VOL . III - BREAKING THE BULLY CYCLE
ASMARA ABIGAIl
F E A R L E S S
B R E A K I N G T H E B U L LY C Y C L E
E Editor’s Note
#Destroythebullycycle Hello Readers, Merry Christmas everyone. As joyful as the festive month, D-Muse is gathering successful women in Indonesia wrapped in cheery winter style. They are Asmara Abigail, Olivia Lazuardi and Jessica Mila. So, not incidentally, our December issue is a celebration of fantastic women—women who have carved out positions of influence for themselves in an array of fields. Risk-taking, adventurous, aristocratic, challenging, unapologetic…these are just some of the ways to describe them. Take the honorable Asmara Abigail, who shares to us how she builds her dream career even though she holds an unpleasant childhood memories. Dani Huda, her best friend who is also an art photographer, captured Asmara as a dancer who contemplate to the nature in her house’s backyard. The social media butterfly Olivia Lazuardi, transformed high-end fashion brands into her signature style. Olivia channels her posh style to re-create the magic of Korean x New Yorker trend. There is also Jessica Mila, as never seen before, hit Pasar Santa tucked in South Jakarta and play around while Nathanael Moss, the contemporary photographer captured the fun moment. It was such a sweet escape from her heavy schedule of shooting for her series, upcoming movies and several commercial. All these fantastic women has proven that successful is not about class or breeding but about talent, drive, and strength of character. Enjoy this festive month with a new spirit.
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BREAKING THE B U L L YC Y C L E
The enigmatic Asmara Abigail, shares how she builds her dream career even though she holds an unpleasant childhood memories. Photographer Dani Huda Fashion Director Rut Caroline Stylist’s Assistant Fiona Rossana Makeup Artist Marina Tasha Hair Stylist Ade Ragil
Coat, Toton Januar Obi, Eesome
COVER STORY
Dress, Sapto Djojokartiko
R
ight after her acting debut in Setan Jawa (The Javanese Devil), directed by the prominent Indonesian director Garin Nugroho, Asmara Abigail has stolen hearts of film buffs. With exotic-yet-mysterious appeal, she managed to impress other directors such as Joko Anwar, who asked her to star in the famous horror movie Pengabdi Setan (Satan’s Slaves). She also graces a number of beauty and high-end fashion campaigns. However, behind her unique beauty, successful career and versatility (she is also a great dancer), lies a bitter experience: being bullied as a child. We spoke with Asmara about her acting and dancing, how she drew herself from life’s grey areas, and her message to millennials. Hi, Asmara! You are known as a young and blooming actress in Indonesia. Can you tell us since when have you been interested in acting and dancing?
For a moment, life stops and it’s just you and the movie. Those moments make me realize what acting is for: to connect with other people and share the energy, and it really helped me build emotions for my character. Speaking of favorite actors, mine would be Monica Bellucci, Penelope Cruz, Tilda Swinton, Golshifteh Farahani and Adrien Brody. My favorite movie director is Giuseppe Tornatore. You have a fabulous house! It was the largest garden house we’ve ever seen so far. it’s quite close to the nature and away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. How do you describe your childhood in here? I spent my childhood alone here. I was used to do everything by myself, so I guess growing up in the forest wasn’t so bad. I really enjoyed running around the park, climbing the trees and riding my horses when I was younger. It was special because it’s not a common life, and I feel that I’m very lucky to have it both as my background story and part of my character building as I grew up.
“I think I was never an ordinary girl”
I have always had interest in acting since watching Pretty Woman when I was just 6. I thought Julia Roberts has a different persona in every movie she was in. And because I was growing up alone in my “forest”, I spent a lot of my time watching movies, playing Barbie and drama. I used to play with my own imagination. I watched Dance with Me when I was in elementary school, and since then, I really wanted to be able to do Latin and ballroom dance. So I guess acting and dancing came together to me. Though you are relatively young and new in the film industry, your talents grab attention. Where did you learn acting? And who are your favorite actors and movie director so far? I learned acting by watching movies. When the movie is really good, it touches you and digs up your memory.
