Unearthing 'Treasure from the East'

Models showcase the latest creations by renowned designer Sebastian Gunawan in Jakarta to welcome the Chinese New Year. (Dimar Budi Adiprasetya, The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network)

Themed "Treasure from the East," designer Sebastian Gunawan, better known as Seba, presented 63 outfits to serve as an inspiration for the Chinese New Year.

While the festivity is associated with red and gold symbolizing luck and wealth, Seba chose to showcase other elements and colors that could also represent Chinese culture.

Talk of the town: Galeries Lafyatte Goes Fashiontastic

 Pacific Place; Sudirman, Central Jakarta

As we reported last week, Galeries Lafayette Pacific Place has been partnering with Bank Mandiri to welcome the Chinese New Year with a fashion show and shopping event called Fashiontastic, running from Jan. 18 to Feb. 28.

Sebastian Gunawan Dazzled on a MidSummer Night's Dream

 

Jakarta. Shakespeare's 15th century romantic comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" inspired Indonesian couturier, Sebastian Gunawan, for the spring/summer 2016 collection of his first line.

"When I was choosing the fabrics for this collection, I was drawn to those with unusual floral and foliage designs," said the soft-spoken designer. "[The fabrics] seemed to have transported me to an enchanted forest, like that of the ‘Midsummer Night's Dream.’"

The collection was presented Thursday, Nov 19, in the Ciputra Artpreneur in Kuningan, South Jakarta. For the fashion show, Soeryanto Decoration bedecked its ballroom with exotic flowers, ferns and foliage from floor to ceiling. A chorus of chirping birds and cicadas ushered the guests into Shakespearean mystical forest at the ballroom.

Sebastian presented 80 couture evening gowns and cocktail dresses in the show.

Galeries Lafayette's Fashiontastic Chinese New Year

THE YEAR 4714 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE CALENDAR–AND GALERIES LAFAYETTE ISN’T MONKEYING AROUND WITH ITS FANTASTIC HOLIDAY OFFERINGS.

Until the beginning of the 21st century, observations of the lunar new year in Jakarta were mostly confined to feasts in Chinese households and occasional paper dragons hanging around Chinatown. Fast forward to 2016 and it's a national holiday that calls for fashionable celebrations.

Galeries Lafayette - Fashiontastic Lunar New Year

 
The place that you always want to visit for your Chinese New Year shopping destination has returned  to bring extraordinary style, decoration and sophistication for this prosperous new year. Galeries Lafayette promises to to deliver an exciting and memorable shopping period as the Chinese New Year is welcomed with a series of fantastic offerings. The Spirit of The Year of the Monkey takes Galeries Lafayette to an exciting new collection of their stylish brands.

This year, Galeries Lafayette presents an artsy chinoiserie design and decoration for the Chinese New Year. Escape the city rush by welcoming the New Year surrounded by the elegant and sweet  red-blue decorations inside the store.  Galeries Lafayette also offers you a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a variety of Chinese New Year programs. Discover exclusive spring collections, tasty cakes and hampers and invaluable festive inspiration for this new year.

Review: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Sebastian Gunawan

Lihat koleksi terbaru Sebastian Gunawan yang menampilkan narasi “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” milik Shakespeare dengan sentuhan kerumitan yang indah.

Designer couple, Sebastian Gunawan & Cristina Panarese were after something new for couture this season. Walau sosok Marie Antoinette kembali lagi mereka garap, namunfashion show yang dihelat di Ciputra Artpreneur Gallery pada 19 November 2015 ini merupakan momen penting bagi rumah mode Sebastian Gunawan. Malam itu Sebastian Gunawan yang menerima penghargaan “Best Couture house in Indonesia” dari Asian Couture Federation, menampilkan narasi “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” milik Shakespeare dengan sentuhan kerumitan yang indah. Kekuatan perempuan yang dibalut dengan sisi glamoritas diwujudkan lewat peragaan gaun-gaun cocktail hingga gaun malam yang megah. Set lokasi yang dihiasi oleh bunga-bunga mungkin sepintas mengingatkan pada show Dior Spring 2016, tapi hutan belantara kreasi Sebastian Gunawan sungguh memikat. Semakin menelusurinya, semakin tersesat ke dalam, saya menemukan keindahan yang penuh misteri. Bahkan Bryan Boy yang duduk di barisan depan pun ikut tersihir.

Admittedly, benang merah Marie Antoinette memang banyak mempengaruhi karya-karya Sebastian Gunawan belakangan ini. Esensi dari koleksi kali ini pun rasanya masih sebelas dua belas dengan koleksi “A Lady’s Portrait” dari Sebastian Red & Sebastian Sposa. Tapi untuk yang ini, Sebastian Gunawan berhasil mengintepretasikannya jauh lebih artistik. Gaun-gaun berdetail lipat, kekayaan tekstil dan tekstur yang dihasilkan dari ketrampilan tangan tampak begitu presisi. They’re imagination decides everything. Mulai dari tampilan warna yang menggambarkan cahaya pagi, diwakili dengan warna putih, kuning dan perak kebiruan. Menyongsong sore lewat warna hijau keemasan dan pink keperakan. Dan nuansa hitam keunguan menjadi visual malam hari yang mewah.

