Quiksilver goes batik

Quiksilver, who is famous for its surf-wear, also took part in celebrating the national batik day last month by launching its exclusive line of Quiksilver batik. It was interesting to see how the normally formal batik is mixed and styled in a casual way. One piece that really caught my eyes were the shirt with blue batik prints. I like how contemporary it looks and thanks to a good friend, I got the shirt. Hooray!!! It fits amazingly well and I've been wearing it to the office occasionally ever since.

If you miss this year's Quiksilver Batik Exhibition, don't worry. The exhibitions have become an annual event for Quiksilver and are usually held in Pondok Indah Mall 1, Jakarta and Paris Van Java Mall, Bandung during the national batik month. So be sure to check it out. The ladies of course, have not been forgotten. Roxy also released an exclusive batik collections for women. Both collections are available in adult's sizes as well as kid's. I just can't wait for the next year collections. I'm sure it's gonna be as cool as this year's and you bet your ass I'm gonna grab me some of those.

FYI, do you know that there are many kinds of batik? First, there is the "Pesisir Batik" which is created by several areas on the northern coast of Java and Madura. As a consequence of maritime trading, Pesisir Batik tradition was more open to foreign influence. For example, Pesisir Batik  utilizes Chinese motifs such as clouds, phoenix, also various flora and fauna images.

The second one is "Ekletik Batik" whose motifs and colors are inspired by Polynesian design and art. Ekletik Batik uses materials with modern coloring process. The designs and varieties also follow today's trend. Ekletik Batik has more varieties of prints such as animal, floral, or other objects, however the print itself doesn't have any symbolic meaning and doesn't refer to any region.

The third one is "Modern Batik" which still have strong ties with traditional batik and tend to rely on the rules of the guidelines as traditional craftsmen. This was also seen in the use of colors and shapes that modern designers are using. Modern Batik today still uses the motifs of leaves, flowers, and birds as the red line of theme in each visual.

Lastly, there is the "Le Kawoeng Batik". Kawung itself is a kind of palm tree that has ellipse-shaped fruit named "Kolang Kaling". The ornament consists of four circles in the middle that symbolizes four sources of energy surrounding the center of power. East is the direction of sunrise, the symbol of life essence. North is the direction of mountain, symbol of god's dwelling. West is the direction of sunset, the coming of luck. South is the direction of Zenith, peak of everything. Like a palm tree that can be used from root to leaf, the motif brings hope that the owner is given strength to have a meaningful life.

So, can you guess which type of batik shirt I am wearing in the picture above?

Socialites and their natural habitat

It is often said that man is a social being. Nothing that could be said was truer in that regard at the MORGAN fashion show in DIAGONALE. Glitterati and fashion-stalwarts flocked to one of the most exclusive clubs in Jakarta to party and watch a fashion show featuring 11 socialites  from the group "Haute Lister" as the models. Socialites like Sonia Wibisono, Maya Kusuma, Dian Van Laree, Liza Remi, and others donned the french label and strutted the catwalk in style, bringing their own personalities and siganture into their steps and poses. With queen bee Veruschka Nadja as the host, the ladies definitely ran the place that night and MORGAN infused them with a kind of french sexiness that was simply tres tres chic.

The Queen Bee, Veruschka Nadja

with Ayi Maydina

Ismaya Cafe, Level One - Grand Indonesia

Just like The Goods Dept. and The Goods Cafe in Plaza Indonesia, Level One and Ismaya Cafe is just two places I have to check out every time I visit Grand Indonesia. I just have to sit in the cafe, order a drink, and take a puff of cigarette. What can I do? The place keeps calling out to me.

Curry meat pie with pea mashed potatoes. This one is great. Stuffing is really yummy and moist.

My favorite kind of cupcake: The Red Velvet. Gotta be honest though, this one is not the best one I've ever tasted. I'm tempted to try the Green Tea one next time.

Signature Lychee Soda: The lemongrass really made all the difference. Ice mint tea: Refreshing. Balieys Truffle Ice Cream: Interesting and recommended!

The "Look how edgy I am 'cos I wear eyeliner" party

If you don't know what Lookbook is, get off your lazy ass and google it. Well it's basically a website that will show you how full someone is of him/her self. No, I'm just kidding. It's a website where you can upload pictures of yourself in stylish getups and have people "hype" you so you'll ultimately have lots of fans. 

