Asian Bohemian Chic Indonesian Heritage Becomes Fashion

An amazing visual journey celebrating Ghea's fortieth anniversary as a fashion designer and as a promoter of Indonesian textile crafts.

Born in Rotterdam and educated in Europe, Ghea is one of Indonesia's most famous fashion designers, renowned for having promoted a renaissance in Indonesia's ethnic textile tradition. After graduating from a fashion college in London, she returned to her country and established her fashion-design studio in 1980, and she has since opened several ateliers and boutiques in Jakarta. Her mission: to develop, celebrate, and promote her country's fashion heritage. Her textiles make strong use of folklore, including the Jumputan tie-dyed fabrics (the Pelangi Palembang) that have become her hallmark.

A role model for women, entrepreneurs, designers, and visionary people, Ghea went international early in her career. Since her very first forays into fashion, Ghea has been instrumental in establishing the association of fashion designers (IPMI) in her country for the professionalization of fashion design. Ghea has given Indonesian fashion worldwide attention, showcasing her collections in Paris, Cannes, Marrakech, Kuala Lumpur, London, and Milan. Her shows have been attended by international celebrities, and she has often been featured in major fashion magazines, like Harper's Bazaar and Prestige Indonesia.

This is an inspirational book for many young designers who need to acquire the know-how to sustain their own creative practice.

Alessandra Bruni Lopez y Royo was research associate of the School of Arts, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London until July 2018. Earlier, she was research fellow at Ecole française d'Extreme Orient (EFEO), Jakarta. She also works in fashion and blogs under the name of Alex Bruni.