n the runway at this year’s Betawi-themed Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW), models presented pieces inspired by the Chinese cheongsam, Dutch designs and colorful Betawi motifs.
Since the show aims to put the spotlight on the rich culture of the Betawi people, the native inhabitants of Greater Jakarta, the mix of cultures can prompt one to ask: What exactly is Betawi fashion?
Defining Betawi fashion
“It can be said that it is a blend of various cultures from Indonesia and also influences from outside, whether Chinese or European. So that’s what I see as Betawi culture,” said Misan Kopaka, the man behind Kopaka Bridal by Misan.
During the IFW, which ran from March 27 to 31 at the Jakarta Convention Center, he dressed his models in vibrant, bold orange creations bearing motifs from Betawi culture, such as delman (two-wheeled, horse-drawn cart) and ondel-ondel(costumed puppet performance).
To balance the varied influences in Betawi culture, Misan added some pieces reminiscent of the cheongsam, which entered latter-day Jakarta courtesy of Chinese migrants, as well as European styles that the Dutch brought with them.
For women, he said the most authentic Betawi was kebaya encim, a traditional blouse with Chinese influences. Unlike the kebaya of other Indonesian cultures, the Betawi kebaya has a characteristically looser fit and a rounded collar.