VOL. 1 NO. 16 I FEBRUARY 2-8, 2014
FASHION’S ‘IT' GIRL MODEL PAULA VERHOEVEN LOOKS TO GO INTERNATIONAL
WANDERLUST
PAPUA’S KINGS ROW TREND DIAL
BRITISH BUBBLY TABLE OF FRIENDS
A FLOOD OF IDEAS
Noted in passing ON THE COVER
Tongue Tied WE HAVE weathered a wet, wet, wet week in Jakarta. Hopefully, you escaped the flooding – the topic of discussion for our Table of Friends on the opposite page – and there will be bluer skies on the horizon for those of us who did end up underwater. Our cover, Paula Verhoeven, is far away from Jakarta, now doing the round of go-sees at modeling agencies in Milan, Italy. As eyes in the West start looking eastward, the Semarang native may just have the goods – “exotic” Eurasian looks and the requisite height – to succeed. And she also has the determination of setting a goal and achieving it. Of course, definitions of beauty are not limited to willowy models like Paula, or at least they shouldn’t be. In the Well Being section, we discuss the campaign of a leading cosmetics firm to ensure the view of beauty is more inclusive for most women. Interior design expert Luthfi Hasan is also showing that everything old can be new – and trendy – again with his focus on vintage furniture. My week included visiting a glitzy new restaurant occupying a choice corner of a leading mall. The accent: kitsch in all its mind-blowing elements, with images of Marie Antoinette peeking out at diners and stylish ersatz chairs that would have made Philip Stark sit up and take notice (and perhaps call his lawyer). But the food was surprisingly good, and there was also another standout on the premises. His name was Ryan, the helpful waiter. His most endearing quality was that he strived to speak English in taking our order and explaining all that was on the menu. It was not word perfect – but it was genuine, in stark contrast (pun intended) to the aforementioned chairs. He was certainly no copy-cat of those famously hip waiters from a certain lifestyle eatery in the 1990s, whose English-only utterings left me feeling I was between a hard rock and a pretentious place. “I like him,” my Indonesian dining companion said. “He is really trying, and he obviously wants to learn.”
Paula Verhoeven Photographer Meutia Ananda Stylist Willy Wilson Location Mercantile Athletic Club Jakarta
He related a recent experience returning from a trip to Europe, where he encountered an ailing Indonesian man prostrate in the airport lounge. The man and his wife, on their way back from a trip to the Middle East to their regional hometown, were unable to express their predicament to the airport staff. They lacked the English-language skills to make themselves heard. But it’s not only people with limited access to English-language opportunities who find themselves, if not at a loss for words, perhaps misunderstanding the international language of communication. The local franchise of an international women’s magazine is in hot water after some alleged that it repeatedly brands celebrity same-sex PDAs as “skanky”. Whether or not the publication is homophobic remains to be seen, but methinks it’s more a case that something has been lost in translation. Perhaps what they meant, instead of skanky, which denotes lascivious, socially disapproved behavior, was more like “euwww” or “yuck”, as the translation of the word “jijai”. Again, I can’t say for sure, because I’ve certainly never been fun, fearless or female. I thought about the power of communication after China’s Li Na won the Australian Open. In her speech, she spoke about her newly acquired wealth – a cool US$2.5 million for two weeks’ work – and, of course, her long-suffering husband, so often the butt of her jokes or her ire. It was not perfect English, but her candor and humor were disarming and made her a favorite with the Melbourne fans and millions of viewers around the world. It’s quite something to be able to express herself in a language which is so very different from her native tongue. I respect the Paulas, Luthfis, Lis and Ryans, who set their sights on achieving a goal and carry through with it come what may. Of course, that begins with speaking up and having their say, instead of quietly sitting back and watching the world go by. Enjoy your Sunday! Bruce Emond
Check List
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Crowning Glory
Raja Ampat is Indonesia’s royal tourism treat.
JPLUS February 2, 2014
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Cru Britannia
British wines are growing in popularity.
JPlus Team Editor Bruce Emond I bruce@thejakartapost.com Deputy Editor Willy Wilson Art Director Budhi Hartono Graphic Designer Lody Andrian MARKETING & ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Ady P. Pamungkas I ady.pamungkas@thejakartapost.com Marketing Executives Dewi Damayani I dewi.damayani@thejakartapost.com Sugeng Andrianto I sugeng.andrianto@thejakartapost.com
@JplusSunday
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Troubled Waters
table of FRIENDS
What needs to be done to deal with the annual floods? @mrshananto
Ever wonder what “Kaki Lima” means? It is literally the fivefeet-wide pedestrian walk. I only realized this during the past three months when the Jakarta government has been busy digging sidewalks. As a result, the South Jakarta area now boasts better pedestrian walks! Thank you, sir! For a runner like me, this is good news! But it’s more than simply having a comfortable pedestrian walk. Take a closer look underneath. I just found out that the standard for road building must include a five-feet pedestrian walk, because underneath is located the “gorong-gorong” (drainage pipes)! Oh my God! So all these years we have had roads but not the required gorong-gorong? No, I’m not talking about small gutters in your neighborhood alleys. We’re talking real drains that can accomodate all the water during torrential downpours! So there you go. When it pours, look out for the newly built five-feet-wide pedestrian walk. Check out how all that excess water finally has its rightful place to go. It may look dismal but it sure has helped prevent floods in my area. If you don’t have them, write to your city officials! And to the city officials who’ve been ignoring building this super-important city structure during the last decade – may God forgive you!
@edwardsuhadi
* Please sing to your favorite Ebiet G. Ade tune
Long time ago rain used to be sexy Drops on windows while drinking coffee Cool breeze of fresh watery air Sounds of symphony and flair But now when rain begins to fall I just feel I want to crawl Stocking candles and Indomie Charging powerbanks and batteries Riff: Flood, flood, flood is here And its striking my heart with fear Water, water, water everywhere And people still don’t care What can we do, oh what can we do We have to know now that it is not you It is up to us and us alone If we want to make Jakarta home Absolute care about the environment This is not a job for the government And when all of us start working together We could change Jakarta for the better. Riff:
@zoyaamirin
Edward, can’t agree with you more. I also remember when rain was sexy, drinking black coffee or hot ginger tea and watching it fall (I even danced in it once, when visiting a Baduy village with some friends). I live in an area near Ciliwung River; while my home of 30 years is safe from flood, the block neighborhood and access in and out of the area have been affected by floods for the past 18 years. It brings stress and tears to my neighbors, but that does not seem to stop their bad habit of dumping garbage in the river. From the late 1980s, my dad put up a sign warning people not to throw refuse in the river and he also helped pay for a garbage man to take our neighborhood garbage to a recycling facility, or at least a designated dump. But people continue to toss their garbage into the Ciliwung. When we see that, we try to tell our neighbors about the consequences of their behavior – surprisingly, even after all we have told them, they still do not seem to understand. So let us who know better educate people who don't. This is not just about what the government responsibility is but it is ours, too, as citizens of Jakarta. Let’s make Jakarta a better place by changing our attitude. Never give up on doing the right thing, because we know better.
