Malaysia - Jendela Batik showcases feminine dresses at Stylo KL Fashion Festival.
Fashion icon that was the image carved by the late US first lady Jackie Onassis Kennedy and award-winning actress Audrey Hepburn in the 50s and 60s.
These classic beauties were known for their elegance, which had a strong impact on the fashion of the past era. Although it has been over 50 years since their heyday, their timeless sophistication still holds sway over many of us.
“Audrey (Hepburn) and Jackie (Kennedy) were examples of classic beauties, known for their impeccable styles and they always looked beautiful and feminine in dresses,” says Jendela Batik chief executive officer Faisol Abdullah.
Faisol admits being a fan of the Kennedy and Hepburn dress style. Hence, it`s no surprise that he has taken inspiration from their style and incorporated it into Jendela Batik`s spring summer 2008 collection as well as the upcoming Stylo KL Fashion Festival.
The event takes place from March 15 to 23 at the Pavilion KL as part of the run-up to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sepang, Selangor.
“Jendela`s collection is a tribute to women`s feminine side, especially women from the 50s till 70s. We want to celebrate women`s beauty and silhouette,” says the designer with a warm smile.
Despite having participated in Asia Fashion Week in Singapore in 2006 and Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week last year, Faisol`s eyes beamed with enthusiasm as he speaks about the much-awaited fashion show.
Themed “Groovy Aesthetics meets Earthen Energy”, the collection will feature 15 outfits with its three motif lines classified under the Nature, Asli and Contemporary ranges, he explains. In line with its collection, there will be a play of earthy colours in chic designs suitable for all occasions. For the event, he will kickstart the show with a 10-piece flower-themed voile batik dresses under the fashion house`s Nature range.
According to Faisol, the range comprises sheer and feminine dresses suitable for resort wear. These outfits come in bright sunny colours, inspired by Malaysian flora and the environment.
“The colours are a burst of exotic influences like our national flower, the hibiscus, sunsets, mangroves and even the banana stem. We hope this will ignite people`s thoughts about the environment,” he says.
Under the Contemporary collection, there will be a range of “power dresses” (for career women) featuring batik accessories such as capes, shoes, shawls, sashes and handbags. Expect form-fitting plain gowns accentuated with accessories for added flair. “These are dresses a woman can wear to a board meeting and then go off to a dinner or party. I don`t call them `power suits` but rather `power dresses`, as they exude a sense of charm and grace,” he explains.
Material include raw silks, silk and organza in a burst of shades like apple green, deep purple, tangerine orange, burgundy and cobalt blue.
For its haute couture collection, expect the influence of the late Jackie O and Hepburn with their legacy of elegance and sophistication. Its Asli range features shades of rose gold in raw silk, chiffon, satin and organza. Inspired by old Malay jewellery, the outfits will concentrate on the placement of batik motifs.
With the event hardly a week away, Faisol and his team have been burning the midnight oil to ensure everything will run smoothly.
“It`s been tiring but lots of fun. Luckily, I have a wonderful team who are very passionate about their work. Batik may be an ancient process but I have a young, talented team. Hopefully, Stylo KL will bring this ancient art form to greater heights.” (Sheela Chandran)
Source: thestar.com.my (25 Maret 2008)