EDITORIAL · SA STYLE MAGAZINE · ISSUE #29

interview · words · creative direction
We’ve fallen head over heels for Paolo Sebastian and we don’t care who knows it. SA Style couldn’t miss an opportunity to sit down with the Australian label’s Head Designer Paul Vasileff and hear all about his design aesthetic, recent runway collection and how it feels to be awarded Young Australian of The Year 2017.

You embarked on your career at a remarkably young age, how did you start out? It was a natural progression, I really loved drawing and painting and creating things. As early as three I was making things out of wrapping paper. At age 11 I made my first proper dress with the help of my grandmother. My parents recognised my passion for creating and drawing and put me in art class at a young age. Soon enough, I started making school formal dresses, graduation dresses, 21st gowns and then wedding dresses. Once I started designing dresses for the Logies, it really blew up for me.

How did it feel being awarded Young Australian of the Year? It still doesn’t feel real, and I’m incredibly honoured and humbled by it. The actual award process was such a wonderful experience and the support myself and Paolo Sebastian have had from the community and the country is unbelievable. I just want to do everyone proud.

What are the fundamental design rules for Paolo Sebastian?

There’s a very light, ethereal quality to the brand aesthetic. Everything starts with a story, whether it’s very detailed or like the Wild Flowers collection, just a mood. That enchantment and magic is key for us! Also being very feminine, elegant and classic yet relative and contemporary.