New Billy Tjong boutique adds spark to Kemang

Kathy Petite, Contributor, Jakarta

Like an irresistible magnet that pulls visitors to come again and again, South Jakarta's elite Kemang area retains an irresistible charm. And the seemingly endless emergence of new spots in the area inevitably tickles the curiosity.

The latest is a brand-new wedding boutique that opened on Monday The opening was delayed by four days due to the recent flood that affected road access and shut down electricity in Kemang -- but as it turned out, the Billy Tjong wedding boutique was launched just ahead of Valentine's Day.

Billy Tjong is one of Indonesia's talented young fashion designers, and his upmarket boutique is located in Kemang Square, which also houses a Starbucks.

Adopting a modern minimalist look, the boutique possesses a light airy atmosphere with its off-white paint and high ceilings. Its comfortable fitting room provides more than enough space for a bride-to-be to try on a voluminous wedding dress -- and to emerge to comments from her sisters, mother and perhaps a future in-law. And against the neutral colors of its simple and sleek furniture, the dresses on display stand out even more.

But if you think that you will only find nothing but wedding dresses here, you would be wrong.

Targeting upper middle- to upper-class consumers, the Billy Tjong boutique offers more than dresses for women to wear on the best day of their lives.

In addition to his collection of wedding gowns and kebaya -- traditional women's blouses -- customers will also find a range of evening dresses, ball gowns, cocktail dresses and a small menswear collection.

Some of these pieces were presented by top Indonesian models in a fashion show on opening day, and Tjong captivated his audience with his creativity in exploring new ideas and his boldness in leaping out of the ordinary and predictable. Dazzled eyes and sighs of fascination filled the air as the models swayed elegantly down a runway set up in front of the boutique.

Should it be the red-hot evening dress? The irresistible cocktail dress in jet black, or the chic white adorable babydoll bridal gown? Picking the most stunning piece was no easy task, as they each had their own charm.

But what appeared most memorable was the cute little surprise during the finale -- a gorgeous white puff-skirt bridal gown that reached slightly above the knee, revealing the beautiful legs of the "bride". A bit unconventional, perhaps, but the dress turned out to be an elegant full-length gown when the puff-skirt was let down by the "groom".

As Billy said himself. "I think it's fun to be out of the box sometimes instead of using the same old pattern and style, which leads to a monotonous look. Instead, I love trying or combining new or different elements in my bridal gowns and other dresses."

Renowned fashion designer Ichwan Toha, who attended Monday's opening, related his impressions eagerly: "What I've just seen tonight is a reflection of Billy's personality, who has a remarkable eye for detail and a cool, funky taste."

With five years' experience under his belt, along with a number of prestigious national and international fashion awards, Tjong is strengthening his presence in the Indonesian fashion world.

He was a finalist of the Mercedez Benz Asia Fashion Awards (MBAFA) for two consecutive years, and won the famous Lomba Perancang Mode (LPM) 2005 by leading women's magazine Femina with his delightful pirate-themed creations.

And he is still on a roll, frequently appearing on the fashion spread of several leading magazines. Tjong has been asked a number of times to take part the L'Oreal Colour Trophy Hair Show.

Tjong's hands can't stop sketching designs, and he also takes pre-wedding photographs to fulfill his passion for art.

Supported by L'oreal, Christian Tortu flowers and Indah Nam jewelry, Billy Tjong's notable boutique is a dynamic addition to the colorful hustle and bustle of Kemang.

Billy Tjong Boutique Kemang Square, 1 fl, Nos. 7-8 Kemang Raya, South Jakarta Phone: (021) 7198101, 71794705

Source: Jakarta Post
Posted by y.news, Monday, February 19, 2007 12:34 AM

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