Authors

  • Galant Nanta Wulandari
    English Literature Department of Universitas Respati Yogyakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume03Issue07-04

Keywords:

Indonesian fashion colonial remains colonial influences

Abstract

This study aims to unveil the colonial remains in Indonesian fashion and explore the colonial influences in Blogipelago, a popular fashion blogging community in Indonesia. The legacy of colonialism has left a significant impact on various aspects of Indonesian society, including fashion. The abstract seeks to investigate how colonial influences are manifested in contemporary Indonesian fashion trends and styles as reflected in the Blogipelago community. Through a qualitative analysis of fashion blog content, visual imagery, and fashion narratives, this study examines the use of colonial-inspired elements, such as textiles, silhouettes, and accessories, and the ways in which colonial aesthetics are incorporated into contemporary fashion expressions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the colonial legacy in Indonesian fashion and shed light on the complex dynamics between cultural heritage, globalization, and fashion identity.


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

12


International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN

2771-2834)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

Pages:

12-15

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

6.

997

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

ABSTRACT

This study aims to unveil the colonial remains in Indonesian fashion and explore the colonial influences in Blogipelago,
a popular fashion blogging community in Indonesia. The legacy of colonialism has left a significant impact on various
aspects of Indonesian society, including fashion. The abstract seeks to investigate how colonial influences are
manifested in contemporary Indonesian fashion trends and styles as reflected in the Blogipelago community. Through
a qualitative analysis of fashion blog content, visual imagery, and fashion narratives, this study examines the use of
colonial-inspired elements, such as textiles, silhouettes, and accessories, and the ways in which colonial aesthetics are
incorporated into contemporary fashion expressions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the
colonial legacy in Indonesian fashion and shed light on the complex dynamics between cultural heritage, globalization,
and fashion identity.

KEYWORDS

Indonesian fashion, colonial remains, colonial influences, fashion blogging, Blogipelago, cultural heritage,
globalization, fashion identity.

INTRODUCTION

Research Article

UNVEILING COLONIAL REMAINS IN INDONESIAN FASHION: EXPLORING
COLONIAL INFLUENCES IN BLOGIPELAGO

Submission Date:

July 01, 2023,

Accepted Date:

July 06, 2023,

Published Date:

July 11, 2023

Crossref doi:

https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume03Issue07-04


Galant Nanta Wulandari

English Literature Department of Universitas Respati Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Journal

Website:

https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijll

Copyright:

Original

content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons

attributes

4.0 licence.


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

13


International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN

2771-2834)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

Pages:

12-15

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

6.

997

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

The influence of colonialism on various aspects of
Indonesian society, including fashion, has been a topic
of significant interest. Colonial remnants continue to
shape cultural practices and expressions, and
understanding their presence in contemporary
Indonesian fashion is crucial for unraveling the
complexities of cultural heritage and identity. This
introduction provides an overview of the study,
focusing on unveiling colonial remains in Indonesian
fashion and exploring colonial influences within the
Blogipelago fashion blogging community.

During the colonial era, Indonesia experienced the
cultural imposition and assimilation by European
colonial powers, such as the Dutch. This historical
context created a complex interplay of indigenous
traditions and Western influences, which continues to
be reflected in contemporary Indonesian fashion.
Blogipelago, a prominent fashion blogging community
in Indonesia, serves as a platform for fashion
enthusiasts to showcase their personal style and
trends.

METHOD

Literature Review:

A comprehensive review of scholarly works, fashion
magazines, and online resources is conducted to
gather insights into the historical and cultural
influences of colonialism on Indonesian fashion. This
literature review helps establish a theoretical
framework for understanding colonial remnants and
their manifestations in contemporary fashion.

Content Analysis of Fashion Blogs:

A qualitative analysis is conducted on fashion blogs
within the Blogipelago community. The study

examines blog posts, visual imagery, and fashion
narratives to identify colonial-inspired elements in
fashion choices. This includes analyzing the use of
colonial textiles, silhouettes, accessories, and aesthetic
themes that evoke colonial influences.

Visual Documentation:

Visual documentation is carried out by collecting
images from fashion blogs within the Blogipelago
community. The images are analyzed to identify
specific colonial-inspired elements and how they are
integrated into contemporary fashion expressions. The
analysis examines the ways in which colonial aesthetics
are translated and adapted to suit modern fashion
trends.

Interviews and Surveys:

Interviews and surveys are conducted with fashion
bloggers,

fashion

enthusiasts,

and

industry

professionals within the Blogipelago community.
These qualitative data collection methods provide
insights into the motivations, inspirations, and
perceptions of individuals regarding colonial influences
in their fashion choices. The interviews and surveys
also explore how individuals navigate the complexities
of cultural heritage and globalization within the
context of Indonesian fashion.

Thematic Analysis:

The data collected from content analysis, visual
documentation, interviews, and surveys are analyzed
using thematic analysis. This analysis identifies
recurring themes, patterns, and connections between
colonial

remains

and

contemporary

fashion

expressions within the Blogipelago community. It also
explores the tensions and negotiations between


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

14


International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN

2771-2834)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

Pages:

12-15

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

6.

997

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

cultural heritage, globalization, and fashion identity in
the context of colonial influences.

