Jakarta. There is still a shroud of mystery over the people of Baduy, who despite living in the wooded areas of the densely populated Banten province manage to preserve the traditional lifestyle of their ancestors.

Their villages, which are made of bamboo-woven huts, are completely without electricity and modern technology. Without any monetary system, these people thrive mainly on barters.

As they restrict communication with outsiders, very little is known about them.

But Amanda Indah Lestari, founder and creative director of ready-to-wear brand Lekatdihati, or Lekat, is attempting to introduce a piece of their culture to the "outside world" by incorporating the hidden community's beautiful textiles into her fashion design.

She was first introduced to the people of Baduy by photographer Don Hasman, who had asked her to join him on an expedition to their. traditional villages.

"I couldn't believe that such a lifestyle still exists today," Amanda said, adding that she was instantly taken by the quiet and peaceful life the Baduy inherited from their forefathers.

"These people are free from want and envy," she said. "They always give thanks for what they have. And they never wish ill on others, as they believe in karma."

The designer was particularly taken by the cultures striking textiles.

"They're much softer and lighter than other traditional handwoven textiles in the country," said Amanda. "And they have these exquisite geometric patterns that can be easily be mixed and matched."

So, Amanda braved herself and met the leaders of the Baduy people to ask for permission to feature their textiles in her upcoming fashion collection.

The neat geometrical patterns of Baduy's traditional textiles marry beautifully with Amanda's clean-cut designs, resulting in women's attire that is both chic and iconic.

The debut collection received rave reviews from media and was sold out in a few weeks.

After fallen in love with the people of Baduy and their lifestyle, Amanda decided to continue exploring the rich traditional heritage of their textiles.

"Lekat is Baduy's [textiles] and Baduy's [textiles] are Lekat," she reiterated.

Today, Amanda manages two groups of weavers – all of whom are women – in two Baduy villages for her fashion brand.

Lekat's spring/summer 2016 collection recently debut at the Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW). Themed "The Eye Has To Travel," the collection presents "The New Look" silhouettes of the 1950s using traditional textiles.

A series of sack-dresses, flared skirts, capri pants and crop tops in candy colors and neat, striped patterns dominated Lekat's JFW catwalk, while fringe adorning each item added a modern, dynamic look.

The collection has already captured the attention of a buyer from London who is interested in carrying Lekat's designs in its stores.

"I wish Lekat to be long-lasting," she said. "Even when I'm no longer here [alive], Lekat should remain."

Lekat's items are sold at a price range of Rp 850,000-Rp 4 million ($62-$292).

For more information, go to Lekat's official website.

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