Inside Indonesian Entrepreneur Nina Kaginda's First Oscars After-Party

The Singapore-based entrepreneur and tastemaker spills all about her unforgettable night out with the stars.

By Shermin Ng - published 12 Apr 2022

The 94th Academy Awards was nothing short of memorable—from standout red carpet looks to that Will Smith slap—but the after-party was where all the action was. Following the glitzy event, Hollywood’s finest headed to the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party, where they truly let loose and partied away.

Among the A-listers who graced the famed soirée with dialed-up glamour, one first-time attendee stood out—Indonesian entrepreneur Nina Kaginda, who made a sartorial statement in Balenciaga’s Drama Gown (from the spring 2022 Clones collection) paired with Bulgari’s Serpenti Double Tour necklace and drop earrings. Exclusively invited to the star-studded event, Kaginda rubbed shoulders with Oscar winners like Billie Eilish and Will Smith, as well as Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, and many more.

Having only relocated to Singapore in 2020, Kaginda is already a familiar face in the local social scene. Besides owning various investments in the food and beverage sector in Jakarta, she is also a proud mother of two sons. "The pandemic caused me to make a decisive action for my family; I moved to Singapore without looking back since," says Kaginda.

Here, the multi-faceted tastemaker tells us what she loves about fashion and jewellery, and takes us through the journey and emotions leading up to her appearance at the VF Oscars After-Party.

Tell us about your love affair with fashion and jewellery.

It all began when I was a child. My grandmother always brought me with her on her awe-inspiring shopping escapades. She loved to customise gowns for herself and this left a deep impression on me. For jewellery, it was my mother instead who paved the way. She always had iconic pieces laid out neatly on a tray; she would put them on before heading out for dinner or a cocktail party with my father.

What are some of your prized possessions?

It would have to be a necklace from my late grandmother. It is of great meaning to me—my grandfather gave it to her when they met for the very first time.

What do style and beauty mean to you?

Beauty and style are means of self-expression. They are tools uniquely available to each individual, allowing us to show the world who we are without saying a word. Style embodies one’s key characteristics and attributes that, to me, lead to harmony, balance, and sense of ‘Self'.

How did you feel about being invited to the Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party?

It is a true honour. A once in a lifetime experience, a seemingly surreal time, and a memory I'll never be able to forget.

Could you tell us about your look for the Oscars After-Party? How did it all come together?

My friend and stylist, Mel (Melissa), found the exemplary Balenciaga ‘Drama’ Gown for me. I was very grateful for her taste and understanding of the styles that can elevate my look, because not only did the Bulgari Serpenti Double Tour complement the gown impeccably, it also allowed me to assimilate at the Oscars After-Party with greater ease—my entire ensemble was an unexpected conversation starter in a room filled with stars dressed to the nines.

What did you like most about your look?

I loved how the 'Drama' Gown was the perfect canvas for the Bulgari Serpenti Double Tour. Thanks to the thoughtful styling, both key aspects could have its own time of day without overpowering or drowning out the other.

How did you get ready for the event? Can you take us through the glam process?

Aside from my beauty rituals of getting a skin brightening laser treatment, hair care spa and my personal must haves: manicure and pedicure, the main and the first step of my glam process is to sleep like a baby! And this means following their sleeping hours too—sleeping at 10pm and waking up when your body naturally awakes in the morning.

What was it like being at the party?

It was a whooping culmination of nerves, excitement, otherworldly elegance, and glimpses into an unreal life all in one—probably the most awesome party I’ve ever attended.

What were some highlights and unforgettable moments from your night at the party?

For one, the fact that I got to literally party amongst the stars. Another would be witnessing the Oscar winners holding their Oscar trophies in the flesh. The celebrities were relatively easy to approach; their demeanor was humble and I was most touched by their friendliness towards me. I enjoyed the party with calmed nerves, which is an understated blessing amidst the chaos of emotions that engulfed me the entire day leading up to the party.