COUTURíSSIMO announces Sebastian Gunawan to present during Paris' Haute Couture week at a specia

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11th MAY 2016 The Executive Board and Governors of the Asian Couture Federation are delighted to announce that member designer and Asian Couturier Extraordinaire, Sebastian Gunawan has been invited to present his Autumn / Winter 2016 Couture Collection and collaboration with COUTURíSSIMO on the 3rd July during Paris’ Haute Couture Week.

INVITATION TO PRESENT DURING PARIS’ HAUTE COUTURE WEEK

Renowned Indonesian Couturier and Asian Couture Federation member designer and Asian Couturier Extraordinaire, Sebastian Gunawan, will present at Paris’ Haute Couture Week on the 3rd July 2016. For over 140 years, Paris has been the spiritual and creative home of Haute Couture, with its biannual couture weeks the world-renowned platform for presenting the foremost couturiers. For over 20 years, Sebastian Gunawan has established his reputation as Indonesia’s leading couturier, one built on exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail and creativity. In partnership with the Asian Couture Federation, and following the continued support and assistance of the French Embassy in Indonesia, Sebastian Gunawan will present his Autumn / Winter 2016 Couture Collection and special collaboration with COUTURíSSIMO to a key and influential audience in one of the most important couture markets in the world.

Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Frank Cintamani, Founding President of the Asian Couture Federation said, “The Asian Couture Federation, has since its inception been dedicated to promoting the very best couture designers in Asia to a world-wide audience. Sebastian Gunawan, has established himself as Indonesia’s foremost couturier, which was rightly recognised by his being inducted into the ACF as an ‘Asian Couturier Extraordinaire.’ I am delighted that having presented his work so extensively in Jakarta and across Asia, that he will be showcasing his exceptional talent with both his Couture collection and special collection for COUTURíSSIMO on the 3rd July in Paris, during Haute Couture Week.”

Presented to a specially invited audience of over 400 international key media, social media influencers, couture buyers, and fashion leaders, this will mark a milestone moment for Sebastian Gunawan, and Indonesian couture talent. Mr. Triawan Munaf, Head of the Creative Economy Agency, said, “Indonesia has a long and rich creative tradition. Its diverse cultural heritage is admired and respected the world over. It has also made significant contributions to the world of fashion and textiles, including its revered Batik work, as well as many talented designers and artisans.

One such designer, Sebastian Gunawan has established himself as a leading couturier both in Indonesia and internationally. I am delighted that with the support of the French Embassy in Indonesia, and the Asian Couture Federation, that his exceptional work will be presented to a wider audience in Paris, during Haute Couture Week.” Paris has long been the spiritual and cultural home of Couture. Presenting both his couture collection and collection for COUTURíSSIMO, Sebastian Gunawan’s work will be seen in a special runway show in Paris on the 3rd July. This could not have been achieved without the considerable support and guidance of the French Government, and especially the French Embassy, here in Jakarta.

Their support of the Asian Couture Federation and of Sebastian Gunawan in ensuring that his exceptional couture collections can be presented in Paris, during Haute Couture Week has been tremendous. In particular, Mr. Marc Piton, Conseiller de coopération et d'action culturelle who has been a long time partner of the Asian Couture and Mr. Stéphane Baumgarth, Premier Conseiller, both of the French Embassy. The Asian Couture Federation also expresses its sincere thanks to Ms. Corinne Breuze, Ambassador of France to Indonesia. Beyond presenting the most exceptional couture in Paris, today also marks an important moment in the nurturing of the relationship between France and Indonesia and indeed with the Asian Couture Federation.

SEBASTIAN GUNAWAN – AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 COUTURE COLLECTION Renowned for his couture work, Sebastian Gunawan will be presenting his Autumn / Winter 2016 Couture collection in Paris on the 3rd of July. Inspired by ‘Cloisonnism’ (a style of post-Impressionist painting with bold and flat forms separated by dark contours, the term was coined by critic Edouard Dujardin on the occasion of the Salon des Indépendants, in March 1888). The collection is finished in a combination of colours, with a distinctly feminine touch. Over 20 specially created couture pieces from Sebastian Gunawan’s atelier will grace the runway this July.

With the prominence of Paris as the heart of Haute Couture, the presence of Sebastian Gunawan stands as a key moment in Indonesian and Asian couture. His elegant work and refined sensibilities will be given the ultimate platform during the world renwoned Haute Couture Week in Paris.

Commenting on this, Mr. Sebastian Gunawan, said, “I am delighted to be presenting my Autumn / Winter 2016 Couture Collection in Paris this July. The Haute Couture Week has always been the pinnacle for any couture designer, and I am deeply honoured that I will be able to showcase my work and my collection in this city of couture.”

SEBASTIAN GUNAWAN – COUTURíSSIMO COLLECTION The Asian Couture Federation was established to nurture and promote the very best couture talent in Asia. As part of this mission, the Asian Couture Federation will be formally launching its latest initiative - COUTURíSSIMO on the 3rd July in Paris. This ground breaking on-line fashion portal, will provide consumers with access to affordable couture inspired pieces designed by leading couturiers. As part of the launch will be a special collection designed for COUTURíSSIMO by Sebastian Gunawan, which will be presented on the runway immediately following his Autumn / Winter 2016 Couture Collection.