A selection of several romantic silhouettes by international couture house Paolo Sebastian are now on display at Rundle Place, within Rundle Mall.
Personally chosen by Paolo Sebastian founder, Adelaide’s own Paul Vasileff, The Retrospective Collection features an array of gowns from past collections that showcase the storytelling and romanticism that underpin the globally recognised brand.
The exclusive installation presents South Australians with a rare chance to marvel at the intricate hand embroidery and delicate fabrics that are mainstays of the annual Paolo Sebastian collections.
The Retrospective Collection features:
- The finale Persephone gown (Spring Summer 2021), inspired by the complexities of love and beauty of Greek mythology to illustrate Persephone’s annual return from the Underworld to Earth when meadows filled with flowers and there was an abundance of light, growth and grain;
- The Nutcracker gowns (Autumn Winter 2018/19), which brings to life the works of Russian composer Tchaikovsky. Delicate embroideries illustrate the dreamlike realms from the Kingdom of the Dolls to the Land of the Flowers. The ensemble is made from Sophie Halette French lace, with the tier of each skirt reflecting the different realms the characters venture through; and
- The Sleeping Garden gown (2015 Autumn Winter), which portrays the untamed beauty of a midwinter woodland and features three-dimensional blossoms, willow branch beading and romantic bow detailing.
“These are some of my favourite gowns because they focus on the importance of storytelling and share the essence of Paolo Sebastian with hand-embroidery, elegant draping and delicate fabrics such as tulle and French lace,” Paul said.
“Each collection is inspired by fables or fairytales and becomes a showcase of silhouettes that blend old world glamour and traditional methods.
“I’m proud that we’ve been able to build Paolo Sebastian from Adelaide, so it’s an honour to share this curated selection of my favourite gowns with South Australians at Rundle Place.”
The installation follows Paolo Sebastian’s solo runway show at Melbourne Fashion Festival last month. The show featured 52 pieces from the archives as well as the 2023 Autumn Winter Collection, and the launch of his shoe and scarf collection.
Rundle Place Centre Manager Mandy Beresford says The Retrospective Collection is drawing lots of attention.
“Paolo Sebastian is one of Australia’s leading couture houses that has featured in the pages of Vogue magazine, been presented in Paris several times and worn to the Academy Awards, the Emmys and the Grammys,” she said.
“Every handmade gown is a work of art and the gowns that Paul has selected are truly incredible. It’s a privilege for us to host this special retrospective for South Australians and celebrate the international success of one of our own.”
The Retrospective Collection is on display on the ground floor of Rundle Place, in the heart of Rundle Mall.
Rundle Place is home to the flagship stores of fashion brands including Kookai, Country Road, Seed Heritage, Witchery, Nude Lucy, lululemon, Mimco, Trenery, Oxford, Politix, Peter Jackson, Aquila, MJ Bale, Serafina and Honey Birdette.
The Retrospective Collection
Rundle Place, Adelaide
