Indonesian Fashion Designer Preserves Traditional Fabrics Through Modern Clothing Line

Sondang Maria Pasaribu, a 52-year-old fashion designer from Indonesia, is on a mission to introduce the country's traditional fabrics to younger generations through her contemporary clothing and accessories brand, Mejikuhibiniu Butik. Pasaribu's love for traditional Indonesian textiles began in childhood and has driven her to create fashion products that blend these rich cultural heritage fabrics with modern designs.

Mejikuhibiniu Butik, founded by Pasaribu in 2013, incorporates various traditional Indonesian textiles such as Ulos Batak from North Sumatra, Songket from Sumatra, Tenun Ikat from East Nusa Tenggara, and Lurik from Yogyakarta into its clothing and accessory designs. Pasaribu started the business by experimenting with her mother's Ulos fabric to make a bag, which received positive responses and encouraged her to expand the product range using more traditional fabrics.

Why this matters: Pasaribu's efforts to preserve and promote traditional Indonesian textiles through her fashion brand not only introduce these rich cultural heritage fabrics to a wider audience but also help to sustain the livelihoods of local artisans and weavers who create these textiles. Her work highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions while adapting them to modern tastes and lifestyles.

According to Pasaribu, traditional Indonesian fabrics other than batik are not as widely incorporated into fashion products. "Ulos is not as popular as batik in terms of its combination with fashion products," she explained. Through Mejikuhibiniu Butik, Pasaribu aims to change this by showcasing the beauty and versatility of these lesser-known traditional textiles to fashion enthusiasts in Indonesia and beyond.

Pasaribu's ultimate goal is to help preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage, particularly its traditional textiles, by introducing them to younger generations through her fashion brand. By combining these rich fabrics with contemporary designs, she hopes to make them more appealing and accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that these important cultural traditions are kept alive and appreciated for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Sondang Maria Pasaribu, a 52-year-old Indonesian fashion designer, founded Mejikuhibiniu Butik.
• Mejikuhibiniu Butik incorporates traditional Indonesian textiles like Ulos, Songket, and Lurik.
• Pasaribu aims to preserve and promote traditional Indonesian textiles through her fashion brand.
• Pasaribu's work helps sustain the livelihoods of local artisans and weavers.
• Pasaribu's goal is to introduce traditional textiles to younger generations through contemporary designs.