As an online social networking media specifically targeted to fashion-minded people, Lookbook has gained a huge following and broken out of its niche. Especially in Jakarta, Lookbookers have become some sort of community with supports from local bloggers, designers, and media. 

On 29th of September, Lookbook Jakarta held a Lookbook night in Canteen, Plaza Indonesia. Hosted by inspiring people from Indonesian fashion industry such as Rama Dauhan from Danjyo/Hiyoji and Yoland Handoko from ELLE Indonesia along with 8 local breakthrough designers and a fashion show featuring "non-models", the event was a definite success with lines of people stretching back as far New Zealand Ice Cream counter to see the show. The show was definitely something. It was different... However, I couldn't stay long 'cos I had to scoot off to CLEO's most eligible bachelor awarding party right away. Nevertheless, kudos for Canteen, ELLE Indonesia, and Men's Folio for recognizing and providing the platform for young creative minds and local talents. Without further ado, here are the pictures....

Amril Ardi // Kay Mori // JOSE by Joshua Septhio

 Freddy Richie // Febri Dwi Suseno // DNSR homme by Clarice

Melody Marvelly / / Gracia Stefani / / COCCAYIEN by Tito Van

Marcella Caroline / / Adelle Veronica / / JEDIY by Angela Jessica Hadi

Klaudia Scholastica / / Jesslyn Patricia / /  THE RUE by Sara Sofyan and Safira Lavinia

Jensen Sanjaya / / Stella Julian / / NOONIO by Mutiara Sitompul

Ario Achda / / Yudhie Ramaddhan Soekotjo / / HANDGEMAAKT by Zico Halim

Behind the scenes

The finale

Spotted: Herdi from Men's Folio, Rama Dauhan from Danjyo/Hiyoji, & Vidi Aldiano in the audience

Footloose tells you to cut loose

I love the posters for this upcoming remake of the 1984 film of the same name. The original starred Kevin Bacon as the titular character whom now has been re-invented by Kenny Wormald as the city kid Ren McCormack who moves from Boston to an old fashioned and uptight Bomont, and rebels against its law that bans dancing and rock music.

I like the fact that the posters don't look like movie posters at all, but more resembling a denim ad campaign. I think they really capture the spirit of the younger generation. This new version of Footloose from Paramount and MTV Films is being directed by Craig Brewer and will be released on October 14th this fall.

Meet my new friend, Gisello

 

Hey y'all, I want you to meet my new friend, Gisello. Isn't he handsome? I got him at SAMBA store in Grand Indonesia for 111,000 IDR. I desperately need a new flip-flop 'cos the strap on my last one just snapped this morning. Well, I've been crushing on that iPANEMA model since I first spotted it anyway, so I bought it. I was torn between the black one and this one, but in the end I chose the blue one because I decided that I need more colors in my life.

Anyway, naming our footwear has been an inside joke since I was in NYLON. It started when we were reading a guy's blog who names his shoes every time he gets a new pair, and when we were stressed, one of the relief efforts was that we would read his blog and copy his actions in comical fashions.

I named the new flip-flop Gisello, because the brand ambassador of iPANEMA is Giselle Bundchen. So he's like the male version of her. However, not long after I met Gisello, I ran into a pair of TED BAKER flip-flop on sale for a price not too far off from Gisello. Suddenly I felt a little buyer's remorse. Damn you Gisello, I'd rather have TED BAKER as my new friend!

Nevertheless, what's done is done and I am trying my best to enjoy my time with Gisello. You know what they say, "Lose a hat, gain a flip-flop" or wait, was that just me?

5th World Islamic Economic Forum: Reunion

with Aldo Suchandra, Nita Angelina, Indah Putri Ariani, Tatha Saragih, and Rudy Budhianto

A few years back I was in the committee of the 5th World Islamic Economic Forum. I was recruited as one of the liaisons and got a chance to meet a handful of wonderful people whom I had the pleasure to meet again last night at De Luca, Plaza Senayan. 

It's been almost 3 years since we last met. Most of us were just fresh out of college when we took the job as liaisons. Running around, being slaves to all the delegates that came from the neighboring Moslem nations to attend the forum held by the Mr. President himself. We were just kids back then, now we are conference organizer, lawyer, accountant, PR exec, banker, etc.

My... how time has changed. Last night was a rare opportunity to reminisce all the chaotic days and sleepless nights we had as liaisons for the event. Only when our charges don't need us, then we can sneak off to the special liaison room in hotel Mulia to sleep even for just half an hour. But then, that precious half hour was spent chitchatting with fellow liaisons and taking pictures instead.

