Whiteboard Journal hosted our third event on September 24, 2013 at Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan. For approximately two hours, participants gathered in a cozy corner of the bookstore to talk about various aspects of fashion – a theme that many might tend to associate with glamour.
However, the very responsive participants proved that fashion encompasses many more things than expensive brands and glamourous lifestyles. Fashion is, without us realizing it, an integral part of our daily lives. The clothes that we choose to wear as well as those we decide not to have the equal power to define us. When we look at fashion from this perspective, the topic becomes something that is “closer to home” and therefore much easier to ponder over and talk about.
- Digital platforms such as blogs and websites “democratize fashion,” according to one participant.
- In response to Sally Singer’s quote in which she laments over the fact that many fashion enthusiast these days use fashion for “personal branding” as opposed to genuine self-expression, another participant noted that claiming to not care about one wears is just another way to achieve personal branding.
- Famous bloggers such as Face Hunter and The Sartorialist act as “curators” who dictate what people around the world choose to wear. In other words, it is not necessarily the personal style of these individuals that influence the choices of fashion enthusiast, but what these individuals say is or is not good.
- And yet even if the Internet has made it easier to access foreign references, the items these influential figures recommend might not be available in certain countries. This limitation encourages online shopping – which might blur the line between what is considered local and not.
- The harmony between the functions and aesthetics of clothes is important, but a participant noted that sometimes, the aesthetics of a particular clothing item is actually the function. E.g. a beautiful gown that is not practical in the daily context serves its function when worn at special occasions.
- Idealism and practicality become important issues when talking about the development of fashion.
- The world of fashion must have and acknowledge “bad fashion” to survive because it pushes for new innovations and changes, as one participant stated.
- One of the most crucial points of the discussion, however, was that it is impossible to separate fashion with culture.
Please feel free to tweet us @wjournal #WeDiscuss. Or send us an e-mail to with the subject title “We Discuss #3" if you would like to comment on any of the above points.
We would like to thank those who came and contributed to the third We Discuss meeting. We hope to see you again in future discussions. Next month’s theme is: . Further details on the theme will be posted on our website.
We Discuss #3 is less than a week away, and to help you prepare for the discussion, we have compiled the following references.
Global Lifestyles with Yvan Rodick (Face Hunter)
“Beyond any trends, there is a deeper factor that expresses the culture.”
In his interview with Whiteboard Journal, he uses the example of the Scandinavian taste for "fashion that isn't sexualized" — which is an expression of a culture where gender equality has been achieved. He goes on to say that fashion is an "extension and expression of culture." How do these different expressions affect the way trends develop in each culture?
A Fashion Standard with Auguste Soesastro
“Context means where you’re going. I think a lot of designers here create gala gowns. I mean where are you going to go with that in Jakarta? There is no occasion to wear that. The lifestyle here is malls, resorts and going to lunch I guess. So I think the clothes must be appropriate for that and the weather is hot so you shouldn’t make things with polyester. And also this is a country with a huge muslim population so you have to be considerate about that, too.”
How can both designers and consumers nurture an awareness towards the local context when we are constantly exposed to foreign sources/references?
An Interview with Jennifer Wiebking on Freunde von Freunden
“I think that fashion serves as applied arts. At least, it has this function at best. Fashion always has a practical purpose. Fashion is there to be worn, it has its own right. There is a reason for the existence of fashion and art. It is like design, which has something pragmatic and practical. But of course, something shown on the runway always functions as an art performance. On the other hand, one doesn’t see many women wearing those particular skirts in the streets. Again, it proves itself as an example of applied arts.”
Wiebking’s idea on the practical purpose of fashion goes hand in hand with Auguste Soesastro’s claim that clothing has to be functional:
“Clothing has to be ergonomic. That’s number one, because if it’s not, it is a costume. I think design has to fulfill a certain function not just aesthetic values because I think a lot of designers nowadays, especially the younger generations have completely abandoned the idea of function. It’s all about aesthetics, the “Wow!” factor, the shock value of fashion and I think it has moved away from what fashion really is.”
Is it possible to maintain a balance between aesthetics and function be achieved?
Sally Singer on Her First Year at , the ‘Comic Mess’ of Fashion Week Street Style, and More
“I look at how people put themselves together and how the kids put themselves together. It is actually fascinating to me. The particular circus around the shows is, to me, a bit of a comic mess at this point. I see people who I know have borrowed clothes, who are purposely dressing in ways to get photographed, but are not expressive of themselves or of the season or of anything. It’s the same drive that has people doing reality TV, kind of personal branding, you know? And a desperate attempt for sort of quasi-celebrity.”
