The fashion industry is constantly on the lookout for new trends, whether built from scratch or recycled from eras gone by. Majesté, a newly launched fashion brand, envisions an amalgamation of modesty and poise fit for a first lady.

Anggia Paramita, owner and designer of Majesté, explained she was mainly inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the first lady of the United States from 1961 until her husband John F Kennedy’s death in 1963.

“I picked Jackie O as my muse because I am a fan of her style, which was very classical and sophisticated,” the ESMOD Jakarta graduate said.

Majesté’s debut collection, comprising 15 pieces ranging from tunics to jumpsuits, is titled “Dandelion Lights”. According to Anggia, the dandelion is a symbol of courage, intelligence and strength — traits that are held in high esteem by the brand and herself.

A three-layered top cut from light blue crêpe is embellished with beads arranged in floral shapes on the neckline and sleeves, while a cropped jacket straight out of Mrs. Kennedy’s closet uses two large floral beadings to convey a sense of femininity.

As a styling choice, Majesté offers four alternatives for bottoms. A beige pair of palazzo trousers with floral beading details on the pockets can dress up a simple T-shirt, while a half-pleated skirt is lightly embellished with the same beading detail.

Anggia noted that the floral beading is used throughout the collection because of her love of details.

“I have always loved the little details, even since my days as a model back in high school,” Anggia recalled, adding that she also loved the pastel colors that are clearly on display in the collection.

To compliment Dandelion Lights, Majesté also offers a line of printed voile scarves and minimalist mukena (head-to-toe prayer gown), as a nod to Anggia’s vision of modesty.

However, Anggia designed the pieces in a way that women who might not wear the hijab can wear them as well. 

While conservative styling is a given for hijab-wearing women, looser fits and longer hemlines have been seen on major brands such as Chanel and Valentino as recent as Fall/Winter 2017, around the time Anggia started her research for the collection.

Majesté is also billed as prêt-à-couture on its Instagram page, offering customers made-to-measure services to ensure a better fit. Customers will have to wait approximately two weeks for their piece to arrive. Meanwhile, plus-size customers will also be accommodated, but they will incur additional fees.

The personalized service is essential to snagging prospective clients who might otherwise look at premium foreign brands.

For a new brand, Majesté certainly looks promising, having a central theme and clear target market with a safe choice in color and aesthetic. 

Anggia would certainly do well to improve the quality and finishing of future offerings, as plain topstitching for hems and exposed beadwork stitching can only go so far in the price range. (jlm)

— Photos courtesy of Majesté

Popular

Indonesia not affected by Southeast Asia-wide heat wave: BMKG

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts

In defense of Indonesian democracy