Whether through his fashion creations or TV appearances, Ivan Gunawan appeals to people of different ages and backgrounds, captivating women with his elegant gown and bridal collections. He also creates trendy and affordable batik wears for youngsters under his ready-to-wear line Jajaka while still managing to provide insight into fashion and jokes on the up-and-coming singers of a televised dangdut singing competition. Despite this busy schedule, he allocates certain weeks to look after his Jajaka store in Bali. “The customers, who come from the US, South Korea and Japan, often ask me the story behind the batik motifs on the clothes. I am pleased to meet people who appreciate my work.”

Myself in three words…

Big, humorous and clingy.

My best quality…

Perfectionist and punctual.

My worst quality…

I often eat too much and care too much about other people’s feelings. As a result, I often hesitate to take a firm decision.

Fashion for me…

My needs and livelihood.

My biggest supporters…

My mother and my employees…

Designers I look up to…

I like fashion designers who possess a high entrepreneurial spirit like Biyan and Sebastian Gunawan. In this era, if we only produce good designs without having the abilities to promote our products and manage the business side, we will fail.

My best experience…

I feel that all of the experiences throughout my 12 years in the fashion world, whether they were good or bad, have taught me valuable lessons. I am proud that I have been able to provide jobs for more people and gained trust from more clients.

My ultimate fashion rule…

Everyone must wear clothes that suits their body type. Don’t force yourself into wearing something that does not suit you simply because it is trending.

Fashion trend I regret doing…

In the 2000s, I was into the futuristic style with its silver-colored garments and sparkly embellishments. I came to realize the style is hideous. You cannot apply the futuristic-inspired pieces into your look today. The futuristic style is unlike 70s, 80s and 90s clothes, which we can easily mix and match.

I will never…

Force myself into doing something that I cannot master. And I obviously will never make something if I don’t have the budget for it.

The craziest thing I have ever done…

Staying in a luxurious hotel in Paris despite having a limited budget. I just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day in that nice hotel. It turned out the rate was really pricey and the booking of the room could not be canceled.

I laugh at…

I laugh every day at many things. And I try to make everyone around me laugh.

I cry at…

Mellow songs. If I haven’t cried for a while, I will find a way to cry because I believe there should be a balance between laughs and tears. That is why my playlist on my smartphone is filled with sad songs.

My favorite holiday spots…

The Netherlands, Paris, Bali, Yogyakarta and my house — the cheapest holiday spot of all. I spend most of my days outside, so coming home feels like a holiday.

Three things I cannot live without…

Smartphone, money and food!

My career in entertainment gave me…

My home and boutique everything! Everything that happened in my fashion career was rooted from my years in the entertainment industry.

The best advice that someone gave me…

Don’t spend more than you earn.

If I could change something from the past, I would…

Diet and exercise from an early age.

Biggest dream…

My fashion creations survive the test of time. I want my fashion creations to grow even bigger after I pass away.

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