Since the launch of his first eponymous luxury fashion label, Tex Saverio Prive, in 2010, visionary Indonesian-born and based designer Tex Saverio has fascinated international superstars of the calibre of Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence and Kim Kardashian with his penchant for dramatic, theatrical and spectacular designs.
On the evening of 25th November 2014 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the Asian Couture Federation (ACF) formally inducted Tex Saverio into the ACF as an Invited Member. The ACF Awards Gala is the first international fashion awards that celebrates the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions of the world’s most elite couturiers, industry leaders and influencers of fashion in Asia. The evening featured the most comprehensive couture runway presentation by couturiers from the ACF, La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, AltaRoma and the newly formed MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Couture Council.
We caught up with Tex Saverio after the glitz and glamour and saluted him for spotlighting Indonesia in the international fashion arena.
Q: What is couture to you?
A: To me, couture is an art and an expression of one’s soul.
Q: What made you decide to be a couturier?
A: It was never a conscious decision to become a couturier, but I fell in love with fashion at a young age. I remember reading the manga series Rose of Versailles as a teenager and being inspired to do my first sketches. From that point, I knew I wanted to have a career in fashion and subsequently studied at the Bunka School of Fashion and Phalie Studio – both in my hometown of Jakarta. I presented my first collection, My Courtesan, in 2010 under the label, Tex Saverio Prive, which was oriented toward couture designs.
Q: Could you please elaborate on the collection that you presented at the ACF Awards Gala?
A: We specially selected two pieces from my couture collection that was showcased as part of the ACF collective show. We wanted to capture the essence of the brand’s DNA – dramatic, theatrical and spectacular – and highlight our signature aesthetic.
Q: Who is the most inspiring couturier to you?
A: I am most inspired by Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga. He was an extremely imaginative designer and artist, who completely transformed the woman’s silhouette in the 50s and dared women to dream of fashion beyond what was considered traditional, or accepted. His dedication to fashion has inspired me ever since I embarked on my career.
Q: Who would you like to dress next?
A: Just as Balenciaga dressed the Spanish royal family and aristocrats, I hope to be able to dress royalty – I would love to understand the various cultural aspects that play a part in creating the perfect royal garment.
Q: What do you think about the future of haute couture in Asia?
A: Asia is the world’s largest market for luxury and I think couture has an extremely bright future in the region. As consumers continue to seek out bespoke designs and experiences, I believe that the desire for couture will grow.
Personally, I am honoured to have been inducted to the Asian Couture Federation, which promotes the highest levels of Asia-based fashion design artistry to the Asian and global markets. The ACF has established relationships with counterparts in major fashion markets, including CFDA in the US, BFC in the UK and La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in France that will further promote Asian couturiers to a global market.