@ReneCC
What comes with the floods? All the worst and the very best. Flooding causes blackouts in our homes and even heavier traffic on already congested Jakarta streets. It damages residential areas, public facilities and much more. Not to mention causing disease that spreads in its aftermath. Regular routines are disrupted. From the usual five-minute trip, it took my wife more than 1.5 hours to take our children to school. Those who opt to remain at home are the lucky ones – unless their homes are flooded as well. No reason to be down all the time. On the contrary, this is the best time to witness the best that floods can bring. It brings people together. It brings many stories of resilience. It shows the heroism of many common people. Time to nominate your flood heroes. Or be one of the heroes yourself.
@iwetramadhan
I’m a citizen of Jakarta. And I’m embracing floods. It’s a blessing. And a reminder. It’s something that makes us realize that we have so many things to take care of. Caring for our environment. Caring for our neighbors, and caring to pay attention to our beloved city. Like Zoya says, it’s not only "his" job to fix this problem. It’s our job, too. Have you made your own biospheres whole? Have you put your own trash bin in your car? Have you planted any greemery in your backyard? Those are only a few of the questions we need to ask ourselves as a reminder to be kind to nature.
Join us at the table: send your feedback to @TOFChat and @JPlusSunday JPLUS February 2, 2014
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A la MODE
Fashion Stardom HIGH FASHION’S LATEST INFATUATIONS DEFY STANDARD NOTIONS OF BEAUTY AND COLOR TO PROVE THE UNIVERSALITY OF TASTE AND TALENT. WORDS WILLY WILSON
Couture Club HAUTE COUTURE is perhaps among the most misused and abused French terms. It is tossed around casually in magazine headlines and on labels of random brands. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the misuse by ready-to-wear brands has been going on since the late 1980s, creating confusion between this highly artistic creations and prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear). In Jakarta, it isn’t uncommon to see fashion designers, whose main business is creating bespoke pieces for private clients, identifying themselves as a couturier. But in France, they can’t do so – the term is protected by law. Self-styled couturiers are shunned in the snooty world of Paris haute couture, as the recognition has to come from chambre syndicale de la haute couture, the esteemed regulating commission that determines which fashion houses are eligible to be true couture houses. As a rule of thumb, haute couture requires designers to come up with exclusive custom-fitted, hand-stitched pieces, without the use of sewing machines and sergers from start to finish. It also demands the use of high quality, expensive fabric and laborous techniques. The creations, as seen during the recent Paris Couture Week, ranged from dull to downright ridiculous. The price? Nothing less than US$25,000; in some cases, couture creations fetch into the millions.
Princess Ameera al-Taweel
The Bountiful Buyers
But who actually buys couture? Fashion-loving, old-moneyed socialites and high-profile celebrities are the usual suspects. The latter, though, may usually get them made for free in exchange for the worldwide publicity their image brings. But the ones who really consume couture are women behind the seams, quite literally. In 2011, Reuters reported the largest group of couture clients centered around the Gulf – Saudis, Kuwaitis, Qataris and nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They do not hesitate to splurge on a low-cleavage lamé for exclusive, female-only social events in their countries. Watch Sex and The City 2, you’ll get the drift. “All the royal families of the Middle East are our
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Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2014 Photos Bloomberg, AFP, Reuters and AP
A la MODE
A J. Mendel gold-and-black tweed dress.
Looking regal in Ralph Lauren’s red cape dress.
A crisp and elegant Calvin Klein number.
Lupita Look Book Mozah bint Nasser Al Missnad steps out in glamorous gray.
customers,” Catherine Riviere, head of haute couture at Christian Dior, was quoted as saying by the news wire. For this group of ultra rich, couture isn’t just about fashion; it is a work of art that is displayed on the body rather than a wall.
A striking bodyhugging turquoise Gucci outfit.
Lebanese Talents
A designer who stood out in last week’s Paris haute couture week is Zuhair Murad. The Beirut-based designer received positive reviews for his refreshing take on haute couture – with creations that are actually wearable, whether you are world-famous celebrities attending red carpet events, a bride-to-be looking for that perfect gown or a mere, fashion-loving mortal like the rest of us. You probably have heard of him – he garnered extensive media coverage last year from his creation of J.Lo’s white illusion-lace mermaid gown for last year’s Golden Globes. The 42-year-old up-and-comer is often compared with Elie Saab, another acclaimed Lebanese designer. “Why not? I love his work. He’s a very good couturier. But talent or style isn’t to do with the country you come from. Each one of us has our own separate vision,” Murad told the Associated Press recently. Like Saab, Murad’s cuts clasp the natural high waist of the female silhouette, often on full skirts. His recent couture collection features peplums and silk swags on a series of yellow and lavender gown, emphasizing a woman’s feminine curves. As noted by many fashion editors, the sheer luxury of the fabrics – crepe, organza, shantung, tulle, lace – and the embroidery made this collection work. The designer plays with soft colors the runway program notes describe as a “cornucopia of camellias, roses, sweetbriar laurels, and ... heavenly plumage.” Suffice to say that the Middle Eastern customers have also recently shown growing support for Lebanese designers like Murad and Saab, and up-andZuhair Murad coming Georges Chakra, Reem Acra and Rabih Kayrouz.
Elie Saab’s pink cocktail dress with metallic lace overlay.
