AFDS designers creating fashion with indigenous fabrics - Lombok International Modest Fashion Festival 2023
Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 23
On July 6th-9th, ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase was invited to showcase in the Lombok International Fashion Festival, Limoff 23 in Senggigi, West Lombok District, West Nusa Tengarra Province, Indonesia. A collaboration between Asian nations in celebrating the diversity and creativity of Modest fashion presented by Indonesian Fashion Chamber held at the Merumatta Senggigi Resort, Lombok.
The debut of Lombok International Modest Fashion Festival 23, showcased diverse trends and styles for Modest fashion and AFDS designers were given local indigenous fabrics to create outstanding modestware designs on the Runway. ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase brought five Fashion Designers to showcase their Modest fashion collection interpretations on the runway during Limoff 23, Indonesia.
Hayden Ng - Premier Founder of AFDS and representing Singapore, showcased his collection Boho Luxe. “ The Boho Luxe is a collection of vests, blouses, jackets, and denim skirts and jeans, to complete the collection, hats and handbags made from Lombok fabrics that added a final touch of authenticity. Overall, this collection would not only be visually appealing but also help promote the local craftsmanship and preserve the indigenous textiles of Lombok. It would celebrate the unique cultural identity of the region while offering fashion-forward options to individuals who appreciate both tradition and contemporary style. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant city-state of Singapore, my modern-day 2023 capsule collection encapsulates the rich cultural diversity and unique traditions that coexist within distinct ethnic neighbourhoods. As someone who grew up in Singapore during the dynamic 1970s, I was deeply influenced by the city's captivating scene, and this influence reverberates through my designs. In crafting this collection, I sought to evoke the essence of Singapore's multicultural heritage and its ever-evolving urban landscape. Each piece is a reflection of my own childhood memories, carefully woven together to create a tapestry that celebrates the harmonious integration of different cultures. From the intricate patterns inspired by traditional textiles to the sleek and contemporary silhouettes mirroring the city's modern architecture, every detail in this collection pays homage to the dynamic spirit of Singapore. The colors and textures mirror the vibrant streets and bustling markets, capturing the energy and liveliness that make this city so unique. By merging the past with the present, my collection embraces the nostalgia of yesteryears while embracing the excitement of the future. It is a celebration of Singapore's cultural tapestry, showcasing the beauty that emerges when diverse communities come together and embrace their shared heritage. I used the provided indigenous fabrics to craft them into hats and handbags, highlighting their sustainable and versatile nature. This showcases how their usability extends beyond clothing, encompassing fashion accessories as well ” says Hayden Ng.
Chantique Boutique by designer Fadzil Hadin - Brunei “ Brunei's tropical rainforests boast a timeless beauty, being among the oldest in the world. Encompassing over 70% of the country's land, these lush-green jungles form an enchanting haven for nature enthusiasts, making Brunei a truly hidden paradise. Inspired by the mesmerising allure of Brunei's natural wonders, my collection, aptly named "Lawakita," embraces the country's spirit of beauty and elegance. Drawing from the rich diversity of tropical plants and flowers, the designs are infused with a vibrant blend of colors and patterns, echoing the vivid tapestry of Brunei's landscape. "Lawakita" exudes a sense of flair and opulence through meticulous embellishments, delicate silk fabrics, and subtle touches of sheer glamour. The ensembles are carefully adorned with the glistening drama of beads and sequins, adding an air of mystique and sophistication. The interplay of light and shadow on the fabrics lends a touch of modest elegance to each piece, captivating and empowering wearers with an aura of understated allure. In crafting this collection, I've taken great delight in fusing the rich heritage of Asian and Middle Eastern styles. The fusion of cultural elements not only pays homage to Brunei's diverse influences but also presents a harmonious blend that celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange. With "Lawakita," I aim to encapsulate the essence of Brunei's natural wonders and its alluring charm, offering fashion connoisseurs a unique experience that evokes the feeling of stepping into a dreamlike paradise, where beauty and culture coalesce in perfect harmony. .The Story behind my recent collection "Lawakita" curated over the exclusive traditional weave called " Tenun Lombok " I received the beautiful textile less than two months before the show and worked on what was assigned to our fellow designers . When I received the beautiful weave my team and I worked on a few looks ( I also eliminated more than I should due to the main objective to show more of the beautiful Tenun itself ) along with my Brunei theme of flora and fauna whereby beautiful embellished handwork were applied to the the weave which took long hours to finish and not to mentioned the number of changes I made to the design” says Fadzil Hadin . Davo Ocampo by designer Dave Ocampo - Philippines “ My latest collection for LIMOFF FASHION FESTIVAL is a style rhapsody in various colors of the rich heritage of the Philippines and Indonesia. This fashion fusion of 2 vibrant cultures puts the spotlight on Lombok’s prized local woven fabrics, giving these textiles the global recognition they deserve ” adds Dave Ocampo.
Natacha Van by designer Natacha Van - Cambodia “ The collection showcased at Limoff, Indonesia was a fusion of traditional fabric from Lombok and our own brand's style. It featured a feminine and elegant flow, creating a fairytale-inspired look. The inspiration behind this collection was rooted in paying homage to the traditional fabric. We aimed to showcase its cultural significance while incorporating our unique design aesthetics. We worked with supplied indigenous fabric and it played a crucial role in creating this modest wear collection for Limoff 23. The fabric was ideal for cutting and sewing. However, the challenge arose from working with its width. To ensure efficient use of the fabric, we modified our cutting techniques and designs to accommodate the width, allowing us to maximise its potential in creating stunning garments ” says Natacha Van.
Wan Bynun by designer Wan Bainun - Malaysia “ The collection I showcased at Limoff was a reflection of contemporary fashion with a deep appreciation for heritage textiles, presented with a modern twist and a modest sensibility. Each piece was thoughtfully crafted to strike a balance between modesty and modernity. Flowing silhouettes, longer hemlines, and strategically placed drapes ensured that the collection remained modest while still exuding a sense of elegance and sophistication. The use of layering, unique embellishments, and modern tailoring techniques added a touch of contemporary flair to the ensembles. By combining the timeless beauty of heritage textiles with modern design elements, I aimed to create a collection that resonated with individuals seeking a balance between tradition and contemporary fashion. The collection celebrated the cultural heritage of Lombok while offering a fresh perspective and catering to the preferences of modern modest fashion enthusiasts. Wan Bynun's Womenswear collection, titled "Azraq," is a beautiful tribute to the color blue and its associations with peace and tranquillity. The collection draws inspiration from the designer's personal connection to the calming effects of blue, which is likened to the serene qualities of water. The "Azraq" collection also embraces the cultural significance of the Arabic language, as "Azraq" translates to blue in Arabic. To enhance the collection's uniqueness, Wan Bynun incorporates handwoven fabrics sourced from Lombok, Indonesia. This addition adds a distinct touch to the garments, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the local weavers. The use of these handwoven fabrics from Lombok further enhances the collection's connection to nature and the elements, as water and natural landscapes are often associated with peace and tranquillity Wan Bynun's "Azraq" fashion collection is a remarkable fusion of culture, nature, and personal expression. By embracing the color blue and incorporating handwoven fabrics from Lombok, the collection not only celebrates the beauty of peace but also honours the craftsmanship of lombok local artisans.With its exquisite designs and thoughtful curation, the "Azraq" collection allows individuals to experience the serenity and inner peace that blue represents, while also appreciating the cultural heritage and natural beauty that inspire its creation. In my concept for the Limoff, I incorporated indigenous fabric as a significant element. Approximately 80% of the fabric used in the collection was sourced from indigenous materials, which played a crucial role in creating full garments. To enhance the overall aesthetic and design, I also blended the indigenous fabric with other complementary fabrics. This approach allowed for a harmonious fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, resulting in a unique and captivating collection showcased during Limoff ”says Wan Bainun.
AFDS was developed to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique style and diversity in the Asean region while promoting greater cross-cultural and creative collaboration. Growing mainstream regional awareness for fashion designers and models while nurturing up-and-coming, local fashion designers and models. AFDS will continue to collaborate with Indonesia Fashion Chamber for more upcoming fashion festivals and fashion weeks in Indonesia this year.
Photography credit : Indonesian Fashion Chamber
For further information, imagery, photo shoots, interviews or media enquiries Neva Weber of Dressed AU PR, International PR & Media Director for AFDS & AIFW