Wahyo Abraham from Surakarta, Central Java, won first prize in the Indonesia Young Fashion Designer Competition (IYFDC), part of the ongoing Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW).
According to a press statement made available to The Jakarta Post, this year’s IFW theme is Cultural Values, which highlights Kalimantan culture.
Wahyo said in the release that his design inspiration for the competition came from the rivers of Kalimantan.
“Women and rivers of Kalimantan inspired me. The women weave their clothes after they work in the rice fields, and their weaving portrays Indonesian flora and fauna,” Wahyu said at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Saturday.
Following his success in the competition, Wahyo is eager to start developing sustainable fashion using eco-friendly materials.
The second, third, and favorite winners of this year’s IYFDC are Merah Chumairoh, Pravita Viniani, and Frederika Cynthia Dewi, respectively. For their designs, they explored Kalimantan’s natural and cultural landscapes, from its forests to the ancient technology of its civilization.
IFW president Poppy Dharsono said she appreciated the works of Indonesia’s younger generation in this competition.
“Fashion should be seen from its concept, sewing [process], and other technicalities. It is to be seen but also sold and worn by other people,” she said.
The IYFD is held in collaboration with online marketplace Bukalapak and LaSalle College. (gis/out)
