In 2016, ETU became the second Indonesian fashion delegation to present a collection at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, following Patrick Owen’s energising 2015 runway show.
Over 140 VIP guests from Australia and Indonesia came together to celebrate ETU’s debut collection launch on Thursday 10 March.
Chair of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Laura Anderson opened the show, introducing Honourable Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia for Victoria and Tasmania, Ibu Dewi Savitri Wahab, the Director of The Australia-Indonesia Centre Paul Ramadge, and Festival CEO Graeme Lewsey.
“Indonesia is very proud to present young designer ETU,” Consul General Ibu Dewi said in her pre-show speech. “Our designers are already embarking on international endeavours. Our industry employs around 2.7 million people, most of them women. This is an area where Australia and Indonesia can collaborate.”
Consul General Ibu Dewi reiterated the words of Indonesian Minister for Trade Thomas Lembong that the fashion industry has become a major force in Indonesia’s economic future.
Director of The Australia-Indonesia Centre Paul Ramadge also spoke, stating, “This is a very special day – for only the second time, a contemporary, dynamic Indonesian designer has presented on a runway show in Australia.”
“This show tonight brings us together in ways that haven’t previously been possible.”
ETU’s ‘La Voyageuse’ collection proved to be a hit, the neutral tones and dense geometric layers creating sophisticated silhouettes, embellished by intricate embroidery, interwoven materials and innovative head coverings.
Earlier in the week, ETU met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop at the festival launch. Following the success of the runway show, ETU went on to present to media and fashion industry groups in Melbourne.