It's true when they say that camaraderie is born from shared misery. It was nice to see you again, guys. Keep in touch yaaaaaa :D

Men's Fashion Week 2011: The Goods Dept.

My favorit looks from the runway

Here are the pictures from the runway. The collection was themed "Freaks & Geeks". I know it's late, but I just got the chance to upload it now. The quality is a bit low 'cause I was using my Canon Powershot G11. Nevertheless, enjoy...

NYLON pre-party for JAVA Soulnation at Portico

NYLON kids sure know how to throw a party. The pre-party for LA Lights JAVA Soulnation Festival last Thursday night in Portico was jam-packed with people. The party featured Valerius, an Asterdam-based band who just released their first album last year. I've heard a couple of their songs from the radio and they are surprisingly good in performing live too. You might have heard their hit single "She Doesn't Know".

I just love love love this kind of scene. A roomful of people, enjoying a great performance from a not-overrated rock band. I think Jakarta should have more parties like this. More rock, more alternative, more indie. The crowd is there. Jakarta is ready. Come on people, make it happen!!!

My very own pulp fiction

I finally got a short story of mine published on a magazine. It's called A Bad Conception. I spontaneously wrote the story at midnight up to 3 A.M. in the morning. I don't know what came over me. Few days prior, a friend suggested via Twitter that I probably should write down my inner contemplative thoughts into a story and somehow I managed to come up with something. Actually, getting a writing of mine to be published has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember, but I was never confident enough in my writing ability.  I took a chance and submitted it and the managing editor of the magazine thought it was good, so it got published.

The receptions that I got from my friends who read it were pretty unified. Most of them are confused and don't quite understand it. But that's exactly my purpose. I don't wanna spell everything out explicitly. I want each reader to have his own opinion about the story. It was fun though to hear everyone's take on my writing. The most fun part, however, was to see the illustration that goes with my short story. It was pretty interesting to see how the artist would represent a two-pager into one picture. And I really like it. I think the artist really grasp the point of the whole gibberish.

In this story I experimented with layers and structure. Just like the title, A Bad Conception, the story flows from A to B to C. At first it was A and B talking about C. Then it was B and C talking. Lastly it's C talking to herself in a contemplative manner. The final part might tie the whole story up as a meta-fiction, but then again, it's all up to the readers to interpret. And if you pay close attention to the story, every character at some point shares a similar action that might act as a red line and clue the readers on whose story it really is, yet it still opens up many possibilities for interpretations. 

A Bad Conception touched on pop culture and social media phenomenon with a little bit of social commentary. It is "Inception" about Twitter. And not to compare myself with the great J.D. Salinger, but I took a page out of his book by using phrase repetitions to reinforce the characters. If you like a straight linear story, my story might not be for you, but for those who don't mind to turn that screw in the brain a little bit, I hope you like it. But if you finish my story, perhaps you'll also get my message. You actually don't even have think much in the first place.

Check out my story in NYLON Guys Indonesia September - October issue if you're really curious.

Freaks & geeks night out

What a fun night last night. All the geeks and freaks in the city were gathering in Plaza Indonesia to witness The Goods Dept. fashion show as a part of Jakarta Men's Fashion Week 2011. The collection was themed Freaks & Geeks and it combined various brands available within The Goods Dept. It was fun to see a different take on men's fashion and it's nice that the fashion world finally catch up to what makes us geeks and freaks so adorable :p

with Rudy Budhianto, Andri Parulian, Alex Kusumapraja, Lia, Philea Adhanti, and Kenneth Prahara

Of course, no fashion show is complete without an after party. The after party in The Goods Dept. was filled with artsy crowd. Circles of media people, fashion industry insiders, designers, budding entrepreneurs are familiar faces spotted in the room. I noticed lots of eye-fucking from one person on one side of the room to another one across the room. Lightning-fast introductions, faux cheek kissing, and name-dropping all are usual practice.

Anyhow, it was a fun night in a stress-free environment and a relief from burgeoning piles of to-do lists at work. Good friends and free booze, what more could a geek ask? I'mma be posting the pix soon.

On a little side note: I've found my lost Snickers bar. Turns out it was in the front zipper pouch of my Jansport postman bag all along. Mistery of A Lost Snickers Bar: Solved!

