Gustav Klimt Inspires Indonesian Designer's New Collection
Jakarta. Indonesian fashion designer Sebastian Gunawan unveiled his latest ready-to-wear collection called "The Golden Muse" at the Cascade Lounge in Hotel Mulia, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/01).
The new collection is part of Sebastian’s second line "Sebastian’s Red."
The prolific designer, best known as Seba, creates glamorous gowns and dresses with his wife Christina Panarese.
The Golden Muse is inspired by the colorful works of 19th-century Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, and consists of 26 looks all adorned with intricate handmade details.
Opulent silver beads adorn rich shades of red, lavish gold glimmers over sumptuous surfaces of damask and jacquard and a royal palette comes to life in sophisticated silhouettes.
Seba never releases his collections to follow Western seasons, but according to local cultural events including the Chinese New Year, Idul Fitri and Christmas.
"We unveil our new collections four to five times a year depending on cultural events. We prepare them a year ahead of time to make sure we produce something fresh and unique," Seba’s business director Viriya Unggul said after the fashion show.
To welcome the Chinese new year on February 16, this collection’s palette is dominated by red, blue, dark purple, black and white on a variety of fabrics – damask, brocade, lace and hand-beaded sequins.
Seba incorporates Chinese elements into the collection, including cheongsam collars and fitted silhouettes which highlight the femininity and elegance of the dresses.
The collection favors flowery, damask, lace and animal patterns. The silk dresses feature unique patterns such as trees, dogs and geometric shapes in white and soft purple.
Viriya said Seba chose to feature the dog patterns to represent 2018, which is the Chinese year of the dog.
The references to Klimt’s paintings can be seen on the chest of the dresses where Seba carefully incorporates silver stone beads into the neckline, giving a glamorous and elegant accent to the cocktail dresses.
"Klimt is known for using gold paint in his paintings. Seba wanted to recreate the look and transform it into a unique collection that marries western and eastern influences," Viriya said.
Most pieces in the new collection can be purchased online at Seba's official site or at his brick and mortar store. It will also be available for a limited time at Mulia Hotel’s mezzanine floor.
The dresses start from Rp 4 million ($299) and go up to Rp 8 million.
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