Embracing Tradition, Breaking Through Trends: Indonesian Textiles in the Touch of Young Designers

Kapanlagi.com - Amidst the rapid globalization of fashion, traditional Indonesian textiles such as weaving, batik, and songket continue to capture attention as a strong cultural identity. One concrete step to preserve and develop these traditional fabrics is through the Tata Wastra competition at the Nusantara Textile Parade 2025.

Carrying the theme “The Elegance of Cultural Heritage in Everyday Wear”, this competition challenges young designers to create modern, functional garments based on textiles while still rich in cultural values.

Senior designer and judge of Tata Wastra, Deden Siswanto, emphasized that the evaluation of works is not only based on visual aspects. The participants' attention to the fabrics used is also an important point in the judging process.

"So the fabric is not just cut to make clothing. Participants also care about the fabric, because usually every fabric has a history. This year, participants are creating ready-to-wear garments, not costumes," said Deden Siswanto during the Textile Story Talk Show at the Textile Parade, Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta, (8/8/2025).

Deden believes that the development of textile-based fashion is currently experiencing rapid progress. According to him, textiles have long been a favorite choice for the public, and now they often even become the dress code at various events.

1. Between Aesthetics and Cultural Values

In the judging process, Deden admitted that distinguishing between designs that are just designs and those that truly have cultural value is crucial.

"Looking at the current younger generation who are all about Instagram, participants must delve into the values of textiles because each region's fabric has its philosophy. Understanding the fabric worn, such as there are materials that cannot be torn or cut. So, ready to wear from textiles can be used and have value," he said.

He believes that competitions like Tata Wastra have a significant contribution to cultural preservation while also opening up space for new innovations. However, support systems like collaboration with the government are still needed.

According to him, textiles became popular when many people started wearing batik as everyday outfits, and fabrics from other regions began to be recognized.

"Batik has become a favorite; now every province has textiles. So now, not wearing textiles is actually not cool. Therefore, textiles have now become a mainstay," he said.

However, challenges still exist. Deden Siswanto stated that the challenge is selling ready to wear made from textile materials; the prices must be adjusted. Because fashion designers also source raw materials from artisans.

"So the raw materials from artisans that we process can be easily bought by people," he explained

In addition, for modest clothing, Deden also mentioned that it must adhere to the principles. This also becomes a unique challenge.

2. Fimela's Vision to Make Textiles a Contemporary Fashion

Nusantara Textile Parade 2025 © KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

Meanwhile, from the organizer's side, Adinda Tri Wardhani as a representative of Fimela explained that the main motivation behind Tata Wastra is the drive to preserve local culture and make it a part of fashion that is relevant to the younger generation.

"We want to encourage the preservation of local culture, especially textiles such as batik, weaving, songket, etc. Through this competition, the textiles of the archipelago are not only preserved but also reintroduced to the younger generation in a modern and relevant format," she said.

Adinda also stated that competitions like Tata Wastra open up opportunities for young designers and local fashion SMEs to showcase their talents and expand their networks. And Fimela encourages the emergence of new talents who can combine cultural elements with global fashion trends.

"As a digital media, Fimela utilizes this initiative to enhance interaction with audiences interested in fashion and culture," Adinda explained.

Adinda also observed that the fashion trend based on textiles is now moving towards a more modern direction. For example, weaving combined with denim, or batik with oversized streetwear silhouettes from Korea. "This trend makes textiles more functional without losing their identity," she said.

In this year's Tata Wastra competition, the finalists showcased a diversity of interesting approaches. You can see the distinctive designs from each finalist who has been able to enter the fashion industry,

"In the process, we can see that each of these selected finalists has different design characteristics and target markets. Thus, each of them has an equal opportunity to enter the fashion industry. Their works will later reflect fashion trends based on stories and identities, not just visuals alone," she said.

Adinda said that Fimela has great hopes that Indonesian textiles will no longer be considered something that is 'outdated' or 'only for older people'. Through Tata Wastra, these traditional fabrics are expected to transcend age, social class, and even countries.

"We want to see Indonesian designers bring wastra to Paris, Milan, and Tokyo Fashion Week. Not only beautiful visually, but also carrying the philosophy and stories of the archipelago to the world stage," concluded Adinda.

Friends of Fimela, the Nusantara Wastra Parade 2025 is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors from PT Pertamina Persero, Bank BRI, Permodalan Nasional Madani, the South Kalimantan Provincial Government through the Department of Communication and Informatics, the Tarakan City Government, and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero).

Read more news about the Nusantara Wastra Parade 2025 at Liputan6.com.

(kpl/phi)