(At the 2025 Jember Fashion Carnival, models wearing towering, elaborate headpieces and ornate costumes strutted down the street runway. /CFP)

The small city of Jember in East Java, Indonesia, has once again welcomed its annual visual feast—the 2025 Jember Fashion Carnival. The three-day event draws designers, models, and visitors from across Indonesia and abroad, with a nearly 4-kilometer-long street runway turning the city’s main road into an international fashion corridor.

(Models perform at the 2025 Jember Fashion Carnival. /CFP)

The idea for Jember Fashion Carnaval was initiated by local fashion designer and educator, Dynand Fariz. Originating from a street performance in 2001, it was officially named the Jember Fashion Carnival on November 1, 2003. Since then, each year the festival has transformed the city, framed by waterfalls, beaches, and lush mountains, with extravagant costumes rich in Indonesian traditional elements, dazzling the eyes long before capturing the heart.

Sadly, Fariz passed away in 2019. The spectacular event he left behind is becoming a cultural calling card for Indonesia.

(Models perform at the 2025 Jember Fashion Carnival. /CFP)

With visitors arriving from around the world, this small city in East Java is once again showcasing the boundless possibilities of Indonesian fashion and culture.

(Before the event began, a performer applied makeup for a participant. /CFP)

(Models perform at the 2025 Jember Fashion Carnival. /CFP)

(During the show, Miss Indonesia 2025, Firsta Yufi Amarta Putri, greeted the audience. /CFP)