As a freelance dressmaker, 28-year-old Gayuh, loves to spend time with her sewing machine. She calls sewing ‘her meditation’ and it is this pursuit that has brought her to The Cut. The desire to learn more, upgrade her skills, and follow her passion to create gorgeous gowns like the haute couture designers that inspire her.

Since 2019, this Indonesian has been living in the USA and planning her future in couture. We spent some time with Gayuh and learned so much about where she came from, where she is now, and how enrolling in the 3-year Diploma program in Fashion Design Creative Arts will change her life.

Share a little about yourself…

I worked as a Dressmaker for over 7 years when I lived in Indonesia. I learned how to sew when I was 10 years old and my mother taught me how to operate a sewing machine. Then I learned basic dressmaking such as pattern making in my high school (I went to vocational school, majoring in dressmaking). Since graduation, I have worked as a freelance dressmaker until I move to the US in 2019. I have a cat, his name is Jose but I have to leave him in Indonesia with my parents and unfortunately, he passed away a couple of months ago.

Why did you originally decide to apply at The Cut for your education?

I chose The Cut Fashion Academy because I can pick and choose the skill that I really want to master in and they offer a Couture Program that I am really interested in.

What skills are you looking forward to learning this semester?

I really want to master pattern-making skills, especially in the making process of an evening gown and wedding dress. I want to learn and master the process of making bustier and detailed dresses, such as beading, etc.

What are your plans upon graduating?

After graduating from The Cut, I am planning to open my own couture house. That is going to be my main goal. I know it is going to be a very long process and to gain tons of experience, I plan to work at a couture house and learn more about practical skills and find a mentor.

What excites you the most about 2022?

What excites me the most about 2022 is going back to learn about dressmaking. Before I moved to the USA, I spent my daily life with my sewing machine for 7-years, I made so many works and challenged myself every single day, but since I moved to the US, I have a job and it is not related to sewing at all. Unfortunately, it makes me feel so empty and lost. I can not wait to go back in my track and deep dive into the skill that interests me. It is also going to be a very challenging year for me because I start school and keep my full-time job, fingers crossed for me!

Who are some of your favourite fashion designers or creators?

Some of my favourite fashion designers are Zuhair Murad and Ali Saab, both from Lebanon, and I love Malyarova Olga from Russia. I think they are the perfect definition of couture designer based on my taste. I do love their works. Their works are so beautiful and they are very good in detail.