PINTU Incubator Takes Center Stage at Première Classe Trade Show 2024, Paris

PINTU Incubator is redefining the fashion landscape in Southeast Asia, bridging the gap between Indonesia’s vibrant fashion scene and the global market. As a one-of-a-kind program, PINTU goes beyond traditional incubators by offering emerging Indonesian and French designers unique opportunities that are rarely available elsewhere, including international exposure, cultural exchanges, and access to prestigious global events.

Central to PINTU’s mission is its commitment to spotlighting Indonesian talent on an international stage. This year, PINTU marked its third consecutive appearance at the esteemed Première Classe Paris trade show, held from September 28-30, 2024, at the historic Carrousel du Louvre during Paris Fashion Week. Première Classe is a premier fashion event, attracting over 13,000 industry professionals, including top editors, buyers, and influencers. By participating, PINTU not only showcases Indonesia’s top fashion talent but also opens doors for young designers to connect with leading global players and explore international business opportunities.

What sets PINTU Incubator apart from other programs is its emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and mentorship, blending influences from Indonesia and France. This initiative, founded by JF3, LAKON Indonesia, and the French Embassy in Indonesia through the Institut Français d'Indonésie (IFI), brings together designers from both countries, nurturing their skills while enhancing their understanding of the global fashion market. The program helps designers cultivate a deep appreciation of cultural diversity, which is key in a world where fashion is increasingly influenced by cross-border trends.

One of PINTU’s standout offerings is its exclusive partnership with Première Classe, an event renowned as a springboard for emerging brands. Each year, PINTU selects a small group of promising Indonesian designers to showcase their collections at this elite venue. For the 2024 edition, PINTU presented two exciting brands from its current cohort: ENIGMA and SENSES. Alongside these rising stars, PINTU also brought back FUGUKU, a brand from the 2023 program, to showcase its innovative designs for a second year. This opportunity to exhibit at Première Classe offers these brands unprecedented exposure to top global buyers, retailers, and media outlets, potentially leading to business deals and collaborations that would be otherwise challenging to secure.

Being featured at Première Classe gives Indonesian brands the chance to compete and shine among 350 carefully curated exhibitors from around the world. This year’s event marked the 35th anniversary of Première Classe, celebrated as a key platform for emerging brands in fashion and accessories. For ENIGMA, SENSES, and FUGUKU, the event offered invaluable visibility, networking opportunities, and the chance to establish themselves alongside some of the most innovative names in fashion today.

ENIGMA is a brand that brings art and textiles together, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Each piece is crafted from 100% organic materials by artisans from Central Java and Bali, embodying sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. Their latest collection, “Circularity,” uses continuous circle silhouettes and zero-waste stitching techniques to promote a “Circular Fashion” approach, aiming to make the industry more eco-friendly.

SENSES takes a modern approach to traditional craftsmanship, blending intricate embroidery and beadwork with contemporary design. Inspired by Javanese folklore, their collection “GALA Part 01” reflects the tale of Roro Jonggrang and infuses traditional patterns with modern silhouettes and textiles. The collection’s earthy tones and nature-inspired motifs pay homage to the landscapes and legends of Central Java.

FUGUKU, a returning participant, combines futuristic aesthetics with sustainable practices. Founded in 2022, the brand uses recycled PET bottles and traditional Indonesian jumputan (tie-dye) techniques to create contemporary pieces. Their latest collection, “Way of Water,” is inspired by the vibrant colors and organic forms found in nature, merging traditional craftsmanship with a forward-looking design ethos.

PINTU Incubator is more than just a fashion program—it’s a gateway to the international market for Indonesia’s brightest talents. By bridging the gap between local creativity and global opportunities, PINTU empowers its participants to bring their cultural heritage to the forefront while engaging with worldwide fashion trends.