EDITOR’S LETTER
Why go to the mall when you can look at Instagram? Can fashion’s sustainability drive really make a difference? Is cultural appropriation theft or innovation? Such are some of the questions being discussed these days by the experts at such style authorities as Vogue, Business of Fashion and The New York Times. Fashion, it seems, has never been so opinionated, so heavy - so political.
Perhaps it’s just a reflection of the times we live in, but I think it’s a pity there’s a tendency to take the fun out of fashion nowadays. What we do online, how sustainably we behave and how much respect we give other cultures are all important matters. But, please, let’s not allow political correctness to kill all the spontaneity and joy we get out of fashion.
For this issue, we photographed some of the forces of Indonesian fashion with their muses – and what an inspiring adventure it turned out to be. Harry Halim tells us that he never thought he would become a designer for international celebrities. It was something he was “sort of thrown into”.
Didi Budiardjo reflects on a 30-year career as one of Indonesia’s leading couturiers. “I’m no longer a young designer, but looking back on my career it feels like only yesterday when it all started for me. I feel blessed,” he smiles.
Dian Purba Ratomo, founder of Ella & Glo accessories, sees buying fashion online as the new normal. “To be successful is to understand where the market is going,” she declares. Toton Januar shares some insights into his journey of rediscovering his love of Indonesia and his passion for fashion.
This month’s Cover Story stars Adinda Bakrie, a wonderful young lady and good friend we have been following in Prestige for the past 14 years. Photographed in Sydney by Michael Naumoff, the 37-year-old mother of two tells us how she is embarking on the next phase of her life after obtaining a Master’s degree in Psychology in Los Angeles.
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