Yay~

All good things come to an end

Over this weekend I got the chance to mourn the loss of a very dear friend: my Pull & Bear hat. It happened last Friday night presumably. I was carrying lots of stuffs from my office to the parking lot when I was about to go home that night and I probably dropped it along the way.

You see, I'm not the type of guy that likes to experiment with a lot of different accessories. Once I've found a piece that I'm comfortable in, I'll stick and be satisfied with it 'til death do us part. After my watch and belt, my hat probably is the single most important accessory to me.

It's a quick fix for a bad hair day or when I don't get a chance to style my hair. I always wore it after shower at the gym when I don't wanna be burdened with how crazy my hair looks. Now, you can see  how saddened I am by the loss, right? I know I still have my Levi's cap at home, but nothing could ever really take your place in my heart, my Pull & Bear hat.

I'm writing this post as a tribute to all the good memories that we shared. Thank you, goodbye, and see you in another life, hat.

The moment I purchased it. We've been through a lot since then.

P.S. I also lost a Snickers bar that night... but I suppose that a misconduct might be in place... that should be another episode: "Mistery of A Lost Snickers Bar!"

Monolog, Plaza Senayan

I'm sure most of you already heard about Monolog or been there. Along with De Luca and Union, Monolog is one of the hottest restaurants in Jakarta. The place serves breakfast-oriented cuisine all day long. Good food, cool crowd, nice atmosphere. 'Nuff said, enjoy the pictures.

Top picks for my Lacoste L!VE looks

1. Cardigan

2. Checked Skinny Fit Shirt

3. Slim Fit Jeans

4. White Tokyo Watch

5. Suzuka Shoes

6. Vertical Camera Bag

Lacoste L!VE

Lovin' Lacoste L!VE new collection and campaign. The usually prim and proper Lacoste reinvents itself in a new look and direction. Just like its tagline, preppy is now hip and edgy.

I need to point out the obvious though. It's so Skins and NYLON. But that's why I love it. Gotta hand it to Felipe Oliveira Baptista, the artistic director, for choosing Mark Hunter as the brand ambassador and casting out real people on the streets as models. It makes the collection much more relate able. The campaign really exudes young, fun, and contemporary.

Check out their website for more Lacoste L!VE experience.

Items of desire

I love how the usually stiff varsity jacket is now turned into this movement friendly form by Topman.

And also, a freshly pressed white shirt that fits perfectly to your form could make any guy look like a prince charming, like this one from Hugo Boss.

I feel a little cuckoo

It's true what they say, working in fashion is tough. Especially when you handle twelve brands at once.

These past couple of days, I just hit that plateau which amplifies my tendency to be inert. Combined with the long commute from home to office, I can't help but feel a little bit off balance. My life revolves around my job. I get up early in the morning for a two-hour commute to work every day and get back to home around 9 o'clock which doesn't leave a lot of time to clear my mind. Hence, cuckoo... 

Probably 1 to 2 free hours every night before I sleep for recreation and that's including dinner and bathing. The vicious cycle repeats itself again the next day. I'm sure many of the young executives and professionals in Jakarta share the same fate with me. If you're out there and reading this post, try leaving me a comment or suggestions on your coping methods. Maybe we could be companies in misery. 

Anyway, don't forget to check out the "mixtape" page. I've uploaded a new playlist for everyone to enjoy. Hope you find my musical taste suits you as well. One of my new resolutions is to listen to more music from outside of U.S., so if you find the playlist a little weird 'cos I threw a korean and a french in the mix, that's the reason. Another resolution would be to wear more local labels or designers clothing, but that should be a discussion in a new post. I guess that's it pour maintenant...

Cozy Rocket 2.0

So wow, it's been such a really long time since I've updated this blog. I guess since I've started working in NYLON, I just couldn't find the time and energy (or to be honest... just got lazy :p). Instead of writing for this blog, I wrote a few filler articles for NYLON Guys.

Now that I've moved to a different company, somehow desires and opportunity aligned and I got the rare chance to finally revamp Cozy Rocket. So, voila!!!

So I hope you guys enjoy the new layout and check out the September-October issue of NYLON Guys Indonesia. I contributed a short story for their Pulp Fiction segment called "A Bad Conception". I'll post more about it later.

Gotta go to sleep now. Got an early day tomorrow and fashion shows to plan ^_~*

Two of my most favorite fashion, music, & lifestyle magazines ever