JEDDAH: Indonesian fashion designers are showcasing contemporary interpretations of the country’s traditional textiles at the Saudi Fashiontex Expo in Jeddah, as Indonesia seeks to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury and modest fashion market.
The fourth edition of the exhibition has brought together more than 500 exhibitors from 25 countries and is expected to attract over 10,000 international visitors. Indonesia is represented by a delegation of 10 fashion designers and companies selected by the country’s Ministry of Trade, highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen the international reach of Indonesia’s modest fashion industry.
Indonesia was ranked first globally in the modest fashion sector in the 2025/26 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, reflecting the country’s strong position in the rapidly expanding global modest fashion industry. Saudi Arabia is also an important market, ranking as the world’s third-largest modest fashion consumer market after Iran and Türkiye.
Among the Indonesian designers participating in the exhibition is Irna Mutiara, founder of fashion brand Irna La Perle. She is presenting a special abaya collection incorporating traditional jumputan fabric from Palembang, South Sumatra. Produced using traditional tie-dyeing techniques, jumputan gives each piece distinctive colors and patterns, allowing the designer to combine Indonesian cultural heritage with contemporary Middle Eastern fashion.
Irna said the collection aims to bring together Indonesian textile traditions and the elegance of the Middle Eastern abaya. She also sees the exhibition as an opportunity to introduce Indonesia’s craftsmanship, creativity and cultural identity to international consumers and potential business partners.
Another participating designer, Rina Angrainy, founder of Jakarta-based modest fashion brand KarinaDesign, is presenting a collection that combines contemporary fashion with traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. Her designs feature embroidery, beadwork and batik, one of Indonesia’s most recognized textile traditions. Batik was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Rina said the collection is intended to demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of Indonesian modest fashion while creating opportunities to connect with buyers and establish business partnerships in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s fashion market presents significant opportunities for international brands. According to the State of Fashion in Saudi Arabia 2026 report issued by the Saudi Fashion Commission, the Kingdom’s fashion market is projected to reach around $40 billion by 2029. The expanding market, combined with growing consumer interest in modest and luxury fashion, is attracting designers and brands from across the world.
Indonesia has increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern markets to expand its modest fashion exports. The Indonesian government has supported the sector through trade missions, international fashion exhibitions and networking initiatives designed to connect local designers and companies with overseas buyers and partners.
The participation of Indonesian designers at Saudi Fashiontex Expo highlights the growing connection between cultural heritage and modern fashion. By transforming traditional textiles such as batik and jumputan into contemporary designs, Indonesian brands are seeking to demonstrate their commercial potential while introducing the country’s rich textile heritage to consumers in Saudi Arabia and international markets.