In the Shadow of Merapi is a reflection on the cultural and spiritual legacies of Indonesia, drawing inspiration from its sacred landscapes, literary traditions, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Anchored by my travels to Java and visits to sites like Borobudur, this collection pays homage to the artistry of master weavers and the profound connection between material culture and spiritual practice.

Each textile embodies the reverence and labor of its origins. Techniques like warp printing and dobby weaving reveal the human touch in every thread, as seen in Halimunda, where over 4,000 warp yarns create a structure of rare delicacy and strength. Fabrics like Borobudur and Kurniawan celebrate Indonesia’s ikat traditions while Ruteng reimagines a Flores Island hoba pojo with block-printed motifs, and Ajijado offers a personal tribute to the bonds of family and tradition, and how fabric travels across time and space.

The name of the collection honors Mount Merapi, the mystical mountain that looms over Java as both a physical and spiritual presence. Its shadow extends across the region’s history and culture, much like the textiles in this collection carry the weight of stories, rituals, and lifetimes of skill. To live with these fabrics is to inhabit their resonance, connecting past and present, and inviting reflection on the enduring beauty of tradition.