What do you think about Indonesia’s movie industry? Is there anything you want to change from it? If so, what do you have in mind to make some changes? Indonesia’s movie industry is really growing these days; a lot of productions are going on, and now a lot of Indonesian movies are entering international festivals. Some of Indonesian actors have also set their foot in Hollywood. Film is like a time capsule for its nation and for the whole world to see. You can really see the movement of one nation and the lifestyle of its people by watching their film. I just hope we can really produce movies that genuinely be the voice of the directors, not just for the sake of selling tickets. We can really do something for this nation by providing good movies to the people.
All by Dior
All by Dior
Blazer and pants, Stella McCartney
We joked in the middle of the photo shoot earlier about the time when you were just “an ordinary girl” (not as famous as now) and people didn’t notice you. How about now? Do people still ask you to follow them back on Instagram? What is your opinion about this kind of human behavior? I think I was never an ordinary girl, haha. At school, my friends and teachers always thought that I was weird and too provocative, and I never felt comfortable growing up with them. I never felt that I belonged to that society and I never felt like I was in the right vibe. They used to make fun of me, but it never affected me that much. I just focused on leaving the school as soon as possible. Well, now they are very nice to me and acted like we were friends back then, and also the teachers. I think it’s a very common human behavior, which I don’t agree with. Maybe they did that because deep down they were lost. Are you interested in being a “celebgram”? Do you consider yourself as part of the millennials? I don’t even understand what the real meaning of celebgram is. I think I’m more interested in creating something real with passion and hard work, and surround myself with people who share the same positive energy. For me, social media itself is a platform to share and promote your works to your audience, so we as users have bi (dual?/a big?) responsibility because we contribute to the movement of our generation and the future generation. I was born in the 90s, so I guess it makes me a millennial. Since Christmas and New Year are around the corner, let’s talk about it. How will you celebrate them this time?
Well, this year I have a new film project coming up. We are going to start shooting from December to January in Bali. Therefore, I will celebrate a casual yet memorable Christmas with my close friends in Bali because I have one day off. However I will be working on the movie set when everybody celebrates New Year. Did you usually celebrate it with your family or your boyfriend? Last year I was celebrating it with my boyfriend’s family in Italy. My first Christmas and New Year with an Italian family in Italy--it was something special. Ah, tell us more a bit about your relationship, then. It was just so sweet to look at you both on Instagram. It was funny, because we met in Jakarta while he was backpacking around Java and made his last stop in Jakarta just before flying back to Milan. What a coincidence for him to meet an Indonesian girl who speaks Italian and studied in Milan on his last day in Jakarta! So we kept in touch until I went back to Italy for my winter scholarship. I prefer calling it a “Global Citizen Relationship” to a Long-Distance Relationship. It’s nice to see a culture and a way of living through our partner’s eyes. It’s an eye opener that the world is so diverse and dynamic. Well, thank you so much for your time with us. Last but not least, what is your big message to all millennials, especially those living in Indonesia? Travel a lot; physically, mentally and spiritually. It will change the way you see yourself and the way you see others.
“Film is like a time capsule for its nation and for the whole world to see”
Blazer, Stella McCartney Watch, Coach
Top and skirt, TANGAN
Top and skirt, TANGAN
Dress, Sapto Djojokartiko
Dress, Natalia Kiantoro from Fashion First
Dress, Olivia Kiantoro from Fashion First
Dress, Jizeeru
Dress, Jizeeru
Top and skirt, TANGAN
Coat, Toton Januar
THE IT GIRL
t n e m e l E r
e H n I
“Never
before
seen,
the
next
gen
talent
Jessica
Mila
play
around traditional market to eat and shop wrapped in best Fall style: bright and bold."
Photographer Nathanael Moss Fashion Director Rut Caroline Makeup Artist Chelsea Archalangea
Knitwear, Tory Burch
Dress, Tory Burch Shoes, Esme
Top, Danjyo Hiyoji Skirt, Tory Burch Shoes, Esme
Top, Danjyo Hiyoji Handbag, Tory Burch
Top, Esme Pants, Lou Lou The Label Handbag, Tory Burch Shoes, Esme
Knitwear, Tory Burch
Knitwear, Tory Burch
Dress, Tory Burch Shoes, Esme
Fashion Profile
WITH HER COMPELLING STORYTELLING, LUXURY BRAND TEAM-UPS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL NOUS, THE INDONESIA’S SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTERFLY, OLIVIA LAZUARDI SHOWING TO US HER BEST POSE IN FRONT OF CAMERA. CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO WITH HER TO KNOW WHAT MAKES HER TICK.
The It Girl Photographer Ricko Sandy Fashion Director Caroline Meliala Videographer Ikman Blazer Alexander McQueen Jewelry Epa Jewel
What were you doing before The blogging community seems blogging and how did you make tight-knit but you’re also each that jump? other’s competition. Have you I was born and I grew up in Jakarta. Grad- experienced that first-hand? How uated from BINUS International University, do you manage the business I took graphic design as my undergraduaspect of your blog? ate major. Back then in 2013, it was so hard for me to find any fashion inspirations especially from Indonesia. I was inspired by other fashion bloggers such as Chiara Ferragni and Gary PepperGirl. Then, I decided to start a blog as a hobby, and just then I realized that I wanted to do this professionally so I can inspire other women as well.
I don’t take it as a competition, treat it like a community that supports each others and interested in similar things! Honestly, we need each other in order to expand our connection, gather new ideas or even creating an event together.
What were some of the obstacles Have you experienced negative early on? comments on your instagram? How The struggle early on is about creating do you handle it? ‘new job’ that never a job before. It is hard to explain what am I doing to my parents, close friends and other people. Finding & creating a photo is way harder than now, fun facts I used to took 25 outfit photos in one day.
What’s been your “I’ve made it” moment?
I honestly cannot pinpoint the exact turning point for me. I started everything based on my passion for fashion, posted snapshots consistently in a way that people get to know me better. Since then onwards, people started to notice my Instagram account and I gained more fol-lowers gradually. The endorsement deals came as the repercussion of the posts and followers.
Do your parents support on what you’re doing right now? Yes, they are!
I think that is the inherent consequence of exposing ourselves to mass media. So yeah for sure I have had hate comments here and there; and yet here’s how I see it: that for every hate com-ment, there are even more people with supportive comments. So I decide to embrace the positive ones. On the other side, I always take negative comments as constructive note (if they really are constructive). I want to learn more and get better each day – and one of the best ways to do it is through constructive comments.
What is your next projects and plans? I want to focus more on being fashion influencer, my goals is to be invited to global fashion week in fashion capital around the world!
Dress and Plastic Coat, Red Valentino
Jewelry, Epa Jewel Top, Sean and Sheila
Dress, Rag and Bone from Rococo Jewelry, Epa Jewel
Dress, Jii by Gloria Agatha Jewelry, Epa Jewel
Dress, Diesel Jewelry, Epa Jewel
From Paris to The World Celebrating 70 years of Christian Dior, the iconic haute couture fashion house presents a fashion history through an exhibition in Denver. He conceived sophisticated deDocumentation by Dior signs featuring soft shoulders, accentuated busts and nipped waists that marked the beginning of an epic movement in fashion history that would eventually lead to Dior: From Paris to the World Dior successfully becoming the surveys 70 years of the House of first worldwide couture house. Dior’s enduring legacy and its global influence. A selection of The chronological presentation, more than 200 couture dresses, showcasing pivotal themes in the as well as accessories, costume House of Dior’s history, will focus jewelry, photographs, drawings, on how Christian Dior cementrunway videos, and other archi- ed his fashion house’s reputation val material, will trace the his- within a decade and will highlight tory of the iconic haute couture how his successors, Yves Saint fashion house, its founder, Chris- Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco tian Dior, and the subsequent ar- Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, tistic directors who carried Di- and Maria Grazia Chiuri, incorpoor’s vision into the 21st century. rated their own design aesthetic. Christian Dior, the art gallerist who became a celebrated cou- This exhibition is organized by turier, generated a revolution in the DAM and curated by Florence Paris and around the globe after Müller, the DAM’s Avenir FounWorld War II. Dior created haute dation Curator of Textile Art and couture expressing modern fem- Fashion. It features exhibition deininity, completely shedding the sign by internationally renowned masculine silhouette that had architect Shohei Shigematsu, been established during the war. principal of OMA New York.
