Singapore struts onto the international catwalk
MANILA, Philippines - If the dazzling wave of recent fashion events in Singapore is any indication, it looks like the Lion City is fiercely determined to strut onto the global fashion ramp and literally steal the show from the world’s existing fashion capitals.
To cite an example: In the Audi Fashion Festival 2010 and the Blueprint 2010 during the recent Asia Fashion Exchange, international buyers flew all the way from Europe and the US for the opportunity to see the future of fashion from some of the most promising Asian designers, international labels, and global brands.
MasterCard Worldwide, a regular supporter of premium global fashion events, was the official card of the Audi Fashion Festival 2010 and main sponsor, and official card of Blueprint 2010.
Natalie Lockwood, group head, regional marketing, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, says the Asia Pacific region is a rapidly expanding fashion market.
According to a study conducted by Euromonitor International, Asia’s combined purchasing power for fashion and footwear reached US$370 billion in 2008, a dramatic increase of over 60 percent from 2007 figures. It also projected the region’s fashion market will grow by 5.4 percent from 2008 to 2013, an impressive figure when compared to negative 0.7 percent in Western Europe and 2.1 percent in North America.
“Our own research shows that fashion and accessories rank among the top two spending priorities for consumers in the Asia/Pacific region and this offers up many opportunities for the fashion and design community here,” adds Lockwood.
At the Audi Fashion Festival 2010 held at the Tent @ Orchard Road, some of the most prominent fashion labels from Milan, London, New York, and Spain converged and wowed the audience with their cutting-edge interpretations of the event theme “Designing the Future.”
This event had a totally dramatic opening featuring the Milan-based brand DSquared2 2010 fall/winter collection from Dean and Dan Caten. The iconic Canadian twins dazzled the audience with their sexy and provocative styles made even more mesmerizing by Estonian supermodel Carmen Kass who headlined the show, which featured sleek black leather suits, tight leggings, and jackets that gave off a Matrix-gothic feel.
The atmosphere became even more intense when avant-garde British label Kokon To Zai (KTZ) paraded its flamboyant and funky clubwear on the runway. KTZ masterminds Marjan Pejowski and Sasha Besovski displayed a gala of extravagant, out-of-this-world outfits that are loved by Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.
Another standout is the Samsung-sponsored Marchesa show that revealed stunning, beautifully crafted evening gowns designed by Karen Craig and Georgina Chapman. This dramatic, ultra-feminine collection consisted of pieces guaranteed to make celebrities shine on the red carpet.
From red carpet glam, the theme moved on to Pure Light with Spanish clothing chain Mango spring/summer collection for men and women that showed off pureness and simplicity as key elements. Its flirty skirts, denim corsets, and floral sundresses captivate the crowd.
Pure elegance was embodied by legendary jeweler Tiffany & Co., a favorite of many iconic stars — from Audrey Hepburn to Kate Winslet. It was an eyeful of perfected legacy, style, and beauty as models walked down the runway in glamorous Herve Leger gowns that accentuated these luxurious yet modern creations.
Raoul, the Singaporean fashion label that went global, showcased a rich mix of colors and prints in its collection of cardigans and loose-fitting pieces. Pleated and tucked fabrics with fluid lines gave the collection a modern appeal.
Capping off the spectacular show is the grand finale featuring Roberto Cavalli’s glamorous and sexy 2010 collection. The exceptional Florentine designer took his signature bold, exotic prints straight from Milan to the catwalk of Singapore in what he described as “one of his best shows.”
The first Cavalli show in Singapore, opened by South Korean supermodel Song Kyung-Ah, was so sensational that it merited a five-minute standing ovation from a very appreciative international audience.
Another major event in the Asia Fashion Exchange was Blueprint 2010, a three-day trade show for international buyers.
The exhibits and shows featured traditional to cutting-edge creations, ready-to-wear collections, and mid- to high-end jewelry and accessories from 50 of the best Asian designers and labels. Also, consumers had a chance to shop for designer pieces off the runway at the Blueprint Emporium.
To complement Singapore’s vibrant and thriving fashion environment, MasterCard is building a strong fashion platform to stimulate demand for local and regional designers, and promote the diverse and dynamic Asian fashion scene.
“MasterCard understands that many of our cardholders are passionate about fashion and we look forward to bringing them many exclusive privileges and experiences with our involvement in Asia Fashion Exchange,” enthuses Lockwood.
In its fourth year as a strong supporter of Singapore Fashion Festival, MasterCard has been supporting major fashion shows globally including Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, 30 Days of Fashion in New York, and MasterCard Luxury Week in Hong Kong.
