Portray Lab is a creator of accessories and tees and Orbit Gear constructs technical apparel -- both brands are based in Jakarta and the two join forces to create the Diversity Project. The project highlights products that are designed to celebrate the multiple ethnic groups in Indonesia. Portray Lab explains that "ethnicity is often a major source of social cohesion as well as social conflict. A diverse culture is one that thrives off differences because they bring something magnificent to the societal table.”
The collaboration looks to the Sundanese, which is the largest tribe in the country and presents the ORBITGear technical hip bag complete with raw canvas patches. The patch showcases the word "subilulungan," which translates to the act of mutual cooperation to attain a larger goal. This represents the tribe's longstanding philosophy. The pack features a print that recalls the country's national motto of "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," which roughly means "unity in diversity."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Diversity-celebrating Apparel
- Opportunity for brands to create fashion items that celebrate and honor diverse ethnic groups.
- Ethnic Collaboration
- Collaborative projects between brands can highlight and promote ethnic values and traditions through product design.
- Unity in Diversity
- Brands can embrace the concept of unity in diversity by incorporating cultural symbols and philosophies into their products.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion Accessories
- Fashion accessory brands can explore partnerships and designs that showcase and celebrate diverse ethnicities.
- Apparel Manufacturing
- Manufacturers can seize the opportunity to produce apparel that represents the unity and diversity of different ethnic groups.
- Cultural Appreciation
- Industries focused on cultural appreciation can collaborate with brands to create products that promote unity in diversity.
