(JP/Indah Setiawati)His slender figure and flawless complexion may even make his own models envious.

Many find it hard to believe that this renowned designer is actually older than he looks. When I shared this with Barli, the 34-year-old designer blushed, “I am glad to know people think I don’t look like my age. It means I still suit the definition of a young designer, right?” Barli laughed.

While busy pursuing his passion for fashion, such as the recent showcase of his ready-to-wear collection at the Plaza Indonesia Fashion Week, he has been careful not let his ambitions rule his life.

By keeping his loved ones close to him, pampering himself when he is tired and organizing his schedule, he ensures his life is in order.

A self-confessed workaholic, with a real passion for his work, Barli said he did not burden himself with targets to join fashion shows just to boost his popularity or gain prestige.

When seeing the achievements of his fellow designers, he would reflect that his time was sure to come.

“I enjoy everything given by Allah. If I am offered an opportunity and feel capable of executing it, I will do it. I don’t look at which designers are participating in what fashion week. I don’t force myself to join certain shows,” he said.

After the Fashion Week showcase, Barli took up his role as Jakarta’s representative for Festival Indonesia in Melbourne, Australia. The annual festival promotes culture, lifestyle and business opportunities in Indonesia and was held from Aug. 10 to Sept. 23.

“This is my second time as Jakarta’s representative for this event, which is similar to Melbourne fashion week,” said Barli, whose portfolio includes an evening gown designed especially for Puteri Indonesia’s 2010 winner, Nadine Alexandra Dewi Ames, for the Miss Universe pageant competition.

His interest in fashion started at an early age. He was surrounded by art and beauty as he was growing up; his grandmother is a Sundanese bridal make-up artist and his mother is a make-up artist and hairdresser. Little Barli even had a room where he could express his penchant for drawing, a subject he excelled at school compared to his other subjects.

 “I have always been fashionable. For example, when I was a kid, I would wear an outfit and match it with my bag. My friends would think I was crazy and say, ‘are you going to school or what?’,” recalled the designer, who is regularly spotted wearing a signature edgy blazer during formal events.

Unfortunately, his dream to become a fashion designer was not always shared by the members of his family, especially his grandparents. “My grandparents wanted me to become a businessman, who sits behind desk. They consider that to be a man’s job,” he said.

But Barli, who made his way into the fashion world 10 years ago, did not back down.

Starting from scratch, he worked hard to prove to his family that he could succeed in the tough and competitive fashion industry.

“I always told my mom that I would be successful. Back in 2002, I only had Rp 3 million [US$313.47] in my hand, I was living in a modest rental house and working as a dressmaker,” he said.

And now, he’s living the dream. He has a boutique in the prestigious Kebayoran Baru area in South Jakarta and has 25 dressmakers in his team. His hard work paid off. His family now recognizes his achievement.

Barli said that family is the most important thing in his life. “When my family has a problem, I am there for them. Other than being a fashion designer, I am just an ordinary person, who needs the support and love of my family and friends,” said the man, who often takes his grandmother or parents out on a Sunday.

Being successful has not stopped him from being friendly and open and sharing his secrets, especially those related to his youthful look.

Barli said that when he attends events abroad, he blends business with pleasure and takes the opportunity to have fun. He also takes time off to visit his favorite places, such as Bandung and Cirebon in West Java or even to Yogyakarta, Bali and Manado to enjoy their signature cuisine.

“I am a perfectionist in my work. If I start to feel tension, I will go and relax. So, I like to go window shopping or to a salon to cheer myself up,” Barli says. His favorite treatments at the salon are hair spa, manicure, pedicure and cream bath and when he is at home he often calls a therapist for a massage or scrub.

Barli said that he is determined to lead a healthy lifestyle — avoiding drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and nightlife — and encourages his staff follow his example. He tries to drink at least eight glasses of water, honey and mangosteen everyday and when he is at work, he avoids getting cranky or angry, when the tension starts to really get to him he stays silent for a moment.

Sleeping well at night helps him to keep a clear mind at work. “I usually perform a sunnah prayer or dzikir (prayer recitals), late at night, so I can get a restful night’s sleep,” he said.

He also tries to be disciplined with his schedule and finishes work at 11 p.m. only stretching it until 2 a.m. during hectic times. “I am not greedy. I thank God for any amount of money I earn and I feel grateful when I can go to the cinema and eat together with my staff.”

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