One of the pillar fashion events at the 2013 Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival was the presentation of the Fashion Icon Awards, which recognizes the achievements accomplished by luminaries in the Indonesian fashion scene. It was an evening full of pride and nostalgia, with awards handed out to figures who were pivotal to the local fashion industry.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to the great late Non Kawiliarang, a designer who established Indonesia’s first modeling agency. The award was received by her daughter, former model Rima Melati, who manifested a quiet grace and dignity in a dress designed by her mother. “I miss her so much,” she revealed after choking back tears. “I hope she’s watching from above.”
The Design Award was presented by Veronica Basuki to designer Carmanita, who holds the distinction of styling a float at this year’s Pasadena Flower Festival. Overwhelmed, she took to the stage for her speech and started with, “I think I have no words except thank you.” She then expressed her desire to see others develop the industry of traditional textiles in Indonesia.
Finally, the Fashion Support Award was given to Jultin Kartasasmita, who penned the textile arts reading staple, Dunia Batik Seorang Jultin. Recognized by UNESCO for her part in keeping a scope of world heritage alive, she recognizes just how important the award is to her and and hopes to put more of her energy into keeping batik alive.
All three women were inspirational in their acts, speech, and manner; they’re the kind of ladies I want to be when I grow up! After the presentation of the awards, we were treated to a fashion show by designers who have been working closely with Cita Tenun Indonesia to develop the tenun industry in different parts of Indonesia and lurch them forward onto the catwalk by implementing the storied fabric into their designs. One part social responsibility and another part creative juices overflow, this is a great project that has helped individuals and entire communities get a leg up in their lives while giving designers something new to work with. (more…)
