DESIGNER INTERVIEW: PAOLO SEBASTIAN
I never thought this would happen. EVER!
I was standing in front of Paul Vasileff with my iPhone in one hand talking about fabrics he likes to use, inspiration and the countless, glamorous women who have worn his designs. Yeah this happened.
After an announcement by Leon Bignell about the partnership of Mercedes Benz and Adelaide Fashion Festival, all eyes were on Paul Vasileff of Paolo Sebastian and the two stunning Finesse models, Hannah and Milika showcasing his designs.
In only eight years, Paul Vaslieff has accomplished a lot. Just casually he has dressed Giuliana Rancic, Kris Jenner, Australia's golden girl Carrie Bickmore and Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou to name a few. (Trust me there are many more) His romantic and elegant designs have earned him global attention and after all that he was nice enough to answer a few questions from someone who respects and admires his work. (Me!)
Taylah: What can we expect from you when you close this years festival?
Paul: We are launching our 2016 Autumn/Winter Couture Collection. My team is very excited for what we are producing this year, just taking it to the next level for our brand. We are pushing forward with textiles, cut and craft manship
Taylah: Where did you source inspiration for the upcoming collection?
We have looked at music, a lot of history but of course the theme is top secret but we are very excited for this year.
Taylah: Have you travelled much this year? Were you inspired?
Paul: This year unfortunately no but some of my inspiration has been drawn from my travels late last year. This is the first year that I haven't gone away so it has been a bit hard.
Taylah: Do you have a favourite fabric to work with?
Paul: We love working with silk, French lace and beaded lace. Now we are moving more into developing our own fabrics
Taylah: What has been your greatest achievement to date?
Paul: For me my greatest achievement is always going to be my first show, when i was 16/ 17. It is something I always look back on with great fondness. There is so many so how do you pick. We had the Oscars where we dressed Giuliana Rancic, the Golden Globes. Were really grateful as a brand to have had these experiences.
Taylah: How would you describe the Paulo Sebastian women in three words?
Paul: Chic, elegant and (a little bit) daring.
Taylah: Who has been your favourite person to dress?
Paul: Local celebrities like Carrie Bickmore, Ada Nicodemou, Michelle Bridges and Kylie Gillies. We have been very fortunate to work with quite a few Australian celebrities and I have to say they are all amazing, lovely and I have a great friendship with many of them. Internationally of course Giuliana Rancic and Catt Sadler.
Taylah: You dressed Ada (Nicodemou) in custom Paolo Sebastian for the Logies, what was the process like?
Paul: Yes so that was taken from a print in our 'Sleeping Garden' collection. Having worked with Ada for quite a few years now we just developed the design with her, back and forth with the sketches and talking about colours that she liked.
Taylah: Describe your reactions when you see Paolo Sebastian gowns come to life on someone?
Paul: It is amazing, as a young kid that what I aspired to. It is all I wanted to do; make fashiona and make people happy. I used to watch the Oscars and the Logies and think that would be amazing one day to have that and now that we are doing all of that. When I see the gown it is always like a 'pinch me' moment. Sometimes it is hard to connect that it is your outfit and something you created. The response we get is amazing and very humbling.
Taylah: Finally, who is someone you wish to dress one day?
Paul: Jennifer Lopez (laughs) I always give the same answer to that question.
Casually being casual with Paul Vasileff and Finesse beauties Milika and Hannah
For more information on Paolo Sebastian visit paolosebastian.com
To book tickets and view the program visit adelaidefashionfestival.com.au
The 2015 Adelaide Fashion Festival runs from October 22-25