Indonesia Fashion Week 2026: Ulos Simetria as a Celebration of Heritage

Entering its 14th edition, Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) continues its commitment to celebrating Indonesia's creative industry by placing cultural heritage at the heart of contemporary fashion. This year's theme, Ulos Simetria, turns the spotlight on the traditional woven textile of the Batak people, highlighting its rich cultural significance while encouraging designers to reinterpret the heritage fabric for today's global fashion landscape. During the press conference, IFW President Poppy Dharsono emphasized Indonesia's immense creative potential, particularly in fashion. She explained that ulos was chosen because it possesses a rich history and cultural value that deserves greater recognition, much like batik and other traditional Indonesian textiles that have successfully reached international audiences. Through this theme, IFW hopes to preserve ulos while inspiring designers to present it through fresh, contemporary perspectives.

The event also unveiled the IFW 2026 Icon Walk alongside the premiere of its official campaign film, offering audiences a first look at this year's creative vision. Models showcased collections from a selection of Indonesian designers, including Poppy Dharsono's own designs, demonstrating the diversity of talent that will define this year's runway. Among the standout presentations was Misan Kopaka's design, worn by model Zoe, which particularly caught the editor's attention. The look featured a sleek black column gown elevated by an asymmetrical drape of green ulos fabric wrapped elegantly across the shoulders, transforming the traditional textile into a refined statement piece. Anchored by a sculptural floral embellishment at the bodice, the ensemble balanced heritage with modern sophistication, while lace accents along the neckline and a thigh-high slit added a contemporary edge.

Beyond showcasing fashion, IFW continues to strengthen Indonesia's creative ecosystem. Poppy reiterated the long-standing vision of the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (APPMI): creating a platform where designers, traditional artisans, and UMKM can collaborate to produce cultural heritage that is not only preserved but also developed sustainably. She also expressed hope that Indonesia Fashion Week could help revive the national fashion industry at a time when fast fashion continues to dominate both global and domestic markets. The continued growth of Indonesia Fashion Week is supported by strong collaborations across industries and international partners. The Italian Trade Agency, a long-time supporter of IFW, once again reaffirmed its commitment to fostering connections between Indonesia and Italy's fashion sectors, alongside continued support from the Ministry of Tourism.

This year, BTN marks its third consecutive year as IFW's official banking partner. Through this collaboration, BTN aims to empower young designers and Indonesian UMKM by providing opportunities to showcase their work on a national stage, while encouraging the next generation to embrace and strengthen Indonesia's creative identity through fashion. Representing the Italian Embassy, Roberto Colaminè highlighted plans to expand educational collaboration by offering scholarships for Indonesian fashion students. Drawing on Italy's internationally recognized expertise in luxury craftsmanship, leather goods, and fashion technology, the initiative aims to facilitate knowledge exchange while strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

As Indonesia Fashion Week enters its 14th year, Ulos Simetria is a call to rediscover one of Indonesia's cultural treasures through contemporary design. From the unveiling of the Icon Walk and campaign film to collaborations with designers, artisans, educational institutions, and international partners, IFW continues to demonstrate that fashion can serve as a bridge between heritage and innovation. In an era increasingly shaped by fast fashion, the event stands as a reminder that Indonesia's greatest strength lies in its own craftsmanship, creativity, and stories waiting to be woven into the future.