Indonesia Merdeka Fashion show – Diplomat magazine
On the picture the Chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo together with Elvi Zubaidah, Ai Syarief , Anita Winata, Leo Mokodompit and Mrs. Wahyutomo.
By Roy Lie A Tjam and Anna Maria Mistretta.
On Monday, September 7, the Charge d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo, opened a dazzling animated fashion to showcase Indonesia’s rich tradition of batik, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence in the Netherlands.
He warmly welcomed the many guests present for the occasion, including the guest of honor Henriette van Artsen, spouse of the Mayor of The Hague, journalists, Dutch officials, Dutch designers and other distinguished guests.
Mr. Harry Rahmat Darajat (owner of the fashion house Ai Syanef 1965) and Ms. Anita Winata (founder of the fashion house Tjantingkoe) presented their latest (batik) collections.
Ai Syarief, the multi-talented young Indonesian fashion designer, producer, choreographer, dancer, stylist, coach and artist, presented several elegant batik dresses designed for formal occasions. Fourteen fashion models demonstrated the collection, featuring traditional and contemporary batik motifs from various regions in Indonesia.
Leo Mokodompit and Elvi Zubaidah sang Indonesia pop songs and three contemporary dances were performed by Warna Indonesia. Guests were also treated to a selection of Indonesian foods and beverages.
You enter the Grote Kerk with a sense of sacredness and expectations, you walk along the naves: silence.
You enter the high altar and something happens: an explosion of color, music and captivating dances.
You are in another world: Indonesia.
You can say that it is a miracle.
You are captured first by the music, then by the atmosphere and most of all by the colors.
Then you see the collections: a unique esthetic syncretism of cultures. The Indonesian magnificent explosion of colors has turned into European clothes to warm up our hearts and souls.