Sebastian Gunawan presents grand designs<\/p>\n
By Muara Bagdja<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Sebastian Gunawan's fashion shows are always big
\nevents. His most recent, held at Hotel Mulia in Central Jakarta
\nlast week, went one step further in cementing his image as one of
\nthe country's finest designers.<\/p>\n
It was a grand presentation of 100 supremely beautiful gowns
\nand precious jewelry on a spectacular stage before a huge
\naudience. It seemed to make a statement: The era of Sebastian
\nGunawan is here and now!<\/p>\n
He chose \"opulence\" as his theme and the entire collection was
\nfittingly grand, extravagant and sparkling.<\/p>\n
His collection was a stunning visual performance for the 1,500
\nguests -- the largest number for any fashion show in Jakarta --
\nincluding his regular customers, fans of his creations, fashion
\nlovers and the media, who were honored on this occasion to have
\nthe front seats normally reserved for VIPs.<\/p>\n
Some of the gowns were inspired by the Victorian era, with
\ntheir long trains sweeping the floor. Using luxurious materials,
\nand inlaid with Swarovski crystals, there were beautiful blouses
\nand skirts. Colorful jewelry of semiprecious stones were exotic
\nadornments on the necks, wrists and slippers of the models. It
\nwas a perfect, brilliantly organized scene on the Plexiglass
\ncatwalk with a giant screen on each side of the expansive stage.<\/p>\n
The show started off with dresses in the New Look style of the
\n1940 and 1950s. This style, originally created by Christian Dior,
\nis renowned for its elegant cut, with an accent on a slender
\nwaist. In Sebastian's hands, it comes in a soft, slender gown
\nflowing under the knees, or a feminine blouse with billowing
\nsleeves paired with a tight skirt.<\/p>\n
For him, it is also a lace blouse in ivory, combined with a
\ntight skirt and embroidered belt adorned with a gem brooch. The
\naddition of a hat and a bag makes the style so chic, beautiful
\nand elegant. It immediately reminded the audience of the
\nlegendary Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco.<\/p>\n
It was clear that Sebastian was not about to stick to the
\nconventional evening gown -- long and defined by large patterns.
\nHe showed that two-piece evening wear can be a fashionable and
\nstunning alternative, and his modernized retro take on the style
\nwas a unique component of the special show.<\/p>\n
Then Sebastian took his collection into a palace for the
\noccasion of an inaugural dinner during the Victorian era. Here he
\npresents his speciality: a long gown with flamboyant patterns,
\ncomplimenting his new touch of asymmetric patterns.<\/p>\n
A black gown, for example, with a partly open shoulder.
\nInteresting to see was the bias cut at the hip as a new
\nvariation.<\/p>\n
Expensive materials enriched with decorative accessories
\nremain Sebastian's mainstay. While in his previous work he used a
\nlot of beads, now it is crystals creating their more sparkling
\neffects.<\/p>\n
The show concluded with the presentation of three gorgeous
\nwedding dresses.<\/p>\n
European style<\/p>\n
Sebastian, 34, has been known from the outset of his career
\nfor decorative long gowns, his signature mark as a designer. He
\nmade his debut show in the country in 1995, and has continued to
\nhold to his trademark design in producing gowns for the label
\nVotum and his own collection, Sebastian Red Label, created for
\nhis boutique.<\/p>\n
His designs are distinctly western, with a pronounced European
\ntouch. His years of study at Instituto Artistico Dell
\nAbbigliamento Marangoni in Milan, and the presence of his Italian
\nwife, Cristina Panarese, as his faithful partner in creation,
\nhave greatly contributed to his taste and style.<\/p>\n
His consistency to the design has stamped his specific
\nEuropean style as a genre of its own in the country's fashion
\nworld over the past decade, particularly for evening gowns, and
\nearned him the title of the supreme \"ballgown designer\" among
\nmany. Although grand dances are a rarity in the capital, his
\ncreations have won a place in the heart of many women, evident by
\nthe variety of Sebastian designs worn by those in the audience at
\nthe show.<\/p>\n
Today, fashion is a universal thing, and there are no
\npartitions separating east and west. Any woman, be she from
\nthe United States or Britain or Indonesia, can wear a gown
\nwithout relinquishing her own culture or contravening what is
\nacceptable in her culture.<\/p>\n
The desire to be beautiful, grand and elegant -- every woman's
\ndream -- are the sure fire reasons why Sebastian's latest
\ncollection will again be loved by his fans. Another factor is his
\nloyal reference to the style of aristocratic dresses, making his
\ncreations suitable for the loftiest of occasions.<\/p>\n
Although beautiful, flowing ball gowns have become commonplace
\non local catwalks, Sebastian always brings something new to his
\ncollection. His take on the New Look brought something new and
\nmuch needed to the often jaded fashion world.<\/p>\n
Muara Bagdja is a fashion writer based in Jakarta. Questions?
\nContact him at sundaypost@thejakartapost.com.<\/p>",
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