RIYADH: The Embassy of Indonesia on Friday hosted the Indonesia Fashion Night, an evening celebrating designs, at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace.
Sugiri Suparwan, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy, said: “Tonight we celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration as we showcase the beauty and diversity of Indonesian fashion.”
Noesa Birama showcased collections from nine Indonesian designers, including Deden Siswanto and her line Rachana Abra; Opie Ovie with Blue Journey to Eternity; Nina M. Nata with Splendor of Abaya; Irmasari Joedawinata with Hidden; Yani Halim with Cordial Bellis; Shaza by Adelina with Bon Voyage; Althafunissa by Karina with Haneen Jeumpa; Rinnasuri with Urang Minang; and Nura Boutique by Oewi Wahyono with Floral Blooming.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Wahyono has been living in Jeddah for over 30 years and said that many of her pieces drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia.
When asked if there were any Saudi elements that inspired or impacted her design process, she referenced her love for the Saudi abaya.
She said: “I have been here in Saudi and you can see now with the outfit I am wearing, I always make my designs into dresses, but also similar to abayas.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Abaya for me is something that I can’t live without. Everywhere I go I’m always wearing an abaya. I love abayas, maybe that’s why.”
She added: “I might change it slightly but I am always wearing and using the abaya style.”
Speaking about her fashion line, Floral Blooming, the designer said: “These designs tell the story of floral blooming. The pattern of the material displays many floral sand butterflies.”
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Attending the fashion event were a variety of figures from the Kingdom, including business owners, ambassadors, fashion designers, and influencers.
The main element of the event featured a catwalk that ran through the center of the Cultural Palace’s hall with a backdrop that showcased dresses and themes.
In their mission to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the embassy invited designers to showcase their pieces in a way that allowed visitors a close look.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
The evening began with remarks from Suparwan followed by a message from Yusuf Arifin, the chairman of the fashion show.
The deputy chief of mission said that the fashion industry was one of Indonesia’s most “dynamic and growing” sectors.
Suparwan added: “In 2025, revenue from Indonesia’s fashion market is projected to reach $8.8 billion with an annual growth of 2.07 percent.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Saudi Arabia’s fashion market, on the other hand, is expected to generate $5.1 billion by this year, growing at an impressive rate of 10.3 percent a year.”
Suparwan spoke of the “enormous potential for both markets and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The envoy said that potential alone was not enough and that it needed to be connected, expressing the hope that the fashion event could serve as a bridge between the Saudi and Indonesian fashion industries while “fostering collaboration, partnerships and mutual growth.”
Arifin described the event as “an evening that celebrates the creativity, artistry, and cultural heritage of Indonesia,” with some 18 local models adorning traditional Indonesian textiles.
