Keeping the Fabric Alive Through Young People's Creations on the IFW 2026 Stage

Collection titled LUMINARA at IFW 2026 (Photo: YouTube/Indonesia Fashion Week)

JAKARTA - Wastra is a term for traditional Nusantara fabrics that are full of cultural values, such as batik, weaving, and songket. Keeping wastra alive is not just preserving old motifs, but also translating them into designs that are relevant to today's lifestyle, including the tastes of the younger generation.

This is what was shown in the closing performance of the third day of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026, Jakarta, July 31, 2026. Titled LUMINARA, this event featured eight labels, including Lia Afif X Dekranasda Kabupaten Jombang, Nobby X Biyantie, Duai Fav, House of Syaira, Ayesha by MNO, Indah Darry X Lutsaf, Arinna Premium Hijab, Jiamila, and Zahira by Kyoko. Each of them processed the fabric into a modern work without leaving its cultural roots.

Lia Afif collaborated with the Jombang Regency Dekranasda to present the Akasa Dharani collection inspired by the harmony of heaven and earth through the natural-colored Jombang Write Batik.

"The word Akasa means the sky, represented by the beauty of the gradation of blue on the batik cloth. Meanwhile, Dharani means earth, symbolized by the warmth of the brown and olive green tones that reflect the color of the earth. All these elements are united in one whole and captivating collection with Batik Jombang," said Lia Afif.

This collection consists of 12 looks with A-line and I-line silhouettes, combined with drapery and asymmetrical cuts. One piece of batik can take more than a month to produce because it uses natural dyes.

Duai Fav presents the Marcapada collection, translating Saroja, a typical Priangan snack that becomes the DNA of his label into written batik.

"Marcapada is a universe, so the beauty of the universe is like a model wearing clothes," said Bunna Ila, designer and owner of Duai Fav.

This collection has 12 looks, including a special design for Gen Z through a combination of batik tulis and light-silhouette brocade.

Indah Darry X Lutsaf mengangkat budaya Betawi lewat motif kembang kelapa dengan pendekatan tribal.

"The big vision is to present Betawi designers who are able to bring local cultural wealth to the international stage while introducing Betawi fabrics in a more contemporary design language," said Luthfiah, owner of Lutsaf.

Zahira by Kyoko combines fabrics as accents with modern blazer pieces.

"The design approach is focused on a silhouette close to the preferences of the younger generation so that cultural elements can be worn more casually without losing their aesthetic value," said Kyoko.

Meanwhile, House of Syaira presents the Blossomsy Muslim fashion collection made of satin and embroidery with a light silhouette, suitable for various occasions.

Through LUMINARA, the designers emphasize that the sustainability of Nusantara textiles depends on the ability to present works that are relevant to the lifestyles of the younger generation.