AFTER WOWING the crowd in a red caped, off-shoulder Ralph Lauren frock at the 2014 Golden Globes, 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong’O took her fashion game up a notch a week later at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, rocking a gorgeous, vibrant Gucci gown. The dress – a one-of-a-kind turquoise silk crepe number with gold accents and intricate floral straps, cleverly paired with Fred Leighton jewels – is widely considered Nyong’O’s best red carpet look yet. “I just love the flowers and the nature aspect,” the Yale graduate told E! Entertainment host Giuliana Rancic. The 31-year-old actress credits her stylist, Micaela Erlanger, a design and management graduate from Parsons The New School of Design, for her impressive looks at major events. Erlanger, who counts Michelle Dockery and Winona Ryder among her celebrity clients, opts for silhouettes that cinch Nyong’O at the waist. Prabal Gurung’s tuxedodress to an Elie Saab’s cocktail frock, the style she chooses for Nyong’O is always perfectly refined, but never boring The actress continues to blaze a trail toward fashion greatness, one red carpet event after the other. Cate Blanchett should really be looking over her shoulder.
Lanvin’s two-toned gown for the 2013 BAFTA LA Britannia Awards.
JPLUS February 2, 2014
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Photos: Courtesy of Dove
well BEING
Dove’s Eva Arisuci Rudjito asks women to appreciate their looks.
Nilam and Ambarwati, featured in the campaign.
Beautiful Me WORDS WILLY WILSON
YOU HAVE probably come across a Dove ad on YouTube in which seven regular women describe their own faces to FBI-trained forensic artist Gil Zamora. Zamora, who does not see the women, uses their descriptions to create composite sketches. In the video, these women tend to describe themselves negatively, using such phrases as “My mom told me I had a big jaw”, “I kind of have a fat, rounder face”, “I’d say I have a pretty big forehead”. The result is seven portraits of gloomy faces looking older than the subjects really are. The exercise is then repeated with acquaintances describing the seven women to the artist; the consequent sketches portray the women as much more beautiful. The video, part of the Dove Real Beauty Campaign, is an international effort initiated by the beauty products manufacturer to encourage women to accept themselves as
Beauty products manufacturer Dove is continuing its “Real Beauty” campaign by encouraging women to appreciate their own and each other’s beauty.
they are and understand that they are their own harshest critics. Dove launched the initiative after conducting a study of 5,006 women from 25 countries, which found that 80 percent of the respondents didn’t consider themselves beautiful, even though those same women claimed that every woman is beautiful in her own way. “This shows that low self-esteem is a universal phenomenon among women. When we conducted the study in Indonesia, an overwhelming majority of our respondents confessed that they didn’t consider themselves beautiful,” said Eva Arisuci Rudjito, skin cleaning marketing manager. “The Dove Real Beauty Campaign isn’t trying to change the paradigm of beauty, but it is focusing on promoting inner confidence and self-appreciation. We want to celebrate women, regardless their size, skin color,
Morning blues
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE ANNOYANCE AND PAIN OF MORNING SICKNESS?
WORDS MAKAWAN TANANUNKUL/THE NATION/ANN/BANGKOK
WHILE THE nausea and vomiting are usually experienced early in the day, morning sickness will continue well into the day. Although uncomfortable, morning sickness is natural and is due to the increase in the Beta-hCG hormone during the first three months of pregnancy. This hormone is indicative of the strength of the fetus: the higher the level of hormone, the stronger the fetus. Women who are carrying twins also have more of the hormone because they have a larger placenta. Experts are at odds as to whether nausea gravidarum should be considered as an ailment and most doctors are reluctant to prescribe any drugs to control it unless it becomes severe. However, mild morning sickness can benefit from a change in dietary habits. You should replace the norm of three main meals a day with five of six smaller meals. It is also recommended that you don’t let your stomach become empty or become too hungry. It is also wise avoid anything that can cause you to
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JPLUS February 2, 2014
Professional photographer Tommy Siahaan with Eva.
vomit, including overly pungent and fatty foods. You should start to feel better after three months as the Beth-hCG hormones decrease again and the morning sickness subsides. If the conditions persist or become worse, a doctor should be consulted and
Photo: sxc.hu
hair type or other physical feature,” Eva added. To reach a wider audience, Dove Indonesia released several videos through social media platforms featuring two friends assessing themselves and their friends. “Making these videos with regular Indonesian women – of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and skin colors – we realized it is easier for women to spot the beauty in others than in themselves,” Eva said. Eva and her team believe that it is time for Indonesian women to own their beauty – confidently, fearlessly and unapologetically. For this reason, Dove Indonesia has released an application intended for women. It allows women to send complimentary messages to their friends – “messages that contain observations of sort about the real beauty that they friends may not even realize they have,” Eva explained. To download the application, visit www.thedoveapp.com
Dramamine or Vitamin B6 will be prescribed. Ginger is very effective for easing queasiness and research has demonstrated that ginger ale can relieve morning sickness. In more severe cases where you lose your appetite, cannot even drink water and become exhausted, it is recommended that you stay in hospital so that you can be fed saline solution intravenously. In most cases, you will feel better in one or two days. There are certain types of abnormal pregnancies, such as molar pregnancy. In this case, the placenta produces unusually high amounts of hCG hormones, which causes expectant mothers to have more severe nausea and vomiting. If an expectant mother is still experiencing queasiness and vomiting in the eighth month of pregnancy, it is possible that there is a malfunction of the alimentary system, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastro esophageal reflux, food poisoning, a failure of the circulatory system of the body or low blood pressure. These symptoms are a result of the uterus overlaying the great vein of the pelvis, leading to a poor flow of blood to the heart and the brain. To reduce the risk of this happening or to alleviate the symptoms if they are already present, it is recommended that you take plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and avoid standing or sitting for too long in order to prevent the uterus from overlaying the great vein for any extended period. If there is still no sign of recovery after following these steps, visit your doctor.
taste BUD
DEVILISHLY GOOD
WORDS & PHOTOS THEODORA HURUSTIATI
I
believe chicken and potatoes are a match made in heaven, and three’s company with the addition of rosemary, a Mediterranean herb that I adore and is used a lot in cooking here. Every household usually has a small pot growing on the window sill. They all come together in this classic easy Italian chicken recipe, Pollo alla Diavola, literally the “devil’s way chicken”. Some say its name is because it’s traditionally cooked over an open fire, while others claim it is because of its spiciness. I’m sure my fellow chili-loving Indonesians will like this fiery grilled chicken! Usually, a whole chicken that is opened and flattened like a book is used, but chicken thighs are a lot faster to cook.
