Youth Culture and Urban Diversity in Citayam Fashion Week

Dilah Ratna Kartika

dilahratnak@upi.edu
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract: Citayam Fashion Week, arising from the dynamic fashion scene in Indonesia,
transcends local boundaries to become a global symbol of youth expression, freedom, and
creativity. Initially conceived as a jest to mock suburban youth by the upper class, it
transformed into a significant cultural phenomenon, serving as a mode of self-expression and
influencing small-scale businesses. Originating in the Sudirman Central Business District,
Citayam Fashion organically evolved as suburban teenagers engaged in various activities
amid the SCBD environment. Beyond mere clothing choices, it stands as a powerful symbol
of personal and collective identity, contributing to the fusion of tradition and contemporary
expression in urban culture. The research delves into Citayam Fashion's role in preserving
youth cultural identity, exploring its origins, cultural significance, and impact on urban
diversity. Citayam Fashion Week, intertwined with urban culture, illustrates the
transformative power of fashion in shaping subcultures and fostering cultural expression.
Despite the challenges, Citayam Fashion Week remains a vibrant force shaping Citayam's
cultural landscape, emphasizing resilience, creativity, and empowerment among its youth.
Keywords: Citayam Fashion, Youth Culture, Identity Expression, Urban Fashion

INTRODUCTION
In the bustling landscape of fashion events, Citayam Fashion Week has emerged as a
noteworthy manifestation of street culture, not confined to the borders of Indonesia but
resonating globally (Andriani & Putri, 2023). This phenomenon serves as a captivating space
for the younger generation to express freedom and creativity, symbolically challenging the
norms entrenched in the realms of fashion and gender, thereby sculpting a distinctive identity
(Andriani & Putri, 2023; Wibowo, 2022; Yudha, 2023). As this event gains popularity, it
becomes an intriguing subject for research, delving into the cultural concepts it presents and
the profound implications it holds.
Citayam Fashion, born among suburban teenagers in the Dukuh Atas area of Central
Jakarta, is not merely a trend but a cultural phenomenon that unfolded organically (Silfia,
2023). The upper class, wielding high capital, playfully dubbed this trend Citayam Fashion
Week, intending to mock the suburban youth's fashion sense. However, what began as a jest
transformed into a significant nomenclature, accepted and legitimized by the very
demographic it was intended to mock (Silfia, 2023; Yudha, 2023). This naming process
unveils a hierarchy in fashion taste, portraying a subtle power play between the dominant
group and the suburban youth.
Wibowo's (2022) research states that observing Citayam Fashion as a phenomenon in
the Citayam suburb of Jakarta, the trend becomes a mode of self-expression for youth from
developing suburbs who flock to a specific corner of Jakarta's business district. Their outfits
become proxies for identity and status, compensating for economic challenges through
peer-driven peer pressure. They wear modern and quirky clothes and participate in fashion
shows on the streets, resembling the fashion shows exhibited by models on catwalks (Tedja &
Budhianti, 2023). This phenomenon not only reshapes the cultural landscape but also
catalyzes a boost in small-scale businesses in the area.
The genesis of Citayam Fashion Weeks can be traced back to a group of teenagers
from the outskirts of Jakarta, leisurely spending time in the Sudirman Central Business
District (SCBD) in South Jakarta (Yudha, 2023). Initially, their focus was on having fun,
engaging in activities such as singing with guitars, observing the elite environment around the
Dukuh Atas station, and capturing moments under the backdrop of SCBD office buildings.
Despite lacking the professional demeanor of models or expensive outfits, the visual appeal
of the suburban teenagers' photos is enhanced by the splendor of the SCBD environment
(Silfia, 2023; Yudha, 2023).
Barnard (2002) characterizes fashion as a potent medium of communication, allowing
diverse groups to express identity and artistic creation. This perspective frames Citayam
Fashion not merely as clothing choices but as symbols of personal and collective identity,
transcending the superficiality often associated with fashion.
Andriani & Putri (2023) express that Citayam Fashion contributes to the urban
community and lifestyle by merging tradition with contemporary expression, reflecting the
evolution of street culture. Casadei et al. (2021) share the opinion that Citayam Fashion plays
a significant role in the intricate relationship between fashion and the urban context,
emphasizing the convergence of production, design, consumption, and culture. Yuniarti's
(2022) work aligns with the perspective that Citayam Fashion, through the utilization of
