Panel discussion at Indonesia Fashion Forward batch-3. © British Council Indonesia.
In the hands of Rosalyn Citta, twisted edges, unique shapes, rustic imperfection of the material’s nature fuse together to create stunning jewellery pieces. Inspired by the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, her distinctive style shows that beauty lies within imperfections, and through her works she caught attention at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy auditorium from 19 – 21 May. But she’s not the only talented designer there – together with nine other designers, she’s one of the participants from the third generation Indonesia Fashion Forward (IFF) programme.
On May 21, 2014, Jakarta Fashion Week, the main fashion week in Indonesia, introduced the designers who get the chance to join the IFF programme this year. Following the success of the previous two generations, these designers are mentored in order to be ready to penetrate international markets and introduce Indonesian products worldwide.
Since 2009, the British Council Fashion Programme in Indonesia gradually develops and expands throughout the years, embracing creative collaboration with social community development angle, business skill development, showcasing and exhibition, fashion film screening and fashion blogging.
The IFF programme itself is the result of cooperation between British Council Indonesia with Jakarta Fashion Week and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Experts from the Center for Fashion Enterprise (CFE), provide training and mentors the designers intensively throughout the year. CFE is a London based fashion business incubator that supports the development of new labels and designers to ensure a brand’s sustainability and success in UK and international markets.
The 10 designers of the IFF third generation are Patrick Owen, Sapto Djojokartiko, Jii by Gloria Agatha, Restu Anggraini, Tertia by Capital T, FBudi, Monstore, Rosalyn Citta, Billy Tjong, Andhita Siswandi, Hauri Collezione by Norma Moi and Peggy Hartanto. At the beginning of this year, the designers joined the market entry programme that has given them acumen on how to create business infrastructure, develop their strategy and improving their creative skills.
In May, they participated in the Pioneer programme that aimed to identify their business obstacles and solutions. Furthermore, they will have one-on-one mentoring and workshop session about branding, range planning, marketing analysis, studio space, strategic partnership and how to penetrate international markets. They will also have opportunities to show their works in eminent department stores or fashion trade shows abroad.