TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In an attempt to promote Papuan batik, the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague held a fashion show titled 'Fashion Diplomacy' on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at the Grote Kerk, The Hague. The event displays Batik Mamayoo Private Collection, a collection of batik fabric owned by a fashion house belonged to Yolanda Tinal, who is also the designer of the batik patterns used in the event.
Yolanda said that the Mamayoo batik pattern represents her love for Papua. Yolanda claimed that she attempts to picture the uniqueness of Papua through her designs, such as the Cenderawasih bird patterns, orchid patterns, fish patterns, and wood engraving patterns.
In addition to beautiful scenery, Yolanda said that she also attempt to capture the life of Papuans and its natural resources, as well as the unique Papuan culture. The 35 dresses displayed in the event were designed by Indonesian designer Ian Adrian.
The event was opened by Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands I Gusti A. Wesaka Puja. "Fashion is about self-expression. In addition, fashion is also intended to understand culture. Through the event, we can understand other cultures," Wesaka said.
The event was also attended by international fashion designers including Allan Vos and fashion observer Marianne van Stekelenburg.
"I love the event, it is very enlightening," Allan Vos said. Meanwhile, Marianne van Stekelenburg praised the dresses designs and said that "they are so colourful and sexy."
MAHINDA ARKYASA
