Jakarta, IO Semarang Fashion Trend 2023 has been held for four days from August 9-12. This event was the result of collaboration between the Semarang Vocational and Productivity Training Center (BBPVP) and the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC). The event is expected to raise the profile of textiles from Central Java so it can compete in the international market by producing young fashion designers who are creative and innovative.
The Independent Observer was fortunate because we could see the work of top Indonesian designers from Samuel Wattimena, Deden Siswanto, Ria Miranda to the designer who is the pride of Central Java, Ina Priyono who collaborated with Praveena designer Kalya Mahiya.
There were eight looks performed by Ina Priyono x Praveena, dominated by terracotta and sage colors. The materials used are a blend of brocade, ecoprint and batik. “Because the theme of Semarang Fashion Trend 2023 is Java Heritage, our works should reflect that theme,” said Ina.
During the fashion show, Ina Priyono x Praveena’s work received a special attention from fashion connoisseurs and the public who attended the fashion hall of Semarang BBPVP on 118 Brigjen Sudiarto Street.
Ina said the choice of terracotta and sage colors was a reflection of future trends from 2024 to 2025. Of the eight looks, the one that stands out the most is the long skirt combined with outer, vest or cape. “The clothes for sale and fashion shows are definitely different. If it’s for a show, one piece of clothing isn’t enough. That’s why I combine it with outer or cape to sweeten it so it looks more feminine,” said Ina.
As a seasoned designer, Ina is not picky about who she can work with. “I can collaborate with anyone, although I still need to do some assessment. With Praveena, we first express ourselves with works and then elaborate them together,” said Ina.
Meanwhile, Kalya Mahiya admitted that she was honored to be able to work closely with veteran designer. “It is an honor. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to work together with Ina Priyono,” said the 13-year-old girl.
Kalya admits that she has learned a lot in the collaborative process. “This is a starting point for the next step. Learning by seeing the work of professionals, learn from senior designers,” said the grade 9 student from SMP Al-Izhar Pondok Labu, Jakarta.
The collaboration itself was truly unique as Ina Priyono is known as a seasoned fashion designer while Kalya Mahiya is a young designer who has just stepped into the fashion scene. Having said that, Kalya has had DNA in her work. “Usually my work is a combination of ecoprints and Indonesian literature,” said Kalya.
“An eye-catching color is the strength of a design. I chose an ecoprint with sage color, while Mrs. Ina chose terracotta brocade. After the two materials are combined, the result is truly outstanding,” said Kalya.
Through Semarang Fashion Trend, Kalya learned how to create good designs on the fashion show stage. “I saw a lot of unique works by the senior designers who were able to create works with a lot of details and well thought out,” said Kalya.
What is Kalya’s hope? “I want to stay true to the DNA of Praveena but still with a combination of ecoprint and Indonesian literature,” said Kalya, who masters dozens of Indonesian traditional dances.
For Ina Priyono, who has been in the industry for 26 years, what is her message for young designers? “Of course in this business, we seek profit, but don’t forget the rules. We can make fashion products, but we have to think that the waste is disposed of in the right place so it doesn’t pollute the environment,” said Ina.
In her ecoprint production process, Kalya also goes to great length to ensure that the waste does not pollute the environment. This is because ecoprint uses natural materials such as plant fiber (viscose cotton) and animal fibers (silk) meaning that the process is environmentally friendly. The waste can be used as fertilizer or handicrafts. Usually, the plants used for making motifs on ecoprint fabrics are easy to find because they grow in the surrounding environment.
Ina Priyono, chairwoman of the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) Semarang, as well as chief executive of Semarang Fashion Trend 2023, said the big concept of this event is as the culmination of the latest developments in the ready-to-wear fashion industry based on “Craft Fashion” in Central Java.
The event also sought to promote new young designers. Central Java has a wealth of fashion potential that can be harnessed. In addition, it has competitiveness that is on par with other provinces in Indonesia
