Glamour magazine had the honour of attending the Threads of Indonesia fashion showcase which was hosted at the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. The event was an ongoing celebration of a partnership between both countries in strengthening our ties and preserving our cultures.
We had the opportunity to interview designer Anita Gathmir about her brand Puta Dino Kayangan.
Glamour: What does it mean to showcase your designs in South Africa?
Anita: Due to our ambition to expand into other markets, it has a lot of significance. Apart from that, the most significant fact is that Tidore and Cape Town have close relations due to Tuan Guru, a cleric who brought Islam to Cape Town, comes from Tidore. It is anticipated that this entry would be able to mend the ties.
G: Can you describe your collection?
A: Our collection is built on the fundamentals, primarily yarn. So that the outfits we manufacture have a completely hand-made feel. In addition to the fabric motifs that convey a narrative.The apparel items are also manufactured in a variety of uncommon styles that have their own backstories and can be worn by Muslims and non-Muslims. Consisting of 2-3 pieces that can be combined and maxed out to create multiple looks in a single garment.
G: What inspired your collection?
A: This time, a variety of woven textiles using Tuan Guru motifs is on show. These textiles both have a more modern Muslim aesthetic and touch on the style of young Muslims while also displaying a retro Muslim style.
G: As a designer what have been the biggest challenges you have faced? And how have you overcome these challenges?
A: My biggest challenge is preserving Tidores weaving culture. As previously stated, weaving culture has been lost for 100 years, so we together with young people from Tidore are searching for and reconstructing it from scratch. The preservation of the culture is crucial in order to prevent its further extinction. What I can do is approach the weavers and make them proud that they are a worthy part of this cultural preservation.
G: South Africa, like Indonesia, has a rich heritage. How have you showcased this in your designs?
A: I tell a narrative about Tidore’s vanished culture. Aside from that, it explains Tuan Guru's history.
G: What is next for your brand?
A: On October 4th, we will be in Paris for the collection display.
G: Are there any cultural practices that you have incorporated in your collection?
A: Naturally, there is. The technique of creating traditional woven cloth is time-consuming and takes a great deal of patience.For one cloth, 3600 threads must be gathered and placed one by one in a needle and then we need to comb the said threads one by one. One fabric is produced in two months. Cloves and nutmeg, among other plants, are used as natural dyes.
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