Toronto Fashion Week: "Barong 2024", Mythos of Love

Toronto, Canada

Brace yourself for a journey where the charm of Indonesian heritage meets the principles of contemporary sustainability. Within the world shaped by Montreal‑based designer Juan Iskandar, a story unfolds—one rooted in the Barong legend, where benevolence rises against darkness. Each garment carries the presence of this guardian spirit, echoing the grace and vigilance of the panther‑like figure from Balinese folklore. These creations are more than attire; they are stories stitched into form.

To deepen this cultural narrative, Iskandar turns to the textile traditions of Palembang, where gold thread—benang emas—is woven into silk to create luminous songket fabrics. In this region, “Barong” refers not to the Balinese deity but to a protective motif embedded in ceremonial weaving. By integrating this gold threadwork, the collection honours Sumatra’s royal textile heritage, bringing a sense of protection, prosperity, and ancestral prestige into each piece. The glow of Palembang’s gold thread becomes a quiet symbol of strength, a reminder of the cultural guardianship woven into Southeast Asian craft.

Each garment is shaped with meticulous artistry—embroidery, beading, and hand‑finished details that reveal hours of devotion. Fabrics sourced from Sumatra add depth and authenticity, while the inclusion of the tapis, Indonesia’s symbolic weave from Lampung, grounds the work in its regional roots. Gold‑threaded Tenun elements shimmer with history, carrying stories of lineage and identity.

Fashion becomes a tool for transformation here. Iskandar encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the beauty of Southeast Asia through pieces that feel protective, expressive, and deeply human. This collection is a narrative of strength and splendour—an invitation to step into a world where heritage is not preserved at a distance but carried forward with pride.