Ghea Panggabean has built a fashion house that has survived over four decades. She helped revive Indonesia’s textile tradition with her trademark jumputan tie-dyed fabrics.

Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Panggabean only returned to Indonesia later on. She was amazed at the vibrant colours and bold patterns of Indonesian fabric, and how light they felt to the touch. Her first design was a lurik or striped woven set that was modelled by US fashion icon Janice Dickinson, and the lurik design inspired her signature bohemian silhouettes that have caught the attention of stars like Mick Jagger, the late Muhammad Ali and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Panggabean has received international acclaim, such as the tenth Best of Asean Designers Award and the Apparel Trophy for Indonesia’s best ready-to-wear design, along with top honours from Indonesia’s Tourism and Culture ministries.

Panggabean graduated from the fashion school of Lucie Clayton College of Dressmaking Fashion Design and Chelsea Academy of Fashion, London.