Can Fashion Help Preserve Culture?

I suppose that is more a domestic question for Indonesians rather than for foreign expats. For me, as an expat from the west, it doesn't really interest me.

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I suppose that is more a domestic question for Indonesians rather than for foreign expats. For me, as an expat from the west, it doesn't really interest me. - @wyngrove60

Appreciate your perspective 🙏 You’re right, it may feel more like a local matter. At the same time, I’ve seen many expats enjoy exploring culture & sustainability as a way to connect more deeply with Indonesia. For me, the interesting part is how these values can also cross borders sometimes outside perspectives bring unexpected insights. Do you think culture can still resonate globally, regardless of where we live?

i can see you are into designing - @tobyensler

Thanks for noticing! 😊

Yes, I’ve been exploring some design projects lately mostly around culture and sustainability.

If the image doesn’t show up here, you can also see it directly on my Shopify page :

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I suppose that is more a domestic question for Indonesians rather than for foreign expats. For me, as an expat from the west, it doesn't really interest me. - @wyngrove60

On the contrary. As a regular business traveller to Asia fashion does interest me a great deal. No I do not work in the industry.

I first arrived in Asia in 2001 and my senses were pleasantly awoken by how smart the people dressed particularly in the Philippines & Indonesia. The west (Paris & London) may be avant garde in terms of fashion shows but I’m afraid as far as the Brits go it does not trickle down to the ‘man or woman’ on the street. Much of it is fashion for fashion sake.

What counts for me is the trouble the average citizen takes to wear affordable appareil in a subtle style that lends itself to their culture.This is where Indonesians with their wonderful Batik fabrics and colourful dresses for the ladies stand out. I was fortunate to dine out with some friends recently in a Bath (where I live) restaurant where I and some friends were accompanied by a Filipina and an Indonesian lady over from Jakarta on business. When we entered the restaurant all eyes went to these two stunningly attired ladies: ambassadors of fashion from their respective countries? - an emphatic yes!

I remember when I was in Singapore  a few years back. Had some business to attend to and frankly was pleased to get to Changi International to board my Batik Airlines flight to Jakarta. I was met at the aircraft door by an air stewardess (yes I prefer that adjective) in a tight fitting Batik dress and was assailed not just by the kaleidoscope of subtle colour but the warm smile that went with it. I have several Batik shirts that I wear in Indonesia and yes often on’ Batik Friday’

Fashion and deportment especially for women is key and to answer the OP’s excellent question (thank you Ryan) if people take the time to dress up in their native attire it certainly does to my mind not only preserve culture but lend it respect.

I am due in Jakarta in the next few weeks along with a fellow contributor of mine on the Philippine Forum Cherryann. I’m sure you will be impressed CA

That's true. In Indonesia and Malaysia they wear Batik. Same in Singapore. In Japan they sometimes wear kimonos, the better ones made of silk. In China they wear pleasant clothes as a kind of fashion. In the US they wear cowboy boots even though they are not cowboys. In fact I used to have several batik shirts when I lived in Singapore in the early 80's. In the 90's my kids used to wear Batik shorts and vest sets and bikinis. Used to buy then from Kuta Kids on Bemo Corner. Later I copied many styles from Kuta Kids and manufactured them in Bali and imported them into Europe and sold retail. Yes Batik is very popular. Nowadays I hate wearing batik although my wife asks me to wear it for special occasions. Apart from Batik ikat and pahikung especially from Sumba and to a lesser extent from Timor is also used in Indonesian fashion, and similar patterns used in other countries. Nowadays my son wears a batik shirt on either Wednesdays or Thursdays to school. He wore an expensive silk one this week, I thought it was polyester but my wife told me that it was a Rp3 juta silk batik shirt.

I saw this woman the other day who was wearing batik, and I thought to myself "that's a smashing blouse you have on".

@Lotus Eater

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. I was really touched reading it.

It’s amazing how you described Batik & the elegance of traditional fashion in Indonesia & the Philippines. I completely agree, fashion can truly reflect culture & respect.

I’m glad to hear you’ll be visiting Jakarta soon! I hope you’ll have another wonderful experience here.☺️

@wyngrove60

Yes, I agree. Some Batik brands really stand out because of their quality & craftsmanship. The cheaper ones can still look nice, but sometimes the stitching or design isn’t as neat.

I liked reading about your experiences in Singapore & Bali. It’s great how Batik has been part of your family’s story!

It's not really part of our family's story. It's just that in the early 90's I was designing women's fashion when I ran my own garment export company/buying office in Hong Kong, and in the late 90's was manufacturing garments in Bali which included batik and importing into France. Actually no thoughts on batik, it's just something which can sell overseas, especially kids clothing with is colourful with nice motifs.

@wyngrove60

Wow, that’s really impressive. I didn’t expect you had such strong experience in the garment industry. It’s cool how you saw Batik from a business side too, especially how it attracts overseas markets. Thanks for sharing that. Maybe someday I could learn a lot from your experience 😁

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Indonesia.

This short video captures the serenity and hidden charm of our land. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences too. 💬

👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/ee-W8J2AaZc?si=EPnODQF0yoXOr2iX