Words: Lauren Thomas
The dazzling city of Dubai with its twinkling skyscrapers and glamorous lifestyle has fast become a global fashion capital leading the way before its counterparts with Dubai Fashion Week held in its dedicated art, design and fashion hub, the Dubai Design District.
It makes sense then that international fashion moguls have taken notice, including our very own homegrown haute couture designer, hailing from South Australia.
When you hear words like “ethereal” and “fairytale” as a reference to the intricate beauty and craftsmanship that forms the foundation of a haute couture and bridal piece, one name will likely come to mind and that’s Paul Vasilleff, Adelaide-based Founder and Head Designer of Paolo Sebastian.
In an Australian-first, Paul’s whimsical haute and bridal couture that can only be described as works of art embraced Dubai Fashion Week’s exclusive stages with an invite-only showcase including fashion royalty and Dubai Bling cast member Farhana Bodi, Beauty Pageant winner Andrea Aquilera and Former Miss World, Mireia Lalaguna.
Wedded Wonderland was on the ground to be one of the first to preview the Paolo Sebastian Spring/Summer couture 25 collection at Dubai Fashion Week joining 25 emerging and renowned Fashion Designers across the globe, including the likes of Manish Malhotra, favoured for his extravagant Bollywood designs and famed for dressing Bollywood stars and the likes of Adriana Lima and Valerie Kaufman, both of which appeared in his closing show.
Paolo Sebastian made its mark with the brand’s new glimmering collection “Polvere Di Stelle,” translating to stardust in Italian, which is fitting given each piece sparkled at all angles leaving a trail of magic; a result of the shimmering embellishments and detailed crystal beadwork that Vasillef is renowned for.
Setting the tone for the showcase was a dreamy crystal encrusted tulle fishtail gown, which was unveiled at the halfway point of the runway, formerly masked by a silk faille cocoon opera coat.
When asked how he achieves his dreamlike signature aesthetic, Vasillef replied “Each Paolo Sebastian collection is a different story and a different muse; we then focus on translating this through the lens of fashion. It is my perspective that fashion can be used to help people dream and translate a story into a vision.”
As for his original muse, it was none other than his nonna, who taught him to sew and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that comes with the conscious creation of couture pieces. “My nonna is the reason I am here, she inspired me to love sewing and couture. Before she passed last year, we created “Allora Domenica” a collection inspired by her in honour of her 95th birthday.” he says.
As for his Middle Eastern debut on Dubai’s esteemed stages, Vasillef is still in awe of what he and his team have achieved. “Coming from Adelaide, it’s a pinch me moment. I still see myself as the kid from my hometown. It’s surreal being here because it happened so organically. I am very grateful to my clients because they have lifted us up and created this platform for us. I’ve also been very fortunate to find a team that believes in the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of each fashion piece, just like my Nonna. We are so proud of each stitch and every detail [of our pieces].” he says.
As the enchanting showcase continued with ballerina-esque illusion tulle, soft bust silhouettes, and eye-catching corsetry, the final piece, a sleeved ball gown with its asymmetrical draped bodice and encrusted star embellishment, stole the show with a sparkling veil bringing a bold yet whimsical conclusion to the Australian Designer’s debut, bringing fairytale into reality. “It’s the reason we do what we do, we want to make women dream and have them feel like the best version of themselves.” Vasillef concludes.
