Sebastian Gunawan on Professionalism

For Sebastian Gunawan, potential alone is not enough to make one an achiever. Professionalism is one of the prerequisites in running a fashion business.

No sooner had he entered the fashion world in 1993 when Sebastian Gunawan captured public attention. His reputation as a fashion designer has become solid thanks to his great potential and high sense of professionalism. No wonder that in just 13 years, he has joined the ranks of top Indonesian designers. In addition, he has always taken part in international fashion events. He has won, among other honors, a citation from IAF Young World Designer Award XX in Barcelona, Spain.

""In developing our potential, the first thing to do is to really know what to do and whither to move! Never pretend that you know something inside-out and never allow yourself to know only half of something because if this is the case, then you will only end up confused. So, always do something seriously, wholeheartedly and conceptually,"" said Sebastian, who was born in Jakarta on July 2, 1967.

Sebastian Gunawan's Colorful Journey

Sebastian's love for fashion began more than 20 years ago.

Since his junior high school years, Seba, as his friends call him, discovered and developed his talent by experimenting with designs.

His creations were worn by his schoolmates and family members on special occasions.

Their love for his designs first validated his talent in the fashion world.

The journey continues.

In 1993, Sebastian introduced his first line in the Indonesian fashion industry with a personal, exclusive collection.

Sebastian Gunawan: Western-Influenced Charm in Second Line

Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

What is West and what is East, designer Biyan Wanaatmadja once asked.

""Everybody has different strengths and sensitivity. Why is it that Western designers can create something Asian but not vice versa? We all wear the same kind of clothes daily,"" he said.

Therefore, if the latest collection of designer Sebastian Gunawan accentuates a Spanish and Bohemian spirit rather than batik, for example, why not? At least local customers can pursue clothes with such style that is more affordable than Dior's, for instance.

Sebastian Gunawan Presents Grand Designs

By Muara Bagdja

JAKARTA (JP): Sebastian Gunawan's fashion shows are always big events. His most recent, held at Hotel Mulia in Central Jakarta last week, went one step further in cementing his image as one of the country's finest designers.

It was a grand presentation of 100 supremely beautiful gowns and precious jewelry on a spectacular stage before a huge audience. It seemed to make a statement: The era of Sebastian Gunawan is here and now!

He chose ""opulence"" as his theme and the entire collection was fittingly grand, extravagant and sparkling.

His collection was a stunning visual performance for the 1,500 guests -- the largest number for any fashion show in Jakarta -- including his regular customers, fans of his creations, fashion lovers and the media, who were honored on this occasion to have the front seats normally reserved for VIPs.