Mirella Pandjaitan
Nov 06, 2025
Cue the flashing bulbs, the spotlight dancing across the runway, and the fabrics unfurling like liquid poetry as models glide with effortless grace… The drenched streets of Jakarta could’ve been an invitation to haute inferno, but the angels of fashion uttered, “Elegance shall never be postponed!” And so, the hands that styled and the eyes that admired concurred.
South Jakarta’s City Hall at Pondok Indah Mall 3 was once again glamorously teeming with style mavens and creatives, buzzing with anticipation as a gentle, elating hum weaved through the rows of seats on either side of the sleek and unadorned runway floor.
Their eager eyes were glued to each step of the models, brimming in a warm, inviting glow; a testament to a rhythm where each swish of silk, shimmer of chiffon, or intricate batik indicated a note in the symphony of style, catching every gleam of light and every adoring gaze.
The time of the year where tradition could meet innovation, colour could dance with texture, and fashion could tell its story without a single word had graced the metropolitan. Collective curiosity cloaked Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2026 from 27th October to 2nd November 2025 as rich, mingling scents of couture fabrics lingered in the air. Nothing was identical. The runway became a stage for artistry, a bridge between imagination and reality; a myriad of melodic scores floated through the space in every show; cameras captured fleeting glimpses of the runway’s energy that was part expectation, part celebration unfolding.
What came up in this fashion season was a moment suspended in time, a celebration of creativity, heritage, and style; where every thread, every movement, and every admiration of local flair mattered.
JFW 2026 continued to champion cultural diversity while cultivating collaboration and growth within Indonesia’s thriving fashion landscape since 2008. With its 18th installment in the fashion affair, under the theme “The Legacy of Style”, not one muse made a daring choice that didn't quite land. Heritage, creativity, and cross-generational collaboration were cherished in pure finesse.
Some caught our attention off the runway. It was too irresistible to not chat with JFW street style bearers before drifting away into the next show or down the escalator to the real world. Keep reading to get inspiration from their looks and their interpretations on the legacy of style.
Jessica: Legacy means treasured
The kebaya took centre stage as a celebration of local fashion innovation that embraces tradition with a contemporary twist at JFW 2026. Designers presented modern, playful interpretations that transform the kebaya from ceremonial attire into an elegant expression of personal style, suitable for everyday wear.
Among the highlights is BIN House, a legendary label that has spent decades advocating the beauty of Nusantara textiles to honour boldness and self-expression. BIN House infused fresh vitality into the kebaya, making it appealing to younger generations who seek modern cultural elements in daily life. The choreography and the choice of textiles were determined for spectators to witness how the fabric moves, almost like a second skin for the wearer.
Jessica couldn't quite remember when JFW started being an annual event—and no year has been dull. She was thrilled to support some of her friends' showcases this year. We caught her after the “BIN House: Bahasa Kain” show where her delicate figure was covered from head-to-toe in her mother-in-law's creation aka Obin, of the fashion house. The top is one of their fashion show pieces from 2017, while the tie-in is from one of the old collections, and the shoes are vintage.
Her hairstyle, which she said was “really out-of-the-box right now”, was the cherry on top of her look. “Legacy always brings me back to history, to a memory. It’s something you want to keep forever. Something treasured for your own dreams and aspirations,” she expressed.
Afi: Legacy means regeneration
Another legendary Indonesian designer is Iwan Tirta, who has dedicated his life to elevating batik onto the global scale. His vision brings forth the timeless artistry of Indonesia's batik heritage to transcend eras, with every fold of fabric whispering the affluent legacy of tradition, meticulously crafted with reverence and precision, celebrating the very roots of culture.
Afi received an invitation to the Iwan Tirta Private Collection showcase. Over the years, the brand continues to mesmerise, leaving an indelible mark on JFW—including Afi this time.
Her pairing of contemporary pieces with a traditional touch elegantly fused as she desired for a look that's simple, yet edgy. The centrepiece was her corset.
