"I lived in Bali for 18 years. I love the weather, the people, the food, and especially the culture and tradition that really got me inspired to create a collection based on it." - Imme Kristiani
Imme Kristiani made waves at the prestigious AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2016 (AARRDS), where she represented Indonesia with a stunning collection inspired by the sacred Melasti Ceremony. Showcasing her unique vision, Imme’s collection at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week seamlessly blended rich cultural symbolism with modern fashion design, celebrating the spiritual purification that defines the Melasti ritual.
The Melasti Ceremony: A Celebration of Purification
The Melasti Ceremony, a crucial Balinese tradition, is a ritual of purification observed in the days leading up to Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. Held near the beach, the ceremony is a visual and spiritual spectacle, where the Balinese come together to cleanse themselves of negative influences from the past. They bring sacred offerings and religious symbols to the ocean, casting away bad energy and sins.
Balinese people believe in the sacredness of water, particularly seawater and freshwater lakes, which are regarded as Tirta Amerta—the "source of life." This cleansing belief is deeply rooted in their culture, and Imme’s collection draws from this profound connection with nature, water, and spiritual renewal, bringing a contemporary twist to an age-old tradition.
Kain Endek: The Heartbeat of Balinese Tradition
Incorporating traditional elements into her collection, Imme used Kain Endek, a fabric that is both emblematic of Balinese culture and a symbol of its evolving artistry. The history of Kain Endek dates back to 1975 during the reign of King Dalem Waturenggong of Gelgel, Klungkung. This handwoven cloth, created using traditional ATBM (Alat Tenun Bukan Mesin), has been passed down through generations and continues to thrive in modern Balinese fashion.
With intricate patterns that are not only beautiful but sacred, Kain Endek is often used in religious ceremonies and for ceremonial attire. Some motifs, such as Patra and Encak Saji, are deeply spiritual and can only be worn during temple activities or by specific individuals like priests and nobility. Other motifs are designed for everyday wear, carrying a natural essence that reflects the daily lives of the Balinese people. Through her collection, Imme brings these motifs to life, capturing the sacred, natural, and cultural beauty of Kain Endek, while offering a fresh perspective that resonates with the modern fashion world.
(The Original Fashion Mood Board of Melasti Collection by IMME)
(The Original Fashion Sketches of Melasti Collection by IMME)
Inspired by the sacred Melasti purification and ceremonial ritual, Indonesian designer Imme Kristiani redefined "power dressing" by combining vibrant hues with bold, angular cuts and striking silhouettes.
This fusion of traditional elements with modern design gave her collection a fresh, empowering twist, blending cultural reverence with contemporary style. For her 2016 showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, Imme chose kain endek—a fabric rich in history and significance—as one of the key materials. The orange tones of kain endek harmonized beautifully with shades of blue, yellow, and white, creating a visually stunning yet sophisticated palette. Each color was thoughtfully chosen, reflecting the deep philosophical meanings tied to the Melasti ceremony, which is sacred and never frivolous.
The result was a beautifully nuanced collection that honored her cultural heritage while giving "power dressing" a timeless and profound new interpretation, showcasing the enduring relevance of cultural rituals in contemporary fashion.
For Imme, this collection was more than just fashion; it was a personal journey of blending the past and the present, honoring the sacred while embracing the future. It’s a reminder that true power lies not just in what we wear, but in how we carry our traditions forward, with pride and purpose. Special Thanks to : http://www.inbali.org
• Models : Andrew Models
• Venue : Pavillion Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week