2023: A Year of Renewal and Growth at Tradisi
After the quiet years of the pandemic, 2023 saw our customers returning to Tradisi in growing numbers. With renewed energy, we embraced this momentum, channeling it into creativity and skill-building. Our team has been expanding their talents—learning pattern-making, refining their sewing techniques, and creating beautiful, custom garments tailored to our customers’ needs.
We’ve seen a steady increase in return customers and heartfelt word-of-mouth recommendations. It’s clear that people are not only enjoying what we make—they’re sharing it.
Making Textiles Accessible Through Wearable Design
A key part of our mission is to make Indonesian textiles accessible by presenting them in ways people can easily understand and wear. As our skills and confidence grow, so too do our partnerships—especially with batik makers across Java. We now work with a number of talented artisans, many of whom we’ve met in person, with hopes to visit more in the near future.
Highlighting Regional Fabrics Through Contemporary Clothing
Clothing has been a wonderful way to showcase Balinese endek fabric. One of our regular sources is a weaving shed in Klungkung, run by an Ibu whose colourful motifs continue to brighten our shelves. A few skilled weavers on fly-looms are always working—and always ready with warm smiles and laughter when we visit.
Our collaboration with Tarum, based in East Bali and Lombok, has also deepened. We’re proud to incorporate their naturally dyed, handwoven fabrics into a range of Tradisi styles—pants, skirts, vests, bags, and cushions. Their earthy tones and soft textures have become signature elements in our shop.
Expanding with Bags and Accessories
In 2023, we introduced a new range of bags—crafted in-house by our team—which has helped boost the flow of naturally dyed textiles from Pringgasela, Lombok. Our long-standing partnership with this region continues to thrive, and we’re thrilled to see their vibrant weaves gaining popularity. Their natural dye combinations create stunning pieces—perfect for both bags and soft furnishings.
Celebrating Ikat Traditions from Eastern Indonesia
Ikat textiles from Flores, Rote, Timor, and Sumba are also receiving renewed attention through our evolving product lines. A highlight of the year was visiting Biboki in central-west Timor, where we met a group of women creating both ikat and buna weaves. Their work—with rich natural dyes and meticulous technique—is deeply inspiring. We were honoured by the warm welcome they extended to us.
Farewell and Gratitude to Puspita
In September, we said a fond farewell to Puspita, who has set off on a new journey abroad and is launching her own label, Tapitalane. For eight years, Puspita was the heart of Tradisi—greeting customers with her kind smile, designing many of our standout clothing pieces, and sharing stories of our travels to meet weavers. Her creative spirit and dedication helped shape Tradisi into what it is today. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her every success.
Looking Forward
2023 was a year of recovery and rebuilding. We focused on strengthening our foundation, ensuring the stability of our Bali shop, and reaffirming our commitment to supporting slow textiles.
Looking ahead, we aim to map and document our textile supply chains—deepening transparency, honouring the communities we work with, and continuing to celebrate the beauty of handwoven traditions across Indonesia.
Biboki, Central West Timor, 2023
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Pringgasela, Lombok
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