25 Years in the Making: Ivan Gunawan's Creative Workflow With His Trusted Pattern Maker

Indonesian fashion designer Ivan Gunawan, widely known as Igun, is marking 25 years in the nation's fashion industry. Reflecting on his creative journey, Gunawan shared that his primary source of inspiration comes from books, a departure from the social media-driven approaches common among many contemporary creators. He finds platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook unhelpful for sparking design ideas. Gunawan also detailed his unique approach to sketching, emphasizing a no-erasure policy. If a line isn't right, he prefers to start on a fresh sheet of paper, ensuring the final garment precisely matches his initial vision. A significant aspect of Gunawan's success is his enduring partnership with Slamet, his trusted pattern maker for the past 15 years. Unlike many designers who keep their behind-the-scenes teams private, Gunawan proudly introduces Slamet, stressing the importance of appreciating the skilled artisans who bring his designs to life. Both Gunawan and Slamet are self-taught in fashion. Slamet evolved from creating ready-to-wear patterns to executing the complex, avant-garde designs characteristic of Gunawan's work. His patterns are meticulously tested on mannequins to ensure a perfect fit, often reducing the need for multiple fittings for clients. This dedication to craftsmanship and team appreciation defines Gunawan's celebrated quarter-century in fashion.

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I can't find inspiration (for clothes) on Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, no. So my source of inspiration (in designing) is from books.