Young Indonesian Designers Bring Eco-Fashion to Italy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In collaboration with young Indonesian designers based in Italy, the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Rome translated Indonesia’s biodiversity into eco-friendly fashion with the "Dea Terra: Mother Earth" showcase (19–24 June 2026). The collection highlights the essence of sustainable fashion through the use of traditional textiles and natural dyes, fashioned into elegant silhouettes inspired by the earth of the archipelago.

The event was held in two Italian cities, taking place in San Polo D’Enza on 19 June 2026 and Rome on 23–24 June 2026. It emphasizes respect for nature as both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Italy, Junimart Girsang, spoke on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, regarding the significance of the event. He conveyed that it is a concrete expression of the synergy between cultural diplomacy and the economic empowerment of Indonesia’s creative industries on the international stage.

“Through ‘Dea Terra: Mother Earth,’ we want to show that Indonesian fashion does not only speak of beauty, but also of respect for nature and the wealth of the archipelago’s textiles. It also highlights the hard work of micro, small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of our creative industry,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

“This activity is a cultural bridge as well as an economic bridge that strengthens the friendship between Indonesia and Italy,” added Ambassador Junimart.

The program opened with a fashion show at City Hall San Polo D'Enza on 19 June 2026, a collaboration between Indonesian diaspora member, Eny Sariyati Thalib, and the San Polo D'Enza Municipal Administration.

The runway moved to the ambassador’s residence of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome on 23 June 2026. The event was attended by invited foreign guests from various circles, including the diplomatic corps, fashion observers, academic partners, and the local community.

Activities continued on 24 June 2026 with an open event welcoming the wider public and the Indonesian diaspora in Italy to celebrate the beauty of Indonesian textiles and culture together.

Dea Terra in Rome showcased works by two young Indonesian designers. One is Rafi Ridwan, a young deaf designer who has achieved recognition on the international fashion scene.

He debuted at age nine through a collaboration with Barli Asmara, appeared at Jakarta Fashion Week 2012, and succeeded in bringing Eastern Indonesian woven textiles to runways in the United States.

In recognition of his dedication, Rafi has received several prestigious awards, including the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Cultural Award (2016) and the Insert Fashion Award (2019).

The other designer, Maria Angelita, is a fashion designer deeply committed to creating garments that are not only visually beautiful but also meaningful to the wearer. With experience in custom-made and ready-to-wear design, Maria is building a reputation for balancing aesthetics, comfort, and premium quality.

Each piece from her label "by Margel" carries a story, character, and emotional value that resonates with modern women who appreciate elegance and perfection in every detail.

In addition to the runway shows, the event featured a mini bazaar showcasing Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) products, including traditional textiles, handicrafts, accessories, and other flagship items.

The mini bazaar aims to introduce and open market opportunities for Indonesian MSME products to the Italian public and the international community in Rome. This initiative aligns with government efforts to promote national creative economy exports to European markets.

As part of the program, Indonesian culinary promotion served a variety of archipelago specialties to guests, supporting gastrodiplomacy as a component of Indonesia’s public diplomacy in Italy.

KBRI Rome views the event as an important moment that combines cultural diplomacy, promotion of the creative economy, and empowerment of Indonesian MSMEs on the international stage.

Beyond introducing the works of young designers and the archipelago’s flagship products to the Italian public, the event is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s positive image. Furthermore, it aims to deepen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Italy through soft diplomacy. ***