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
7—9 pm
Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan
(near the language section)
Jl. Asia Afrika 8
Sogo Plaza Senayan Lt. 5
Jakarta 10270
For further information, please look out for updates on our Facebook page and Twitter account! If you’d like to share your opinions, or if you have friends who’d like to share theirs, sign up via e-mail with the subject title “We Discuss” at ! If you have comments or questions, tweet us .
, the Dutch producer extraordinaire who specializes in spacey, quirky and eccentric beats has recently remixed a banging 12" from 's . The track titled "" from Nightmares On Wax's LP (out September 17), has the producer 'conjure up an off-kilter production that illicits equal amounts of head scratching and head nodding. In a span of just four minutes, the rising beatsmith essentially rolls through three different beats—beginning with a spacey set of chords and rising melodies before landing us in the middle of some cartoon funk', as pointed out by .
Listen to and download the track by clicking .
We’ve already talked about education and national identity in the first two meetings. What are we going to discuss about this month?
Has the Internet era given birth to a global taste? In the case of fashion, Yvan Rodick, a popular blogger known as Facehunter, claims that the opposite is true. “People think being an individual is cool so they try to use elements that already exist from somewhere else but they would do their own mix, and in the end I think there is more diversity,” he noted in an interview with Whiteboard Journal. Are our standards of aesthetics in fashion shaped by the Internet’s diverse sources?
- If what Rodick said about individuality was right, does this mean that the Internet has given individuals the confidence to explore and develop their own tastes instead of solely relying on certain iconic figures?
- Have fashion blogs such as and become main references?
- Are print fashion magazines still relevant? Or has the Internet managed to turn the locality of magazines accessible to an international audience, hence creating the same impact as fashion blogs?
- Aesthetics vs. Function
- According to Auguste Soeasastro, more and more attention is paid to the aesthetics of fashion rather than its practicality. Can this emphasis on the aesthetic aspect of fashion affect the way people respond to beauty?
- What will happen if fashion turns into an object of art devoid of function regardless of the creative energy that went into it?
’s Sally Singer once noted that it is important to pay attention to cultural contexts in order to truly understand fashion. But since obtaining references from sources outside one’s own comfort zone, how should one know where one culture ends and another begins?
Does culture affect what is considered to be “good fashion”?
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
7—9 pm
Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan
(near the language section)
Jl. Asia Afrika 8
Sogo Plaza Senayan Lt. 5
Jakarta 10270
For further information, please look out for updates on our Facebook page and Twitter account! If you’d like to share your opinions, or if you have friends who’d like to share theirs, sign up via e-mail with the subject title “We Discuss” at ! If you have comments or questions, tweet us .
The Boston based brand, New Balance, introduces its latest MT580 inspired sneakers. Available in two colorways – the classic New Balance grey and navy blue – the collection still retains the suede/mesh upper of the original MT580, but it also includes a sole unit with Revlite cushioning. Revlite’s technology is popular for maximizing the comfort of the wearer, and also because of its lightweight feel.
But that’s not all New Balance has to offer this season. The winter 2013 collection also consists of three models that are available in grey-blue, indigo and red. Unlike the Tier 1 models, these ones feature Nubuck leather/mesh uppers.
The come in sizes 5-11 and 12 (width D).
For further information, click here.
who will be graced with our own stage, are proud to support a day long back-yard style outdoor party showcasing a specific fresh genre of music with the support of respected music communities doing varied activities such as a record fair, live podcasting of guest music stars, discussing their music collections and their latest works in music.
Taman Kridaloka, Senayan.
7 September 2013.
3 pm - midnight.
IDR 150,000,- (presale)
IDR 200,000,- (at the door)
0817 9350 610 (from 9am to 5pm)
AKSARA KEMANG
Jl. Kemang Raya 8B
Jakarta 12730
Phone: (021) 719 9288
AKSARA CILANDAK TOWN SQUARE
Cilandak Town Square 2nd floor unit 153
Jl. TB. Simatupang Kav. 17
Jakarta 12430
Phone: (021) 7592 0347
AKSARA PLAZA INDONESIA
Plaza Indonesia level 5 unit E02
Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 28-30
Jakarta 10350
Phone: (021) 310 7711
AKSARA PACIFIC PLACE
Pacific Place 4th floor unit 406A
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Jakarta 12190
Phone: (021) 5797 3740
www.reform.co.id
www.soundshineevents.com
Reform is proud to have three renowned artists from the internationally acclaimed Stones Throw Records to perform at the event.