“Because corsets have been iconic in the past five years—from formal looks to casual outings—I wanted to combine it with this Iwan Tirta scarf. The invitation requested a white top, so I thought this would work,” she pointed to her top that comes with a built-in scarf—a current favourite detail in her wardrobe. A missing brooch would've further emphasised her look, she reckoned, as Iwan Tirta combined it with the edgy, cool, and chic style of accessory brand Gelap Ruang Jiwa.
“I’d say legacy comes from a process that’s passed down through generations and also evolves over time. Today, I’m at Iwan Tirta—it’s definitely not a new brand. It’s a familiar brand from older generations, but now I see regeneration. The styling is more modern, more youthful, so it doesn’t feel out of place.
“It shows that young people can also explore traditional textiles. Nowadays, we can mix scarves, batik, or songket into daily outfits. Some people even pair a simple t-shirt with a songket. I think this year’s theme is perfect! Fashion has always existed, and the thought process behind it just keeps getting better,” she explained.
Ivan: Legacy means experimental
Moving on to modernity is Starry. This brand exudes a distinctly feminine aura, with each design shaped in classic silhouettes that softly embrace the wearer, radiating quiet romance. Through its play with flare, volume, and flow, Starry seeks to envelop anyone who wears it in a sense of gentle affection. The brand presented its collection “A Farewell to Her” with theatrical flourish, a journey through the moon’s eternal cycle of rising, fading, and reborn.
Fashion leaves no one behind, men included. Take content creator (@ivan__imiko on Instagram), Ivan, who was attending his third JFW. He noticed a more creative variety of brands on the runway this round, with inspiration diversifying further, thus, not repetitive.
“Overall, I wanted to show noble vibes but still make it work with the styling itself,” he emphasised. His look was inspired from his interest in medieval, middle-age styles, reminiscent of a young royal, which's a different approach that he previously would never have considered.
“The legacy of style is about supporting us to experiment with our personal style in life. For example, Starry. I usually see the brand in whites or outdoor colours, but this time is all in black,” he added.
Layers of chiffon and tulle appeared mysterious in inky blacks casted a hypnotic, gothic mood on Starry. Veils, cascading ruffles, and ballooned long sleeves created a landscape of emotion between mourning and revival, loss and illumination. A singular, ethereal white piece at the finale unveiled Starry’s softer, empowered femininity—a reminder that even in moments of grief, there is always room for a new glimmer of light.
Jihan and Ines: Legacy means accessibility
More of Indonesia’s creative brands and MSMEs at JFW 2026 recognised beauty and creativity, as well as fostering economic value and sustainability within the fashion industry.
Simplyvewee featured polished softness and everlasting femininity, staying true to their story of women who grow and evolve without ever losing their essence. Sweet, muted palettes brought life to tunics, tops, outerwear, trousers, and skirts, all crafted in understated, sophisticated silhouettes. Delicate floral accents—through motifs, lace, embellishments, and accessories—enhanced the subtle feminine aura.
Jihan and Ines were waiting for the brand's showtime in, you guessed it, head-to-toe Simplyvewee. Jihan adorned a pink version, combined with white leather and culottes, whereas Ines' top can actually be a dress, but she opted to style it as an outer. “I think it works anywhere—formal events or daily wear,” disclosed Ines.
To Jihan, it’s nice to revisit previous themes since JFW occurs yearly. “It’s also about seeing what’s popular in Indonesian local brands—everything’s great quality, and fashion trends are really hyped right now,” she detailed.
Speaking of modest fashion, Ines reckons that most clothing lines in this era already consider modest fashion. “You can combine t-shirts, shirts, and sheer pieces with hijab. Even hijabs aren’t only for the head anymore—they can be scarves, wraps, or outer layers. You can mix them with any outfit,” she revealed.
Fashion knows no barriers
Regeneration, as mentioned by Afi, was evident at this year's JFW. This new spirit orchestrated a space that felt both intimate and spectacular. In other words, this JFW was beyond a fashion week; renewal and confidence seized, where age, experience, or background emanated growth and brilliance between tradition and modernity. JFW 2026: the ASEAN Fashion Parade ushered three senior designers from Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines on a single stage in the name of regional creativity and solidarity.
Will the next fashion season bear the same aura too? We'll soon find out!