Serves 4 • • • • • • • • •
4 boneless chicken thighs 8 medium-sized potatoes Small bunch of rosemary sprigs 1 tbsp (or more) dried chili peppers in flakes or paprika 1 garlic clove, minced 1 lemon Extra virgin olive oil White pepper, freshly ground Salt
Prick the chicken with a fork. This should help the marinade absorb better and prevent the skin from splattering during cooking. Put it in an airtight container suitable for refrigerating. Grate the lemon zest, then cut into 4. Set the wedges aside for later. Add the zest to the chicken, along with half of rosemary leaves, chili pepper flakes, salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic. Massage the chicken to distribute the condiment better. Close the container and store in the fridge to marinate overnight or, at least, half an hour. Take the chicken out from the cold 15 minutes prior to cooking so it reaches room temperature again before cooking. Otherwise, you risk having the outside scorched while the inside is still raw. Peel the potatoes and cut each one in 6 wedges. Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over a medium heat and sauté the potatoes with some salt, pepper and the other half of rosemary.
Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, an 11-year resident of Udine, Italy, was the runner-up in the TV cooking program La Scuola – Cucina di Classe (The School: Classy Cooking) in 2011.
Cook until the skin turns golden and the inside is moist. Check using a fork. It normally takes about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, start cooking the chicken too. Heat a griddle pan on medium heat, without any oil. Once it’s hot and a bit smoky, put on the chicken, skin side first. Let it cook until it is crisped, golden, and the bottom half of the meat turns whitish. Flip it and let the other side cook and turn golden too. In total it should also take about 20 minutes. The meat is cooked through when it is firm to the touch. Flip the chicken back to skin side to further crisp it for about two minutes. Grill the lemon wedges to sweeten and concentrate the juice. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon, the sautéed rosemary potatoes and a salad of your choice.
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cover STORY
PAULA VERHOEVEN TREATS HER BURGEONING INTERNATIONAL MODELLING CAREER WITH THE SAME FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE THAT SHE APPLIES TO KEEPING FIT. WORDS WILLY WILSON PHOTOS MEUTIA ANANDA
I
f you are not yet familiar with Paula Verhoeven, you soon will be. In a career spanning seven years, Paula has modelled for every designer that matters in this country, and in Singapore, where she has been represented by Upfront Model since 2010. A statuesque, multi-racial beauty – her father is DutchChinese, her mother Javanese – Paula could very well be the most bankable local model today. Toward the end of last year, she bagged a contract with Crown International Holdings Group, an Australia-based property developer that has been aggressively tapping into the Indonesian market over the past year. She didn’t just strike a pose for the company’s brochure – she was named their brand ambassador. In the modeling universe, that is proof you are now a recognizable name instead of just another pretty face. But what really excites her is the prospect of working in Milan. Paula, 26, went to the fashion capital recently to see if she has what it takes to impress Donatella, Steven Meisel and Vogue Italia’s Franca Sozanni. “Working in big cities overseas can be daunting, especially if you’re a small-town girl like me. It took a while for me to even adjust to the pace of living in Jakarta, let alone Singapore and Milan. But going to Milan is a big opportunity, and I’m not going to let it pass me by,” says the Semarang native. Paula herself is unsure if she could be a successful model in the West, but her unique, racially ambiguous features are definitely a breath of fresh air on the catwalk, especially as the world looks to Asia. And her positive attitude, albeit naive, should make it easy for her to network. To overcome her childhood shyness, Paula says her mother enrolled her in a modeling school in her hometown. She stood out due to her height, and went on to enter such competitions as Gadis Sampul, a prestigious teen modeling contest held annually by Gadis, the longestrunning teen magazine, and later on Elite Model Look, which she won in 2003. She relocated to Jakarta in 2005 to further her studies, but she says it took a full two years for her to begin to learn about professional modeling. “For two years, I couldn’t land a job. I simply couldn’t fit into the sample size – I was 1.83 m and 70 kg. I obviously wasn’t fat, but I wasn’t fit enough as a fashion model. I loved my instant noodles and fried rice,” Paula recounts. “After many, many rejections due to my weight, I took two years off modelling and finished my studies. But I have to admit that there was still a burning desire to conquer the modelling scene in Jakarta. I get a tingly sensation whenever I see fashion shows.”
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The Paula Principle
cover STORY
You had a rough start as a model in Jakarta, mainly due to your weight. Well things didn’t just fall into my lap – I worked hard for what I have today. I remember once I didn’t book a show with Sebastian Gunawan because I couldn’t fit into the dress. I didn’t complain about the requirements to be slim; I took it as part and parcel of being a model. But by no means do I condone unhealthy means to get slim. As I later found out, the body is adaptable and you can shape it with enough discipline and knowledge. So tell us what exactly you did to get so slim. I maintain a healthy diet that concerns four elements: source, preparations, timing and amount. I limit my carb intake while letting myself indulge in protein. I also avoid fried food, choosing instead steamed, grilled or boiled food. On top of that, I exercise regularly. I long for a body like Giselle Bunchen’s – slim and toned, with enough muscle. With help from Ade Rai, I lift weights to get my desired look. A lot of people are under the impression that lifting weights is only for those who wish to be buff, while the truth is that gaining muscle through this exercise burns a lot of unhealthy fat. The business of modelling can be cutthroat and damaging. What are your thoughts on that? I am fortunate because I was mature enough when I became a full-time model (age 19). I imagine constant scrutiny on physical appearance could damage one’s
have passed their prime in terms of age, yet they still dominate the international modelling scenes. Just like any other business, I believe that their key to success lies in discipline and good relationships with clients.
self-esteem, especially if one is a teenager. But I was fully aware of what I was getting myself into. And I felt blessed that I took a two-year sabbatical from modelling to concentrate on my studies – knowing that I would have something to fall back on once I’m no longer a model makes it easier to sleep at night. I believe that in order to be a successful model, one must treat the profession as a real business. Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr and Alessandro Ambrosio
Who has been the biggest support throughout your career? The late Ramli was definitely one my biggest supporters. I also treasure the confidence placed in me by other designers such as Ghea Panggabean, who took me to Rome and Milan to model her creations last September. My family, too, has been very supportive of what I do. Tell us about your relationship with Ramli. Ramli was the only designer who booked
me when I was deemed too big to be a model. His traditional clothes have a roomy silhouette, allowing me to wear them and appear slim. He was a dear friend and a mentor. He would take me along with him on various cultural missions to Europe, and I would model his creations there. He taught me make-up and hair, and offered some personal advice over the years too. Any diet tips for us? Eating habits in our society are very much about satisfying taste buds, which of course isn’t wrong. But it is perhaps wise to scale back on fattening foods, because food isn’t all about taste – it is about balanced nutrition. Therefore, I make it a point to eat before I’m hungry. For me this is the best way to control my appetite.