International
Perhaps the ultimate label in the independent/underground hip-hop roster, Stones Throw Records have been supplying indie-music fans with a steady stream of quality music that stretches from Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Prog-Rock and everything in between. Headed by renowned DJ Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw have, since 1996, gained worldwide acclaim through their impressive roster that includes Madlib, J Dilla, MF DOOM, Mayer Hawthorne, Myron & E, Aloe Blacc, Dudley Perkins, Karriem Riggins as well as the trio who are about to make their way to Indonesia: Dam Funk, Chris Karns and The Stepkids.
Known amongst his peers and fans alike as the "Ambassador of Boogie Funk", Dam Funk is heir-apparent to Prince, The Egyptian Lover, Rick James, Zapp and other synth-funk pioneers. His Boogie, Modern Soul and Electro-Funk sets have become a staple for crowds in his native Los Angeles as well as finding its way into dance floors across the globe.
The Stepkids formed in 2009 after playing in bands and as sidemen for other musicians for years. Guitarist/vocalist Jeff Gitelman, bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Dan Edinberg and drummer/vocalist Tim Walsh—came together to play music that is a gleeful blend of classic jazz, R&B, funk, 70s pop rock and countless other genres and styles to create a uniquely personal brand of modern psychedelic soul.
American turntablist, who won the 2011 DMC World DJ Championships. He has also won the 2002 WSTC World Championships, six DMC Regional Championships, and three Redbull Thre3style Championships. He has produced songs for Ahmad and Mayer Hawthorne. Chris has also shared stages around the world with industry legends such as Run-D.M.C., A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Mos Def, and many others. He is currently the official touring DJ for Yelawolf.
Jamie Aditya is an award winning entertainer, presenter and actor who is best known for his work as a presenter for MTV and Discovery Channel. Jamie is also a giften soul-musician, having performed in various venues across the archipelago. He is currently working on his debut album, due to be released some time in the not so far away future.
Having migrated from Amsterdam to Bali after a respectable 25 years as a DJ and producer in Europe, Aardvarck is your DJ’s favourite DJ. His long career has seen him collaborate with a plethora of well-respected labels such and has made him the Dutch go-to-guy for many like-minded producers like The Gaslamp Killer, Theo Parrish, and Mark Pritchard and has Thom Yorke select his tracks for Radiohead’s Dead Air Space Office Chart. Aardvarck has also taken part in numerous prestigious festivals across the globe, including Sonar in Barcelona, Deviation in London with Benji B and Gilles Peterson, Panorama Bar in Berlin, Batofar in Paris with Moodymann and The Detroit Electronic Music Festival as well as performing in various venues in Japan, Cuba, Australia and Asia. Now in charge of Bali’s own soul/funk-centric ESKIMO bar, Aardvarck is ready to provide and share his rich musical knowledge at Reform.
Bergas Haryadita, one of W_Music’s music editors, is a seasoned DJ that has worked with many of the worlds best music groups including Japan’s FreeDisco, Rong Music, and London’s LaserMagnetic Crew. With experience in living in two of the world’s most music-centric cities (London and New York), Bergas has since returned to Jakarta where he can often be seen filling up dance floors at various Jakarta hotspots, injecting the Jakarta scene with funky tunes that revolve around Soul, Disco, House and everything else in between.
One of Jakarta’s finest and purest hip-hop disc jockeys, Nasa began his DJing career in 1997 in Jakarta before moving to the UK for 3 1/2 years. While in the UK DJ Nasa was greatly influenced by the skills of the DJ’s around him and the music they played. Taking an interest in the technical aspects of DJing, Nasa has been refining his scratch techniques over the past five years after moving back to Jakarta and has seen him star as the opening DJ for Ja Rule, Naughty by Nature and Sean Paul. With his true love lying in the area of DJ Breaks and Grooves DJ Nasa’s musical interest is vast, spanning from Acid Jazz to House to Drum & Bass and Hip Hop.
Co founder of the influential GOODNWS, REI is known for his eclectic DJ set, he always tries to introduce new sound to his mix, pushing the sound of Soul, Funk, Jazz, Latin, Disco, Boogie, Hip-Hop, Broken Beat, Beats, House and anything that related to progression of all genres of music above. His talent led him to open for world renowned DJ/Talent such as Cro-Magnon, Masaya Fantasista, Dam Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, Benji B, and Modern Funk duo from Sweden, Opolopo and Amalia. His hard work finally paid off when Juice Magazine voted him as DJ of the year back in 2011.
A member of the esteemed Jakarta based collective Ketoprak Malam, Archie started off his DJing as a sideline passion, and has since progressed into being one of Jakarta's finest selectors. Archie has been on the decks since 2009, and produces his own tracks & remixes just for kicks, playing at friends’ parties before moving on to gigs, pubs, and soon will be on the radio waves. This sound enthusiast will always please you with tasteful selections in a versatile style, from Bass to House Garage, from Hip-Hop to Modern Funk.
