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JAKARTA FASHION WEEK 2026 ENDS WITH A DAZZLING TWIST — WHEN TRADITION BECAME THE NEW STREET COOL

From tribal textiles to neon kebayas—see how Indonesia’s fashion heroes flipped the script at the grand finale of Jakarta Fashion Week 2026

31.10.2025
BY WILHEMINA BOWEN
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If you thought fashion shows were just glitzy runways and celebrity cameos—you might want to rethink after what went down at Jakarta Fashion Week 2026.

The closing act of the event—titled Dewi Fashion Knights II—did more than just walk models across the catwalk. It turned into a bold statement about identity, heritage and the future of style for young people who crave something more than the usual trends.

Heritage + Edge = The New Cool
Rather than playing it safe, several of Indonesia’s top designers decided to risk it — by blending ancient textiles, bold cultural cues, and modern silhouettes.

  • The label Tulola (founded in Bali 2007) reinterpreted traditions into jewelry with sterling silver and gold-plated layers that speak of nature + myth.
  • Designer Sapto Djojokartiko went with strong tenun fabrics from Eastern Indonesia, using an “earth tone” palette and modern refinements.
  • Meanwhile, Sebastian Gunawan brought us vintage-meets-future: kebaya designs rooted in the Javanese Kraton tradition, but with a crisp contemporary spin.

This wasn’t just about looking good—it was about storytelling. Every outfit felt like it had something to say about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

Why It Matters for You (Yes, YOU)
If you’re into fashion, art, culture, or just thinking about how identity shows up in clothes—this moment is a big deal.

  • It shows Indonesian designers aren’t just copying global trends—they’re redefining them.
  • It proves heritage doesn’t mean outdated—it can be radical and relevant.
  • It invites you to think about your own style: what traditions can you remix? What stories can your outfit tell?

What’s Next?
The theme of JFW 2026 was “The Legacy of Style”—and the finale felt like a call-to-action. The fashion world is shifting from “what’s trendy” to “what’s meaningful”.

So expect to see more crossovers:

  • streetwear meets wastra Nusantara
  • jewelry that doubles as cultural narrative
  • and younger designers rising with voices that fuse local heritage + global aesthetics

For anyone who cares about more than just clothes—this was a moment to watch. Because when tradition and innovation collide, the result isn't just pretty—it’s powerful.

#THE S MEDIA #Media Milenial #youth culture #fashion #Indonesia #Jakarta Fashion Week #culture fusion #JFW 2026 #design innovation #modern heritage

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