Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Of all the designers who’ve showcased new collections this NYFW, few will be remembered as well as Anniesa Hasibuan. She received a standing ovation after debuting the first-ever all-hijab runway at fashion week, simultaneously making history as the first Indonesian to show at an official NYFW venue. All this from a one-year-old fashion brand.
Inspired by her hometown of Jakarta, Anniesa’s collection featured the traditional Muslim veil in soft neutral tones paired with each of her 48 looks, from embroidered jackets to silk jumpsuits to embellished gowns. It was a nod to the modest fashion movement, which has seen a growing market in the past decade via Mango’s Ramadan capsule collection, Dolce & Gabbana’s line of abayas and Uniqlo’s collaboration with British Muslim designer Hana Tajima. In an interview with The Jakarta Post, Anniesa said, “I want to bring the Indonesian name to the fashion world and use my clothes to introduce people to the different and diverse parts of Indonesia.” She’s getting her well-deserved moment.