Fashion
Travel
THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Christmas has never smelled so swe et. This year, Nusa Dua B each Hotel & Spa has b e en transformed into a winter wonderl and .
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Author Rut Caroline Photos Courtesy of Nus a Dua B each Hotel & Sp a
or the Christmas holidays, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa adds the magic to your Christmas celebrations with merry feasts to share with friends and loved ones. From alluring accommodation offers to a Christmas Eve feast with Santa and endless options for the New Year’s Eve dinner party. For those looking for a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the right place to be. Guests are invited to celebrate the Christmas Eve dinner at Wedang Jahe Restaurant. Indulge your taste bud with cuisine prepared by our award-winning culinary team accompanied by Santa and Christmas Carols by the Alas Kasih Orphanage.
The Resort offers a Gala New Year Eve buffet dinner at Wedang Jahe Restaurant with a variety of live stations. In addition, Tamarind Mediterranean Brasserie offers a New Year’s Eve Gala 6 course Set dinner. The celebration will continue with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display to mark the midnight countdown. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spea is making the season truly spectacular this year.
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot North 4 Nusa Dua 80363, Bali - Indonesia Tel: +62 (361) 771210 Fax: +62 (361) 772617 E-mail : widya@nusaduahotel.com
BeAUTY
THE BEAUT Y TOUCH OF YELLOW Such a miracle touch, Miracle Aesthetic Clinic in Renon, Bali has introduced a hi-tech innovation using yellow wavelength to get a flawless skin. For those of you who are still afraid to visit aesthetic clinic due to its dangerous side effect, let’s no worry anymore with the high-tech equipment and work ethic in Miracle Clinic. They are not just a follower of the beauty trend, but Miracle Clinic always provide a high tech innovation following by trial and clinic test. That was what we felt when we tried one of its facial treatment. Greeted by their gracious therapist, Miracle Clinic at Renon suggested D-Muse beauty editor to experience Miracle Yellow Laser since our editor’s skin condition was uneven and dry. Based on our consultation with their dermatologist, the skin issue was affected by the high intensity of UV when doing outdoor activity plus the effect of bad pollution and lack of water consumption.
Photos courtesy of Miracle Clinic Author Rut Caroline
As the result, her face became uneven, has a lot of freckles and melasma. And to overcome the skin issue,, dr. Lanny Juniarti, Dipl. AAAM, as the founder and president director of Miracle Aesthetic Clinic last October has launched Miracle Yellow Laser as the newest skin treatment that is trusted could reduce
the intent freckles. As we tried Miracle Yellow Laser, we felt the yellow wave length penetrated on our skin without any pain feeling. With its 577nm wave-length, this technology could penetrate onto blood vessels around the freckles and clean up the melasma. Equipped with cooler technology which integrated with its scanner, this treatment was not affecting any burnt skin. Therefore, we were not applying anesthesia cream before doing the treatment. After we tried two steps of its laser technology accompanied by their dermatology following by the calming service by the therapist, we could feel the instant result. Not only brighter, our skin looked rejuvenated. Miracle Yellow Laser could frown the blood vessels visible on skin’s surface such as spider veins, telangiectasia and hemangioma and overcome any active pimples. With only 25-40 minute duration of treatment and minimum downtime, it is a perfect treatment for women like us: have a heavy schedule and social activities. Before we went home, we packed ourselves with its continuous skin product: Miralux Skin Bright Serum and Miralux Skin Bright Cream to maintain our radiance skin and to achieve a way more brighter skin in just 28 days. Breaking the negative statements of aesthetic clinic, a experience in Miracle Clinic is a worthy invest of beauty. Miracle Aesthetic Clinic DenpasarRenon, Jl. Letda Tantular No.47A, Dangin Puri Klod, Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234 Phone: (0361) 246 148