Milo
Milo, a true pioneer in fashion, came to Bali in the 70's when high fashion didn't even exist. It wasn't an easy road for him, but he had a vision of creating distinctive fashions for women which are beautiful yet affordable. The lush tropical environment in Bali became his source of inspiration for his designs, which reflect the geometry of nature. Many of Milo's designs incorporate orchids, shells, sea life or flowers in their motifs. The clothes are purely feminine and are made from a variety of silk chiffons, organza or soft rayon jerseys: they are elegant leisurewear.

Milo prefers not to categorize his designs, because he feels that it depends on who he is designing for. One of his best markets is Kuala Lumpur where he must cater his designs to meet the conservative sensibilities of that culture.
"For Italians I make designs that are much more revealing with a neckline almost to your belly," said Milo smiling. While in contrast he has also created stunning modest designs for modern Moslem women. Milo feels that the fashion world has really changed. As a designer, he is very aware that the economic situation is a bit dire, so he continues his commitment to producing designs which are not out of reach for the everyday woman who wants to be stylish without the high price tag. When asked what his biggest challenge was in today's competitive market Milo said,

"Not to get distracted by all the gossiping and keep creating while being myself!"

Francesca
Originally from one of the famous capitals of fashion, (Rome, Italy), Francesca said she wasn't influenced by anyone to become a designer; it just happened. "If I hadn't come to Bali, I don't think I would've been able to do this," said Francesca. When she first arrived in Bali ten years ago she started doing candles and interiors but soon lost interest when she discovered that it was much easier to express herself through designing clothes.
Her label 'Puravida' is well known in Bali. The designs are inspired by the 60's and 70's with a mixture of hippy and retro looks. Most of the clothes are free-flowing and made of high quality cotton or stretch denim. Puravida also has a nice selection of funky platforms and sandals in a wide variety of colours.

"While I love my designs, I would secretly like to wear punk clothes," she confessed.

Francesca is quite inspired by the ethnic styles of Central and South America, so in 2008 she plans to create a collection that will be a mix of both Indian and cowboy designs. According to Francesca, Bali fashion has changed a great deal recently. The competition is much fiercer these days, especially in the last three years, which means Francesca must always create new designs to keep up with the fast pace of the fashion world.

Sabbatha
Just four short years ago, Sabbatha embarked on a career in Bali. Before that time he worked in a local advertising agency here. Whether in Jakarta or Paris, where he was educated, he has always been involved in fashion. Many of his designs have been influenced by his travels and the different cultures that he has experienced.

His designs have a Gothic touch which is bold and powerful for women. This Gothic influence comes from Sabbatha's upbringing. There is a definite 'West meets East' feel to his fashions.

"I was born into a religious Protestant family," said Sabbatha. "I like the combination of my religious background and the European influences I had when I studied abroad."

In the future, Sabbatha plans to continue with his Gothic motifs which he truly loves. His fashions incorporate many skulls, roses and crosses on most designs.

Sabbatha predicts that gold and silver will continue to dominate the world of fashion for the next two years, but next summer he thinks there will be a lot of grey, turquoise and red colours combined with ethnic styles. The most challenging thing Sabbatha has encountered is how to be different from other designers.

Zayd Makarim
Zayd worked in production for nine years for one of the best designers in Bali, John Hardy, who had a big influence on him especially in relation to technical issues, how to deal with customers, handle quality control and process orders.
"I took over production for one and a half years. In my fifth year with Hardy I made my first design outside of the company," said Zayd.

""Every time I had small ideas, I always used to draw the designs and put them in my agenda. By the time I left my job with John Hardy, my agenda was full with designs which I used to start my own business, No Han Designs."

Zayd's exquisite jewellry designs are inspired by the ocean, massive tree trunks and the roots of trees. His best selling design is 'Buddha Curl' which was inspired by the hair curls which often adorn the heads of Buddha statues. Most of Zayd's products are exported to Shanghai with the exception of some select products which are currently sold in the 'Asia Society Museum' in New York City and Novica.com. He currently has 300 collections and continues to create many more.

"My biggest challenge is the marketing side of the business. When you have your own design there's a special satisfaction from that; you can't measure this with money."

Paul Ropp
New York born and raised in a school for disturbed delinquents, educated on the road in Bali since 1978 and previously in India since 1971, Paul Ropp may well be regarded as the stalwart of the fashion scene in Bali. His trademark bright colors and use of light materials are immediately identifiable in the many Ropp stores across the island.

"I'm on this thing of children raising their parents in Bali, kids here know what they want and they want it now, you never know what will happen tomorrow in the world we live in today. Parents are so keen on telling the kids what to do, nowadays kids are flipping the script so I let my kids influence my work and me – they've proven themselves to be able to realize what they want in life. Somehow we have to temper the quality of these little things growing up under our wings. Kids today are full-on, it's the same with my work; I want to provoke a reaction which I believe is positive when I see people smiling as they see the colours I use, projecting an air of 'I'm okay'. A very positive image is being projected and the same thing is mirrored in the kids attitudes today."

"Fashion to me is dead – I appeal to people who appreciate detail, I want people to 'ooh' and 'aah' with my colours and designs."

Made Lily Jean
Lily Jean is chic, sexy, versatile clothing for girls, with three shops in Jl Oberoi, Seminyak, Kuta and an outlet in Sogo, Nusa Dua. Lily Jean also exports their range of designs to Australia, Europe and the U.S.

"Initially when I started out in 2004 I got this market between the 20-30's age group designing clothes to get into more of a trendy fashion market. I never intended to produce much resort wear - Lily Jean you can wear on the island and take home to the city. I draw inspiration from the local people and craftsmanship, the natural environment here, Balinese attention to detail like fine beading and I always pay particular attention to the finishing and quality. You can wear my dresses inside out, such is my focus on detail and quality."

"I utilize a lot of colour as my market today is young, lots of dresses and evening wear... always working with more luxurious products and slowly becoming more refined, more mature designs but not too serious... a twist... I like to keep some fun in my work!"

Right now Made's attention is not only on expanding Lily Jean here and overseas but also in working to get all the expatriate designers to support and boost the Bali Fashion Week happening at the end of November. "We all have a responsibility to support Bali as a destination for fashion. I believe that Bali Fashion Week has a high potential to put Bali on the worldwide fashion map, however it's still early days here…"