In 2023, Long Story Short proudly brought home a Good Design Award Japan, one of the most prestigious international recognitions in the world of design. The award was granted for the “LURIK JAWA” Heritage Collection, a groundbreaking achievement not only for Long Story Short but also for the broader recognition of Indonesian cultural heritage on the global stage.
The success of the “LURIK JAWA” Heritage Collection wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about how tradition was transformed. In a fashion landscape where heritage is often preserved in fabric prints or motifs, Long Story Short took a bold leap by applying heritage directly into its weaving technique. This collection did not rely on surface patterns, but rather reinterpreted the essence of “Lurik”, a traditional Javanese stripe motif, through the form and structure of rattan weaving itself.
Long Story Short’s local artisans developed a distinctive technique by twisting and interlacing two different colors of rattan strands. The result is a continuous linear rhythm that mimics the iconic Lurik pattern, now woven into the very body of the bag. This innovative interpretation was one of the key reasons the collection received international acclaim where it offered a new narrative of heritage. Not only it ensures the authenticity of its pieces but also preserves the living tradition of weaving in Indonesia, creating meaningful economic opportunities and promoting generational skills.
To fully appreciate the meaning behind the collection, one must understand the cultural roots of Lurik. Lurik Jawa is a traditional striped textile, typically made from rough cotton, that originated in the rural areas of Java. Historically, it was the garment of everyday people for its affordability, durability, and symbol of simplicity and resilience. May Lurik’s deep history is also well documented, during the Majapahit Kingdom, Lurik weaving was prominent, and folklore tells of a warrior presenting a back-strap loom as a wedding dowry, it signifies not just craftsmanship, but status, intention, and care. Today, Lurik continues to symbolize Javanese identity, not just through its stripes, but through the stories and values it carries which are humility, endurance, and balance.
In the “LURIK JAWA” Heritage Collection, Long Story Short pays tribute to this legacy by reimagining it through fashion accessories that carry a narrative. The design is clean and contemporary, yet it holds the weight of centuries-old culture. The collection includes standout pieces such as the Ajeng and Sekar bags, whose names draw from Javanese language and aesthetics, where “Ajeng” meaning noble or graceful, and “Sekar” meaning flower, evoking elegance, tradition, and the poetic beauty of Indonesian heritage.
What Long Story Short has achieved through the “LURIK JAWA” Heritage Collection is more than just a win, it’s a statement. A statement that heritage can evolve, that traditional craft has a place in global design conversations, and that Indonesia’s cultural treasures deserve to be passed down to the world. As the brand continues to grow, Long Story Short stays rooted in its mission to honor the past while designing the future, one handcrafted bag and one story at a time.