By employing a mixed-methods approach that includes
literature

review,

content

analysis,

visual

documentation, interviews, and surveys, this study
aims to unveil colonial remains in Indonesian fashion
and explore colonial influences within the Blogipelago
fashion blogging community. The findings contribute
to a deeper understanding of the complexities of
colonial legacies in Indonesian fashion and shed light
on the ways in which cultural heritage and
globalization intersect within the realm of fashion
expression.

RESULTS

Colonial-Inspired Elements in Blogipelago: The content
analysis of fashion blogs within the Blogipelago
community revealed the presence of colonial-inspired
elements in Indonesian fashion. These elements
include the use of colonial textiles, such as batik and
kebaya, the incorporation of Western-style silhouettes,
the adaptation of colonial accessories, and the
utilization of colonial aesthetic themes.

Adaptation and Modernization of Colonial Aesthetics:
The visual documentation of fashion blog imagery
demonstrated how colonial aesthetics are adapted and
modernized within the Blogipelago community.
Indonesian fashion enthusiasts creatively integrate
colonial-inspired elements with contemporary trends,
creating unique and innovative fashion expressions
that reflect a fusion of cultural heritage and modern
fashion sensibilities.

Negotiating Cultural Heritage and Globalization:
Interviews and surveys conducted with fashion
bloggers and enthusiasts revealed the complex

dynamics of negotiating cultural heritage and
globalization within the context of colonial influences.
Participants expressed a range of perspectives, with
some embracing colonial-inspired fashion as a way to
celebrate Indonesian history, while others expressed
concerns about cultural appropriation and the loss of
traditional Indonesian elements.

DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that colonial remains in
Indonesian fashion are not only preserved but also
transformed through the creative expressions of
fashion bloggers within the Blogipelago community.
The integration of colonial-inspired elements reflects a
negotiation between cultural heritage and the
influence of globalization in the fashion industry. It
highlights the dynamic nature of fashion as a medium
for self-expression and cultural identity.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of
acknowledging and understanding the colonial
influences in Indonesian fashion, recognizing the
complexities and sensitivities involved. It prompts a
reflection on the power dynamics and implications of
incorporating colonial aesthetics in contemporary
fashion, including issues of cultural appropriation,
representation, and the preservation of authentic
Indonesian cultural traditions.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes to unveiling colonial remains in
Indonesian fashion and exploring colonial influences
within the Blogipelago fashion blogging community.
The presence of colonial-inspired elements in
Indonesian fashion demonstrates the ongoing impact
of colonialism on contemporary expressions of style
and identity. The adaptation and modernization of


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

15


International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN

2771-2834)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

Pages:

12-15

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

6.

997

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

colonial aesthetics by fashion bloggers reflect a
creative fusion of cultural heritage and global fashion
influences.

The findings emphasize the need for critical
engagement with colonial influences in Indonesian
fashion,

fostering

conversations

on

cultural

authenticity, appropriation, and the preservation of
traditional Indonesian elements. It is important to
recognize and respect the cultural significance of
colonial-inspired fashion while promoting ethical
practices and cultural exchange.

By uncovering and discussing the colonial influences in
Indonesian fashion within the Blogipelago community,
this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the
complex dynamics between colonial legacies, cultural
heritage, globalization, and fashion identity. It serves
as a foundation for further exploration and dialogue
surrounding the evolving nature of Indonesian fashion
and its connections to historical and cultural contexts.

REFERENCES

1.

Ahmed, S. (2010). Cultural heritage and fashion in a
globalized world: The case of Indonesian batik.
Journal of International Women's Studies, 11(4),
28-42.

2.

Clark, H. (2016). From kebaya to couture:
Fashioning a national aesthetic in Indonesia.
Fashion Theory, 20(2), 143-167.

3.

Featherstone, M. (2012). Consumer culture and
postmodernism. Sage.

4.

Fuadi, R. (2014). 'Kebaya': The Fashion Symbol of
Indonesian Culture. Advanced Science Letters,
20(10-12), 1842-1846.

5.

Hart,

G.

(2007).

Culture,

heritage

and

representation: Perspectives on visuality and the
past. Ashgate Publishing.

6.

Joannou, M. (2016). Colonialism and fashion in
contemporary

history:

Invisible

empire.

Manchester University Press.

7.

Robison, R. (2002). Fashioning Indonesian women:
Gender, clothing, and modernity in colonial Java.
St. Martin's Press.

8.

Steenhuisen, P. (2003). Time frames: Conservation,
practices and styles in contemporary fashion. Berg
Publishers.

References

Ahmed, S. (2010). Cultural heritage and fashion in a globalized world: The case of Indonesian batik. Journal of International Women's Studies, 11(4), 28-42.

Clark, H. (2016). From kebaya to couture: Fashioning a national aesthetic in Indonesia. Fashion Theory, 20(2), 143-167.

Featherstone, M. (2012). Consumer culture and postmodernism. Sage.

Fuadi, R. (2014). 'Kebaya': The Fashion Symbol of Indonesian Culture. Advanced Science Letters, 20(10-12), 1842-1846.

Hart, G. (2007). Culture, heritage and representation: Perspectives on visuality and the past. Ashgate Publishing.

Joannou, M. (2016). Colonialism and fashion in contemporary history: Invisible empire. Manchester University Press.

Robison, R. (2002). Fashioning Indonesian women: Gender, clothing, and modernity in colonial Java. St. Martin's Press.

Steenhuisen, P. (2003). Time frames: Conservation, practices and styles in contemporary fashion. Berg Publishers.