Courtesy of Indonesia Film CenterSamuel Wattimena says that books have been his close friends, although the prominent fashion designer says that he hasnât had much time to read, considering his schedule over the last five years
Samuel Wattimena says that books have been his close friends, although the prominent fashion designer says that he hasn't had much time to read, considering his schedule over the last five years.
He finds that books and magazines that focus on fashion suit him better.
'I've read most of the fashion books, so, I don't really feel the necessity to read them again. Books of images, or magazines, are more interesting,' says the 54 year old.
Since 1985, Samuel has been focusing his work on using traditional fabrics across the country. Currently, he is developing ikat woven fabrics from the Tanimbar region of Southeast Maluku in the eastern part of Indonesia.
His aim is to empower local weavers for a better quality of life and bring Indonesian traditional clothes with international flavor to the world.
'Ethnic Dress', by Frances Kennett
It is a very thick book that contains all kinds of information about fashion of people around the world. You can get images of people's style from Africa, Asia and all parts of the world. It's valuable knowledge. Plus, I also love the colors. The book provides me with [images of] colorful clothing.
Fashion magazines
I'm more into images now, instead of reading books. Magazines, both local and international, give me what I need. They can be a reference, too, when I communicate my designs to local weavers.
There's an international magazine that covers Indonesian woven clothes. The magazine also exposed Dries van Noten's works that used Indonesian fabrics. It's really a booster for me to get more creative.
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