Nur Yasmin, Jakarta – British Council Indonesia collaborated with London design studio Intoart and local brand CottonInk to put on a fashion show featuring designers and models with disabilities at the Jakarta Fashion Week on Thursday.

"We've been working with the Jakarta Fashion Week for 11 years, and this year we are showing a fashion show to highlight inclusivity and diversity not just in fashion but also art," Camelia Harahap, British Council Indonesia's head of arts and creative industry, said on Thursday.

The trunk show featured knitwear by British designer John Smedley integrated with designs from Intoart artists with disabilities Ntiense Eno-Amooquaye, Yoshiko Phillips and Andre Williams.

Intoart said they work with artists with learning disabilities to fight for more equality in the world of art and design.

"As an inclusive art and design studio, Intoart's fashion collections are designed by learning-disabled designers. We believe the visibility and profile of events such as Jakarta Fashion Week are important to showcase and challenge a wider representation of designers," Intoart co-founder Sam Jones said.

Local brand Cottonink collaborated with illustrator Ayang Cempaka to create vibrant-colored outfits featuring many floral prints that are supposed to represent the spirit and creativity of people with disabilities.

"For us, fashion is for everyone, including people with disabilities. There should be no discrimination in the fashion world. We want everyone to be able to express themselves," Cottonink co-founder Ria Sarwono said.

Models with disabilities also walked the runway to rapturous applause from the audience.

"We want to change people's perception of artists with disabilities. Being disabled does not mean they are incapable. We want to push for more inclusivity in the fashion industry, from product design and production to marketing," Camelia said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/lifestyle/models-with-disabilities-rule-the-runway-at-jakarta-fashion-week