TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Sebastian Gunawan enchants fashionistas with Incantesimo collection
Change Size
Sebastian Gunawan Couture's Incantesimo collection is crafted from tulle, velvet and jacquard, portraying extravagance. (Sebastian Gunawan Couture/File)
T
he show must go on for Indonesian designer Sebastian Gunawan, who presented his couture collection for 2020 in early October while demonstrations and riots fueled by political tension paralyzed parts of Jakarta.
Titled “Incantesimo”, an Italian word that translates into “enchantment”, the presentation took place at Hotel Mulia Senayan, just a little outside the perimeter of the demonstrations.
Some of those invited to the show had canceled their plans to attend, but others were way too enchanted by the idea of Seba – as the designer is affectionately called – presenting a visually pleasing collection, as he always does. And so, the show went on.
The inspiration for Incantesimo, which Seba created with his wife and creative partner Christina Panarese, came from New York City’s Empire State Building.
The couple’s fascination with the building structure and geometric shapes is applied to gowns crafted from different materials, such as tulle, velvet and jacquard. The tulle, for instance, is processed in a way to create volume or pleats on knee-length and trailing dresses alike. Meanwhile, sequined fabric is transformed into a sparkly jumpsuit and dresses.
Read also: Balijava by Denny Wirawan takes fashion enthusiasts to East Lombok through Pringgasela
Extravagance and high-quality craftsmanship were clearly portrayed by “Incantesimo”, which was presented on a dreamy, garden-like runway. As much as it was visually pleasing, however, we might question whether the garden setting unnecessarily diverted the focus from the pieces presented. Then again, what is a fashion show nowadays without a dramatic setting? Seba is not the first designer to create such a setting this year.
Dramatic settings aside, to add joy to the festive night, Italian Ambassador to Indonesia Vittorio Sandalli presented Seba and Christina with the Order of the Star of Italy, on behalf of the Italian government.
The award is bestowed by Rome on Italians or citizens of other countries that have a good relationship with Italy, especially those who actively promote values Italy is proud of in certain fields, including fashion, science and technology, culture, lifestyle and philanthropy. (mut)
