Rani Permata
Jun 08, 2026
From 50 Semifinalists, 12 Young Designers Selected to
Showcase at BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026
The Indonesia Young Fashion Designer Competition (IYFDC) 2026 has completed its semifinal stage and selected 12 outstanding young designers to advance to the final round and present their collections on the runway of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026.
The IYFDC 2026 semifinal took place on June 3, 2026, at Lippo Mall Nusantara, Jakarta, featuring 50 semifinalists from various regions across Indonesia. These participants had previously passed an initial selection process that attracted more than 200 fashion design sketches from all corners of the archipelago.
IYFDC is one of the key young designer development programs within the BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026 series, which will be held from July 29 to August 2, 2026, at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC). This year, BTN Indonesia Fashion Week carries the grand theme “Ulos Simetria,” a collaboration between APPMI, BTN, the North Sumatra Provincial Government, Dekranasda North Sumatra, and the North Sumatra Tourism and Culture Office.
For this year's edition, IYFDC embraces the theme “Threads of North Sumatra: Tradition in Contemporary Silhouette,” encouraging young designers to explore the rich cultural heritage of North Sumatra through its textiles, motifs, colors, and philosophical values, and translate them into contemporary fashion designs that align with today’s fashion industry trends.
Misan Kopaka, Vice Chairperson of APPMI for Education, Training, and Development, as well as an IYFDC 2026 judge, explained that the theme was chosen to inspire young designers to rediscover Indonesia’s cultural heritage through a fresh and modern perspective.
"This year, IYFDC carries the theme 'Threads of North Sumatra: Tradition in Contemporary Silhouette.' It invites young designers to explore the richness of North Sumatran culture through textiles, motifs, colors, and philosophical values, and reinterpret them into modern silhouettes that are effortless and sophisticated," said Misan.
During the semifinal stage, the panel of judges evaluated participants based on four main criteria: design aesthetics, craftsmanship, wearability, and marketability. Following the judging process, 12 finalists were selected for their ability to transform cultural heritage into fashion products with both creative value and commercial potential.
Poppy Dharsono, Chairwoman of APPMI and President of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week, emphasized that IYFDC is not solely focused on finding winners but also serves as a platform to nurture the next generation of Indonesian fashion designers.
"The objective of IYFDC is to develop young designers with talent and potential, enabling them to grow within the fashion industry and gain opportunities to compete on the international stage," said Poppy Dharsono.
According to her, Indonesia’s cultural wealth provides an immense source of inspiration for young designers to create works with strong identities while meeting the demands of the modern market.
Meanwhile, Naniek Rachmat, APPMI Vice Treasurer, Finance Director of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week, and an IYFDC 2026 judge, added that the selection process was conducted in stages to identify the most promising talents worthy of further development.
"We are not merely looking for champions. We are seeking young talents with the potential to grow and become part of the future of Indonesia’s fashion industry," said Naniek.
The twelve selected finalists will now prepare their final collections for presentation at BTN Indonesia Fashion Week 2026 at JICC. Their participation reflects ongoing efforts to regenerate Indonesia’s fashion industry while demonstrating how the nation’s rich cultural heritage can be transformed into creations that resonate with the global market.
Through IYFDC 2026, APPMI hopes to foster a new generation of designers capable of elevating Indonesia’s cultural heritage through creative, innovative, and internationally competitive works.
IYFDC 2026 Finalists
Agung Gumelar
Aminullah
David Bryan Adam
Dynis Nova S.S.
Evangelista
Giselle Tiomualana
Jovana Chandra
Rafa Zahra Syakirah
Rizki Ramadityo Wicaksono
Sebastian Nainggolan
Syahrus Farabish
Tashannie Abigail Loekman
IYFDC 2026 Facts
Theme:
Threads of North Sumatra: Tradition in Contemporary Silhouette
Total Entries Received:
More than 200 sketches
Selected Semifinalists:
50 designers
Selected Finalists:
12 designers
Judging Criteria:
Design Aesthetics
Craftsmanship
Wearability
Marketability
IYFDC 2026 Jury Panel
Poppy Dharsono – Chairwoman of APPMI & President of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week
Naniek Rachmat – APPMI Vice Treasurer & Finance Director of BTN Indonesia Fashion Week
Misan Kopaka – APPMI Vice Chairperson for Education, Training, and Development
Dana Duriyatna – APPMI Jakarta Chapter
Ariy Arka – APPMI Jakarta Chapter, Fashion Designer & Business Practitioner