traditional textiles, represents cultural heritage within the globalization era of fashion.
Hoor (2022) characterizes subcultures as distinctive lifestyle groups striving for
alternative ways of living. The values of creative self-expression, stylization of individualistic
objects, and a focus on pleasure, traditionally associated with subcultures, have evolved into
21st-century consumer cultures based on flexible consumption and self-entrepreneurship.
Conveying fashion information as a unique, personalized experience is crucial, utilizing both
conventional and new media channels. The urban youth's information-seeking behavior,
perceptions of Japanese and Indonesian fashion brands, and the essentiality of building a
global brand image are all explored (Perbawaningsih et al., 2022).
As Citayam Fashion becomes woven into the fabric of urban life, this research has
brought upon the question of "In what ways does Citayam fashion function to preserve and
convey the cultural identity of the youth within the urban environment, and how does this
contribute to the overall diversity of urban culture?" The objectives are to investigate the
origins and evolution of Citayam fashion, examine its cultural significance in expressing
youth identity, and assess its impact on the diversity of urban culture. In unraveling the layers
of Citayam Fashion, this research aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the
cultural dynamics within urban settings, exploring the transformative power of fashion as a
medium of expression and identity formation.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Cultural Identity in Citayam Fashion for Youth
 Citayam Fashion Week, a vibrant and expressive event, serves as a powerful
declaration of existence and identity within the local community and even on a global scale.
It goes beyond being merely a platform for the youth to showcase their presence; it becomes
a symbolic resistance against the cultural affluence of the upper class, challenging the
emphasis on branded clothing as a measure of sartorial quality. Instead, participants embrace
local products, including inexpensive imitations, resisting the lifestyle often glamorized on
social media and using street culture as a proclamation of their identity and a symbol of
resistance against prevailing social and cultural norms (Andriani & Putri, 2023).
Irawan et al. (2023) suggests that the youth participating in Citayam Fashion Week
are portrayed as active agents engaged in impression management on both the front and
backstage. The front stage, a public area, is where they meticulously manage their
impressions through interactions, language, attitudes, and fashion choices. This calculated
front-stage behavior is a deliberate effort to present their best selves to peers and the wider
public attending the event. In contrast, the backstage serves as a more private setting where
young individuals can relax, be themselves, and interact more casually. Understanding the
dynamics between these two stages is crucial for analyzing the social intricacies of events
like Citayam Fashion Week.
Citayam Fashion Week, emerging as a fashion trend among suburban youth, has been
labeled by the dominant group, reflecting a hierarchy in fashion taste. The labeling not only
showcases the power dynamics within the social structure but also highlights the cultural
consumption patterns associated with different social classes. The participants, primarily
from the lower or working class with lower levels of education, engage in distinct patterns of
cultural consumption practices, including active exploration of fashion, pragmatic
consumption, and passive consumption (Silfia, 2023).
The cultural consumption theory becomes pertinent in understanding how different
social classes produce varied cultural consumption patterns, symbolic of their class position
(Silfia, 2023). Citayam Fashion Week participants, predominantly from the lower class,
contribute to the resistance against globalization's homogenizing force through their
collective expressions of identity. Despite the potential multi-formed and disorganized nature
of identity movements, they play a crucial role in challenging globalization and asserting
cultural singularity, emphasizing people's control over their lives and environment (Jensen et
al., 2021).
Citayam Fashion Week emerges as more than a showcase of fashion; it becomes a
dynamic space where the youth actively shape their identity, resist cultural norms, and engage
in nuanced cultural consumption practices. The event stands as a testament to the cultural
power of identity, showcasing the resilience and uniqueness of local cultures in the face of
globalization. Understanding the intricacies of Citayam Fashion and its relationship with
youth cultural identity opens avenues for exploring the transformative power of fashion in
expressing individuality and shaping societal dynamics.

