My Jakarta: Dji Dieng, Supermodel

November 5th, 2009

Now that batik has been officially recognized as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, the next logical step is to have one of the most beautiful women in the world spread the word.
Supermodel Dji Dieng, who was born in Senegal and raised in Paris and the United States, was in town recently to promote batik and songket, Zero Malaria and “55” cigars, produced using tobacco grown in Yogyakarta.
Is this your first visit to Jakarta? How do you like it so far?
I love it. I didn’t expect everything to be so cool. The shopping malls are great, the people are very nice and polite, there are many beautiful girls and the food is great. I love spicy food.
Have you had the chance to see anything around the city?
Not yet. Yesterday, I got to meet designers Zainal Songket and Denny Wirawan. I’ll be doing work with them for a photo shoot.
You are one of the most beautiful black supermodels, yet Southeast Asian fashion is dominated by Caucasian and Asian models. Why?
It’s simple, the color and height, everything is different, so it’s a new market. I hope by working with designers in Indonesia, I’m opening the door for other black models. I’m going to collaborate with Fame Management Indonesia to come here regularly to do runway shows and photo shoots.
You are a goodwill ambassador for Unesco, and have been honored with the Award for Humanity and the United Nations Volunteer Award. Where do you get the inspiration to help others?
I grew up volunteering because my family has been doing this since I was born. They’ve been helping people in Senegal, by giving them food, clothing and shelter. I’m very active with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer prevention, and I have my own association for malaria awareness.
Tell me a little bit about your non-profit organization, Zero Malaria?
Well, anyone can get malaria. You can get it anywhere in the world, in Asia, Africa and even Europe. Every year three million people die from malaria. It’s one of the most dangerous diseases in the world.
Have you had malaria?
Yes, I almost died from it in 2004. I was in the hospital for six months. I got it while I was in Africa. That’s why I have to do this, because no one talks about malaria and how dangerous it is. That’s why I created my own association, to raise awareness.
How can you help the Indonesian people and raise awareness here?
We do shows and concerts and we collect all the money to buy mosquito nets and medicine that we give away to the kids at schools in poor residential neighborhoods. We teach them how to use the nets properly to help save lives.
What do you think about fashion in Jakarta?
I love it. Yesterday I saw so many great pieces of clothing at the mall, the traditional batik material is so good. I bought a lot of dresses for myself, and I’m very happy to be here, with all my heart.
Are you familiar with batik?
Yes, of course. In Africa, we have something similar. Batik in Indonesia has a very good quality and a lot of designs. When I come back in January, I will do a lot of shopping.
You have the distinction of being know as the supermodel with the longest legs. What’s that like?
It’s good because it’s in the record books. I was the third supermodel to take over the title and I hope no one takes the honor from me.
You work with designers like Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood. What about up-and-coming designers here?
I want to work with them. The fashion industry in Indonesia is growing. If I can work with new designers in Europe, I can do it here as well. And it’s also because the dresses here are perfect.
Your cigar company uses tobacco from Yogyakarta?
This is one of my projects that I’ve been doing for the past two years, exporting Indonesian-made cigars to Europe and the United States. The brand name “55” comes from five leaves and five types of tobacco, and you can see my face in the logo. Right now we are making the small-size cigars for the ladies. It’s very classy. I love cigars!
source: thejakartaglobe.com