“I BELIEVE THAT IN ORDER TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MODEL, ONE MUST TREAT THE PROFESSION AS A REAL BUSINESS”
Photos: Courtesy of Jakarta Fashion Week
But she needed to shed the excess weight first. “I did everything, from starving myself to getting acupuncture treatment. But based on my experience, such an approach doesn’t last. And even if it does, you’ll become weak and unhealthy. So I took matters into my own hands by turning to exercise something I never thought I would do.” Her determination paid off when she lost a dramatic 15 kg over the next few months. She claims that she still eats a lot, but she now knows what and when to eat. With help from famously fit friends such as Adrian Maulana, Melanie Putria and Ade Rai, she maintains a healthy exercise routine that includes lifting weights. The thing about Paula is that she isn’t afraid to sound uncool. She talks about everything that is taboo for models candidly – “I can’t give up my chocolates!”, “I wasn’t discovered. I joined a modelling school”. And she is unapologetic about her love for her job at the risk of sounding uncool. It is such enthusiasm that prompted her Singaporean agency to send her on a three-month trip to Milan; she is living her childhood dream of seeing the world, only as a model instead of a flight attendant. JPlus chats with the London School of Public Relations graduate about where she came from, how she got where she is today and where she wants to be.
Paula out front during Jakarta Fashion Week for Billy Tjong, Jeffry Tan (left) and Tex Saverio (top left)
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wanderLUST
KINGS OF
BLISSFUL THINKING THERE IS BEAUTY AT EVERY TURN – UNDERWATER AND ON LAND – IN PAPUA’S RAJA AMPAT. WORDS & PHOTOS DENNIS G. KLOETH
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G
lobally, Indonesia has a rightful claim to fame for its natural beauty. And although often the figure of around 17,000 islands is mentioned, the jury is still out as to how many islands make up the world’s largest archipelago that stretches for more than 5,200 kilometers between the cities of Sabang in the west and Merauke in the east. Recently I traveled to Papua, where I grew up in the early 1950s and 1960s, and what was then considered remote. Even today, it is still the part of Indonesia that is least explored by tourists. My trip brought me to Timika in the south and to Jayapura in the northeast, and finally to Raja Ampat, a collection of more than 1,000 small islands, atolls and shoals and cays that gives access to the world’s most stunning underwater world. It famously is as beautiful above water as it is below, and it is genuinely known to be the last frontier for divers and snorkelers who come from the length and breadth of our globe. In Indonesian, Raja Ampat means “Four Kings”; its name derives from local lore that tells of an indigenous woman who finds seven eggs. Four of them hatch and become kings that occupy the four biggest islands of
Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. It is the smaller islets, however, that are located closest to the most exciting diving and snorkeling spots. The city of Sorong, in the northwestern tip of Papua, is the ideal point of departure. By way of a twohour speedboat trip, Sorong gives the easiest access to what is considered “diver’s heaven” and a fertile breeding ground for hundreds of coral fish species of which some were little (or not at all) known before to mankind. Hence, next to divers and snorkelers and documentary makers and crews from nearly every continent, Raja Ampat’s waters also attract an array of marine scientists, marine biologists and deep sea explorers.
Distant Shores
The extreme beauty of Raja Ampat truly is guaranteed by its distance from the socalled civilized world. To get there, one has to have an expeditionary
mindset of sorts. I was told by those that I met who came from as far as the United States, travel time to Raja Ampat may sometimes take up to two full days. It’s not easy to reach, and the distance from all that is called “commerciality” and “greed”, may well be the ultimate safeguard for Raja Ampat’s fertile and abundant and unspoiled underwater world. And it truly is that! Fishing is only allowed by local fishermen, while daily fish quota may not exceed that what is needed for personal use or for local restaurant supply. Commercial coral fish trade and industry is strictly forbidden. Reef protection by a group of international environmentalists that truly care, and patronage by all that respect Mother Nature to its core, guarantees that the waters of Raja Ampat will remain a safe haven for all that lives above and beneath its crystal clear waters. From all corners of the world, people travel double-digit hours to reach Indonesia’s shores. Those of us who live and work in this beautiful land may consider ourselves pretty fortunate in getting to enjoy the those wonders on our doorstep, including Raja Ampat. My advice is to put Raja Ampat on your bucket list and take out at least a full week to explore it. It genuinely is one of the world’s last frontiers and unspoiled destinations that can be found on this lonely planet of ours.
IF YOU GO ... Getting There The Internet is a valuable source of information. Google Raja Ampat and make sure you book and get confirmed your stay at Raja Ampat before you travel. Travel to Sorong by Lion Air, Merpati Air or Express Air, the latter from Jayapura. There you can connect with the people that you have chosen as your local contact or operator. Accommodation Staying in Raja Ampat can be as expensive and luxurious, or as inexpensive and simple as you want it to be. Next to staying at the more exclusive resorts for top euros or US dollars, homestay is the inexpensive way of lodging. Home stay facilities are mostly run by locals and are genuinely basic. They truly bring you back to nature and reality of eco-holidaying. The more expensive resorts all charge Euro or US dollar rates, while the home stay facilities mostly charge in rupiah. Diving equipment can be hired on the spot and are available always at additional costs. Here are some of the operators that offer Raja Ampat packages. Visit their sites and book your trip. Luxurious resorts • www.papua-diving.com/ • papuaparadise.com/en/the-resort Homestays • www.stayrajaampat.com/rajaampat-homestays • www.yenkoranuhomestay.com/ index2.php?menu=aboutus • www.metapencarian.com/web?ts=go &q=raja+ampat+accommodation • For more information go to this link www.indonesia-tourism.com/westpapua/raja_ampat.html Fees A fee of Rp 500, 000 or about US$50 is levied on all international visitors to the Raja Ampat National Park. For this amount you will get an acrylic round tag, valid for one year, that you will have to carry with you at all times of your stay in Raja Ampat. For the same tag, Indonesian citizens are charged half, or Rp 250, 000.
