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Fashion competition seeks young designers with strong personalities
First launched in 2013, the competition aims to nurture local talent as well as providing them with access to industry players and the international stage.
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In the past five years, a number of talented fashion designers, such as Peggy Hartanto, Sheila Agatha Wijaya, Cynthia Fransisca, Audrey Chairunissa and Willsen Willim, took part in the competition.
(Shutterstock/File)
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egistration for the 2019 Harper’s Bazaar Asia NewGen Fashion Award (ANFA), a fashion competition initiated collectively by Harper’s Bazaar magazines in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, officially opened on Wednesday.
First launched in 2013, the competition aims to nurture local talent as well as providing them with access to industry players and the international stage.
In the past five years, a number of talented fashion designers, such as Peggy Hartanto, Sheila Agatha Wijaya, Cynthia Fransisca, Audrey Chairunissa and Willsen Willim, took part in the competition.
ANFA is not merely a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their ideas and work, it is also designed to hone the participants’ skills in every aspect related to fashion design and branding.
After completing the national level, two finalists will participate at regional level, allowing them to compete against young designers from other countries.
On Wednesday, Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia editor-in-chief Ria Lirungan said registration would be opened until Jan. 14 and, in the first phase, the committee would look for original designs with a strong concept and DNA.
“Most of the winners [already] have strong personalities,” said Ria, adding that they were searching for designers who understood history and produced works with good workmanship and a business plan.
Those wanting to participate can access the form via Harper’s Bazaar’s website. The competition welcomes aspiring designers in the last year of university or graduates.
“One of the prizes in the regional ANFA is a master’s degree,” said Ria. “It will be a waste if they have yet to graduate [from university].”
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Twenty semifinalists will be given the opportunity to present their work in front of a jury that comprises fashion experts, such as designers and stylists, while 10 finalists will join a coaching session while developing their work.
“The sketches might transform into something different as members of the jury will coach them throughout the process,” said Ria.
For the final, participants will need to create five looks, comprising footwear and attire. The collection will be presented during Plaza Indonesia Fashion Week at Plaza Indonesia shopping center, Central Jakarta, in March.
“Plaza Indonesia will choose one finalist to have a fashion show the following year,” said Ria.
As for the upcoming ANFA, she hopes to see something different. “The younger generation tends to [produce] streetwear,” said Ria, adding that she hoped to unearth another Sebastian Gunawan or Biyan.
Andandika Surasetja, ANFA’s regional runner-up, said the competition had helped him to discover his hidden potential.
The designer added that he had previously assumed that tone-on-tone was his strength, however, after taking part in ANFA, he discovered another side to himself.
“ANFA did not change me, but it has strengthened my personality,” Andandika said. (wng)
