WORDS Novia D. Rulistia PHOTOS Arief Suhardiman

Which style suits you best? Modest or sexy? Futuristic or traditional? Simple or complex?

Just pick the one you love, as the overall styles are now available at Galeries Lafayette Jakarta, thanks to 14 rising local designers who recently showcased their latest creations at “Fashion Lab Third Edition”, presented by Galeries Lafayette and Indonesia Fashion Forward (IFF).

Fashion Lab is a program where designers are given opportunities to showcase their collections to broader audience. Their designs represent the new identity of Galeries Lafayette, “The New Chic”, in bringing out energy with a young, fresh and edgy concept.

The designers, Andhita Siswandi, Bateeq, Billi Tjong, Byo, Day and Night, D’leia, Ellyhan, I.K.Y.K., LOTUZ, MILCAH, Paulina Katarina, Rani Hatta, SOE and Tertia, showcased some of their ready-to-wear collections at a trunk show on April 28.

A wide range of couture was presented during the show; from cocktail gowns, work outfits and Muslim wear to quality handmade accessories.

Billy Tjong brought two looks to the runway, showcasing his love for painting as well as his ability to design clothes that can help busy women stay fashionable from morning until the evening.

“The collection features digital prints of my own drawings that are inspired by the coloring process in a beauty salon,” he said.

A combination of flared skirt featuring abstract drawings and black top ornaments in the front part of the neck will help bring out the confidence of those who wear it.

His other offerings included a white sleeveless blouse sporting abstract drawing in the lower part and a shift dress that combines abstraction with the atmosphere of a fine snowy night.

“This is the first time I showcased my collection outside the online platform. With a price that’s slightly more expensive than my other collections, this collection is more exclusive, as it’s made from better material,” Billy said.

Day and Night presented its Spring/Summer 2016 collection, highlighting works that were mostly done by hand. The designs only came in two colors: Black and white. The details explored by designer Yelly Lumentu made each item in the collection authentic.

For example, Yelly offered a two-piece outfit that boasted laser-cut puzzle pieces sewn by hand for semi-casual occasions. The use of black fabric belt spruced up the look perfectly.

Tommy Ambiyo Tedji with his BYO label played with shapes for his “Hex” collection. The clutch featured Tommy’s signature hexagonal design, made of PVC and fleece polyester lining.

“The Hex collection is a way to bring further the futuristic concept in my design,” Tommy said.

The hand-woven clutches are available both bold colors, but BYO also provides the neutral ones that can fit in any style.

The Fashion Lab was launched internationally in Berlin in 2004 as Labo Mode, with the support of well-known international design powerhouses such as Sonia Rykiel, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Sisi Wasabi.

After a series of successful runs, Galeries Lafayette turned the program into a spotlight for young, unknown creators to present their collections while giving them the aid and know-how to sell to a wider market.

Svida Alisjahbana of IFF said the creativity of the designers along with their positioning, pricing and manufacturing knowledge of their products were reasons they had been selected to showcase their designs at Fashion Lab in Jakarta.

“Designers who book the biggest sales in terms of both volume and value at the end of this program may get a permanent spot at Galeries Lafayette, just like Major Minor and Yosafat Dwi Kurniawan,” Svida said, referring to some Fashion Lab alumni.

Apart from getting a spot in the France-based department store’s Jakarta’s outpost, local designers who took part in the program can prove that they also have that world-class quality in them.

Triawan Munaf, the chief of the Creative Economy Agency who attended the show, agreed with Svida, saying that such event would give young designers a dose of confidence.

“They might have had doubts when they started, but as they go along and participate in this process, they can be more confident,” Triawan said. “Such a program also serves as an ideal platform to reflect and to improve themselves so as to thrive.”

Galeries Lafayette marketing head Melissa Ann Tjahyadikarta expressed a similar sentiment.

“Fashion Lab is held annually to provide direction to young designers in the Indonesian fashion industry and also as a give-back program to support the development of Indonesian designers,” Melissa said.

This article was sponsored by Galeries Lafayette.

Fashion Lab 3rd Edition
Until May 31
Galeries Lafayette Jakarta, Pacific Place Mall, SCBD
galerieslafayette.co.id
@lafayettejkt

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