
COLONIAL REMAINS AND FASHION IDENTITY: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF COLONIALISM IN INDONESIAN FASHION AND BLOGIPELAGO
Bagus Ndari , English Literature Department of Universitas Respati Yogyakarta, IndonesiaAbstract
This study explores the enduring influence of colonialism on contemporary Indonesian fashion, with a particular focus on the fashion platform Blogipelago. Colonialism, through its historical, cultural, and aesthetic imprints, has shaped the fashion identity of many post-colonial nations, including Indonesia. By examining the intersection of colonial remnants and modern fashion trends, this research seeks to uncover how colonial legacies are reflected in the styles and fashion discourse found in Blogipelago, an influential digital space for Indonesian fashion. Through a qualitative analysis of fashion blogs, interviews with bloggers, and cultural references, the study identifies key colonial influences—ranging from textile patterns and garment construction to the representation of Indonesian identity in fashion. The findings highlight the complexity of fashion in post-colonial societies, where colonial aesthetics coexist with national pride and efforts to redefine cultural identity. This paper offers insights into how Indonesian fashion navigates colonial legacies while forging new expressions of self and cultural belonging in the digital age.
Keywords
Colonialism, Indonesian fashion, fashion identity
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