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good LIVING
OLDIE BUT GOODIE LUTHFI HASAN’S HOUSE DISPLAYS THE PERFECT MIX OF GOOD TASTE, CREATIVITY AND VINTAGE OBSESSION. WORDS WILLY WILSON PHOTOS FRANSISCA ANGELA
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fter inheriting a set of old furniture from his parents – a bench with two matching arm chairs and a broken stereo console with built-in turntable and radio – Luthfi Hasan set out to educate himself on the subject of mid-century design. “I’ve always been a fan of vintage bazaar. But I only started learning about mid-century design when I decided to restrore the furniture my parents gave me,” says the advertising executive and founder of One Comm Indonesia. As he delved deep into the unique design of the 1950s to 1970s, he realized that the simplicity of the bygone eras resonates well with personal aesthetic. “There’s a sense of liberation that broke away from the previously rigid and confining tradition during these periods, giving birth to a contemporary and free-spirited aesthetic,” he says. “That works for me, as I decorate based on instinct. I don’t follow any particular interior guides, and I certainly dont mix and match. I like the idea to just mix everything, which makes a house inviting, warm and laidback. “I realized that the furniture my parents gave me wouldn’t sit well in a minimalist surrounding despite their elegant, mid-century simplicity. I told myself that if I wanted to truly give a new lease of life to these furniture, then I should give them a house that matches their style.”
Bohemian Rhapsody
A visit to his house in Cipete, South Jakarta, is a nostalgic and romantic experience. Surrounded by lush
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“WHEN I SAW THE HOUSE, I KNEW THIS IS THE PLACE FOR MY FAMILY AND MY VINTAGE PIECES” greenery and situated on a 650 square meter plot, the two-storey house is on a split level layout. “The house was built in 1990, and I bought it in 2010. Like many houses built in that era, everything was walled up and dark. But when I saw the house, I knew this is the place for my family and my vintage pieces” says Luthfi while fixing homemade lemongrass tea, an old Keroncong LP playing in the background. “We raised the ceiling and knocked down many walls, most notably in the living room of the first floor.” The walls separating the living room and the garden at the back have been replaced by a panel of framed glass door; the walls confining the kitchen were torn down, allowing an expansive living-cum-dining space. Meanwhile, what was previously a guest bedroom with low ceiling and four walls has been converted into a study with an eclectic mix of periodic interior items – an old Persian rug, a piano, a traditional Madura vanity mirror, old briefcases and a lot of unique vintage cabinets. There’s a sense of Bohemian chic to Luthfi’s house. Every corner is loosely
furnished, with books and magazines piling up on vintage sideboards. Colorful rugs and chairs in similarly vibrant motif ooze coziness, creating a laidback ambience. This design ideology evidently goes well with his vintage items, as seen in the living-cum-dining. Take, the four-legged, L-shaped coffee table he acquired in Bogor, for instance. Its unusual proportion and shape usually come with three chunky supports, but this particular item has four slim supports that render it an elegance unique to the mid-century era. This striking table is surrounded by chairs that embody Scandinavian style – straight lines, minimal and aero dynamic. But the upholstery and cushions are totally colorful, a far cry from the Nordic’s signature grey, biege and off-white colors. Such is the brilliant mishmash. “I found many of these pieces in vintage market in Bogor, Solo and Jakarta’s Pasar Taman Puring and Pasar Jatinegara. They were in in bad shape when I got them, but I enjoy the process of bringing them back to life,” says the father of three. Another noteworthy piece here is the solid teak dining table, surrounded by
an assortment of chairs ranging from repainted wooden school chair to the iconic tulip chair. On one of his vintage hunting journey to Yogyakarta, Luthfi came across a carpenter that supplies good quality teak furniture to Pottery Barn in the States. “This particular table caught my eye because it had been made to resemble a vintage piece. Knowing that it is actually a brand new product turned me off a little. But I decided to buy it because, well, it was a steal!” Luthfi claims that he bought the table for Rp 2.5 million, while in Pottery Barn this model would fetch up to US3,000.
Vintage Passionista
Luthfi’s fondness of everything vintage led him to set up Jakarta Vintage, an online shop launched in June 2012 where restored and refurbished mid-century chairs are sold. With help from two in-house designers and two carpenters, Luthfi takes order from individual as well as corporate clients looking for unique, personalized and eco-friendly vintage chairs. He roams the streets of Jakarta,
Bandung and Surakarta to find vintage furniture; he even goes as far as Japan, America and Canada to satisfy his vintage craving. “I also hunt digitally,” he adds. His online shop was a hit among expatriate community living in Indonesia, who, according to Luthfi “have better appreciation for recycled furniture”. “Indonesians aren’t really into the idea of sitting on used chairs. My mother is still constantly surprised that people take interest in my house – or my vintage chair business – because she doesn’t get why people buy or use second hand items,” says the political science graduate of the University of Indonesia. For Rp 3.7 million a chair, he aims at the middle to upper middle class customers. His work is getting more and more recongnition. He claims that he has refurbished more than 50 models of chair since the beginning of 2013, with average sales of 10 chairs per month. Admittedly, finding vintage chairs isn’t easy. Luthfi says to cater to the increasing demand, he and his team replicate iconic vintage pieces using good quality, used and aged teak.
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trend DIAL
Modeled After A Classic CAN AUSTRALIAN WINES TASTE AS RICH AS FRENCH VINTAGES? WORDS ARIF SURYOBUWONO
THERE ARE a lot of factors that determine the taste of wine – humidity, atmospheric pressure, sunlight and altitude, to name a few. Suffice to say that each winery produces a different taste of wine. In the case of Australian wines, exuberant fruitiness is the single common denominator, a unique character that makes them a favorite among novice drinkers. French wines, on the other hand, are neither sweet nor fruity. Experienced wine drinkers covet them, for these timehonored, terroir-driven wines possess a balanced complexity, subtlety and finesse. And just like everything French, they have a certain je ne sais quoi perhaps best described as elegance. Such richness in taste derives from an excellent winemaking tradition and truffleinvested land, which renders French wines a distinct flavor associated with minerality, spices and earthiness. I would liken the French wines to an abstract painting; it is an acquried taste. And by that same logic, Australian wines are like a realistic painting, whose beauty everyone can comprehend. It comes as no suprise that the latter is often referred to as cheap, easy and inferior, with the same measure the former is deemed expensive, sophisticated and superior. (FYI, Australian wines in Indonesia aren’t that cheap, thanks to the currency rates and the impossibly long list of taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages). Harsh as it may sound, the unpopularity of Australian wines among wine lovers in the West has influenced the way the priviledge few in Indonesia view them. Determined to diffuse this stereotype is local wine importer PT Dimatique International.