This native Torontonian made his mark on the scene by establishing himself as a premier party MC upon his arrival in Jakarta over a decade ago. He took the industry by storm as he rocked the mic through countless major events and clubs across the country, earning a number of awards along the way, including Ravelex and Paranoia’s MC of the Year, and named HardRock FM’s Paranoia Icon and Rookie of the Year. Since then, he has used his knowledge and passion for music to return to his rightful place behind the decks, and his versatility as a DJ has seen no boundaries, dropping a wide variety of musical genres during his set, while simultaneously controlling the vibe through the microphone.
One of the true pioneers in Indonesia’s urban scene, he began his illustrious career by building the SoulMenace label and claiming several accolades such as multiple-winner of Paranoia’s DJ of the Year and International Breakthrough of the Year awards. This one-of-a kind turntable specialist rose to the top of his game, going from club DJ to performing alongside several top-notch local stars and opening for numerous foreign acts. He still finds himself in high demand as he still sets himself apart with high-energy sets filled with scratches, cuts, and beat-juggling, to showcase the definition of a true turntablist.
In order to make the event a success, Reform have made an exclusive partnership with Whiteboard Journal, Jakarta’s definitive online destination for a creative lifestyle community that also boasts its own music community/section in the form of W_Music. Whiteboard Journal, who will be graced with its own stage at the event, will play a crucial role at the event, not only as a media partner, but also in the gathering local music communities and individuals to participate at the event, be it through DJ performances or by inviting Jakarta based independent record shops to sell their goods and merchandise at the event. The local communities and individuals who will participate include:
GOODNWS are a dedicated music media based in Jakarta, Indonesia with a purpose to spread the sound of Soul, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Afro Beats, Boogie, Disco, Hip-Hop, Minimal, Deep House, Beats, Future Music, and other music genres that are heavily influenced by all the music genres above. GOODNWS also acts as a music promoter, independent record label and artist management with the mission to create a platform for local talents to express their music and bring inspiring artists to Indonesia to exchange thoughts in music, productions, and anything related to progression of music.
An anomaly in the vast declining availability of physical record stores in Jakarta, Monka Magic Vinyl is perhaps one of the saving graces of the Indonesian record industry. Selling quality and highly sought-after vinyl, cds, DVDs and various other music related merchandise, Monka Magic also happen to officially distribute Stones Throw vinyl records and CDs in Indonesia.
One of Kemang’s best kept secrets, Hi-Fidelity is a vinyl-only record store with a distinctly underground feel, located on the top floor of Kemang’s Café Mondo. Run by one of Jakarta’s premier record collectors in the shape of Fadli Aat, the store has been in operation for just over a year and has already established itself as a focal point for Jakarta’s left-field music lovers.
A virtual record store run by two respectable members of Jakarta’s music community: Space System’s Jonathan Kusuma and Quirk It Soundsystem’s Gerhan, Akamady have been actively selling vinyl records and other music related paraphernalia online for over a year with an impressive catalogue to boot.
Backstage Life Bareng Grrrl Gang di Episode Kelima Vindy Ngapain?
Tahun ini Grrrl Gang mendapatkan kesempatan untuk menjadi salah satu line up di We The Fest 2019, dan Vindy diperbolehkan untuk mengikuti aktivitas mereka.
Tahun ini Grrrl Gang mendapatkan kesempatan untuk menjadi salah satu line up di We The Fest 2019, dan Vindy diperbolehkan untuk mengikuti aktivitas mereka.
Son of another Indonesian great, multi-instrumentalist-Jack Lesmana, Indra Lesmana is a child prodigy who learned how to master the keys at a young age, with his first performances done at the age of ten to an audience of hundreds and thousands, and his first album released when he was 12 years old. From child to adulthood, Indra Lesmana has dedicated his life to music.
With currently over 50 albums released, his musical endeavors are not restricted to jazz, Indra Lesmana has also released a multitude of critically acclaimed pop records, winning a BASF Award for his meaningful pop numbers. Currently busy promoting the first LLW record, LLW being his modern jazz trio with bassist-Barry Likumahuwa and drummer-Sandy Winarta, Indra Lesmana spared some time our of his busy schedule to talk to W_Music about some highlights from his three decade-long career, LLW, and leaves the viewers and aspiring musicians some words of wisdom. Enjoy!
[featured caption="W_Music Series Vol.05: Indra Lesmana"]
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Invent Your Future
Temukan siapa dirimu dan bagaimana karaktermu menentukan arah masa depan.
