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Lenny Agustin Mixes Kebaya and Baju Bodo for Urban Style at Medan Fashion Trend 2026

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Official statement Context piece
  • Designer Lenny Agustin showcased a collection blending traditional Indonesian attire with modern urban styles at Medan Fashion Trend 2026.
  • The collection featured reimagined kebaya and baju bodo, incorporating elements from Eastern Indonesia's rich culture and colonial influences.
  • The event, themed 'Circular Fashion Movement,' aimed to promote sustainable fashion and elevate local Indonesian designs.

Lenny Agustin presented a unique collection at Medan Fashion Trend 2026, drawing inspiration from the historical and cultural richness of Eastern Indonesia. Her designs merge traditional garments like the Ambon and Ternate kebaya and Makassar baju bodo with contemporary urban aesthetics, creating a feminine-romantic and arty off-beat style.

The collection dialogues with Indonesia's heritage, translating traditional silhouettes into modern expressions. Agustin explained, "I translate traditional silhouettes contemporarily without losing their original spirit, presenting a dialogue between cultural heritage and modern expression." The color palette is dominated by deep hues such as navy blue, dark purple, and dark green, reflecting the elegance of Eastern Indonesian women, accented with bright tropical floral shades and surprising spotlight colors for visual dynamism.

Agustin utilized materials like cotton, Makassar silk weaving, batik, and Prada lace, enriching the pieces with intricate floral embroidery, 3D floral appliqués, and beadwork to create a rich texture and strong artistic feel. The collection also features Agustin's signature "Funky Kebaya" details.

Medan Fashion Trend 2026, held from July 23-26 in Delipark Medan, was part of the Karya Kreatif Sumatera Utara (KKSU) 2026 initiative. Collaborating with Bank Indonesia North Sumatra Province and the Indonesia Fashion Chamber (IFC) Medan Chapter, the event's theme, "Circular Fashion Movement: From Invisible to Iconic," aimed to foster a sustainable, innovative, and competitive fashion industry. It served as a platform for designers, SMEs, artisans, academics, and government bodies to promote local Indonesian fashion from obscurity to global recognition, emphasizing sustainable use of local textiles and cross-sector collaboration.

I translate traditional silhouettes contemporarily without losing their original spirit, presenting a dialogue between cultural heritage and modern expression.

— Lenny AgustinDescribing her design philosophy for the collection at Medan Fashion Trend 2026.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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