Jakarta is such a vibrant city. Those who live here have a love and hate relationship with the city. Yes, we hate the traffic, but we love the excitement and what ever the city has got to offer. This is the city that is filled with opportunities. This is why, it is so densely populated with roughly 8.5 million people.

The majority of Indonesians are Muslim, but Indonesia recognizes 4 other religions, which are Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism and Hinduism. When you travel around Jakarta you can see religious establishments adhering to the 5 beliefs.

Weddings here are generally traditional and elaborate, often lasting for days. It’s really festive involving rituals, with plenty of food and music. Definitely something worth experiencing since you will really get the feel of our culture.

Jakarta is also known for  ‘ojeks’, which refers to people that offers transportation service on their motorbike. This is a fast and efficient way of getting around town.

We are also rich in natural resources. That’s the very reason why we were once colonized. But today Indonesia is a proud and strong country. We are even considered as one of the major exporters, ranging from coffee to coal.

Everything from food to nightlife, Jakarta truly gives you a variety of things to choose from. Jakarta simply doesn’t miss a beat.

Traveling is so inspiring to me. That’s why I love to shop when I travel. I’ve recently picked up a habit of collecting small gold pendants when I travel. Something I would like to pass to my daughter someday and tell her all the places and stories behind each and every one of them.

One of my favorite shopping destinations is Tokyo. There’s something that makes shopping experience so special there. The Japanese are really passionate about shopping. It’s almost like a religion to them. They have such respect and knowledge about what they’re selling. The way they beautifully wrap your purchased goods and how they treat you like a king, it’s just wonderful.

I also consider myself a thrift shopper. This doesn’t mean I only buy second hand things, it means I seldom buy luxury items. And when I do, I have my limits. I know my prices. I buy things based on a necessity or simply if they fit me or not. I don’t have a list of favorite brands. But, this doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them. Because, I definitely admire their work and talent.

Coming back to Indonesia 12 years ago, I have to say I wasn’t impressed with the fashion scene in Jakarta. The city wasn’t at all as inspiring as it is now. Today, Jakarta fashion is alive and kicking it! Thanks to technology and the growing number of social networks on the web, fashion or sense of style is contagious. Being able to see other people’s pictures and lifestyle can be a source of inspiration for others. People became conscious of their own appearance. Every moment is a potential Facebook or Twitter moment.

Riding along the whole technology wave, my husband and I launched the first online fashion magazine in Indonesia in 2007 called Swank Glossy – the web magazine that is dedicated to local fashion. We provide a portal for anything fashion – designers, stylists, models, hair & make up artists, creative, & art director, graphic designers and fashion editors.

Our goal is to expose and show the world that Indonesia can produce fashion spread that are as amazing as ones produced internationally. We were just taken aback with the talent pool of the young generation and what they had to offer. It was mind blowing.

Fashion photographers such as Nicoline P. Malina and Arseto Adiputra, to name a few, are displaying pure magic in their photography. Sapto Djojokartiko and Priyo Oktaviano are amongst the designers who keep pushing the creativity envelope. Danjyo & Hiyoji and Kleting, for instance, are young independent designers who keep coming up with fresh new designs. Pop up store concepts such as Brightspot market is much anticipated now. Fashion really flourished in this decade.

November will be a very exciting month, both on a personal level and for the city of Jakarta. I will be starting on new endeavors that are work related  and Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) will kick off the month and set the mood for the fashion industry. This much anticipated event will inspire the media, who will feature the collections and designers in their editorials in the months to come. JFW will be the place to see and to be seen, so be sure to dress to impress.

I’m Gwen Winarno, a mother, wife and daughter who has dedicated my life to all of the above. Together with my husband Gino, we are the founders of the first online fashion magazine in Indonesia called Swank Glossy in  2007.

I could never put myself in a box or categorize my style. I guess I’m schizophrenic when it comes to my personal style. My style changes with moods, ages, seasons, or whatever it is that affects me at that moment. I could go from romantics to androgynous, wearing prints or monochromatics. Anything goes.

This romantic ensemble is actually my wedding dress! It also has a story behind it, which I love. It was a gift from my closest and dearest girlfriends. The gift arrived only a few days before the wedding day. Any bride can relate to the feeling of anxiety of not having found the right dress. I was simply over the moon when I got this precious gift.

I love things that have a history, that’s why I’m drawn to old or second hand things. I’m mad about vintage. Whenever I travel, I always search for flea markets. Portobello Market has got to be one of my favorite flea markets. Something about being in London by itself is undeniably beautiful. And this entire month of November, I will be sharing my personal style and will give insights on Jakarta and its fashion, Through The Viewfinder.

When I started working, I set aside a portion of my income to feed my desire to travel. From Tokyo, I brought back with me their thoughtful attention to details, layering, gutsiness and quirky sense of style. My wardrobe was filled with colors, prints and patterns due to Japanese fashion influence.

In Europe, especially Paris and London, I experienced a greater sense of individuality, and paid more attention to quality and high fashion. I began to appreciate black and basic as humble staples in my wardrobe and strive to master the art of wearing your personality through tasteful selection of clothes. Many believes in ‘you are what you eat’ but I believe more in ‘you are what you wear’.

Singapore creative industry is evolving. Our scene is definitely becoming more exciting and vibrant. Thanks to internet, smart phones, well-traveled fellow creatives and foreigners in our  small city whom we exchange ideas, information as well as appreciating the beauty of culture differences (Uniquely Singapore Style).

We are a young nation, but we are no stranger to fashion. We are starting to gain a little attention from international fashion scene but not enough to make an impact in the global market (yet). We still have a long way to learn in order to gain that respect. But definitely, we can and we will. Buck up everyone!