CEBU, Philippines - Following the international success of the world's highest fashion show in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, global fashion mover and shaker Jessica Minh Anh (Marie Claire July 2012) set yet another milestone in the fashion world with J Summer Fashion Show on the Seine, Paris.
She created a whole new fashion show experience on the river's giant glass boat Le Jean Bruel, where guests were seated facing the multi-facetted glass window while the boat was cruising to watch models walking in front of them as if they were walking on water. Thanks to a 360 degree view from the boat, architectural masterpieces such as Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Grand Palais des Champs Elysees and 37 famous bridges became the natural backdrop for the phenomenal 90-metre long catwalk.
The high profile showcase opened with a spectacular couture collection from Filipino designer Joyce Peñas Pilarsky, who teamed up creative crystal accessories of various shapes with long silk and lace dresses. Polish jewellery designer Bitru Fariel presented the richness of nature in the form of colored pieces of pumices, cinnamon, coconut shells, and exotic leaves collected from all around the world, as well as recycled pieces such as coins, nails, wires, electrical cables, and steel coils. Her collection is dedicated to women who are ready to break formal boundaries. Austrian designer Richard Rozbora brought an urban style to the catwalk with high quality and multi functional silk dresses and jackets that accentuate a woman's body. UAE sensation Mauzan transformed traditional abaya designs into modern elegant dresses that floated beautifully on the catwalk. Spanish fashion house Chula came back for the second time with a limited edition of geometric designs especially made for Paris. Each piece in the new collection represented a part of Paris from the Eiffel Tower and Metro to the river Seine and Moulin Rouge. Malaysian pride Limkokwing added color and youth to the show with extraordinary looks which combined the best of East and West. USA luxurious swimwear brand Verano High presented an eclectic mix of exotic prints, hues and sensual silhouettes with a Latin American vibe. To close the show with a bang, Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai premiered an haute couture collection of extravagant long tailed sequined dresses which caught the eyes of all attendees and lit up the grand catwalk.
The highly impressive and unexpected showcase was prepared in less than two months by Jessica and her professional team of event coordinators. Attendees, besides the participating designers, included ambassadors of 10 countries, brand managers, company directors, and the international press. "It was tricky to host such a big show in a city and country I am completely new to. But when the boat started moving and the beauty of Paris was revealed in every scene of the catwalk, I knew I made the right decision. You gotta take risk sometimes," said Jessica Minh Anh. Her previously acclaimed shows were held at England's landmark London Tower Bridge, the world's celebrity destination The Savoy, and the world's highest Skybridge at PETRONAS Twin Towers Malaysia.