My Fashion Journey in the Gulf’s City of Magnificent Architecture

In Doha, the city of picturesque modern architecture and dazzling views of harbor, I was invited to sit as a panelist and present a 10-look fashion show at the city’s most happening fashion gathering; HEYA Arabian Fashion Exhibition.

Arriving at Doha on 11 November morning, the sun was glaring ruthlessly, yet the city could not gleam any better. Perfect timing for an OOTD. Wearing the newest derivatives of #COIDENTITY collection. 

Proudly wearing an Abayya with a touch of Batik, from the collection I presented as “The Jewels of Nusantara” in the SWIFF Fashion Show featuring ASEAN designers 

at the 8^th HEYA Fashion Exhibition. 

Attending the Opening Ceremony of HEYA Arabian Fashion Exhibition (12 - 18 November 2015), wearing the latest signature, “Bird Cage” long coat, 

from the #COIDENTITY collection.

My participation in this fashion event is supported by HEYA’s organizer Design Creationz, Qatar Tourism Authority as well as Indonesia’s Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises. I am truly honoured to be able to participate in this event along with other talented Indonesian designers such as Irna Mutiara, Khanaan Shamlan, Lia Soraya, Iva Lativa, Winda Herdiana and Citra Resmi. The hospitality of the Indonesian embassy and communities and embassy was beyond expected. We were truly overwhelmed with gratitude for their kindness and generosity in supporting us throughout the 9-day event.  

On the day of the fashion forum, wearing the Flameback Batik Gown from the #COIDENTITY collection.

The show and forum I was attending at HEYA is a part of fashion showcase organized by Sheikhahub World Islamic Fashion Show and Forum Series (SWIFF), initiated by Malaysian fashion entrepreneur, Datin Norzihan Ahmad. With the tagline “Get Noticed, Get Global”, SWIFF aims to build bridges for Southeast Asian Designers to enter the Middle East Market. 

I was sitting as one of the panelists in the forum themed as "The Importance of Networking and Media in Fashion Today" along with other role players in the fashion industry such as Deanna Khalil, Domi Perek, Eileen Lahi and Bianca Brigitte Bonomi. 

The collection of “The Jewels of Nusantara” represents the rich legacy and tradition of the archipelago or locally known as the Nusantara, hoping to push the boundaries between nations, genre and style by combining it with the Middle East’s silhouettes. Every garment is carefully hand-made, each finished by talented, local artisans, living at the heart of Batik manufacturing in Pekalongan, Central Java. The Jewels of Nusantara is a fashion statement that features the Indonesian history, culture and originality, best-suited for those who appreciate finer things in life; the ardent fashion aficionados who seek for an emotional component that extends beyond mere high-gloss luxury.