Batik Reimagined: A Touch of Chinese Elegance
印尼蜡染发扬中式优雅
历史背景
印尼有丰富文化遗产，也是亚洲区背景最多元国家之一。 印尼国家座右铭是Unity in Diversity，意即「存异求同」，源自古爪哇诗歌《Kakawin Sutasoma》中的「Bhinneka Tunggal Ika」一语，出自诗人Mpu Tantular手笔。 传统和文化赋予印尼传统布料特殊意义，象征了社会地位、贵族身份、传统和仪式。 某些布料专为特定仪式或社会高层而设，巩固了印尼纺织文化身份。
这些布料的制作过程，需要多年训练及专注细节。 例如，蜡染手绘（Batik Tulis）的图案完全由手工绘制，展现了经过数百年文化交流沿古代贸易路线保存下来的工艺。
文化交流
长久以来，中国文化融入了印尼生活，从节庆时穿着传统服饰，尊重、和谐与社群价值观，可谓无处不在。 这种文化交流，自然影响设计思维，以至如何诠释印尼文化遗产。
本系列混合设计，呈现了印尼纺织传统力量，展现中式剪裁精致。 设计植根于文化背景，又贴近全球——既是个人亦是普世。 除了美学层面，突显两种文化共同价值，强调家庭、社群和尊重传统。
中国文化深化了对印尼身份的理解。 系列的文化混合不是妥协——而是歌颂共同的承传，拥抱彼此传统，成就各种可能。
融合丝路元素系列
系列主要采用蜡染布料（Batik），一眼就可认出印尼布料。 蜡染作为基础，大家都熟悉度立即吸引注意——无需解释便知道这些设计来自印尼。
系列融入中式刺绣技法和旗袍的盘扣。 元素具象征意义，刺绣代表了耐心、艺术和敍事，盘扣代表优雅传统。 蜡染服装上创造了两种文化的对话，精致与熟悉融为一体。
其中一件作品是受旗袍轮廓启发的蜡染连衣裙，高领和修身剪裁，结合蜡染图案和现代可芭雅（kebaya）元素，参考印尼时装界「现代可芭雅」潮流，呈现清新优雅蜡染风格，配以中式元，添上当代气息。
这种现代手法在传统基础，创造出优雅外观，演绎传统布料现代性，无须要削弱文化价值。 现代风格服装带来多样性——可穿着出席派对、活动或日常场合， 日常生活融入文化自豪感。
设计理念
本系列深植于印尼文化，以蜡染为核心素材。 蜡染不只是纺织品——而是国家象征、敍事媒介，以及反映印尼身份多元和丰富的活传统。 联合国教科文组织已列蜡染为人类非物质文化遗产，承载数百年历史，图案代表特定哲学、地区和社会意义。
选择蜡染作为基调，旨在唤起熟悉和自豪感，为现代世界重新诠释传统。 设计将中式刺绣和标志性旗袍盘扣融入印尼布料。 印尼画布上的中式点缀，不是随便挪用，而是文化协作，呼应了一带一路倡议，促进亚洲及以外文化交流和理解——不仅要经济上合作，更关心民心相通和文化的多元性。
Country: South Pacific/ Fiji Island
Designers: Chelsea Jenia Costan, Student
国家 ： 印尼
设计师：Chelsea Jenia Costan， 学生
Historical Context: Indonesia and the Ancient Silk Road
Indonesia's archipelago and vast tapestry of cultural heritage have solidified its position as one of the most diverse countries in the region. The national motto, "Unity in Diversity," comes from the phrase "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" originating from the Kakawin Sutasoma, an old Javanese poem written by Mpu Tantular. These traditions and culture gave significance to the traditional fabrics of Indonesia, which can symbolize social status, nobility, tradition, and ceremonial practices. Some fabrics are reserved for certain ceremonies or individuals of higher social status, solidifying Indonesia's cultural identity in the fabric industry.
The production process of these fabrics requires years of training and attention to intricate details. For example, Batik Tulis involves motifs drawn entirely by hand, demonstrating the craftsmanship that has been preserved through centuries of cultural exchange along ancient trade routes.
Indonesia-China Cultural Exchange
Chinese culture has been a constant presence in Indonesian life, influencing everything from traditional clothing worn during celebrations to values of respect, harmony, and community. This cultural exchange has naturally influenced design sensibilities and interpretations of Indonesian heritage.
The hybrid design in this collection reflects both the strength of Indonesian textile heritage and the refinement of Chinese tailoring. It represents a garment that feels both personal and universal—rooted in cultural upbringing yet relevant to a global audience. Beyond aesthetics, shared values between the two cultures emphasize family, community, and respect for tradition.
Chinese culture has deepened the understanding of Indonesian identity. Through this collection, cultural hybridity is not a compromise—it is a celebration of shared heritage and what can be achieved when embracing interconnected traditions.
Design Concept:
The collection primarily features Batik, a fabric instantly recognizable as Indonesian. Batik serves as the foundation because it immediately captures attention through familiarity—no explanation is needed to identify these designs as Indonesian.
The collection incorporates Chinese embroidery techniques and iconic frog buttons often seen on qipaos. These elements carry symbolic meaning: embroidery represents patience, artistry, and storytelling, while frog buttons symbolize elegance and tradition. When placed on Batik garments, they create a dialogue between two cultures, blending the intricate with the familiar.
One key piece is a Batik dress inspired by the qipao silhouette, featuring a high collar and fitted form combined with Batik motifs and modern kebaya influences. Drawing inspiration from the "modern kebaya" trend in Indonesian fashion forums, this collection presents a fresh, elegant style of Batik with Chinese elements that add contemporary flair.
The modern approach creates an elegant look with traditional foundations, showcasing that modernization of traditional fabrics is possible without diminishing cultural values. The modernized style allows for versatility—garments can be worn to parties, events, or casual occasions, making cultural pride accessible in everyday life.
Design Philosophy
The collection is deeply rooted in Indonesian cultural heritage, with Batik as its central element. Batik is not just a textile—it is a national symbol, a storytelling medium, and a living tradition reflecting the diversity and richness of Indonesian identity. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Batik carries centuries of history, with each motif representing specific philosophies, regions, and social meanings.
By choosing Batik as the foundation, the collection evokes familiarity and pride while reimagining heritage for the modern world. The design philosophy incorporates Chinese embroidery and iconic qipao buttons onto Indonesian fabric. This Chinese touch on an Indonesian-dominated canvas introduces cultural collaboration rather than appropriation. This approach aligns with the spirit of the Belt & Road Initiative, which promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding across Asia and beyond—not only about economic cooperation but also about fostering people-to-people connections and celebrating cultural diversity.