The "revolt" of Indonesian heritage at Vietnam International Fashion Week

Every time he appears at Vietnam International Fashion Week, Indonesian designer Priyo Oktaviano leaves his mark, not only through his skillful techniques but also by turning Southeast Asian cultural stories into emotional fashion films.

In Fall Winter 2025, he returns with “Batik Revolution” – a bold fashion statement where Indonesian Batik heritage meets the rebellious spirit of punk-rock culture, opening up an explosive journey of innovation.

In the collection introduced to Vietnamese fashionistas last night, November 15, in Hanoi , Priyo Oktaviano recounted the journey of awakening heritage through a contemporary perspective. Traditional Batik motifs are placed next to rivets, beads, leather materials and strong cuts, creating a new language that both preserves the classic spirit and is in tune with the vitality of the young generation.

Drawing on his experience as a key figure at the House of Balenciaga Paris, the designer combines the mindset of luxury fashion with Indonesian aesthetics, turning Batik (a traditional Indonesian fabric recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009) into the inspiration for a comprehensive fashion revolution.

Priyo Oktaviano is also a member of an organization committed to preserving and developing Indonesia’s textile heritage. Therefore, although his designs are oriented towards a modern style, the way of expression is always new and different.

With “Batik Revolution,” Priyo’s 41 designs showcased a rebellious spirit with a “Batik flavor”: long coats covered in classic patterns combined with sparkling metal studs; soft batik shirts that became a powerful punk statement; layered chiffon combined with edgy accessories; traditional indigo and earthy browns combined with modern metallics. Each design was a symphony between past and present, between culture and breakthrough, making heritage come alive and explode on the catwalk.

Hand-painted motifs are reinterpreted, making each design a statement of freedom, celebrating identity and creative rebellion. The designer says “ Batik Revolution” is his way of paying tribute to craftsmanship while celebrating the spirit of free self-expression.

Closing the performance, The Face Vietnam 2018 Champion Mac Trung Kien appeared in an outfit that had a contemporary Batik spirit and a punk-rock vibe: a long coat covered in stylized Batik patterns, a punk mesh top with sharp metal details, bermuda pants with teal stripes, black socks and shiny leather shoes. The whole created an image that was both rebellious and neat, fully expressing Priyo Oktaviano's "Indonesian couture" mark.

In particular, “Batik Revolution” also marks Priyo’s return to Hanoi, which the designer shared is his “second home”, where he feels absolute respect for creativity and special connections with international fashionistas.

As such, this is not just a fashion collection, but a cultural conversation, a message from Priyo that heritage never goes out of style, if told in the language of the times. As the Batik motifs walk to the punk-rock music, the audience not only sees the boldness, but also feels the love and pride that designer Priyo Oktaviano has for his homeland, Indonesia.

With this collection, Priyo Oktaviano once again affirms his ability to transform cultural heritage into contemporary fashion language, while contributing to enriching the international identity of Vietnam International Fashion Week Fall Winter 2025./.