Jakarta. Indonesia Fashion Week 2019 kicked off at the Jakarta Convention Center on Wednesday with the theme "Cultural Values," inspired by the cultural riches of Kalimantan.

"From the design of the venue for IFW 2019, to the fashion and the iconic models, we can see illustrations of shields and fauna and flora that are unique to Kalimantan, which the designers used as sources of inspiration and imagination in their designs," Indonesia Fashion Week president Poppy Dharsono said at the opening ceremony.

"So that the culture of Kalimantan can be more widely known through the work of the fashion designer," added Poppy, who is also chairwoman of the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (APPMI).

There are hundreds of participants, including fashion businesses and designers from various parts of the archipelago, at this year's iteration of Indonesia's biggest annual fashion event. In total, IFW 2019 will include 20 fashion shows, competitions and talk shows.

Ten designers – Jeny Tjahyawati, Anna Budiman, Lia Afif, Klaudi Pelealu, Julie Kaimuddin, Melanie, Ida Noer Haris, Rani, Lenny Rafael and Tuty Adib – from various parts of the country, have been recognized by APPMI as "rising-star designers."

They were given the honor to present their designs, as part of their collaboration with Caren Delano, one of Indonesia's most notable designers.

The event space, stage and surroundings are decorated to reflect Indonesian culture.

"Starting from the stage and the whole space, the exhibition arena and competition will be directed to all aspects that strengthen Indonesian identity, so all the models participating in the fashion shows are all authentic Indonesians," Poppy said.

She said the event does also not neglect environmental and social issues, and adheres to the principle of ethical fashion through sustainability, by raising awareness of the impact the industry has on the environment.

Since the inaugural Indonesia Fashion Week in 2012, the event has been held annually to provide direction and give an overview of the country's fashion industry. It aims to support designers and fashion industry players from across the archipelago and abroad.

May Myat Waso, a designer from Myanmar, also displayed her fashion designs during the opening.

The event ends on Sunday.

Add as a preferred source on Google +