Peter Pratten
The company recently invited wine lovers to Menteng’s Kunstkring Paleis to meet with Western Australian wine producers that attempt to produce Bordeaux/Burgundy-style wines. “Margaret River is very similar to Bordeaux, and the Great Southern region of Western Australia probably looks like Burgundy,” says Peter Pratten, chaiman of Capel Vale winery, a pioneer winery in Western Australia’s Margaret River Wine Region. In case you didn’t know, Margaret River is a dedicated winery town located 277 kilometers south of Perth. Pratten, along with Lenton Brae’s Edward Tomlinson, Picardy’s Dan Pannel and Fraser Gallop’s Nigel Gallop, who is also the president of Margaret River Wine Industry Association, is set to introduce richer tasting Australian wines for Indonesian market. Gallop offered me a glass of 2010 Chardonnay from his winery, which he likened to Meursault and Chablis. Well, maybe. Minerality – you know, that taste of wet stones, crushed rocks, salinity and
to achieve complexity. Despite this, Pannel said, “I don’t think I emulate Burgundian wines... you learn from the masters.” Huh? I sense some confusion here. Using Bordeaux and Burgundy wines as a point of reference is one thing, but trying to make wines that taste them is another. But apparently the winemakers down under are doing both. Admittedly, trying to make Australian wines to taste like French wines is absurd, as William Hardys, Australia’s fifthgeneration winemaker of the Hardys family, told me on a separate occasion. But some wineries in flintiness – was there but Italy and Spain – two that doesn’t necessarily Old World wine make them taste like powerhouses – also Meursault or Chablis. make BordeauxBut it was indeed a inspired wines. delicious and savory For them and also Chardonnay, with a for these Margaret refreshing grapefruit River wineries, acidity and minerality modelling their wines that went well with the after Bordeaux ideals Nigel Gallop snack at the event (deepis obviously important to fried Indonesian ravioli, boost status, prestige, and of that is). course, business. When I asked where the minerality My feeling toward imitation aside, I came from, Gallop attributed it to the use do appreciate good efforts. And perhaps of a stainless steel tank. we should embrace to the idea of these Pannel, who also produces traditional French-inspired Australian wines. I Burgundian-style Chardonnay, told me that remember one day at William Kafe Artistik one way to get minerality in Chardonnay is in early 2000 when I mistaken a bottle by putting a lot of lime in the vineyard. of Margaret River’s 1998 Mosswood He continued that his Shiraz was made Cabernet Sauvignon for a Bordeaux wine. with the Cote Rotie/St Joseph model in I was pleasantly surprised that it offered mind and his Pinot Noir deliberately made the richness of a French wine despite its in Burgundy’s style, complete with the Australian origin. characteristic Burgundian barnyard smell. Now the question is, how to always keep His is a blend of five clones, following such fascination and serendipidity alive, Bordeaux’s method of clone blending in order vintage by vintage.
Good Cause Photo: Courtesy of Acker Merrall & Condit
Burgundy set world records at a sale in Hong Kong.
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TWO REMARKABLE, world-class Burgundy collections and 158 charitable magnums from Burgundy’s top Domaines headlined a strong start to 2014 for Acker Merrall and the Hong Kong wine market. Burgundy alone set 91 of the 107 new world records broken at the auction, and the featured “As Good As it Gets” collection and “The Executive Cellar” together were 100 percent sold and combined to achieve high estimates. Leroy led the pack with 18 records; Domaine Leflaive had 14, Rousseau had eight, while Dujac and Comte Liger-Belair each had six, showing the growing reach and strength of these Domaines here in Hong Kong.
Highlights include a 2001 DRC Assortment at US$38,081 per case, a 1993 Meo-Camuzet Richebourg at $1,904 per bottle and a 2009 Denis Bachelet Charmes-Chambertin at $402 per bottle. Acker Merrall expressed pride at being able to raise money during the auction for two very young siblings in Burgundy affected by the rare disease Fanconi Anemia. The results exceeded pre-sale estimates with all of the money raised, including Acker Merrall’s buyer’s premium, going to the family. “It was an exciting start to 2014 with nearly US$5 million in sales,” said John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit. “I feel fortunate to be a part of what this weekend accomplished, and to have such wonderful clients and friends as we do here in Hong Kong.”
trend DIAL
Grape britain ENGLAND’S TINY SPARKLING WINE INDUSTRY IS SET FOR A LIFT IN 2014 AS ESTABLISHED BRANDS STEP UP EXPORT PLANS AND NEWCOMERS JOIN THE PARTY. WORDS MARTINNE GELLER/REUTERS
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nternationally, England may be known for its ale, cider and gin, but it is also home to 432 vineyards and 124 wineries, mostly along the southeast coast, which has similar geology and climate in the Champagne region across the Channel. English sparkling wine remains a drop in the bucket compared with its continental cousins, but producers are determined to hang on to their premium positioning, selling at an average of £25 a bottle even as many cost-conscious Britons turn from champagne to cheaper cava from Spain and prosecco from Italy. “We see ourselves as a luxury brand and we have to be judged on a world stage, not just an English stage,” said Julian Kirk, head of sales for West Sussex winemaker Nyetimber, one of the longest-established names in English sparkling wine and owner of 10 percent of the country’s vineyards. “The British market is great, but we can’t depend on it for the long-term future,” Kirk added. Those efforts have made the wine community sit up and take notice in recent years, earning British bubbly more than its fair share of awards. Among them was East Sussex winemaker Ridgeview’s triumph at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards, ahead of a number of more illustrious champagne producers. English sparkling wines punched above their weight again this year, with three gold medals in the prestigious International Wine Challenge. The winners were Nyetimber, Gusbourne Estate in Kent and Dorset producer Furleigh Estate.
GROWTH PROSPECTS
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Nyetimber began exporting to Japan in May and Denmark in September. With more than two decades of production under its belt since the 1992 debut vintage, it is likely to start selling in the United States in 2014 and is also eyeing Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and Denmark’s Nordic neighbors, Kirk said.
