What if the next big wave in global fashion doesn’t come from Paris, Milan, or New York—but from Jakarta? That’s exactly what the government envisions with the launch of Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) 2026, unveiled on August 12 at Balai Kartini, Jakarta.

The event, set for November 6–9, 2025, isn’t just another fashion show. It’s being pitched as a “fashion laboratory” where the future of modest wear will be tested, showcased, and ultimately exported worldwide. More than 100 designers and over 1,000 collections are expected, with the organizers aiming to pull in around 8,000 visitors in just four days.

But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just about the runway—it’s about money, markets, and making modest fashion mainstream. Indonesia has already jumped to #1 in the global modest fashion ranking (beating Malaysia, Italy, and Turkey), and JMFW 2026 wants to lock in that position.

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso (better known as Mendag Busan) called the event a way to “map the future of fashion,” comparing JMFW to a medical lab diagnosing the trends of tomorrow. With UMKM (small businesses) at the heart of the initiative, the hope is to spark new jobs, boost spending power, and create fresh opportunities in both local and global markets.

And the stakes are high: JMFW 2026 is chasing a USD 10 million transaction target, after smashing its 2025 target by recording USD 20.4 million in potential deals. Add to that a slick program of runway parades, trade shows, talkshows, award nights, and business matchmaking, and it’s clear this isn’t just about style—it’s a movement.

Fashion insiders and even small regional brands like Arabelle Scarf say JMFW has opened doors for them to reach international audiences. With support from Indonesia’s 46 trade representatives abroad, local designers could soon see their creations walk not just in Jakarta, but across the world.

So, could Indonesia become the Mecca of modest fashion? JMFW 2026 is betting on it—and if the momentum continues, the world might soon be looking to Jakarta, not Paris, for its next wardrobe inspiration.