We’ve had a HUGE weekend covering Adelaide Fashion Festival, but Paolo Sebastian’s Once Upon a Dream runway show would have to be one of our most magical memories.
That’s because 27 year old Adelaide designer Paul Vasileff has tapped into our love for all things Disney with the label’s 2018 Spring/Summer launch.
“Disney has always been a source of inspiration for me. Growing up I was always enthralled by the magic of transformation that the stories offered,” said Vasileff, “To have Disney entrust me with telling their stories through couture is an absolute dream come true.”
Paul’s admiration for Disney led him to contact Mary Costa, the original voice of Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. After many years the two built a strong friendship. Earlier this year, with the support of Costa, Paul approached Disney with the vision to unite the magic of Disney with the whimsical world of couture.
This life-long dream to collaborate with Disney Studios became a reality when Paul was invited to visit the Disney studio in Los Angeles where he was granted full access to the Disney archives, including sketches, music lyrics, imagery and a private tour of Walt Disney’s offices.
On last night’s runway, Vasileff showcased pieces crafted from French tulle and silk chiffon in tones of petal pink, rose, iridescent starlight, raw umber and ebony.
We couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic when we saw garments adorned with intricate hand-sewn embroideries of woodland scenes, sweet nightingales and floral motifs.
Ethereal silhouettes featuring illusion necklines, signature petal skirts and sweeping ball gowns were finessed with sheer embellished slippers, celebrating the magical world of Disney in the quintessential Paolo Sebastian aesthetic.
Photo by Meaghan Coles
Mary Costa, the original Aurora, said the new collection perfectly embraces classic Disney with an exciting burst of creative artistry. She believes that Walt Disney would be as proud as she is of this unique collaboration.
Adelaide Fashion Festival Creative Director Chris Kontos believes the collaboration between Paolo Sebastian and Disney Studios is a perfect synergy.
“Disney is globally recognized and admired and are very specific with whom they associate their brand with. This collaboration just proves that the Paolo Sebastian brand is so well respected internationally,” says Kontos.
The Disney inspired couture gowns have each been exclusively designed by Paul himself and hand crafted in his Adelaide atelier.
This is the third year the young designer has had the honour of closing Adelaide Fashion Festival, after making waves in the industry both here and internationally.
Vasileff first learnt to sew as a boy, taking lessons from his grandmother before growing up to attend the European Institute of Design in Milan. Establishing the brand Paolo Sebastian in 2007, Vasileff’s designs have been worn by celebrities worldwide, including Kim Kardashian, Sonam Kapoor, Danni Minogue, Megan Gale and Carrie Bickmore.
Paul Vasileff shot by Simon Cecere
In the last year alone, Vasileff has taken his brand to Paris Couture Fashion Week and was crowned 2017’s Young Australian of the Year. While no-one can top Disney, we can’t wait to see where he goes from here!
Read our full review and all the photos of the collection here.
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