When I first started working as a journalist, I had to go on assignments my editors chose for me.
Most of the time, I didn't mind, because I was always interested to learn new things. But there was one thing that I really dreaded: fashion shows.
Amidst Jakarta's socialites in their expensive designer clothes and high-heeled pumps, holding on to their million-dollar clutches while sipping champagne and gossiping with their friends about the latest marital scandal of A and B, I always felt wildly misplaced.
Fashion is definitely not my world, but it is clearly the world of Jakarta's rich and famous - otherwise the many Prada and Gucci stores that you can find in almost every shopping mall throughout town would already be bankrupt.
Local fashion designers put on extravagant shows on a weekly basis - mostly in 5-star hotels or shopping malls - and the ever-growing Jakarta Fashion Week is coming up in November.
Indonesia's world of fashion is thriving and expanding, with some local designers even having showcases in New York and Europe's fashion capitals.
In May this year, famed singer Lady Gaga even wore a gown made by Indonesian designer Tex Saverio during a photo shoot for Harper's Bazaar magazine - reportedly, the young man now normally sells his pieces for no less than $2000.
Does it really matter? Maybe for some - it is good to get the name of Indonesia out there, in a positive sense, and not related to terrorism and natural disasters - but in the end, probably not.
I, for one, am still in love with my Doc Martens and feel most comfortable wearing jeans and simple t-shirts.
But what actually does interest me are the many small independent fashion labels that have emerged in Jakarta in recent years: the indie fashion scene has become more creative and dynamic.
Newly-opened retail stores in malls like the Goods Dept. at Plaza Indonesia, Manekineko at Epicentrum Walk and Level One at Grand Indonesia - all of which promote local products and brands - show that there is more to the local fashion scene than high-end, overpriced clothes.
Mostly these indie labels were started by a couple of friends who found that chic and good quality clothes often come with a high price tag - and they decided to do something about it by making their own.
Oline Workrobe creates clothes for the career woman - office apparel with a twist - while Petite Cupcakes offers very feminine and romantic designs. Nikicio is known for its androgynous style, and Cotton Ink produces women's accessories.
There is something for everyone's taste and style - and most of all, purchasing a piece from an indie label won't rob you blind.
And last but not least, Indonesia actually never has to worry about fashion disasters at all: it is home to batik, and this traditional fabric always looks beautiful - no matter on what occasion.
But Indonesians didn't seem to care much anymore for batik - until, of course, Malaysia suddenly claimed cultural ownership over the patterning method. Suddenly, there was a public outcry.
But no worries, batik was declared an Indonesian cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009.
Everything went back to normal, and the socialites with a lot of spare money on their hands, could focus again on buying that new Tod's bag.
===========
Katrin Figge
@katrinfigge
