Jakarta, INDONESIA Michelle, 17 Glisters and Blisters
“One thing is for sure: locals embrace trends.”
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Images: Nikicio.com; Fenny Chen
hat’s the first thing that jumps into your mind when you hear Indonesia? I’d reckon thoughts related to terrorism are one of them. Despite the ugly news, the fashion sphere is better than ever. These days, there are more events than you can count on two hands. From runways to Jakarta Fashion Week to charity sales, there’s always something to look at every day.
(my favorite!), and Italian ones such as U.C.Benetton, Motivi, Camomilla, Intimissimi, and many more. At the end of the street there is a beautiful 19th century gallery full of shops and cafés…you have to go there, it’s amazing! Via Scarlatti is a small promenade in the smart district. There you can find a nice department store (Coin), a bigger Zara – hurray! – and some other shops. If you can get around by car, there are two shopping centers close to town with more than 100 shops (Campania and Vulcano Buono), and a big outlet is opening soon (La Reggia).
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MYRIAM of Mode-moi-selle is an almost graduated language student with a passion for shopping and a neverending love with fashion. You can find her under stacks of books and fashion magazines, in a Zara store with eyes sparkling, or on her fashion blog. Come and enjoy!
If you’re lucky, you might be able to visit the occasional Brightspot Market (www.brightspotmarket. com). You’ll love the products from local & international brands such as Cotton Ink (cottonink.blogspot. com), Petite Cupcakes (www.petitecupcakes.com), and many others. The exhibition, held few times a year, is a must-go for all fashion worshippers.
Bargainista Heaven Like to bargain? Then ITC Mangga Dua is your place. ITC has everything from $13 bodycon dresses to knock-off Louboutins to factory outlet designer pieces. Starting from $40, you can walk away with Stella McCartney’s leopard screenprint t-shirt. Of course, you won’t walk away with that price easily. If you’re heading down here, drop me a line and I’d be happy to bargain for you!
Unique Designers Bargaining not your thing? Drop into Tribute Birdcage and bury yourself in unique young Indonesian designers pieces from Nikicio, KLE, and many others. Pay a visit to
Far left: the author and friends in Gossip Girl mode; above: Nikicio Spring/Summer show, Brightspot market
the Balinese brand Biasa at Kemang Raya for casual beach pieces. I know that beachwear might not sound that appealing, but don’t compare Biasa to Billabong. Instead, think Cavalli’s maxi-dresses blended with Karen Walker’s preppy style. You never know when your perfect summer piece could be waiting!
Jakarta Style It is actually very hard to define one particular style for J-towners. One minute you’ll see cute Blair Waldorf bows and another you’ll catch a glimpse of Erin Wasson’s rock-child vibe. One thing is for sure, locals embrace trends. Thanks to the increasing amount of magazines, getting inspired from gazillions of sources isn’t a big deal anymore. Actually, me and my blogger friends just did a “Gossip Girl” inspired photo session. Once you’ve done your shopping, fill up your tummy at a historical dining site, Huize Trivelli (www.huize-trivelli.com). The Dutch-based restaurant serves variety of foods that are prepared by the Dutch owner himself. I don’t think there’s any better way to study the past than this!
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MICHELLE of Glisters and Blisters is a newbie in blogging and has a passion for two words beginning with an F: Fashion & Food. The fashion business student collects black shoes and dreams of following Patrick Demarchelier’s path in fashion photography. You can follow her on Twitter @glister_blister.
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