THE GROWTH OF CULTURAL REMIX FASHION IN 2026

Fashion isn't just about what's popular on runways around the world anymore; it's also about who you are, where you come from, and the power of remix. This movement, called Cultural Remix Fashion, fosters a sense of pride and belonging as designers, brands, and young people blend traditional crafts, local heritage, and digital innovation into clothes that are both meaningful and relevant worldwide, in a world where heritage, sustainability, and authenticity matter, this cultural remix invites the audience to feel connected to their roots and inspired by artistic expression.

A new generation of designers and consumers wants to reclaim and reinterpret their cultural roots. This shift, driven by globalization, migration, and digital platforms, promotes respect, collaboration, and innovation across cultures. For example, prints inspired by African batik and Southeast Asian weaving, and indigenous motifs reimagined on streetwear and avatars, foster a sense of mutual respect and shared creativity, encouraging the audience to feel hopeful about cultural exchange.

Indonesia is a great example. Recent news stories about fashion trends in Indonesia show how traditional fabrics like batik, songket, ikat, and others are being used to create modern shapes, including dresses, minimalist blazers, gender-neutral outerwear, and even casual clothes that Gen Z and millennials like. These clothes keep cultural identity alive while still being comfortable to wear in modern cities.

Cultural remix is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream global fashion, even beyond national borders. New designers, like those recently named to The Business of Fashion's (BoF) 2025 500, often base their brands on traditional craftsmanship and environmentally friendly values. They connect local stories with people all over the world.

Digital craft and technology, as well as nostalgia, drive the remix. Digital-first platforms and tools let designers try out heritage motifs, traditional patterns, and artisanal techniques in new, scalable ways. For example, generative AI and diffusion-model-based systems now let designers mix patterns, textures, and clothing inspired by different cultures, combining old styles with new ones and digital technology.

Some people call 2025–2026 a "fashion renaissance," a time when culture, sustainability, and technology come together. Fashion isn't just about selling clothes these days; it's also about telling stories, defining who you are, and connecting old values with new ones.

As Cultural Remix Fashion grows, the industry faces ethical challenges, including cultural appropriation and the misuse of heritage motifs. The ongoing' heritage vs. hype' debate urges brands to act respectfully, fairly, and transparently when borrowing from other cultures, underscoring the need for responsibility in fashion.

This change is an excellent chance for fashion schools like Raffles Jakarta. Students can learn more than just how to make patterns or predict trends. They can also learn about cultural research, ethical sourcing, craftsmanship, working with artisans, and digital innovation. They will be able to navigate a fashion world that requires creativity, sensitivity, and global awareness, connecting local traditions with international markets.

In 2026, Cultural Remix Fashion isn't about copying; it's about talking. It's not about watering down heritage; it's about giving it a new meaning. And most importantly, it's a celebration of who we are, where we come from, how we make things, and how culture and technology come together to make something new.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Raffles Indonesia

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The Business of Fashion. (2024, December 4). The State of Fashion 2025 Report: Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Search & Discovery. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/the-state-of-fashion-2025-report-generative-ai-artificial-intelligence-search-discovery

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