Showcasing Indonesian designers in Istanbul to increase their international fashion influence
Indonesia's modest fashion industry is making waves in the international fashion world, with seven of its top designers showcasing their collections in Istanbul, Turkey. The Indonesian delegation participated in the Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO) event for the second year running, aiming to promote Indonesian fashion culture and access global markets.
The event, which took place from October 8-12, 2025, in Jakarta, was preceded by the Indonesian designers' successful debut at the IFCO fair in Istanbul last year. This year's participation has further boosted their confidence and established strong connections with partners across Turkey, the Middle East, and Europe.
The Indonesian designers, including Althafunnisa by Karina, Anfiha, Dama Kara, Deden Siswanto, Eiwa, Reborn29, and Silla Dawilah, showcased their collections on Turkish models, attracting attention from major figures in the textile industry and fashion enthusiasts.
The strategic value of Istanbul for Indonesian designers seeking international exposure was highlighted by Damayanti, Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, who oversees the Indonesia Modest Creative Industry (IKRA) platform. IKRA was launched by Bank Indonesia to support modest fashion enterprises and Sharia-compliant food and beverage businesses.
Istanbul offers advantages for designers beyond cultural familiarity, according to Damayanti. She noted that participating in fairs in Istanbul and being visible there is extremely important for the Indonesian designers, as it provides a key gateway for Indonesia's textile sector into Europe.
Ali Charisma, advisory board member of the Indonesia Fashion Chamber, echoed Damayanti's sentiments. He stated that the strategy involves working with the Indonesian government to leverage Istanbul's position as a major European fashion center. Charisma added that the main goal of the Indonesian participation is to give designers access to the global market to compete fairly with designers worldwide.
The Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MOTIONFEST), scheduled for October 8-12, 2025, in Jakarta, is a testament to the country's commitment to the fashion industry. The event laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation between the Indonesian and Turkish fashion industries.
IKRA aims to strengthen domestic and global competitiveness through entrepreneurial training, high-quality design, and industry growth. With 460 modest fashion businesses registered on the IKRA Indonesia platform as of 2025, the future looks bright for Indonesia's fashion industry on the global stage.
