Indonesian Fashion Forward Designers
The elegant ambiance of the Indonesian Consulate was filled with warmth and the enticing aroma of traditional Indonesian cuisine. This atmosphere perfectly set the stage to showcase the artistry of eight talented Indonesian designers, featured that weekend at Coterie, one of the most prominent international trade shows in women’s fashion.
Each designer conversed with IRK about their collections, blending Indonesia’s renowned traditional textiles with contemporary silhouettes. Hand-dyed batik and ikat patterns took center stage, seamlessly incorporated into chic, wearable pieces. Some looks were ethereal and flowing, while others embraced bold, architectural structures—all capturing Indonesia’s unique fashion identity.
The IRK fashion team made its way to the storied Upper East Side of Manhattan for an exclusive luncheon, hosted by Indonesia Fashion Forward at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia. Established in partnership with Jakarta Fashion Week, Indonesia Fashion Forward aims not only to elevate the global presence of Indonesian fashion brands but also to equip them with strategies for success in international markets. Moreover, this initiative highlights the growing importance of Indonesian designers on the global stage, showcasing their unique creative vision and craftsmanship.
Each showcased designer left an impression. Standout names included Baha Gia, HijabChic, and Avara. Jenna and Kaia, Kami, Fuguku, Nadjani, Aleza, and Hameeda captivated with soft, hand-woven silks and bold prints. Their fabrics draped gracefully, embodying timeless elegance, while modern cuts introduced a fresh edge. Some designers ventured into experimental territory, merging traditional motifs with avant-garde urban aesthetics—a striking blend of heritage and modernity.
Fuguku, caught the eye with its sustainability-focused approach
This brand, originally known for accessories, the brand has expanded into apparel, utilizing recycled ocean plastic for its textiles. This innovative move highlighted a commitment to raising awareness about climate change and the rising threat of sea levels.
After the showcase, guests indulged in a traditional Indonesian feast. Fragrant fried rice, vibrant salads, and grilled meats drizzled with rich peanut sauce tantalized taste buds, offering a true taste of Indonesia’s diverse cuisine. Meanwhile, as the afternoon unfolded, conversations flowed between fashion insiders, journalists, and cultural representatives, each admiring the designers’ creativity and applauding the platform’s support of emerging talent.
By the end of the event, inspiration was palpable. It was a seamless blend of fashion, culture, and culinary delight, leaving every attendee with a lasting appreciation for Indonesian artistry. Furthermore, the IRK team eagerly anticipates how these talented designers will shape the future of global fashion.
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Cannon is our Editor-At-Large since August 2016. He grew up in New York City and was influenced at an early age by rock and fashion. He is an award-winning celebrity stylist, fashion editor and creative director who has styled many of his favorite musicians including Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Jimmy Page and Shirley Manson. His wit, charisma, and style have made him a trusted and sought-after stylist by Hollywood legends such as Liza Minnelli, Willem Dafoe, Dennis Hopper, and Glenn Close.
Cannon has also worked with some of today's hottest celebrities, including Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Penn Badgley and Kellan Lutz. He was the first stylist to get Barbra Walters into a pair of jeans for a photo shoot, and had the opportunity to dress Michael Jackson as the KING OF POP for MTV. In addition, Cannon also founded PLUMA- a luxury costume jewelry collection made exclusively in Italy that was recently featured on the cover of Italian Vogue. As a result of working with great musicians and celebrities, Cannon has contributed to multiple publications including: Rolling Stone, Vogue, Time, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair and W. He has styled large casts for every network including: Lost, Sopranos, The View, Project Runway, Kelly, The Today Show, Top Chef, and The Office. Cannon's expertise in fashion also has lent itself to him being in front of the camera as a style expert, with television appearances on E!, Style, VH1, CBS, NBC, ABC, TLC, and Bravo. Cannon has been an on-air spokesperson for TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Chapstick, Pantene, Dove, and Peanuts/Snoopy Worldwide. He has also been profiled in American, German and Japanese publications. In addition, Cannon was instrumental in organizing an inaugural panel discussing fashion and film for MEIFF in which he also served as a participant alongside Jason Wu and Kathryn Neale Shaffer, contributing editor at American Vogue.
Whether it's obtaining real museum pieces for a Discovery Channel commercial or recreating 50 unique culturally observant costumes for the worldwide launch of the National Geographic Channel, Cannon's respect for authenticity and his gift of problem solving has left lasting impressions on everyone he has worked with. Additional commercial work also includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Sony Music, RCA, Bravo Network, Sprint, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.
Cannon has styled fashion shows for Jason Wu and the Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, starring THE BLONDS, which is the largest AIDS benefit runway show in the world, that year hosted by President Bill Clinton and Eva Longoria. Other fashion shows include Snoopy in Fashion, Joanna Mastrioni to name a few. He has also styled shows for Safilo and their licensed brands, which include Gucci, Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Dior Homme, Max Mara, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger.
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