Expression of Youth Cultural Identity Through Citayam Fashion

Citayam Fashion Week serves as a pivotal platform for young adults and teenagers
from the outskirts of Jakarta to assert their creativity and fashion sense despite financial
constraints. Representing a cultural reality distinct from conventional Fashion Weeks,
participants showcase local products as a form of resistance against social media's glorified
lifestyle (Andriani & Putri, 2023). Irawan et al. (2023) delve into the self-existence of youth
at Citayam Fashion Week, employing Erving Goffman's dramaturgical perspective to analyze
their impression management on the front stage, backstage, and transit stage. The study
emphasizes the importance of understanding the social dynamics of events like Citayam
Fashion Week. Furthermore, Silfia (2023) explores the role of suburban youth in creating and
legitimizing their own fashion trend parallel to dominant groups, cautioning against media
coverage that may marginalize working-class groups. The youth's role is pivotal in
contributing to the development of an inclusive creative economy through events like
Citayam Pop-up and Makeshift Fashion Week (CFW), as highlighted by Wibowo (2022). The
paper highlights the significance of investing in youth entrepreneurship for Southeast Asian
countries, recognizing the potential of young subcultures in bringing innovation and
dynamism to the social structure.
In the discussion of subculture emergence, Yudha (2023) further emphasizes how
various groups, including teenagers from the outskirts, content creators, and artists, utilize
social media platforms to express their ideas, lifestyles, and fashions. The youth, integral to
the phenomenon of subculture emergence, play a central role in shaping cultural identity
through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Thus, Citayam Fashion becomes a unique
avenue for the expression of youth cultural identity, challenging conventional norms and
promoting inclusivity in the creative landscape.

Urban Dynamics and Citayam Fashion's Contribution to Diversity

Citayam Fashion Week stands out as a dynamic force in the urban landscape,
showcasing diverse fashion concepts adapted from global cultures. Serving as a form of
popular culture, it resonates locally and globally, allowing young individuals from Jakarta's
outskirts to assert their creativity and challenge stereotypes tied to lower economic classes
(Andriani & Putri, 2023). This event transcends mere stylistic display; it becomes a symbol
of resistance against cultural affluence, emphasizing creativity and fashion taste despite
financial constraints. Adding a layer to the discussion, Dreska (2023) explores diversity,
equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the fashion industry. Notably, companies adopting
DEI practices tend to experience positive financial performance. This aligns with the ethos of
Citayam Fashion Week, serving as an inclusive space challenging norms and promoting
diversity in the fashion landscape. The event becomes a microcosm of the positive outcomes
observed when inclusivity is embraced in the broader fashion industry.
Wibowo (2022) establishes the correlation between the Citayam Fashion phenomenon
and urban culture. Over the past decade, Citayam has transformed into a suburb exposed to
city lifestyles, giving rise to the Citayam Pop-up Fashion Week. This transformation not only
boosted local businesses but also exposed suburban dwellers to urban culture, further blurring
the lines between the two. Teenagers from the outskirts engaging in leisure activities in
Jakarta's business district reflect an embrace of urban luxuries, intertwining the trend of
Citayam Fashion Weeks with media practices (Yudha, 2023). This connection reinforces the
event's alignment with urban culture, actively shaping and redefining fashion trends and
lifestyles for both suburban and urban communities.
 Citayam Fashion Week emerges as a nexus where global fashion concepts meet local
creativity, providing a platform for youth expression and challenging societal norms. This
inclusive event not only mirrors urban culture but actively participates in shaping it,
exemplifying the positive outcomes observed in the broader fashion industry when embracing
diversity and inclusivity. The Citayam Fashion phenomenon becomes a transformative force,
blurring the lines between suburban and urban culture while creating a space for authentic
expression and diverse perspectives.

