Quite Simply Paul Ropp
Paul Ropp is a distinguished and familiar face around Bali. His name pops up on all the main streets throughout this tropical isle, as his 7 freestanding outlets are noticeable for their eye-catching sign posting – great photographs of beautiful models with his name running alongside - as well as colourful window displays that entice the observer to want to try, even in the hot clime that Bali is famous for. It is in fact this very climate that has allowed us to truly appreciate Paul's idea of what we should be wearing in the tropics - beautiful clothing that actually lets the wearer breathe and feel naked, a delicious and completely appropriate feeling in the sweltering sun – adorned but not imprisoned. Paul has come along way very quickly in the 5 years since he opened his first boutique in fashionable Seminyak, in southern Bali. He knows what he's doing, and what we want.... natural fabrics hand-woven in India, cool flowing designs, or cropped sexy styles in colourful cuts that match the man's personality. Laid back yet tastefully unique. He is completely signature and surprisingly, his is a hard act to follow – even in this part of the world where duplication is rife. Paul Ropp, is simply, Paul Ropp – one of a kind with an unmistakable energy and zest for life, and what a life.

The World's a Stage
Paul's muse is nature and the life she provides. He started out by making his first six figures with American flag cigarette rolling paper, which was rather an accomplishment for a man who never got past the seventh grade scholastically, but who, nonetheless received a state scholarship to Pratt, New York when he was 15. He then made his first money custom building and designing wigs for companies that lease space in department stores. This wasn't to be, and so, Paul went to wander the beaches of India to clear his head after a stint as a road manager, from where he then decided to build an industry with the east as his inspiration. That was early 1978, and he has never looked back. His inspiration comes from dancing and music as his clothes are intended for resort wear, although they are fabulous at any time of day, as this writer wears Indian inspired Ropp silk almost daily for work, to a lot of people's inquisitiveness. The foundation of the business is a cottage industry with 1000's of families (about 5,000 staff) all over India weaving fabrics to Paul's bright specifications. Paul takes natural fibres that have been used in India for over 1500 years but that had not been marketed to the west, and then had them woven into the desirable weights and vibrant tropical hues, that have become his distinguishable trademark. His latest brainchild is the innovative 'shop in box', which allows a franchise of his Paul Ropp brand name with a shipment package and installation of his stores exactly as they look all over the 13 countries that they can be found worldwide. Back in Bali he employs about 300 and is proud that the world's largest Hindu population sends fabric to the world's largest Muslim nation for an American New York Jew.

Bali Better Than Ever
It is Paul's vision to get Bali back to its rightful place of peaceful coexistence and allow its creative energy to flow and be recognized once again. Paul wholeheartedly believes in and understands the island he calls his home, and makes a more than conscientious effort to support the local community - a simple example of this is his passing on of the floor scraps of his cuts for the innovative locals to make patchwork pieces, as he believes the Balinese to be the most creative people alive. On a broader scope he is working on his 'Bali Better than Ever' theme that will focus on inviting buyers to come to Bali on a tax deductible expenditure, that Paul is also offering to financially support, in part, from his own pocket. His intention is to remind the world that Bali is still here, and can still offer all that it was so appreciated in the past. He is currently initiating his 'Bali Better then Ever' campaign by taking out full-page adverts in the 'Woman's Wear Daily', which is undoubtedly the most important trade paper in the world. (Sarah-Jane thanks Paul for his time out with her and the champagne!).

For more information on any of the above mentioned -
contact: dewi@paulropp.com or visit www.paulropp.com

May 2006