intelligent husband.
 
My inspiration …
Cultures, heroes and heroines.
 
I would never …
Steal or betray.
 
If I could change the world …
I would help underprivileged children to receive great educations in order to create a better place for tomorrow’s world. Help nurture peace in the world to end hate and prejudice.

The height of fashion is …
Knowing your work has been well received and recognized by the global market.

And depths …
To maintain one’s place at the top.

Favorite clothing …
Lingerie.

I’ll never wear (again) …
A skimpy transparent dress.

I laugh at …
Anything funny. I just love to laugh.

And cry at …
Underprivileged people who are living in poverty and those who are sick or disabled.

People would be surprised to know …
That I am down to earth, friendly, sensitive and forgiving.

I’m bored by …
Boring questions, inexperienced people and waiting for something or someone.

I still have to …
Bring the Farah Angsana label to the next level as a global brand and one day as a public company. Also to build my own charity foundation to raise funds for those in need.

I react to criticism …
Very well, calmly and wisely.

What I miss most about Indonesia …
The 3Fs – family, friends and food.

And what I don't miss …
Rumors, jealousy, manipulators and backstabbers!

The unforgivable is …
I forgive everything. I am a Buddhist.

Favorite places in the world …
Besides my own bedroom, Bali, New York, the Hamptons, St. Barts, Sardinia and many other places that bring me joy.

Simple pleasures in life …
Getting enough sleep and being around my family and close friends.

Favorite foods …
I love all kind of foods, from pete (stink beans) to Beluga caviar.

And the one I really can’t stand …
Greasy, dirty junk food.

Favorite song …
At the moment “I Look to You” by Whitney Houston. It’s about someone we look to during bad moments in our life. In my case, I looked to my mom when I went through several tough times in my life. Unfortunately, she passed away from pancreatic cancer last year, but every time I listen to the song, I think of her. I feel like she’s always around me. The love I have for my mom is an eternal one, and no one could take that away.

And movie …
Gone with the Wind. Everyone knows it’s about a woman who has to fight for her life time after time. The story of a survivor with a strong personality and someone who was challenged throughout her life … I’ve had to deal with many obstacles in my life, but I am very content at this present moment in my life … I fought hard and in my career, I worked hard. It wasn’t like I was an overnight success. I had to prove myself to the professionals in my industry …

Two people I would love to invite over for dinner …
Albert Einstein and Nostradamus, with Indonesian food on the menu.

Favorite gadget?
It really depends if it’s for business or pleasure. For pleasure, it will be my oversized “Osim” massage chair. For business, it is my BlackBerry and mobile phones.

Biggest fear for the world …
World war and natural disasters.

Life motto …
To be the best.

My gravestone will read …
Survivor.

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