Career Journey of the Late Barli Asmara, Temporarily Stopped Due to Chronic Illness - Becoming the President's Regular Designer

Kapanlagi.com - The name Barli Asmara may already be familiar to KLovers. Not only famous as a designer, Barli is also known for being good friends with celebrities. Now, Barli has passed away, leaving behind sorrow.

Many feel the loss. Moreover, Barli was so talented and has achieved many accomplishments. Here are the legendary traces of his career.

1. Self-Taught

Barli Asmara © KapanLagi.com/Agus Apriyanto

Barli grew up with a desire to pursue the world of fashion. However, this desire was in contrast to his parents' wishes. They wanted Barli to become a soldier or a racer. This is what later caused Barli's unsupported desire.

"I come from an affluent family, but I was not facilitated. My journey was not as smooth as people think. I had to learn on my own to be independent, survive, and struggle to reach the top," he explained as quoted from kabar24.bisnis.com.

2. Once a Messenger

The desire to become a designer continued to burn. He would do anything to make it happen, including becoming a messenger.

"I used to be a messenger too. I didn't have a car, didn't have many glasses, didn't have clothes, didn't have perfume, only ate at food stalls. However, I approached people who could support my career, such as tailors and pattern makers. That's where I learned how to make clothes. That was my first step," he said.

3. Establishing His Own Label

Barli Asmara © KapanLagi.com/Agus Apriyanto

His stumbling steps eventually paid off. At least, in 2000 Barli successfully established his own label. He then became widely known as a designer who often played with details such as gems, pearls, embroidery, and stitching. 

4. Debut at JFW 2008

Barli's career found a bright spot when he was chosen to participate in the Dewi Fashion Knights fashion show session at Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2008.

"When the Dewi team had an editorial meeting, they were wondering, who is Barli. No one knew me. However, at that event, I risked my career and my name. I was determined to prove my abilities through my work," he said to kabar24.bisnis.com.

5. Falling Ill and Absent for 2 Years

Barli Asmara © KapanLagi.com/Agus Apriyanto

Just starting his debut, Barli then fell ill. In 2010, he was diagnosed with a chronic illness that forced him to leave the fashion world for 2 years. His illness was not further explained. However, after taking a break, he returned to work.

6. Publishing a Book

After years of working, Barli not only designed but also published a book. Yes, the book is titled Fifteen Years of Barli Asmara: Amidst the Sparkle of Ornamentation. The book was published in December 2016.

7. Becoming the President's Regular Designer

Barli Asmara © KapanLagi.com/Agus Apriyanto

He has enlivened various runways, so it's no wonder that Barli has caught the attention of the public, including President Jokowi. Yes, as reported by Brillio.net, Barli has designed clothing for President Jokowi before he was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of Indonesia. 

8. Achieving Various Awards

Barli's success and long journey have been proven by various awards he has received. Among them are The Best Choice Dewi Knights, AMICA Young Talented, ELLE Designer of the year, The Best 20 Designer for High End Masterpiece, etc. 

(kpl/tdr)