Comparative Analysis with Global Youth Fashion Trends

Casadei et al. (2021) conceptualize a fashion city as a global hub where various
elements converge, including style, identity, production practices, and fashion events. Notable
global fashion cities like Paris, Milan, New York, and London have long dominated the
industry, while emerging second-tier cities such as Berlin and Barcelona bring distinctive
local culture to the global stage. Cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, and Mumbai are also
gaining prominence, reflecting the shift of manufacturing and consumer demand to Asia. The
evolution of these fashion cities is dynamic and influenced by unique characteristics, shaping
the global fashion landscape.
Perbawaningsih et al. (2022) explore the individual characteristics influencing
fashion-related information seeking, particularly among Indonesian youth. Gender, religion,
and education levels significantly impact information-seeking behavior, with higher intensity
observed among females, Muslims, and higher education students. The study highlights the
importance of conveying the right information to the target audience in shaping perceptions
and purchasing behavior in the competitive fashion industry. This insight provides a local
perspective on how youth engage with fashion-related information in a global context.
In a distinctive Indonesian context, Yuniarti (2022) delves into the contemporary
fusion of Eastern and Western cultures through Tenun Ikat and Batik Parang fashion. The
paper emphasizes the role of hybridity in decolonizing Western influences, resisting Western
modern fashion, and broadening public consumption of traditional textiles. It sheds light on
how traditional textiles, or wastra, are integrated into fashion designs by both local and
international designers, offering valuable insights into the intricate relationship between
fashion and cultural heritage. This perspective contributes a unique dimension to the
comparative analysis of global youth fashion trends.
By juxtaposing the global framework of fashion cities, individual characteristics
influencing information seeking, and the cultural fusion in Indonesian fashion, a
comprehensive understanding emerges. The global fashion landscape is shaped not only by
established hubs but also by emerging players with distinctive cultural influences. The
insights from Perbawaningsih et al. (2022) complement the broader discussion by
highlighting the nuanced information-seeking behavior of Indonesian youth, while Yuniarti's
(2022) exploration provides a rich narrative on the cultural dynamics influencing
contemporary fashion in Indonesia. Together, these perspectives offer a comparative analysis
that underscores the global diversity and cultural nuances shaping the youth fashion
landscape.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Challenges in Preserving and Expressing Youth Cultural Identity
The phenomenon of Citayam Fashion Week represents a fusion of various global
cultural influences, including the impact of renowned Fashion Weeks, Street Fashion, and
Harajuku Style, all uniquely adapted to reflect the identity of young individuals from the
outskirts of Jakarta (Andriani & Putri, 2023). This cultural amalgamation, however, faces
challenges in preserving and expressing the Citayam youth's cultural identity through fashion.
While the event serves as a platform for teenagers to creatively express themselves
through fashion and cultural representation, it exposes issues such as the neglect of children's
rights and a lack of parental guidance and support. The challenge in preserving and
expressing youth cultural identity is the pressure to conform to mainstream cultural norms
that lead to the potential erasure of unique cultural expressions and the homogenization of
youth culture (Tedja & Budhianti, 2023).
One significant challenge is the pervasive influence of global fashion cities, as
defined by Casadei et al. (2021), which sets standards and trends predominantly shaped by
Western culture. The infusion of elements from renowned fashion cities like Paris, Milan,
New York, and London into Citayam Fashion Week raises concerns about the potential
dilution of local cultural authenticity. The struggle to balance global influences with the
preservation of Citayam's unique cultural identity becomes evident in the adaptation process.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the landscape for Citayam youth
seeking to express their cultural identity through fashion. Barbarossa's (2020) study on the
challenges and opportunities related to the pandemic highlights the increased reliance on
private vehicles due to safety concerns, potentially undermining sustainable mobility
practices. This shift in transportation preferences could limit the accessibility of open spaces
for youth expression, hindering their ability to showcase and celebrate their unique fashion
