When fashion capitals meet craftsmanship, magic happens. In September 2025, batik—Indonesia’s iconic textile art—made a powerful statement at Who’s Next Paris, marking not just a return, but a renaissance. The spotlight wasn’t on flash or trendiness, but on sustainability, heritage, and storytelling through fabric.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how batik traveled from Indonesian villages to Parisian runways and why it’s more relevant now than ever.
A Stage for Revival: Indonesia’s Pavilion at Who’s Next
During the 6–8 September edition, the Indonesian pavilion stood out as a bridge between tradition and future-forward fashion. The exhibit celebrated batik in a way that honored its roots while pushing its boundaries.
Against the backdrop of global fashion dialogues about sustainability and cultural authenticity, Indonesia’s presence at Who’s Next was more than display — it was declaration. Batik, once seen mostly in local markets, was now being reinterpreted through ethical lenses for a discerning global audience.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
One of the most compelling stories from the pavilion was the narrative of eco-conscious production. From organic dyes to zero-waste cutting patterns, many collections emphasized how batik can embrace both artistry and responsibility.
In an industry increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, these choices resonate. The batik pieces at Who’s Next did not appear as relics of the past; they stood as possible blueprints for a slower, more thoughtful mode of fashion.
Artisans, Techniques & Reinvention
At the heart of the batik resurgence is craftsmanship. The Paris exhibition didn’t shy away from showing the hands, tools, and processes behind the cloth. Wax resist techniques, hand-drawing, block printing — these weren’t hidden. They were celebrated.
But alongside tradition, there was reinvention: mixing motifs, experimenting with fabric blends, and collaborating across disciplines to make batik suitable not only for formal wear but for ready-to-wear, lifestyle, and even home décor.
Batik as Cultural Conversation
The designs weren’t just pretty patterns. They carried stories, regional identities, symbolic motifs, and personal expression. In Paris, batik became a cultural conversation: how can a heritage fabric still speak to today’s consumer?
The show proved it can through designs that balanced visual appeal with meaning, and tradition with versatility.
What This Means for Batik Wayang
Seeing batik featured on such an international platform underscores what many of us already believe: this craft is not static. It evolves. It travels. It adapts without losing its soul.
At Batik Wayang, we draw inspiration from these global movements. Our collections embrace sustainability, mindful design, and cultural depth. Whether you wear batik for a ceremony, for daily life, or for statement pieces, each garment carries that spirit of revival and respect.
Have a look at our latest batik designs and celebrate the legacy of craftsmanship at here.