Jamwaktu.com – The inaugural Tabagsel Fashion Festival took place at the Kodim 0212/TS Hall in Padangsidimpuan City on January 24, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the local fashion industry in the South Tapanuli (Tabagsel) region. This event was designed not just as a competition, but as an inclusive and inspiring platform for young designers and models in the region to express their creativity.
The event, initiated by the local creative community and the Padangsidimpuan City Government, featured a showcase of the work of designers and young people under the Tabagsel model management. The Tabagsel Fashion Festival invited participants from various regencies in the region, including Padangsidimpuan, Sipirok (South Tapanuli Regency), Sibuhuan (Padang Lawas Regency), and North Padang Lawas Regency.
A Colorful First Festival
This inaugural event was officially opened by Assistant I of the Padangsidimpuan City Government, Iswan Nagabe Lubis, representing the local mayor. Also in attendance were Marini Yuliana, a member of the Padangsidimpuan Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) from the Golkar Party, as well as Dr. Dian Yuanita Lubis, Chairperson of the Persit Kartika Chandra Kirana Kodim (District Military Command), and the Head of the North Padang Lawas Culture and Tourism Office.
Ilham Kharisma, the head of the organizing committee and the event’s driving force, emphasized that the festival was not a competition, but rather a showcase of the work and performances of designers and models from the Tabagsel management.
“This is the first event in Tabagsel, providing an opportunity for local talent to confidently showcase themselves on stage,” Ilham told the media.
Various fashion collections were presented in diverse styles, showcasing unique colors, motifs, and cuts that reflected local cultural identity as well as the creative spirit of the younger generation. The models, many of whom were still teenagers, captivated the guests with their confidence and mature stage presence.
A Platform for Developing Talent and Creativity
In her remarks, Marini Yuliana expressed her high appreciation for the event. She sees festivals like this as a strategic platform for developing the talents of children and young people in fashion, while simultaneously nurturing their skills to become more professional in the fashion industry not only at the regional level, but also at the provincial and even international levels.
“Every child has the potential to be the best. Therefore, activities like this need to continue to be developed,” emphasized Marini, who also actively supports arts, education, and sports activities in the region.
This kind of support is crucial amidst the efforts of the local government and community to build a solid creative ecosystem, especially for the younger generation with a strong interest in design and modeling. The festival fosters networking between local creators, fashion brand managers, and provides an opportunity for models to gain valuable experience performing on the big stage.
More Than Just a Fashion Stage
Despite being its first event, the Tabagsel Fashion Festival immediately captured the public’s attention and attracted the interest of families and visitors. The success of this event was supported by the collaboration between the creative community, the regional government, and local community organizations illustrating the positive synergy for the development of the Tabagsel creative industry.
The participation of young models reflects the enthusiasm of a new generation in the world of fashion, who go beyond simply following trends to boldly express their character and cultural identity through their style. The festival stage not only showcases beautiful clothing but also reflects the narrative of creativity born from a community rich in cultural values.
Going forward, the organizers hope that this festival will become a larger annual event and attract the attention of fashion industry players beyond Tabagsel and potentially even attract sponsors, professional designers, and a wider media network. The long-term goal is to become an incubator for local fashion talent capable of competing nationally and globally, as well as to stimulate the growth of the creative economy in the region.
With the inaugural Tabagsel Fashion Festival, Tabagsel now has a real stage to express the style and creativity of the younger generation. This event is not just a fashion show, but also a space for learning, development, and building confidence for young designers and models who are passionate about their work. The support of the government and community reinforces the commitment to continuously honing the potential of the next generation and making the regional fashion industry a vital part of cultural expression and the creative economy.
