APR showcases sustainable, fashion-forward collections in collaboration with Indonesian designers

On March 27, Saturday, Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), a sustainable rayon fiber manufacturer, collaborated with three Indonesian designers for a fashion show showcasing fashion-forward designs cut from comfortable and sustainable materials. During the pandemic, the collaboration is expected to revitalize the creative industry, especially the Muslim fashion trade.

The Sustainably Modest fashion show took place at Kota Kasablanka mall from March 18 to 28 as part of the annual Muslim Fashion Festival (MUFFEST). This is the third year that APR has partnered with MUFFEST.

The aim of the ongoing partnership with Indonesian designers, according to APR marketing communications head Sheila Rahmat, is to improve the fashion industry. She said that despite the pandemic, APR continues to support the domestic market potential of modest fashion to revitalize the apparel industry, the creative industry, and micro, small, and medium businesses.

She added that this partnership is in line with the All Indonesia spirit, which promotes the use of locally sourced and manufactured products in order to help Indonesia become the global center for Muslim fashion.

Three designers presented ten different looks of their own models at the Sustainably Modest exhibition.

The main star of INEN Signature’s Secang Enchantment collection was ecoprint. APR’s eucalyptus and acacia fibers are combined with the brand’s secang (sappanwood) based dye and leaf prints in this process, which requires the strict use of natural materials in fabric manipulation.

Inen Signature’s choice of sappanwood reflects its use as a health drink in the form of wedang during the pandemic, according to the collection notes. Sappanwood is widely available and comes in a number of shades, ranging from soft purples to understated beige.

Inen Signature’s choice of sappanwood reflects its use as a health drink in the form of wedang during the pandemic, according to the collection notes. Sappanwood is widely available and comes in a number of shades, ranging from soft purples to understated beige. The style was very feminine, with loose and airy silhouettes that suggested comfort without sacrificing style. Belts and bows accentuate the collection’s flowing lines while still offering a touch of order.

Salt n Pepper’s menswear collection features clear, straightforward cuts in bold colors, such as a line of tie-dye print shirts that are perfect for a beach getaway or layered under a jacket for a pop of color. For the upcoming Ramadan month, neutral tones are also available in the form of flexible trousers or Islamic shirts.

Meanwhile, Geulis’ HARU set, which means spring in Japanese, was inspired by Japan. Modern, easy silhouettes are enlivened by decorative fashion elements like puffed sleeves and ruffles, while floral embroidery and a soft color palette speak to the brand’s message of authenticity, purity, and durability.

APR collaborated with Hurem by Fia and Mukena Arrumaisha during the exhibition portion of MUFFEST 2021, in addition to the fashion show. APR, Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon manufacturer, has made sustainability a priority by sourcing its raw materials from a renewable industrial plantation.

While the pandemic had definitely battered the industry, Ali Charisma, national chairman of the Indonesian Fashion Chamber and organizer of MUFFEST, said in a statement that initiatives like strengthening local brands and using eco-friendly materials were much needed during this turbulent period.

INEN Signature creator Inen Kurnia explained that leftover materials were recycled and reused in some way as part of her collection’s environmentally conscious production system, such as reducing waste by making accessories from leftover fabric or using plant materials as fertilizer after the dyeing and printing phase.

Because of its organic, biodegradable, and traceable nature, APR’s viscose-rayon is widely recognized as a sustainable commodity in the fashion industry. The use of APR fibers also contributes to the government’s #banggabuatanIndonesia (#ProudlyIndonesianMade) initiative, which aims to increase the use of Indonesian-made materials and goods.