Auguste Soesastro

Auguste Soesastro is a fashion designer.

Early life and education Soesastro was born in Jakarta on August 10, 1981. His father was Hadi Soesastro, a leading Indonesian economist. On his father's recommendation, he studied architecture at the University of Sydney, and also attended the Australian National University where he gained a degree in film and digital arts. Afterwards, he studied fashion design at the École de la chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne in Paris, then moved back to New York, where he spent his early childhood, to work as an assistant pattern-maker for Ralph Rucci for three months. After his father's death in 2010, Soesastro moved himself and his business to Jakarta.

Soesastro describes himself as an environmentalist who insists on only using biodegradable natural textiles in his clothing, such as pineapple and water hyacinth cloths. He has said 'I think it's very important to be an advocate of the environment because I think the way we live is not sustainable enough.' He makes a point to keep up with his suppliers, checking that they observe the principles of fair trade and ecological sustainability, saying 'It's important to make clothes with good karma, and good karma starts from the fibers.'