IWSR predicts that sales of sparkling wine will grow faster than any other wine category in Britain over the next few years, adding 1.7 million cases between 2012 and 2018, at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 percent. For champagne makers such as LVMH, Pernod Ricard and Laurent Perrier, there has been increasing speculation that they might be looking to purchase vineyards in Britain, their biggest export market. “If we have the time, will and passion, it’s possible (to make great sparkling wine in England),” said Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, president of the champagne house that bears his family name, though he said it has no such plans at present.
QUALITY CONTROL
English sparkling wine sold 55,000 nine-liter cases in its home market in 2012, according to wine data specialist IWSR, having achieved compound annual growth of 13 percent over the past five years. That gave it 0.6 percent of the 9.1 million cases of bubbly sold in Britain last year. Spain, France and Italy together control 87 percent of the market, though Spain recently pulled ahead of France because of the popularity of cava as a low-cost enjoyable sparkling wine, IWSR’s Helen Windle said.
Julia Trustram Eve, marketing director for the English Wine Producers trade group, said that the winemakers must retain their focus on quality. Though part of this comes from the cool weather that gives the grapes high acidity, it is also down to the traditional production method, in which second fermentation takes place inside each bottle rather than in bulk tanks. “It’s in our interest to make sure that anyone involved in the industry and the production of this premium wine is going to keep to those levels of quality, for the sake of our own reputation,” she said. Digby Fine English, one of the newest English winemakers, is sticking to that strategy. Its first vintage, 2009, has just gone on sale at upmarket outlets such as Selfridges department store and Michelin-starred restaurants. Trevor Clough, Digby’s corporate strategist-turnedCEO, says that the industry’s small size helps to support its premium price as it builds its reputation slowly but surely. “We’re not really at the point where we want everyone to know and everyone to want to buy English wine all the time,” Clough said. “It’s all about focusing on early adopters and cultivating their enthusiasm.”
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firm FAVORITES
Indulgences
PUBLIC RELATIONS expert, restaurant and now retail consultant Teges Prita Soraya is seemingly unstoppable in her drive to succeed. But the mother of two, who is the sister of designer Kleting, is now focusing on finding more balance in 2014. “Last year, traveling was my only escape, and now I am making serious plans to travel with my daughters, detoxing, running, hitting the gym again and achieving my goal of getting my flat tummy back,” the 42-year-old says with a chuckle.
Watch Rolex. Bags Prada. Designer label KLE’. Car Any car with an air conditioner. Artworks I recently purchased the paintings of my cousins Natisa Jones and Dandung B. Kahono. I also collect ‘60s furniture. Salon or Spa Nail salon. I’m addicted to KooKoo NailArt & PediSpa for my nail extensions. Travel destination Anywhere with sun, sand and sea.
WORDS HANNA NABILA PHOTO WENDRA AJISTYATAMA
Luggage Rimowa. Where I get my hair done Leopard Salon. Only Agus there can cut my hair.
Vanity Case
Tawon medicated oil for any blemishes, pimples and sunburn.
Lipstick Sephora.
Favorite beauty guilty pleasure Go for makeup shopping with my little sister, buying eye shadows and different shades of nail polish.
Fragrance Anything with a vanilla scent (The Body Shop, Sephora). Must-have makeup Giorgio Armani foundation, in four different shades at least. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat (a complexion highlighter), Bobbi Brown gel eye liner and Maybelline eye makeup remover.
Connections Laptop Apple - MAC. Cell phone iPhone. Gadget of choice iPad mini. Social media fave At the moment it is Path, but I’ll soon go back to Twitter. I need it for my work!
Music My future husband’s work! Books Paulo Coelho’s. Dinner spot Luna Negra. Breakfast or Brunch (and where) Ouma Boulangerie fresh croissant, and have it delivered to my home. Shop Direct buying from good local brands.
Mascara Givenchy.
Casual wear Zara or H&M.
Moisturizer My uncle’s homemade virgin coconut oil.
Favorite coffee corner None, I bring my coffee from home.
Shampoo Kérastase.
Must have household appliance Mini oven.
Shower gel The Body Shop.
Sweet treat Kinder Delice.
Skin care None. I use Minyak
Divine Digs
Celebrating its 13th year in Indonesia, Dior’s timeless elegance, luxury Parisian couture and design codes are in ascendance at its new boutique.
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DIOR’S NEW flagship store at Plaza Indonesia is an understatedly opulent retail space by Peter Marino that recalls the famous fashion brand’s legendary boutique on 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Glass shelving showcases fine jewelry by Camille Miceli and the bold sorbet colors of the iconic Lady Dior handbag, with its signature “Cannage” quilting, stand proudly in Dior’s “World of Bags” at the store’s entrance. The marble flooring underfoot is inspired by this design as well, reflecting the codes of Dior, while overhead are StarLED lights made with Swarovski Elements, recalling the stars and the moon, another of Dior’s design muses. The boutique showcases women’s readyto-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, and timepiece collections. The interior’s glimmering quality aims to evoke a “mythical, magical feeling”, explains
Dinesh Kandiah, vice president of marketing and communications for Asia-Pacific, while the space as a whole, interspersed with plush sofas and Dior’s signature woven cane chairs, is configured as a private residence – a home with a view, in fact. The readyto-wear salon displays the Spring/Summer 2014 collection, an entire wall of which is a “window” onto the manicured hedges of the Garden of Versailles. “Here, it’s really supposed to be almost like you’re in a very, very secluded private space, but then you still can see outside,” said Dinesh. Timepieces manufactured in the ateliers of Swiss watchmaking hub, La Chaux de Fonds, are contained in a dedicated space, where gentle up lighting and wall-recessed cavities play up their beautiful detailing. The adjacent VIP room contains the traditional Dior French marble fireplace and
art furniture by Laurent Chauvat and Vincent Corbiere, while clothing racks on either side display a collection of bold evening dresses that attest to Artistic Director Raf Simons’ attempt to “twist, turn and push” Dior, “where the lyrically romantic becomes dangerous; a beautiful rose garden becomes poisonous.” Most emblematic of the revamp is Dior’s Cruise shoe collection, where the demure pointy-toed stiletto becomes positively sporty-looking with color accents in contrasting dark and pastel colors. “The runway pieces are a little more energetic. It’s really about lace and energy. So as you can see it’s lace and you can see here it’s all about energy, it’s about moving forward, it’s about sport,” says Dinesh, indicating a dark blue evening dress with a zipper down the front that can be worn alone or as a tunic with pants. + Kindra Cooper