styles in public spaces.
Moreover, local governments face financial constraints, limiting their ability to invest
in major infrastructure changes that could support events like Citayam Fashion Week. The
pandemic presents challenges in creating sustainable mobility options and open spaces for
cultural expression, directly impacting the avenues available for Citayam youth to showcase
their fashion identity. This financial strain adds an extra layer of difficulty in maintaining and
promoting local cultural events.
The challenges faced by Citayam youth are not solely external; they extend to the
internal dynamics of the community. Yuniarti's (2022) exploration of the fusion between
Eastern and Western cultures in Indonesian fashion brings to light the complexities of
balancing tradition and modernity. The paper discusses how traditional textiles like Tenun
Ikat and Batik Parang are utilized in contemporary fashion to resist Western influences and
broaden the public consumption of these textiles. However, this act of cultural preservation
faces internal resistance, as traditional motifs are desacralized to align with modern fashion
trends. Furthermore, the integration of global influences in Citayam Fashion Week may
inadvertently lead to a dilution of the authentic cultural identity of the community. The
challenge lies in striking a balance between embracing global trends and preserving the
distinctive local characteristics that make Citayam Fashion unique.
 In the context of Citayam's youth, Perbawaningsih et al.'s (2022) study on
fashion-related information seeking introduces additional challenges. The influence of
individual characteristics, such as gender, religion, and level of education, in shaping
information-seeking behavior among Indonesian youth underscores the complexity of
reaching a diverse audience. Challenges arise in conveying the right information to a target
audience that exhibits varying intensities of information-seeking behavior, creating a need for
tailored approaches to communication.
The adoption of new technologies and innovations, as suggested by Barbarossa
(2020), becomes crucial in addressing these challenges. However, the technological divide
within the community may pose obstacles to effective communication. The disparity in
access to technology and information can hinder the reach of fashion-related content to
different segments of the youth population, contributing to a fragmented understanding of
cultural expression through fashion.
Max Weber's ideal-type approach, as discussed in the context of urban studies,
provides a theoretical framework for understanding the challenges faced by Citayam youth in
preserving their cultural identity through fashion. Weber's emphasis on the abstraction and
generalization of characteristics helps highlight the unique features of Citayam's cultural
identity and the potential threats posed by external influences. The struggle to maintain
authenticity in the face of global fashion trends aligns with the challenges identified by
Weber in the study of various social phenomena (Aspalter, 2020).
Dreska's (2023) study on racial congruence and representation in the fashion industry
introduces another layer of challenges faced by Citayam youth. The importance of racial and
gender diversity in advertising and marketing campaigns is crucial for fostering inclusivity
and appealing to diverse consumer bases. However, the lack of representation in the fashion
industry, especially regarding local cultural identities, poses a challenge for Citayam youth in
expressing their unique cultural perspectives on a global stage.
The cultural representation dilemma extends to gender and sexuality, as discussed by
Dreska (2023). Citayam youth navigating the global fashion landscape may find it
challenging to authentically represent their gender identities and sexualities without
succumbing to superficial or tokenistic inclusivity. The pressure to conform to Western ideals
of representation may lead to internal conflicts within the community, impacting the genuine
expression of cultural identity through fashion.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by Citayam youth in preserving and expressing
their cultural identity through fashion are multi-faceted. The global influence of renowned
fashion cities, compounded by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, poses external
challenges in maintaining local authenticity. Internally, the tension between tradition and
modernity, as well as the complexities of representation in a global context, adds layers of
difficulty. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced approach that leverages
technology, fosters inclusivity, and embraces the unique cultural characteristics of Citayam.
The journey towards sustaining and celebrating cultural identity through fashion in Citayam
necessitates a delicate balance between global influences and local authenticity.

