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.

Sebastian Gunawan Fashion A New Look

JAKARTA (JP): A man with principle. That's how we should describe fashiondesigner Sebastian Gunawan, who will present on Monday, Nov. 15 his second line collection called Votum at the Ballroom in the Mulia Hotel, Jakarta. More than 75 of Votum's latest creations are set to be shown.

"There go my new millennium colors, such as red, pink and green," said Sebastian, who will also present blue denim in various cuts, such as a raincoat jacket in zebra patterns. "There will be red, white and black jeans too." Sebastian said he will show pants to pallazos, short sleeves tolong sleeves, and mini to maxi dresses. "I want to begin the New Year with a colorful warm greeting."

In fact, colorful is his main attribute. The sustained attack of gray forthe last two years was unable to persuade Sebastian to become a lavender fan. And that is just a start for the long list of his unshakable design principles.