9 Indonesian Women's Designers Break Ageism Phenomenon In Fashion World

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of ageism as a form of discrimination or stereotyping based on age turns out to occur in various fields, including in the fashion world. This is often experienced by female designers.

Ageism in the world of fashion is usually associated with new things, so young designers are often positioned as 'fresh air carriers'. While designers who have been around for a long time are considered progressive because of the stereotype that creativiats will decline with age.

"When talking about fashion that demands an update, it (ageism) cannot be avoided," said Creative Director of Jakarta Fashion Week (JWF), Andandika Surasetja, during a press conference on Monday, October 20, 2025.

In addition to age-related stereotypes, designers, especially women, actually face various challenges. Like a moment that requires them to pause for a moment or demand to carry out other roles, for example being a mother.

Thus, they need to work extra hard to keep adapting so that their work can continue to be consistent, but relevant to the dynamics that occur in the fashion industry.

"The peak of the test occurred in 2020 when the pandemic hit, especially at the same time I also had a moment full of blessings by containing twins, which eventually required me to take a break to focus on playing a role as a mother," said KL06 label designer and founder, Kleasing Titis Wigati.

With the ageism phenomenon and various challenges faced by the female designer, POND'S Age Miracle welcomed the Jakarta Fashion Week 2026 event by presenting a fashion presentation themed The Revival of Miracles.

The event became an exclusive session celebrating the rise of nine inspirational female designers. They are Kletting Titis Wigati, Asti Surya, Velda Anabela and Rebecca Billina, Juliana Ng, Ansy Savitri, Vivian Mazuki, Ingrid Husodo, Fitria Vidyawati, and Natasha Arif.

"We believe age is not an obstacle for a female designer, especially a female designer to do a revival through the urge to continue to evolve and give birth to new miracles in her works," continued Senior Brand Manager PONDS, Esa Mahira Arman.

The event is expected to be a moment of revival for the female designers, amidst the ageism phenomenon in the fashion world.

The Revival of Miracles is a tribute to nine female designers who dare to fight ageism through a more bold transformation to comeback to fashion world, concluded Esa Mahira.