Paolo Sebastian FW23/24 during Paris Couture Week

Paolo Sebastian Winter 2023/24 Haute Couture collection during Paris Couture Week.

Paolo Sebastian is delighted to announce its latest couture collection, Luminary, to be showcased

in Paris during Couture Fashion Week.

Inspired by the Paolo Sebastian woman, the collection marks a first for the design house in reminiscing upon its own story over the past fifteen years.

After celebrating our 15-year anniversary, we were left to reflect on who the Paolo Sebastian woman is, says Creative Director and Designer, Paul Vasileff.

Luminary is inspired by the Paolo Sebastian woman. Determined princess, maiden traveller, tempted goddess, moonlit dreamer. For over fifteen years she has embarked on many different journeys, each one as empowering and character-defining as the last. But the journey is always evolving, and so is she. Confident, capable, and in alignment with herself, our heroine is a shining symbol of transformation. She is not afraid of change, nor is she willing to abandon her own values to change for others. When she transforms, it is for her and she shines all the brighter for it.

This collection is a true celebration of who we are and how we got here, continues Vasileff, and to be able to showcase in Paris which has been at the heart of my own transformation as a designer just makes it all the more poignant.

Paris is a place where I get to continually evolve and put my best foot forward. It inspires me to show up and never stop dreaming, but it also encourages me to dig deep, overcome my fears, and keep pushing the boundaries.

Luminary is a striking and elegant collection with a distinctive colour palette of noir, argile, and rose clair. Masculine meets feminine with a thrilling combination of sharp tailoring, corsetry, and high necklines effortlessly balanced with romantic ball gown silhouettes of illusion tulle and sensual body-skimming column dresses. Intricate geometric beadwork of paillette and Swarovski crystal set the scene for a truly exquisite finish.

We spread our wings with this collection by incorporating a slightly darker and more moody palette, utilising different styles such as the bubble skirt which was originally first seen in 1950s Paris and incorporating new details like crystal-embellished sheer gloves.

Standout pieces from Luminary include the strapless ballerina dress in crystal honeycomb beadwork, the velvet open-back tuxedo, and the low-back silk faille gown with embroidered beaded mesh overlay. The featured couture wedding dress is an Italian corded lace column gown with floor-length caped overskirt, embellished florals, and cathedral veil.

This collection is less of a story and more of a mood. Our heroine is gracefully evolving and giving herself space to thrive in whatever version that may currently be.

Shes the hero of her own story, and shes the epitome of our story so far.

Text & Photo: Press Paolo Sebastian