What began as a celebration of Nusantara heritage has taken Muhammad Zaki Arifin, a fashion design student from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology and Design (UniKL MIDI) to the international fashion stage in Antwerp, Belgium.
Zaki, who secured second place in the New Gen Fashion Designer category at VASTRALOKA 2026 in Jakarta, has achieved another international milestone, with his winning design featured at IKATAN Vol. 2 — UNRAVEL (Fashion & Heritage Showcase), held at the iconic Antwerp Central Station in Belgium.
His creation draws inspiration from the cultural richness of the Nusantara region, particularly Batik Tulis, a traditional hand-drawn batik technique.
By combining heritage craftsmanship with modern fabrics and contemporary silhouettes, Zaki presents a fresh interpretation of traditional artistry for today’s global fashion audience.
“I’m inspired by Nusantara heritage, especially Batik Tulis. I mix traditional techniques with modern fabrics and silhouettes to create a fresh, contemporary look,” he shared.
The international showcase provides an opportunity for Zaki to introduce Southeast Asian cultural heritage to a wider audience, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can be reimagined through innovative fashion design.
His creative journey will continue beyond Belgium, with the garment also set to be showcased at a boutique in Indonesia, further expanding the international exposure of his work.
Beyond the recognition, Zaki’s experience has opened doors to new connections, creative exchanges and opportunities to engage with the international fashion community.
He hopes to bring these experiences and inspirations back to fellow students, encouraging them to explore the relationship between cultural identity and contemporary design.
The achievement reflects UniKL’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive creative talent through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in fashion design, creative industries and innovation-driven education.
It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by highlighting opportunities for students to develop creative and professional competencies through international exposure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage.