Sebastian Gunawan "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Just a few days ago, Asian Couture Federation's Elite / Extraordinaire Designer and Best Indonesian Couturier,Sebastian Gunawan just showcased their latest couture collection "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Ciputra Artpreneur and in case you've missed the wonderful show, yours truly is here to share some pictures of the beautiful pieces that I managed to capture, enjoy :)

Kindly pay attention to details, textures and silhouette; the dynamic duo Sebastian Gunawan himself and his beloved wife Cristina Panarese always know how to captivate the audience and left them breathless, they know how to make dreams into reality, they create real life fairytale. As I said before, words can't even describe how amazing the collection is and even amazing would be an understatement right now. See for yourself and get ready to be amazed :)

Curated.Works: Asian Couture Dreams – Sebastian Gunawan by Decue Wu

Courtesy of Decue Wu

For this month and December, I am doing a special collaboration with the Asian Couture Federation If you have not heard of the organization, here is some information for you:
“The Asian Couture Federation is a self-financed, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee governed by its mission, organisational charter, and bylaws. The ACF is the first organization in Asia to recognize, support and promote Asian Couturiers who have exhibited the highest levels of artistry in fashion design. Additionally, the ACF supports talented emerging designers region-wide.”

Dubai’s show-stopping ‘Sparkling Couture’ exhibition

On November 4, Dubai experienced a spectacle that’s unimaginable unless either you were there or you have the chance to check out the video, which we bring you here—we’re talking about the ‘Sparkling Couture’ exhibition, a celebration of Swarovski’s 120th anniversary. This is a part of the world that’s in love with embellishment—in fact, no one does it better. So when 36 designers from across the Middle East and South Asia came together to present their work at this first-of-its-kind event at Madinat Arena, it served to catapult the region straight into the style spotlight.

This was a tribute to Swarovski’s enduring creative partnerships, which date back to the crystal maison’s earliest presence in the Middle East in the 1970s. Each designer was asked to create one show-stopping piece exclusively for the event; the outcome was an exhibition of fashion and accessories shimmering with crystals that demonstrated a jaw-dropping array of innovative embellishment techniques. Between 8.30pm and midnight, visitors had a chance to enjoy five sumptuous sections: bridal wear, ethnic wear, eveningwear, modest wear, and accessories and statement jewelry. With dazzling couture of unimaginable opulence, intricately crafted jewelry, and one-of-a-kind accessories on show, the crowds were awestruck by the extraordinary skills on display. In fact, they’re still talking about it now.


Source: Dubai’s show-stopping ‘Sparkling Couture’ exhibition

Sebastian Gunawan for Swarovski

Dubai, 4^th November, 2015 • Swarovski, global leader in cut crystal and fashion jewellery, involved the best designers of the Asian region in a unique exhibition dedicated to the creative use of the most famous crystals in the world. On display, also the exclusive wedding dress created by Sebastian Gunawan, acclaimed Indonesian designer and former student of Istituto Marangoni Milano.

The Swarovski Sparkling Couture evening show was held at the luxurious Madinat Arena in Dubai to celebrate the brand’s collaboration with the best international haut couture designers. Guests, press and brand partners were able to admire the creations of more than 40 designers from the Middle East and South Asia, all characterized by the original and clever use of Swarovski crystals.

Recognized in Indonesia as one of the most respected fashion designers for couture, bridal, and ready-to-wear evening gowns, Sebastian Gunawan designed exclusively for the event a wedding dress inspired by the Chinese wedding tradition. The solid curved structure in lace and tulle was enriched with thousands of crystals of various shapes, sizes and colours which generate unexpected light reflections, aimed at representing the classical purity of a bride and the desire for happiness in the next step of their life.

Source: Sebastian Gunawan for Swarovski

SebastianRed and Sebastian Sposa | Sebastian Gunawan Brings the Museums of Europe to the Catwalks of Indonesia

Jakarta. For top Indonesian designer Sebastian Gunawan, women are an endless source of inspiration.

"Women can transform into anything, transcending time and place, when they dress up," said the 48-year-old. "It's like magic."

His latest 2015/2016 collection for the "SEBASTIANred" and "SEBASTIANsposa" labels, presented at the Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place, Jakarta,on Oct. 5, was aptly named "A Lady's Portrait."

Named for the 1700s and 1800s paintings of European women in museums across the continent which the designer recently visited with his wife, Cristina Panarese, the inspiration was evident.

"We both saw that women in that era really dressed up, even for daily occasions," said the designer.

"In spite of the lack of facilities and infrastructures at that time, they wore full-blown ballgowns with rich accessories and pointed shoes. In addition to that, they also wore heavy make-up and grand pompadours. They looked very dramatic."

