Finalist Creations of Tata Wastra 2025, Batik Mega Mendung - Kawung Becomes Elegant Daily Fashion

Kapanlagi.com - In this modern era, batik is no longer synonymous with formal events. Nusantara textiles such as Batik Trusmi with its iconic Mega Mendung and Kawung motifs appear in a fresh, modern, and elegant new form for everyday wear through the Tata Wastra 2025 competition.

Fimela, in collaboration with the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC), is once again holding Tata Wastra as part of the Nusantara Textile Parade since May. This year's theme is "The Elegance of Cultural Heritage Wrapped in Everyday Life," challenging young designers to create stunning yet relevant works for modern women.

A strict selection process filtered over 300 submissions down to 25 top works and 15 semifinalists who participated in a workshop on June 11, 2025. This long journey finally produced the top 5 finalists: Ayu Nur Khofipah, Nadila Nurfaiza, Desi Dwi Lestari, Carron Angel, and Human Jasir.

The five finalists showcased their three signature looks on the stage of the Nusantara Textile Parade on August 8, 2025, at the Atrium Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta. Each design combines the richness of tradition with contemporary touches that are ready to captivate fashion enthusiasts.

Let's take a look at the works of the Tata Wastra finalists! If not now, when? KapanLagi?

1. Carron Angel - The Rise of Peranakan

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

The fashion show was opened by Carron Angel with a collection titled The Rise of Peranakan. It combines megamendung batik and kawung motifs in a soft pastel palette, enriched with colorful organdy fabric. Details such as lace, modern Shanghai buttons, and distinctive cutting techniques like mandarin collar, puff sleeves, front slit, and organza lace create a harmony between tradition and contemporary touches.

This collection is inspired by the cultural acculturation of Chinese with Malay, Javanese, and Betawi, reflecting the historical identity of Peranakan. Carron challenges herself to work with three different colored Batik Trusmi megamendung fabrics, resulting in garments that are not only beautiful but also tell a story of resilience across generations.

2. Ayu Nur Khofipah - Laras Manikam

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

For some people, a childhood birthday dress is a small symbol of self-confidence. The Laras Manikam collection by Ayu Nur Khofipah revives that memory, not for children, but for adult women who still carry the spirit of daring to appear with softness.

Inspired by her 6th birthday, Ayu combines origami and quilting techniques on leftover fabric pieces, cotton twill, and batik Trusmi with Mega Mendung Sungaiyan motifs, Peranakan kawung, and sekar jagad megamendung. One look features a multifunctional outer piece that can be detached, creating a silhouette resembling a cape, making this outfit adaptable for various occasions.

"Laras" symbolizes the balance between the past and the present, while “Manikam” means the shine of self-confidence that arises from feeling valued and loved.

3. Nadila Nurfaiza - YUNARA

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

YUNARA comes from the word "Yun" (cloud in Chinese) and "Nusantara", symbolizing the spirit of cultural acculturation between Chinese and Javanese cultures. Inspired by the story of Admiral Cheng Ho and his encounters with Cirebon culture, this collection blends a palette of misty gray, ocean blue, and earthy brown.

The silhouette of a sailor's cloak is transformed into loose and flowy garments, while the curves of the Kasepuhan Palace architecture are realized through embossed embroidery techniques. Batik patchwork details resembling clouds and sparkling beading create a "raindrop" effect.

The materials used include Trusmi Mega Mendung Batik, navy cotton, a combination of Pangko, denim, semi-wool, and pleats, creating elegant and modern clothing that remains rich in philosophy.

4. Desi Dwi Lestari – Rima Pesisir

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

On the edge of the sea, the waves and wind carry a story that flows gently. This is what Desi Dwi Lestari translated in Rima Pesisir. Using a blend of cotton, cuwiri, and the distinctive Mega Mendung batik from Trusmi, she presents a softly flowing silhouette combined with a firm structure inspired by coral reefs.

Her three main looks highlight contrasts: a long dress in neutral tones with dynamic circular batik accents, a firm coat that wraps around the body like a protector, and layered garments made of thin fabric with curves resembling the paths of waves. The palette of sea blue, sandy cream, and stone brown creates a visual harmony that radiates tranquility.

"The challenge lies in the details of the curved lines, as that is the hallmark of my design," Desi said about the creative process that took a month.

5. Human Jasir - Elegant Interpretation with a Modern Touch

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

The former Ghea Indonesia team member offers a modern, clean, and chic style through strong character asymmetrical cuts. Combining dressmaking and semi-tailoring techniques, he transforms pastel Mega Mendung batik and kawung motifs into light, feminine, and wearable garments.

Materials such as jacquard cotton, floral lace, brocade, and embroidery combine to create layered textures that refresh the batik look. The palette of pink, orange, and bright blue provides dynamic energy while still radiating an elegant impression.

"The hope is that the wearer can look bright in aura," Jasir expressed.

Tata Wastra 2025 once again shows that batik is not just a cultural heritage, but also an endless source of inspiration for young designers to transform it into elegant, relevant, and still comfortable works for everyday wear.

With creativity, perseverance, and the courage to explore Batik Trusmi, Desi Dwi Lestari successfully achieved the first-place title. The second position was secured by Nadila Nurfaiza, while Ayu Nur Khofipah took third place, followed by Carron Angel and Human Jasir, who also left a strong impression through their unique interpretations that blend tradition with a modern touch.

(kpl/rsp)