South Australia’s own Paolo Sebastian to make history at Dubai Fashion Week

In a landmark moment for Australian fashion, Adelaide’s own couture house Paolo Sebastian is set to make its runway premiere at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) this February. As the first Australian brand invited to the prestigious event by its founders, Dubai Design District and the Arab Fashion Council, this is a huge milestone for the label’s growing international acclaim.

For 17 years, Paolo Sebastian has captivated the fashion world with its bespoke couture creations and enchanting storytelling. The brand has garnered a loyal following through trunk shows in major fashion capitals like Paris, Doha, and Dubai.

“Each time we visit Dubai, we fall more in love with it,” says Creative Director and Designer Paul Vasileff. “To now be welcomed into their leading fashion event is an absolute dream come true.”

At Dubai Fashion Week, Paolo Sebastian will unveil its 2025 Spring/Summer Couture Collection, showcasing to a global fashion audience.

“We could not be more thrilled to launch our 2025 Spring/Summer Couture Collection at Dubai Fashion Week. It’s a privilege to bring our vision to an event that celebrates innovation, diversity, and creativity on a global stage,” Vasileff shared.

Following the runway debut, Vasileff will offer private consultations at a Dubai trunk show, giving clients an exclusive opportunity to engage with the collection.

“Paul Vasileff, learnt to sew from the age of three. Initially taught by his Grandmother he completed his first evening dress at age eleven, Vasileff was fascinated by the inner workings and underpinnings of garments. With dreams of one day becoming a couture designer, he developed his skills by undertaking private lessons in pattern making and sewing from the age of thirteen,” shared a spokesperson.

“With friends as early clients, Vasileff was captivated by the transformative powers of fashion. Upon seeing the positive change in these young women when they wore his creations he was convinced this was his path. He dreamed of one day starting his own brand that could inspire clients across the globe.

“The 2007 launch of the first Paolo Sebastian collection marked the label’s foray into the fashion world. This original collection was designed, drafted, and hand-sewn by Vasileff himself, at the age of seventeen,” she shared.

Since then, Vasileff’s designs have dazzled on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the Met Gala, Academy Awards, and Golden Globes. A-list stars such as Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Rebel Wilson, Heidi Klum, and Anya Taylor-Joy have donned his romantic silhouettes, which are known for their intricate detailing, illusion tulle, and fairytale-inspired charm.

Handmade in Adelaide, each piece is brought to life through the mastery of Vasileff and his team of 18 specialised seamstresses. Vasileff has built a team that strives for excellence, where each member exhibits the highest level of care and meticulous attention to detail that can be seen throughout every stage of their work.

Paolo Sebastian often takes inspiration from old Hollywood films, fairy tales and folktales. Vasileff constantly draws inspiration from a world of fantasy. Whether it be lovelorn Nightingales, Sleeping
Gardens, or Snow Maidens, each Paolo Sebastian season aims to evoke a sense of magic, wonder and enchantment, and we’re sure the 2025 Spring/Summer Couture Collection will be as magical as ever.

Paolo Sebastian’s debut at DFW marks another chapter in its journey, cementing its status as a global couture powerhouse while continuing to redefine beauty and craftsmanship.

Find out more, here.