vibrant colors and intricate patterns define yosepin sri ningsih's new batik collection

Yosepin Sri Ningsih revives traditional Indonesian craftsmanship

Fashion designer Yosepin Sri Ningsih introduces a sustainable collection employing batik, the traditional Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to textiles. ‘The New Face of Batik Lasem Industry’ project aims to counter the declining interest of young people in the traditional profession of batik by introducing a pilot initiative focused on slow fashion, targeting a broader urban market. The goal is to educate about sustainable processes, offering a collection that provides a fresh perspective on both consumer and producer roles in the realm of sustainable fashion in Indonesia. This project received an horoble mention in the Seoul Design Award 2023.

Batik artisans in Lasem | all images provided by Yosepin Sri Ningsih

the collection Tackles Challenges Faced by Lasem’s Batik Industry

Operating in Lasem, a town renowned for manual batik making, the project by Yosepin Sri Ningsih addresses challenges like market decline and succession issues faced by over 500 batik makers. These issues, exacerbated by insufficient education, and market trends, prompted designers with fashion design academic backgrounds to join a collaborative research program initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. Supported by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education, the initiative employs project-based learning, addressing community issues directly. The curriculum integrates Indonesian culture, fashion trends, and design, fostering collaborations with government bodies, the Asia Pacific Rayon textile industry, batik and fashion trend experts, and the media.

wax removing in hot water

Training sessions for the local batik industry and community emphasize material knowledge and the use of domestically produced fabrics to reduce carbon footprints. Insights into market trends and fashion product varieties are shared. The sustained ‘The New Face of Batik Lasem Industry’ project aims for long-term impact, exhibiting collaborative collections at local and international platforms. Designed for the Indonesian youth urban market, these collections incorporate secondhand products and defective Lasem batik. The project not only showcases sustainable design but also inspires creative engagement with batik among the youth, fostering pride in wearing this traditional craft.

Lasem Batik on textiles produced in Indonesia

collection from upcycled secondhand clothes

fashion collection targeted for youth market

Lasem Batik product for Moslem market

project info:

name: The New Face of Batik Lasem
designer: Yosepin Sri Ningsih

honorable mention:  seoul design award 2023

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom