Pictured above: Paul Vasileff with Natalia Skuza (Finesse Models). Photo by James Elsby
Only a month out from the 2016 Adelaide Fashion Festival program launch, there is something incredibly exciting for South Australian Couture label Paolo Sebastian. Taking the jewel in SA’s fashion crown to Europe, Paul Vasileff will become the first South Australian designer to showcase their brand in Paris, tomorrow launching the 2016-17 Fall/Winter Couture collection, Gilded Wings.
Paul Vasileff – the founder of Paolo Sebastian – is no stranger to the world of couture, having dressed celebrities and fashionistas worldwide for red carpet events, weddings and memorable occasions.
Paul will host a showroom for media and buyers on July 3 and 4 when international industry leaders descend on Paris for Haute Couture Fashion Week.
The showing at La Maison Champs Elysees is supported by the Adelaide Fashion Festival and South Australian Government, demonstrating commitment to the growth of the local fashion industry through global exposure.
The new designs will feature soft French tulle, delicate hand-embroidery and intricate beadwork, and many fabrics were created specifically for the collection with Vasileff’s input.
Natalia Skuza (Finesse Models) wearing a piece from Paolo Sebastian’s Guilded WIngs Collection. Photo by James Elsby
Gilded Wings is inspired by the fragile wings of a woodland faery shown through pieces including an embroidered wing sleeve gown and a winged petal skirt gown.
“I want my designs to capture the imagination and allow people to dream,” Paul, 26, said.
“The height of fashion is haute couture and Paris is the home of couture.
“Paris is the epicentre of the fashion world. This really feels like an introduction into that world.”
Paolo Sebastian is synonymous with whimsical designs, expert tailoring and hand-crafted details.
Seen on red carpets worldwide including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, Paolo Sebastian represents contemporary couture that highlights Paul’s passion to shape his designs from fabrication to finish.
“With each collection that we release we are trying to do something new and even better than the last, so that’s certainly motivation for the team,” Paul said.
Vasileff launched his first collection in 2007 at age 17, having been taught by his grandmother and later to be refined at the European Institute of Design in Milan.
Career highlights include featuring at London Fashion Week 2010, Sydney’s 2012 Fashion Palette and closing the 2015 Adelaide Fashion Festival with two sold-out shows and the exclusive launch of the 2016 Autumn/Winter Couture Collection, The Snow Maiden.
Vogue Australia featured a custom Paolo Sebastian corset on cover star Kim Kardashian within the June edition and the label is regularly featured on best-dressed lists from the TV Week Logies.
Adelaide Fashion Festival creative director Chris Kontos said Paolo Sebastian designs were exquisite and timeless.
“There is an element of fantasy in Paolo Sebastian designs, but the detail is meticulous,” he said.
“Designer Paul Vasileff is a prodigy, and when he released his first collection at age 17 it was clear he had a special perspective to offer the design world.
“Paolo Sebastian stands among some of the world’s leading couture brands and this opportunity will not only allow international buyers, stylists and media to see the designs close up, but also give Paul the opportunity to push his vision and reflect.
“This is the next step for Paolo Sebastian and it’s fantastic that a South Australian designer has the chance to build their business and profile with support from the State Government.”
Paolo Sebastian will be a key label featured in the 2016 Adelaide Fashion Festival program.
Here’s a gallery of previous Paolo Sebastian collections to get you in the mood…
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