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Indonesian designer Dian Pelangi gets honest about the hype around modest fashion

Indonesian designer Dian Pelangi is one of the headliners at this year’s Singapore Fashion Week. (Photo: Karina Yasmine Photography)
Indonesian designer Dian Pelangi is one of the headliners at this year’s Singapore Fashion Week. (Photo: Karina Yasmine Photography)

At the mere age of 26, Indonesian designer Dian Pelangi has already become a prolific figure representing the Southeast Asian region at top fashion weeks in London, Milan and most recently, New York.

Earlier this year, the entrepreneur shook the fashion industry after she presented a showcase in the Big Apple featuring models donning the hijab and catapulting modest fashion further into the mainstream fashion world.

Now, modest fashion will be featured at the Singapore Fashion Week (SGFW) for the first time and Dian Pelangi, whose real name is Dian Wahyu Utami, will be one of the headliners for the event’s Modestyle Fashion Showcase on Saturday (28 October).

Ahead of SGFW, Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore caught up with Dian Pelangi amid her busy schedule. The designer shared her thoughts about the global modest fashion trend – and how it can be problematic when big brands jump on the bandwagon.

1. For the first time, Singapore Fashion Week is featuring modest fashion. What do you think of this new development?

I’m very overwhelmed by how modest fashion is being welcomed in the mainstream fashion world. Right now, people want to know more about modest fashion because it has become more universal. These are not just people who wear hijab – those who are not wearing the hijab can also apply modest fashion to their daily style. I really appreciate how modest fashion is being celebrated and how it has brought people in the fashion world together.

2. How has life changed since you made your debut at New York Fashion Week earlier this year?

I feel truly honoured to have that opportunity because I think it is a one-in-a-million chance out of my nearly 10 years into my fashion career. This is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. However, the effect of this should not always be towards me. I hope it makes a good impression of the modest fashion movement in general.

Models wearing Dian Pelangi SS18 during the Indonesian Diversity fashion show at New York Fashion Week in September 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)
Models wearing Dian Pelangi SS18 during the Indonesian Diversity fashion show at New York Fashion Week in September 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)

3. The modest fashion movement has been gaining momentum around the world with more brands featuring models wearing hijabs. What do you think of this phenomenon?

I think some people want to have their “slice of cake” in the modest fashion industry. For me, modest fashion itself is an evolution. As more people show that modest fashion is universal, more will want to show that their mainstream collection can be incorporated into this trend, as well.

While it’s good to see the hype created around modest fashion, it can be challenging for us when big brands tap into this market. We need to compete healthily in this industry without being left behind with what’s current. I do hope I can collaborate with these big brands to bring modest fashion to another level. It’s not just business but also a way to create a good image for modest fashion.

4. Where do you think modest fashion is headed in the near future?

People always think that fashion weeks are where new friendships start and new silhouettes are introduced. So I think top fashion weeks in New York, Milan, London and Paris will possibly introduce a segment for modest fashion in the near future.

Indonesia has plans to be the global centre for Muslim fashion by 2020. But right now, modest fashion is approaching lots of places, so we’ll see.

Dian Pelangi walking the runway at the Indonesian Diversity fashion show during New York Fashion Week 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)
Dian Pelangi walking the runway at the Indonesian Diversity fashion show during New York Fashion Week 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)

5. What can we expect from Dian Pelangi’s showcase at this year’s SGFW?

Surely something new, something universal and ready to wear. A lot of colours, details and creativity related to the hijab. We want to show that the hijab can be worn by anyone.

6. What’s your fashion rule when it comes to donning the hijab?

While you’re supposed to be fully covered, we can still show our face, hands and feet. But no hair and neck. It’s a rule I always follow in my designs.

7. Describe a day in the life of Dian Pelangi in one sentence.

Colourful, of course.

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