“Two Nations, One Fashion”, the much-awaited fashion show of the year, completely mesmerized the audience and left them in awe of the creations of two distinguished fashion icons, who sashayed their collections one after another.
The show presented a unique concept, never seen before, highlighting the Indonesian "wastra" or fabrics, which are culturally rich and tell stories through distinct meanings and philosophies, using symbols and color dimensions. Indonesian wastra is more than just fabric—it is a way to preserve traditional techniques and Indonesia’s cultural identity.
Merdi Sihombing's collection exemplified this beautifully. Merdi, hailing from the Batak Tribe of North Sumatra, Indonesia, where the famous traditional textile "ulos" originates, skillfully combined traditional ulos patterns, natural dyes, and contemporary fashion. His collection, Mangokkal Holi, named after a Toba Batak tribe tradition meaning "digging graves," represents the practice of collecting ancestors' bones and moving them to a more appropriate resting place. The collection radiates exotic and mysterious vibes, embodying the spirit of ulos, which connects the Batak people to the past, present, and future. A master weaver, Merdi continues to explore Indonesian wastra, blending modern innovation with traditional techniques.
As expected, Renee Salud, who prefers to be called a Filipino Fashion Advocate, captivated the audience with his one-of-a-kind creations using Indonesian wastra. Mama Renee, as he is known to many, admitted it was his first time working with foreign fabrics like Batik, Songket, Tenun, and Lurik. However, his creative juices flowed as he represented both Indonesian and Philippine cultures, blending Indonesian fabrics with Filipino design. Renee Salud's collection epitomized beauty, grace, and elegance, making Indonesian wastra wearable in modern haute couture style. He also incorporated the works of Filipino artisans in his designs, including Barong Batik of Biñan/Jakarta, Berches Barong of Lumban, Jhaz Footwear from Liliw, KitSilver of Bulacan for accessories, and One Touch Fabrics.
The event was further elevated by enchanting cultural performances from Indonesia and the Philippines. Adicipta Paundrakarna Production, led by Prince Paundrakarna of Mangkunegara, performed Tari Gambyong, a traditional Javanese dance, and the “Pusparani Dance”, specially created by HRH Paundrakarna for this occasion. Both performances showcased the beauty and diversity of Indonesian culture.
The legendary Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company entertained guests with a fiesta-like production, People Under the Sun, which portrayed life in the Philippine countryside.
The night was made even more thrilling by the UST Singers, who delivered an award-winning performance, including renditions of “Tu, La Vie En Rose”, “Todo Menina”, “Norwegian Alleluia”, and the famous Indonesian song “Rasa Sayang”, among others.
Guests were treated to a gastronomical feast, with Indonesian cuisine catered by Bakmi Nyonya and Filipino dishes from Barbara’s. The open bar featured craft and flavored spirits from Destileria Limtuaco.
Local Indonesian governments from South Sulawesi, South Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, Central Java, and Yogyakarta, along with traditional fabric producers like Batik APIP, Batik Banyu Sabrang, Batik Ciwidey, Batik Tradjumas, Penginang Lombok, and Lurik Senthir, provided various types of Indonesian fabrics to be showcased at the event.
Pendopo, a hub for Indonesia’s local MSMEs with the slogan “Ragam Satu Negeri,” fosters the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage through partnerships with over 250 MSMEs, presenting 5,000 curated products across five categories: fashion, crafts, home living, local snacks and herbal drinks, and accessories. Pendopo also showcased Sikka woven fabric, a cultural legacy from Sikka Regency in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, and provided guests with the chance to sample Chocolate Sikka, made from premium cocoa beans sourced from the region, empowering local farmers and offering a complete cultural experience.
“Two Nations, One Fashion” was attended by around 400 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, fashion elites, former beauty queens, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and public figures. The fashion show was held at Whitespace Manila on Nov. 22, 2024.
H.E. Agus Widjojo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of the Philippines, remarked, "This is a fashion celebration honoring 75 years of longstanding relations between Indonesia and the Philippines based on diplomacy and amity. The two countries have gone through many challenging issues that tested their friendship, but they always emerge as one in thoughts and in deeds. Just like the threads of a fabric—they are interwoven, and the ties that bind them serve as the solid foundation of their relationship." He expressed hope that the fusion of culture and talents would showcase the power of fashion in connecting people and uniting nations.
