"Attention, everyone. Please take your seat. The show is about to begin!"
Dearest Lori and Nicole from Riviere agency firmly announced that to the buzzing audience who were taking selfies, pictures and snapchats, exchanging hugs, kisses, and excitement among friends and familiar faces. Rushed to their seats, audience immediately fell silent and held their breath, waiting for the show.
Urang Banua, Vivi Zubedi's collection for NYFW 2018 runway, was about to start.
An hour before, a long line was snaking outside of Industria, the venue for Vivi Zubedi's show that night. As the clock reach 2.30 PM, the security allowed those with seated invitation to enter the building, to be followed by those who had different invitations. Soon the room was quickly packed with invitees, spectators and fashion enthusiasts. All gathered to see how special Urang Banua is.
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| outside of Industria.. |
And the lights went out.
The first model graciously walked the runway, wearing Abaya-inspired dressed made of Pagatan tenun, Indonesian traditional weaving fabrics from South Kalimantan. Vivi's trademark of elegant silhoutte and gracious details are vividly shown in this abaya-only collection.
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| Velvet looks beautiful with Pagatan |
More opulent looks comes as more models were walking on the runway.
I love the details on the Pagatan tenun, or as labelled by the designer Tanah Bumbu, where these hand-woven fabrics are mixed with velvet, beads, stones, laces, ribbons, embroideries and pieces of small mirrors.
Seating there on the front row gave me a great access to the show.
But I was so excited my photos were blurred!
Well, but iPhone is a huge help indeed :).
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| With dearest friends Hengki Kawilarang, Indonesian leading designer, Gina from whatthedoost, and Angel Tan plus Irene |
The shapes and cutting Vivi played on the long sleeves, sides, capuchon, collars and more made those dresses even more special.
Every detail rocks.
And Vivi Zubedi joins one of the most riveting Fashion Show on earth on some rock-hard missions, to make modest fashion mainstream and solidify women empowerment! Starting in 2016 with Anniesa Hasibuan, modest fashion, particularly those chosen and worn by Moslem women, have become a integral part of NYFW. A great welcome indeed, adding to the diversity of looks and styles being showcased in this prestigious runway.
As you know, strong ladies back home in Pagatan, South Kalimantan, who made these incredible pieces of tenun are literally struggling to make ends meet. With their skillful hands, all these colorful fabrics are created and produced through diligent and meticulous process. No wonder Vivi was so touched to see these hardworking women and decided instantly to bring their beautiful pieces and spirit to the international arena. To show their inspirational works to the world. Great job, Vivi!
And it seems, modest fashion is here to stay.
I can see the overwhelming response from the floor for this abaya-inspired collection.
Can't wait to see the next work of Vivi Zubedi or other Indonesian fashion designers here in New York City!
Vivi has been fully supported by Hijup and Wardah, Indonesia leading halal cosmetics, that I love sooo much!
Its beautiful matte and cream lipsticks are one of my fave!
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| with the Indonesian ladies from my office :) |
Here's to Urang Banua,
Vivi Zubedi for New York Fashion Week 2018 - The Story
