Founded by Amanda Indah Lestari, LEKAT is more than a fashion label, it is a cultural journey rooted in the artistry of Indonesia’s handwoven textiles. Since 2013, Amanda has dedicated her creative career to honoring the Baduy weaving tradition, transforming it into modern designs that speak to global audiences while preserving its deep cultural essence.
A Brand with a Soul
At the heart of LEKAT lies the Baduy textile, handwoven by women in the Kanekes community of Banten. For Amanda, this is not just fabric, it is heritage, philosophy, and storytelling woven into every thread. Her mission is simple yet profound: when people think of Baduy weaving, they think of LEKAT.
Each collection tells a story of collaboration and respect. From spending time with Baduy weavers to learning their rhythms and traditions, Amanda ensures that the production process follows their natural pace. Rather than imposing the speed of the fashion industry, LEKAT adapts to the flow of community life, recognizing weaving as both craft and culture.
Design That Bridges Tradition and Modernity
LEKAT’s aesthetic blends heritage with contemporary sensibilities. Its collections are known for their distinctive use of patchwork, embroidery, and graphic lines, often paired with darker tones such as black and indigo, colors deeply inspired by the Baduy people. The result is fashion that is modern and wearable, yet undeniably rooted in tradition.
LEKAT has also expanded its creative reach through collaborations with textile producers, retail brands, and photographers showing how heritage can live within both high fashion and accessible design. Initiatives like LEKAT DUA were created to make Baduy-inspired designs more affordable and accessible, ensuring sustainability not just for the brand, but for the communities it supports.
From Indonesia to the World
As part of Indonesia Fashion Forward in 2015, LEKAT stepped onto the international stage and has since showcased at prestigious events including London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. These milestones prove that indigenous textiles, when treated with respect and innovation, can hold their own on the global runway.
Sustaining Heritage Through Fashion
Amanda sees LEKAT not as an ownership of culture, but as a channel for storytelling and cultural appreciation. “Baduy belongs to Indonesia,” she says, “we are here only to respect, collaborate, and innovate.” For her, sustainability is more than eco-friendly materials, it is about ensuring that weavers, artists, and communities behind the fabric can continue to thrive.
In a world where fashion often risks cultural appropriation, LEKAT stands as a reminder of what cultural appreciation looks like when approached with humility, respect, and love. Each piece is not only a garment but also a living dialogue between tradition and the contemporary world.
