JAKARTA - Wastra Indonesia continues to find new spaces in the fashion industry. If until now traditional fabrics are synonymous with traditional clothing or ceremonial events, now various designers are increasingly processing them into collections that are more modern, functional, and close to today's lifestyle.
This trend is reflected in the implementation of the Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 which raises "Ulos Simetria" as the main theme.
Through this theme, the ulos cloth from North Sumatra is not only positioned as a cultural heritage, but also as a source of design inspiration that is able to adapt to the development of the fashion industry.
BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 2, 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC). Entering its 14th edition, this event again presents collaboration between industry players, government, creative community, and international partners on the same stage.
The General Chair of APPMI and President of Indonesia Fashion Week, Poppy Dharsono, assessed that the richness of Indonesian culture has great opportunities to continue to grow through innovation.
"Indonesia Fashion Week is not only a fashion event, but a platform that brings together creativity, culture, industry, business, government, and international partners to jointly strengthen the Indonesian fashion ecosystem,"
"Through the Ulos Simetria theme, we want to show that Indonesian cultural heritage has great potential to continue to grow through innovation and become part of the world's fashion conversation," said Poppy Dharsono in a press conference in Jakarta, recently.
The selection of North Sumatra as the Official Theme is one of the markers of how textiles are now seen as part of the creative identity of the region which has cultural and economic values.
Through the theme "Ulos Simetria", ulos is presented not only as a traditional fabric, but also as a medium to tell the history, philosophy, and creativity of a community that continues to evolve with the times.
Head of Tourism Marketing, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Office of North Sumatra Province, Dedi Arian Rizki Siregar, said his region's participation in the Indonesia Fashion Week was an opportunity to introduce cultural identity to a wider audience.
"Through the theme of Ulos Simetria, North Sumatra not only showcases Ulos as a cultural product, but also presents a narrative about identity, creativity, and cultural transformation that is relevant to current industry developments. Hopefully, this participation can strengthen the image of North Sumatra as a region that is rich in culture as well as open to innovation and collaboration," said Dedi Arian Rizki Siregar.
In addition to raising cultural heritage, Indonesia Fashion Week also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in supporting the growth of the creative industry. One of them is through the support of the banking sector which is considered to be able to expand financing access and strengthen the business ecosystem for fashion players and MSMEs.
Frengky Rosadrian Perangin-Angin, Head of the Wealth Management Division at Bank BTN, said that collaboration between the banking sector and the fashion industry has an important role in supporting the sustainable growth of the creative industry.
"Banking is no longer only a role as a provider of transaction and financing services, but also a part of an ecosystem that supports industry growth. Therefore, the collaboration between BTN and Indonesia Fashion Week is a strategic step to support fashion industry players, MSMEs, and the growth of the national creative economy," said Frengky.
On the other hand, the experience of enjoying a fashion event is also constantly evolving. This year, Indonesia Fashion Week also presents a multisensory approach through collaboration with Dahlia Teh Keraton as a signature scent that will be present in various areas of the event.
The presence of the signature aroma is part of the effort to provide a more comprehensive experience for visitors.
"Our hope is that when people remember Indonesia Fashion Week 2026, they will not only remember the collections they saw on the runway, but also the distinctive aroma that is part of every moment they experience," said Anne Wonsono, President Director of PT Unitama Sari Mas.
Elevating ulos as the main theme is a depiction that Indonesian textiles are no longer only seen as cultural relics that need to be preserved, but also as a source of inspiration that continues to evolve in the fashion industry.
As attention increases to sustainability, local identity, and the work of artisans, Indonesian traditional fabrics are increasingly showing their potential to be relevant, both in the domestic market and in global fashion conversations.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
