A hop, skip and splash away in a tropical microcosm of creativity, one can discover a haven for those searching for a different and better life. "A mysterious and magic place charged with tremendous powers of creation and destruction, growth and decay, harmony and struggle," says expat Susi Johnston. It was as far back as 1920s when artists and photographers moved to Bali inspired by the unselfconscious Balinese women working the fields, and the spectacular tropical environment. It wasn't long before Bali became the centre for creative ambition. Now, with over 15,000 expats, the island is exploding with a fountain of talent that is simply waiting to be discovered.
While inter-national brands lie low, it is the local labels that take centre stage, run by enterprising young people who are clever enough to spot the advantages of using the unentrepreneurial local talents in a more marketable and international manner. As I speak to many of the people who have moved there, I find that they have discovered a style niche - inspired by the lush tropical environment, amiable people, easy-going life and lower standard of living, they have found opportunities on this island, or more correctly, created opportunities on this island that they may not possibly have had in their home town. The "powerful" and "energetic" island is more than home for most of these "accidental entrepreneurs". It is also a livelihood and a lifestyle.
And the locals play an important part - every expat I met unreservedly states that the Balinese people are superlatively talented. Excellent at working with their hands, quick at moving forward with traditional techniques and themes that have been handed down through the ages, they however, lack the ability to create an international-style brand and the vision and entrepreneurial ability to take it forward. Is it a happy marriage then? Possibly, though the challenges are many. Work stops unaccountably and a sense of professionalism is lacking. Language is another huge barrier. But these are small bumps on the style highway, as many of these expats are finding fruition by getting noticed by top design houses, designing for billionaires' homes across the world, and finding a space in a global arena. While some bring global experience to the table, all have a keen sense of creativity and style.
Through many days of explor-ation, in between afternoons on the beach and motorbike rides through Jalan Oberoi, Seminyak's shopping area filled with chic boutiques; tête-à-têtes over 'Bali coffee' at the boutique Elysian Hotel, wanderings through Bali's art town, Ubud, cocktails at Amandari, watching ceramic production in action and bargaining with the jewellery vendors, I came across a phenomenon of style, determination and hard work.
Source: http://www.verveonline.com/
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