Opportunities for Empowerment and Cultural Expression

 The essence of Citayam Fashion Week extends beyond the runway, becoming a
cultural force that empowers the youth by embracing values of resistance, declaration,
existence, identity, creativity, and fashion sense (Andriani & Putri, 2023). This unique event
acts as a symbol of resistance, challenging the cultural dominance of the upper class and their
emphasis on brand-centric sartorial measures. Citayam Fashion Week boldly declares the
existence and identity of the youth to both the local community and the global stage. It
weaves a narrative that creatively resists the glamourized lifestyles portrayed on social media,
showcasing local products, including inexpensive imitations, with courage and innovation.
The Citayam Fashion Week (CFW) phenomenon unveils a dual nature, presenting
challenges intertwined with unique opportunities for empowerment and cultural expression
among teenagers. Tedja & Budhianti's (2023) study draws attention to the neglect of
children's rights and parental responsibilities associated with CFW, revealing a pressing issue
within the community. However, despite these underlying challenges, the CFW event
emerges as a vibrant platform for teenagers to creatively express their individuality and
cultural identity. This creative expression becomes a valuable opportunity for empowerment,
allowing young individuals to showcase their unique perspectives through fashion.

A. The Symbiosis of Citayam Fashion Week and Urban Cycling in Shaping Distinct
Subcultures
Citayam Fashion Week, as highlighted by Andriani & Putri (2023), serves as a
cultural rebellion against upper-class fashion norms. The event becomes a canvas for
suburban youth to express their existence and identity, showcasing creativity and courage.
This echoes the notion of self-expression seen in the integration of bicycles into urban
culture, as described by Hoor (2022). The bicycle, beyond its utilitarian purpose, becomes a
symbol for lifestyle and social distinction, mirroring the creative and courageous expressions
witnessed in Citayam Fashion Week.
The symbolic revaluation of the bicycle in sportive and lifestyle-based urban cycling
scenes, as analyzed in Berlin (Hoor, 2022), aligns with the emphasis on lifestyle and social
distinction. Both contexts highlight the bicycle as a desirable object within popular urban
culture, blending commercialization, specialization, and standardization. This aligns with
Citayam Fashion Week's embrace of local products, even imitations, challenging traditional
norms with innovative expressions of identity.
As cycling culture evolves, fashion assumes a pivotal role, emphasizing the
importance of looking good while cycling (Hoor, 2022). The emergence of lifestyle-based
cycling apparel reflects a growing awareness of aesthetics and style within the cycling
community. This mirrors the transformative nature of fashion witnessed in Citayam Fashion
Week, where local youth challenge established norms and express their unique identity
through creative sartorial choices.
The intertwining of fashion and cycling, as emphasized by Hoor (2022), showcases
the potential for both to create distinct urban subcultures. Citayam Fashion Week serves as a
platform for youth to challenge stereotypes and contribute to the formation of a new urban
culture (Andriani & Putri, 2023). Similarly, the cycling culture becomes a means of fostering
alternative transportation modes and sustainable urban development, highlighting the broader
impact on urban lifestyles.
 Both Citayam Fashion Week and the integration of bicycles into urban culture
represent avenues for self-expression, rebellion against norms, and the creation of distinct
subcultures that intertwine the realms of fashion, lifestyle, and identity. The bicycle becomes
a symbol in the urban middle-class identity, much like the local products and sartorial choices
in Citayam Fashion Week symbolize the creativity and courage of suburban youth. Both
phenomena underscore the transformative power of cultural expression in shaping urban
narratives.

B. Citayam Fashion Week's Multifaceted Impact on Youth Expression

Citayam Fashion Week serves as a dynamic catalyst for the empowerment of youth
cultural expression, utilizing public spaces to foster subcultural choices and transcend
socioeconomic barriers (Irawan et al., 2023). This innovative platform not only provides a
stage for individuality and creativity but also contributes significantly to the formation of a
new urban culture, shaping the cultural landscape.
In the context of globalization's impact on cultural identity, the interplay of forces is
evident (Jensen et al., 2021). Citayam Fashion Week, as a response to global influences,
represents a nuanced approach to cultural expression. While globalization is often seen as a
threat to cultural identities, events like Citayam Fashion Week showcase how it can be
harnessed as a driving force for the upsurge of local culture. This highlights the complexity of
the relationship between global and local forces in shaping the identity dynamics within
youth cultural expression.
The significant role of Citayam Fashion Week in place branding further strengthens
its impact on youth cultural expression (Sadono and Mani, 2023). By enhancing the city's
image and identity through the unique vision of the brand held by the youth, the event
becomes an integral part of the city's cultural landscape. The study underscores the
importance of youth empowerment, youth-adult partnerships, and the provision of facilities to
foster creativity, ultimately contributing to both the economic and cultural growth of the
community.
In exploring the economic potential of marginalized subcultures and youth
entrepreneurship, Citayam makeshift fashion week emerges as a case study with
transformative implications (Wibowo, 2022). The street subcultures, predominantly led by
marginalized youth, not only present economic opportunities but also embody the spirit of
creative entrepreneurship. This aligns with the transformative potential exhibited by today's
youth, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship for the sustainable
growth of Southeast Asian countries.

