Exquisite Experts: 5 Asian couturiers to know about

Tarandip Kaur

07 Jul 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:01

1/5
Guo Pei
As one of the biggest names in Asian couture now, thanks to Rihanna wearing her stunning yellow robe to the Met Gala this year, Guo Pei no doubt posseses one impeccable eye for design. Having been in the business for 26 years now, the Chinese designer never fails to whip up one ornate dress after the other. Her influences tend to stem from her cultural roots and go as far as taking inspiration from opulent eras in the West. Hence from the minute intricacies to the indescribable artistry, we can only fathom how much nimble work goes into each piece.
2/5
Michael Cinco
There's no questioning the sheer mastery of technique and art coursing through the Filipino designer. As far as celebrity endorsements go, Michael Cinco's creations have been worn by the likes of Sofia Vergara, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Dita Von Teese and Mischa Barton, amongst others. He was also the first Filipino designer to have his eco-couture collection show on reality TV show, America's Next Top Model back in 2011.
3/5
Vatit Itthi
While one camp of couture tends to veer on the exaggerated and over the top side of things, the other camp focuses on crafting elegant, expertly tailored pieces. Thai designers, Vatit Virashpanth and ltthi Metanee exemplify that without fault. By understanding how a garment should fit like a glove without comprimising on comfort, it comes as no surprise that the dynamic duo are an immediate favourite. Renowned for their elegant evening wear and reinepreted classic tailoring tehcniques, wearing one of their pieces could simpy be equated to floating on clouds.
4/5
Yumi Katsura
Hailed as the 'Queen of Wedding Gowns' in Asia, Yumi Katsura is known to consistently leave audiences spellbound with her brilliantly ethereal creations. By marrying traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities, the Japanese couturier is one sublime master of fashion. Aside from being a member of ACF, Katsura was also the first Asian member of Haute Couture of Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana, Italy’s haute couture body.
5/5
Sebastian Gunawan
Indonesia has no lack of deft hands when it comes to fashion and one of their main stars in the industry would have to be Sebastian Gunawan. From his first show in 1995 as a young designer to today, 20 years on, it's undeniable that Gunawan is simply a sheer force to be reckoned with. His pieces are exquistely embellished by hand with beads, sequins and semi-precious stones, all of which only serve to enhance the glamourous factor of his designs. While he was distinctively Western in his silhouettes, the past year also saw him experimenting with traditional Chinese garments like the Cheongsam and the Qipao, to remarkable acclaim of course. What can we say, he's an Asian wonder.

Photo: Sebastian Gunawan Facebook

While Haute Couture Week in Paris is well underway, we’ve decided to highlight some of Asia’s equally remarkable names in couture.

While Paris is indubitably the definitive home and authority of couture and with Haute Couture Week well underway in the city, there’s no questioning our starry eyes as soon as an immaculate dress walks down the runway.

However, that’s not to say that our side of the world is any less competent in weaving up intricacies and melding impeccable craftsmanship to arrive at one jaw dropping couture outfit after another. Like the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, which is the regulatory body for couture in Paris, Asia boasts of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF), which was established in 2013. Now to be recognised as a couturier in Asia, the fashion house would have to meet criteria set forth by ACF, which are fairly simple: excellence in design, mastery of art, possess commercial viability and be based in Asia.

Now while it’s arguable that couture has lost its touch with today’s modern world, seeing that prices are exorbitant and possibly only reserved for the elite few, that’s not to say that the art itself is any less worthy of acclaim and appreciation.

So while all eyes may be glued to the French capital for the remaining week, we suggest giving a gander to Asia as well as we highlight these 5 notable designers you should definitely be aware of.

Tarandip Kaur

Photos: SIPA

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