At a Jakarta crosswalk, Indonesian Teens Take to the Catwalk

And its viral fame has attracted attention from celebrities and influencers, as well as public officials including President Joko Widodo, who said young people should be able to express themselves creatively.

It’s beautiful

Local brands are now starting to take note and capitalize on the momentum by advertising their products and endorsing the “stars” of the movement, providing free clothes, shoes, and publicity.

“Teenagers are searching for their identity and they need recognition and validation. These teens saw that the quick and easy way to earn them is through likes and shares,” Devie Rahmawati, a social affairs expert from the University of Indonesia told AFP.

“Marginalized teenagers used to resort to violence or illegal racing, now they choose fashion instead. This is a positive thing and I think it’s beautiful.”

For many, the booming street fashion scene has also become an affordable arena for fashionable experimentation, set against the backdrop of the city’s most affluent district.

Teenagers from poor households who cannot afford designer outfits can join the gathering without judgment, Khairul Badmi, a 22-year-old aspiring actor, told AFP.

“To be a part of Citayam Fashion Week, you don’t have to wear certain outfits or brands that empty your wallet,” he said.

Source: Agence France-Presse