How to Look Cool in 2009 (via Jakarta Globe)

Batik was the belle of the fashion ball this year. Thanks largely to Edward Hutabarat’s flirty and playful interpretation of the fabric in his Part One collection, an explosion of the traditional textile made its way into everyone’s hearts and wardrobes in everything from classic hues to pastel tones, from gowns to tank tops.

Minarti Lemy, managing editor of Amica women’s monthly magazine, says that batik has become a hip alternative. “People who buy international brands are those who understand quality and appreciate them in such a way that they are willing to pay the high price,” she said. “People who used to be impressed by international labels are starting to see batik in the same way.”

The rise of batik and traditional fabrics has helped the local garment industry but Retno Murti, editor-in-chief of FashionPro, an Indonesian fashion industry magazine, sees a tendency toward uniformity. “Everyone is creating the same models. It is important to be creative, to be able to mix and match in terms of design and fabric,” Retno said.

Fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia, Dien Tirto Buwono, agrees that local designs can be developed further.

“Right now it is more surface exploration, motifs or fabric,” she said. “The application can be from the essence not from fabric alone. I like it best when local designers put local tradition forward. It is refreshing.”

In the men’s department, ethnic rules the roost. “We are seeing ethnic-elegant, ethnic-sportif, ethnic-modern, using fabrics like tenun , ika t and batik,” said Adi Surantha, a fashion reporter for Esquire Indonesia magazine.

“Elegant ethnic sees pairings with blazers, edgy ethnic like XSML and Studio 1773 by Biyan. batik shirts are becoming streamlined and colors were brighter — sky blues, reds, pinks and soft greens,” Surantha said.

“The best part of 2008 was our designers are finally bringing something from our heritage and tradition into the modern life, the now,” said Ni Luh Sekar, editor-in-chief of Dewi magazine.

Muslim Wear

Spearheaded by the designers of Indonesian Fashion Designers Association, or APPMI , is the growing popularity of Muslim wear. Designers with a specialty in Muslim wear are seeing an increase in demand. It is easy to see why.

From Monika Jufry’s ease of dress that flutter and float in the wind using the lightness of chiffons and pale colors to Merry Pramono’s streamlined silhouettes and bold hues enchant the public.

“This year Muslim wear is very visible,” Murti explained. “Here we wear color, unlike the Muslim countries like the Middle East who tend to wear black. It is because of this Muslim wear is not only related to religion but is also modern.