Torang Sitorus Clothing Show Joins 65 Years Of Diplomatic Relations Between Indonesia And Japan At The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Torang Sitorus Clothing Show (ist)

JAKARTA - The Apurva Kempinski Bali celebrates Indonesian Independence Day through a series of events that show off the power of works of art, handicrafts, music, dances, culinary, and fashion of Indonesia that can unite the nation in the Powerful Indonesia Festival program.

As part of the Powerful Indonesia Festival, a well-known fashion designer from North Sumatra, Torang Sitorus, in presenting a fashion show based on mutual respect and high appreciation for culture through handicrafts, fashion, works of art, and music.

On Friday, August 18, the splendor of the theater stage at The Apurva Kempinski has been dedicated to the special moment of celebrating diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan which has existed for 65 years, by combining the cultural wealth of the two countries through extraordinary work.

Torang Sitorus presents his cutting-edge work combining North Sumatra native fabrics with Japanese silk Goods. The essence of Torang's latest collection of exhibitions is its intervention technique against Ulos by providing a variety of unique new color-color choices and the way to style clothes from this typical Indonesian cloth.

Torang Sitorus has studied the uniqueness of Ulos for 25 years, where innovation and sustainability radiate from each of its woven fabrics using the 'katun silk bemberg' thread from Japan, which comes from cotton seeds. Meanwhile, the variety of bright colors available are produced from natural cloth dyes derived from jolawe leaves, secang wood, jackfruit wood, leaf extract, indigo, mahogany fiber, and gambir.

Recently, Torang accidentally discovered a series of colors softer for Ulos when experimenting with the remaining water of the bemberg threads with Ulos colors in general. The soft colors of the experimental results became an additional color for Ulos colors in general, or called marhilong, which is usually worn during traditional ceremonies such as weddings.

Meanwhile, Ulos' collection of new, softer colors is widely favored by Indonesian textile collectors and fans. Although Ulos' color has now grown, Torang remains committed to preserving the authenticity of Ulos' motifs such as lines, boxes, zigzags, and bamboo shoots. Combined with the classic kebaya design to the modified kebaya creating a unique combination between cultural heritage and comfort, where traditional handicrafts meet today's dynamics.

The previous Torang collection of Ulos exhibitions has been held in Medan, Jakarta, and The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where the exhibitions received positive responses from the public, especially from the Japanese expatriate community. This extraordinary response sparked cross-cultural collaboration where the Torang collection has inspired a Japanese textile entrepreneur to use Ulos cloth as the main ingredient for creating his Kimono collection. This growing cultural interaction further strengthens long-standing diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan.

To commemorate diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan, Ulos' collection of Torang Sitorus was exhibited through a series of events. The first event was held at Grand Indonesia - Jakarta, in May 2023 with an event titled "Heritage of the East, From Toba for a Powerful Indonesia". Then it continued to The Apurva Kempinski Bali, which was celebrated right after Indonesian Independence Day at an event titled Harmony in Diversity: A 65-year Celebration of Indonesia and Japan.

This series of events will close with the Indonesian Art and Culture Exhibition organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan with the Exploring the Beauty of Indonesia with Hideo in collaboration with Hideo Gallery from 19 August to 9 September 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. This celebration is proof that art works have the power to maintain unity to unite nations through their beauty and artistic expressions.

"I am very honored to be able to present my collection at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, as part of the celebration of the 'Powerful Indonesia Festival'. This event is a testament to the strong ties between the two countries and the harmonious combination of traditions. This opportunity is extraordinary to share my enthusiasm for works of art and cultural combinations. I am also very happy to be able to present how the Japanese turmoil and the beauty of Sumatran cloth can unite harmoniously to symbolize a story of unity and integrity," said Torang Sitorus in a virtual press conference, Saturday, August 19.

"We welcome the innovative collection of Torang Sitorus with high enthusiasm at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. His work is a harmonious combination of Indonesia's cultural wealth heritage with contemporary styles, a manifestation of unity in diversity. Torang's artwork combines Indonesian cultural heritage with a modern perspective, which is not only relevant to the Indonesian people, but also to the global community. This collaboration reflects the power of art in bridging culture and fostering more meaningful relationships. We are honored to be part of this journey," said Vincent Guironnet, General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali.