Unlike Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, London, and Milan, fashionistas aren’t promenading the streets of Jakarta in their freshest drips. Their struts are kept within one of South Jakarta’s glamorously confined, air-conditioned walls of Pondok Indah Mall 3.
Just like the steaming sunshine pierces into their bones, heat radiates outwards through their trails toward the escalator to Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2025; glowing from glitters on their cheekbones and eyes, perfectly laid waves caressing their shoulders, and jaw-dropping sense of personal style. Their radiant auras truly are a finishing touch that you can easily spot amidst the mall that’s never really vacant.
Jakarta Fashion Week 2025 Street Style
Traverse around Indonesia and you’ll notice how style switches in every area according to a “mood”. This mood refers to the weather, the activity or the natural surroundings.
Jakarta is fast-paced. Everyone’s mostly on standby mode. The will to be mobile grows inherently within, despite the infamous congestion that everybody seems to be complaining about. But that’s just how life is in this hubbub.
You can always pin your faith on Jakartans to bring their finest, most demure, and interesting characteristics to their everyday outfits - whether that’s to the office, a coffee shop, the mall, or a night out. In JFW, however, there’s a certain zing brought to the sides of the runway.
Since 2008, JFW has been a major platform in promoting cultural diversity as well as creating business and collaboration opportunities for Indonesia’s fashion industry. The 17th series of events held from 21st to 27th October 2024 carries the theme “Future Fusion: Tradition Meets Innovation”. An emphasis on Indonesian flair was seen throughout the main entrance as attendees exited the runway’s door and awaited the next show, photographing their looks of the day.
We chatted with some eye-catching JFW street-style bearers in their free time. Scroll on to discover how they put together their looks and their tips to help you slay your best.
Reina and Amel: Splash of Javanese traits
Both ladies were spotted sitting casually away from the bustling chatters of JFW’s main entrance. They were amongst the sea of chicness spotted in Indonesian batik. But what was appealing was their usage of big, golden brooches typically worn by Javanese women.
“Our budgets may be low but we deem to embody traditional Indonesian wear with a contemporary twist,” said Amel. Her top is an inner of a wedding attire, which she paired with a tie found in her closet, sealed by a brooch and a batik skirt from her mother.
Meanwhile, Reina’s blazer top and batik are locally sourced and completed with a rustic Indonesian brooch and shawl. Both are first-timers to JFW. They managed to avoid fashion faux pas by identifying the theme as their inspiration. “We intended to show Javanese traits in our outfits. Plus, it reflects our traditional yet modern F&B brands perfectly!” concluded Reina.
Jessica, Lauren, and Angeline: Summer vibes
Two Muses of This is April, Jessica and Lauren, were previously catwalking the brand’s show on Day 2 JFW. Alongside Angeline, the three ladies were dazzling in fun, merry summer colours contrasting the flow of neutral colours around the main entrance.
“I sought to be feminine, demure, and flowery - just as how I view summer,” explained Angeline. These JFW veterans observed that different designers have their own visions for their designs, and the audience never fails to reflect them. Mirroring the brand is crucial, said Lauren, who reckons you can get the feel of the clothes showcased as the models hit the runway. “I also noticed that JFW’s decor is different this year; the trees give a natural ambience and it’s a lot more cheerful, although there’s still an edgy aspect existing,” she added.
Jessica urges you to choose a comfortable outfit according to yourself at JFW. On the flip of the coin, Angeline encourages experimentation on your typical style, “since this is after all a fashion event where it’s the only place and time people will not judge you! Everyone’s competing to look their best, so might as well.” The muses nodded affectionately. “It’s a safe space,” concluded Lauren.
Ade and Caroline: Personal style meets love
Imaginary hearts were floating around the Bali-based couple, Ade and Caroline. But that wasn’t the first thing we noticed - their hats were!
The pair had just arrived in time for Ade to get onto glam before he walked for Emba and Caroline later gleefully watched her partner on Day 2. Despite being first-timers to JFW, they continued to carry the Island of the Gods' flair to the metropolis.
“It’s more city style in Jakarta. I reckon anyone from Bali visiting JFW to bring jackets,” she giggled. Ade concurred, adding that “Bali has its own style, which’s more relaxed and chill, whereas here, I see people put in more effort. So don’t bring sandals!” Both chuckled.
Shanelle: Flow in confidence
Neat the escalator to fashion haven was Shanelle, a jolly-looking woman dressed similar to KALLA Rona’s mythical and light aesthetics. The brand displays more formal silhouettes and creates works emphasising the beauty of movement and flow.
Shanelle embodied that as she first opted for a KALLA Rona skirt. “I honestly didn’t have an inspiration today. I built my outfit from this skirt and paired it with a light blue inner and layered with a corset,” she explained. This skirt is one of her favourite pieces for the day, along with her lacey, white boots. “Confidence is key, though it may sound cliche,” she added.
This consistent JFW attendee personally looks forward to the pieces on display every year. “KALLA Rona was gorgeous with its sea theme,” she commented. “I fell in love with the collection. I could see myself picking some of the pieces and styling them on myself,” she concluded.
Jason, Fajar, and Ricky: Nusantara men
The men of JFW didn’t shy away. In fact, they took their presence at JFW as seriously as the women! Spotted were three men adorned in ‘Nusantara’ (synonym for Indonesia) flair.
Jason wore a beskap, a former everyday Javanese outer adapted from Dutch suits during the colonial era yet is now a symbol of elegance and majesty maintained in Javanese traditional customs. He made the batik covering his lower torso himself and embellished the Javanese-inspired look with a blue shawl. His footwear was kept modern with a pair from Dr Martens. Fajar, beside him, stunned in a thrifted crop blazer above a Sumbanese motif tenun while he carried a striking red Hermes Birkin 35 and walked in Zara black boots. As for Fajar, his thrifted white button-up from Pasar Senen and a batik cloth rimming his legs were retrieved from a school event where he learned the art of batik-making. He credited his father for his black loafers.
Jason was curious about what’s next for Indonesian fashion. “Indonesian culture is abundant. But if there’s no development at all, it will die. That’s why revolutionary is important - and I’m very glad JFW raised this theme, beautifully showcased by the designers,” he said. Ricky concurs on revolution.
“To me, it’s sustainability. Ethnic fabrics are derived from natural colours and the yarn is also natural,” he added. Both have been attending JFW in the past few years where they noticed significant developments underway. Ricky was simply curious and reeling in his newfound experience.
Indonesia is defied to explore the richness of tradition, while also creating innovative breakthroughs for the future of local fashion in this rapidly evolving digital era. Indonesian designers and fashion actors are in hopes of elevating to a higher global level.
JFW 2025 dashed a blend of rich cultural heritage and technological innovation. What will come up in the next fashion season?