C. Cultural Triumphs in Empowering Youth and Reshaping Urban Dynamics

Beyond mere fashion, the street activities of Citayam Fashion Week act as a powerful
medium for cultural expression, providing participants with a canvas to convey elements of
local culture, heritage, and identity (Sadono and Mani, 2023). This dual function of fashion
not only expresses but also preserves the rich cultural tapestry of Citayam, reinforcing its
overall cultural identity. Moreover, these fashion street activities become a unique form of
cultural expression that contributes to the branding of Citayam. By effectively showcasing
the strength and uniqueness of Citayam through these activities, participants actively promote
their place of residence and its distinctive cultural identity, enhancing the community's image.
Additionally, the presence of new media and advanced communication facilities acts as
enablers for youth expression and empowerment during fashion street activities (Dinnie,
2010). Social media and online platforms play a pivotal role in extending the impact of
Citayam Fashion Week beyond the local community, facilitating broader cultural expression
and empowerment among the youth.
The dual personas navigated by Citayam Fashion Week participants, as highlighted in
the study, reveal the intricate social dynamics at play during such events (Irawan et al., 2023).
The management of impressions on the frontstage and the authenticity experienced backstage
highlights the importance of public spaces in facilitating youth culture expression. These
spaces become crucial for young individuals to assert their identity and find their place in
society, emphasizing the role of events like Citayam Fashion Week in shaping the social
fabric.
Citayam Fashion Week's emergence as a form of cultural resistance challenges
stereotypes and provides a platform for marginalized working-class groups to legitimize their
fashion subculture (Silfia, 2023). The hierarchy of fashion taste, influenced by class bias, is
reshaped through events like Citayam Fashion Week, urging against the marginalization of
these groups in media content. The study advocates for equal representation and a more
inclusive narrative, emphasizing the role of such events in reshaping societal perceptions.
Lastly, the mediatization of subcultures, exemplified by Citayam Fashion Weeks,
highlights the central role of social media platforms in shaping contemporary urban
subcultures (Yudha, 2023). The interconnectedness of media and subcultures, as revealed in
the study, emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend the evolving role of social
media in mediatizing subcultures in urban contexts. This interconnectedness further amplifies
the impact of Citayam Fashion Week, showcasing how it resonates beyond physical spaces,
shaping perceptions and expressions in the digital realm.
In conclusion, the diverse studies converge to paint a rich tapestry of opportunities for
empowering Citayam youth through cultural expression in fashion. Citayam Fashion Week
emerges as a potent platform, not only challenging stereotypes and resisting cultural
dominance but also contributing to economic growth, place branding, and the formation of a
new urban culture. The integration of bicycles into urban lifestyle and the dynamic interplay
of globalization with cultural identity further emphasize the multifaceted avenues through
which cultural expression in fashion can empower and enrich the lives of the youth in
Citayam.

CONCLUSION
In summary, Citayam Fashion Week stands as a remarkable manifestation of cultural
expression and empowerment for the youth, transcending local boundaries to resonate on a
global scale. From its organic origins among suburban teenagers to becoming a symbol of
resistance against upper-class fashion norms, Citayam Fashion Week has evolved into a
dynamic platform for the expression of freedom, creativity, and identity. Despite challenges
posed by global influences, the COVID-19 pandemic, and internal dynamics within the
community, the event persists as a vibrant force shaping the cultural landscape of Citayam.