SebastianRed and SebastianSposa | A Lady’s Portrait by Axioo

Sebastian Gunawan Fashion Show by Winson

The Indonesian high-fashion designer has done it again! He launched a perfectly crafted collection in a fashion show entitled “A Lady’s Portrait”, and we are glad to have been a part of it. 

The allure of Marie Antoinette, the legendary Queen of France, felt like it came to life through the collection of high-fashion couture designed by the maestro, Sebastian Gunawan, displayed during his solo fashion show at the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place. The elegance of the 18th century met a touch of modernity and made the women wrapped in the collection appear stunningly beautiful. Wealth of colors met with an equal wealth of details. It was both extravagant yet elegant. The collection seemed to tell a story of fantasy and romance. The stage was perfectly designed to bring out the best in this collection and it was amazing. 

Bazaar Fashion Festival 2013 | Votum by Sebastian Gunawan

Source: Bazaar Fashion Festival 2013 | Votum by Sebastian G.

Sebastian Gunawan Ready to Sample India

Sebastian Gunawan, together with Priyo Oktaviano, have embarked on their creative journey to India in preparation of the upcoming Jakarta Fashion Week 09/10 in November. For six days they will be in India to explore the country’s best textiles.

As a designer who has been in the industry for over 20 years, Seba is pleased and honored that he’s chosen to participate in the collaboration. He hopes that his visit will further enrich his imagination and creativity.

“I couldn’t picture the design until I touch the fabrics. I have to first see and observe the culture there, feel the garment then visualize the pattern before churning out the surprise at the JFW parade later. Just wait for it!” he said when being questioned about the design he’s envisioning. Gunawan is also enthusiastic over the role of JFW as a platform for both young and established designers to showcase their work.

Plaza Indonesia Fashion Week 2015: Day 1 & 2

Brands played it safe on the first two days of PIFW. Show coverage and short review from Sebastian Red, Halston Heritage, Les (Art)Ists, (X)S.M.L and Adidas Originals.

In a blink of an eye, Fashion Week has descended upon us. Again. But, unlike Fashion Week from other major cities, the ones in Jakarta don’t seem to mind showing Spring/Summer collections in February, when it really supposed to be Fall/Winter.

Few years back, fashion devotees in Jakarta might have raised their haughty chins at the thought of the latter. However, fast forward to present day, it didn’t seem such a bad idea at all. You see it on the runway and you get to get hold of them right away without having to wait for another six months, while fast fashion labels have already churned out similar pieces, faster and cheaper, in a matter of weeks.

Urban Lady, the Race of Sebastian Gunawan & Christina

Designer Sebastian Gunawan and Cristina showcase their latest collections on Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival (JFFF). This time the two designers are choosing ‘Urban Lady’ as the theme from a variety of clothing ready to be released into the market.

Urban Lady, the race of Sebastian Gunawan & Christina

‘Urban Lady’ is the theme of the latest fashion labels Seba and Cristina, VOTUM. There are 53 fashion collections are displayed both on Wednesday (16/05/2012) night at the Grand Ballroom of Harris Hotel, Palm d’Ivoire, North Jakarta.

1925-1930 era was so inspired two designers. A variety of clothing with a silhouette of Art Deco and geometric designs a line of black, blue, lavender, cream, brown and green light is displayed in this show.

Sebastian Gunawan New Stylish Clothes Series 2014 for Lovely Girls

New Stylish Dresses Series 2015 by Sebastian Gunawan offers apparels held in Senayan town in October 2015 third Sebastian Gunawan displayed his new team in fantastic detail nano stone. Sebastian Gunawan created vary of European fashion clothes with stylish type mixed with guaranteed head placed on students.

Sebastian Gunawan | A Joyful Chinese New Year Collection

Colorful and playful designs dominated the Chinese New Year collection by renowned designer Sebastian Gunawan, bringing a festive mood to his otherwise classy style. 

In his fashion show, titled “Moon Dance”, Sebastian translated the characteristics of the moon for the runway, showcasing 68 designs that explored the possibilities of the Chinese cheongsam neckline.

The show, which was held at Hotel Mulia in Senayan, South Jakarta, was divided into three parts. Sebastian opened the show with items produced in colorful, feminine silhouettes.

Celebrating East Meets West

The marriage between Eastern wisdom and Western structure has continued to fascinate the world of fashion. Six top Indonesian fashion designers displayed their East Meets West interpretations during the recent I Fashion Festival.

At the two-day festival, designer Didiet Maulana, renowned for his exploration of the country’s ikat woven cloth, showcased his Senandung Flora line, or the humming of flowers, from his Svarna collection of Indonesian ikat.

East & West Fusion

A glamorous fusion of East and West took center stage at the second edition of I Fashion Festival, showcasing the latest collections from 12 local designers.

One participating designer, Hengki Kawilarang, wowed the audience with his collection, titled Passion Envy, which was presented at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Central Jakarta.

“This collection is inspired by Queen Elizabeth I, whose style during the era had made every woman jealous,” he said.

Hengki said the details, silhouettes and colors of his clothes reflected luxurious taste translated into modern design.