Wastra Citta Jagadhita: A Celebration of Balinese Weaving and Young Designers
DENPASAR, BALINEWS.ID – An exciting blend of creativity and tradition unfolded at the Wastra Citta Jagadhita fashion show held at The Meru Sanur, Denpasar, on Friday, January 24th. Organized by the Bali Regional Handicraft Council (Dekranasda Bali), the event showcased 139 unique garments designed by 13 emerging Balinese designers, reflecting a deep respect and affection for traditional Balinese woven fabrics.
A Tribute to Traditional Textile Arts
The Wastra Citta Jagadhita fashion show was more than just a display of contemporary fashion; it represented a heartfelt homage to Bali’s rich textile heritage. Ny. Ida Mahendra Jaya, the Acting Chair of Dekranasda Bali, articulated the event’s significance, stating, “Wastra Citta Jagadhita embodies a love for traditional fabrics aimed at fostering global welfare and happiness. Our goal is to integrate woven textiles into the lifestyle of our community, not just in Bali, but worldwide.”
Encouraging the Next Generation
Ny. Ida also expressed her hopes that the show would inspire younger generations to embrace and innovate upon traditional textiles, while simultaneously fostering the growth of Bali’s culturally-based creative industries. “It is essential for the youth to cherish and advance our traditional fabrics,” she emphasized.
Support from Local Government
The event received solid backing from local government officials, including Bali’s Acting Governor, Mahendra Jaya. He praised the fashion show as a strategic move to elevate local cultural heritage on a global stage. “This event proves that the creativity of Bali’s youth can compete internationally. I hope this becomes the beginning of a fashion trend emerging from Bali that will captivate the world by 2025,” Mahendra Jaya stated.
Collaboration for Cultural Preservation
During the event, the Acting Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the preservation of traditional weaving through collaborations between the government, artisans, and designers. With a focus on sustainability and cultural integrity, stakeholders are working diligently to maintain Bali’s unique textile traditions in the modern fashion landscape.
Mentorship from Notable Designers
Prominent designer Tjok Abi, who served as a mentor and curator for the event, guided the young participants intensively, providing invaluable insights. He commended the creativity and dedication demonstrated by the emerging designers, producing remarkable pieces in a relatively short period. “Despite only having just over a month to prepare, they managed to create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in meaning,” Tjok Abi remarked. He highlighted that Balinese woven fabrics can indeed serve as relevant materials for modern fashion.
A Cultural Movement
The Wastra Citta Jagadhita show marked an important moment for promoting Balinese weaving as a globally recognized cultural heritage. Mahendra Jaya expressed optimism that, with collective support, traditional Balinese textiles could evolve into a powerful cultural identity and a prominent global fashion trend. “Bali’s woven fabrics are our pride. Let’s elevate this heritage to new heights,” he concluded, radiating hope for the future of Balinese culture.
As Bali continues to navigate its identity on the global stage, initiatives like the Wastra Citta Jagadhita show play a crucial role in shaping a narrative that honors the past while embracing the future. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation through innovation and creativity.
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