PINTU Incubator 2025 is set to redefine the future of fashion entrepreneurship with an ambitious vision that goes beyond conventional mentorship. This year, the program introduces its most exciting addition yet—the PINTU Residency Program—an immersive initiative that brings young French designers to Indonesia for a transformative three- to four-month experience. This residency is designed to be more than just a learning opportunity; it is a platform for true collaboration, where French and Indonesian designers will work hand in hand to create collections that seamlessly merge Indonesia’s rich artisanal heritage with contemporary French design aesthetics. By fostering this cultural exchange, PINTU is not only elevating Indonesian craftsmanship but also strengthening global industry ties.

Fashion incubators have long been instrumental in shaping the careers of emerging designers, providing them with structured mentorship, industry exposure, and business development guidance. However, PINTU Incubator takes this a step further by offering international designers the chance to fully immerse themselves in Indonesia’s deep-rooted traditions of batik-making, weaving, and hand craftsmanship. Unlike conventional programs that focus solely on market strategies, the Residency Program is rooted in co-creation—bringing together two distinct fashion identities to develop something fresh, meaningful, and commercially viable in both Indonesia and France.

At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to preserving and reinterpreting traditional craftsmanship. The selected French designers will engage directly with local artisans, learning the intricacies of techniques that have been passed down for generations. By integrating these age-old skills with modern design sensibilities, they will create pieces that respect heritage while appealing to contemporary tastes. This exchange does not only benefit the designers but also the artisans, who will see their craft reimagined through new perspectives, helping to keep their traditions alive in an increasingly globalized fashion landscape.

To ensure a high-caliber selection of participants, the PINTU Residency Program seeks French designers aged 18 to 35 who have already established a ready-to-wear collection and possess a strong creative vision. The application process is rigorous, prioritizing individuals who demonstrate not just technical expertise but also a deep curiosity about cultural fusion. The goal is to find designers who are eager to explore new markets and embrace the challenges of blending different artistic traditions. This kind of cross-cultural collaboration is a vital skill in today’s fashion industry, where adaptability and global awareness are key to success.

Once selected, these designers will embark on an unparalleled journey with full financial support, allowing them to focus entirely on their creative process. From the moment they leave Paris, their airfare to Jakarta is fully covered. Upon arrival, they will be provided with comfortable accommodation for the entire duration of their stay, ensuring they have a space to work, reflect, and engage with their surroundings. Additionally, transportation and meal allowances will be taken care of, allowing them to move freely between workshops, cultural sites, and production facilities.

For those who wish to explore beyond Jakarta—perhaps to immerse themselves in the batik villages of Yogyakarta or the weaving communities of Bali—their travel expenses will also be covered. Throughout their stay, a dedicated 24-hour emergency contact will be available to ensure their well-being. By eliminating financial and logistical barriers, PINTU ensures that the residency is accessible to talented individuals regardless of their economic background, reinforcing its commitment to fostering talent based on merit rather than privilege.

Beyond technical training, the residency offers an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Living and working in Indonesia will expose these designers to an entirely new fashion ecosystem, helping them understand consumer preferences, production challenges, and retail landscapes beyond their home country. This knowledge is crucial for designers looking to expand their brands internationally. Moreover, they will collaborate with Indonesian fashion brands to create collections that not only celebrate cultural fusion but also hold strong commercial potential in both markets.

At the culmination of the residency, each designer will present a 12-look collection that reflects the synthesis of French and Indonesian design elements. These collections will be showcased in LAKON Indonesia stores, giving them direct access to the local market. Additionally, their work will be presented at two prestigious fashion events: JF3 Fashion Festival in Indonesia and Première Classe Paris, one of the most influential trade shows for emerging designers. This level of exposure offers an unparalleled launchpad for these designers to gain international recognition and forge valuable industry connections.

PINTU Incubator 2025 is not just another incubator program; it is a movement that challenges the traditional fashion education model by prioritizing cultural exchange as a catalyst for innovation. By facilitating direct collaboration between designers from different backgrounds, the program is setting a new standard for how incubators can foster creativity, sustainability, and global engagement in the industry.

As the fashion world increasingly embraces authenticity and craftsmanship, programs like PINTU Residency serve as a testament to the power of cultural narratives in design. Today’s consumers are drawn to pieces that tell a story—what better way to do that than by merging two diverse yet complementary fashion heritages? PINTU’s forward-thinking approach ensures that the next generation of designers is not only skilled in their craft but also equipped with the cultural intelligence, global perspective, and industry connections necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving fashion landscape.