Monday, October 28, 2013

Philippines, Thailand and China Couturiers Wowed Guests At Fashion Week 2013, presented by FIDe

Never pass up a good thing, and that is what fashionistas worth their style kicks did – soaking in as much of Fashion Week 2013 as they can get!

Day 8 of Fashion Week 2013, presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks, was more about innovations at its best at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

Michael Cinco, a Philippines couturier based in Dubai for the last 15 years, showed why he is on the top of his game with a near-perfect collection that is inspired by the Spanish dress. Cinco’s interpretations of the sexy flamenco gown were manifested in sheer silk tulles, French laces and heavily beaded, crystallised and embroidered in three key colours – skin nude, lipstick red and gothic black. The collection is so fresh, some of his pieces only arrived that morning! His models were sexy as they slinked down the runway. One key black and maroon gown with a cascading multi-tiered train used as much as 200-metres of tulle embroidered at the hems, and took five helpers to carry it from the changing room to the back of the stage. Upon up-close inspection, Cinco’s workmanship and finishing is second to none. No loose threads, no unfinished seams, just gorgeous and heavenly!

Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Sofia Vergara, Brandy, Britney Spears, Fergie, J Lo, Ciara, and Chris Brown too, are fans and have been photographed wearing his creations.

Next to take centrestage was the Thai duo of Vatit Virashpanth and Itthi Metanee, better known as Vatit Itthi. They started the line in 2002 in Chicago, before relocating back to Bangkok to carry on their line of red-carpet gowns. For this show in Singapore, fresh from Bangkok’s Elle Fashion Week, it was about an “old school, new world” attitude. Adapting ‘old’ silhouettes from around and after WW2, the duo used draping, sheer overlays and embellishments of handmade delicate silk flowers and strategic beadwork to highlight the 29 ensembles of simple and classic lines. When they head home after Fashion Week 2013, they have been booked till early next year for their gowns and dresses (and we now know why); which means they will not be taking a breather anytime soon!

Closing Day 8 with a resounding bang was the respected Chinese couturier Guo Pei with her show that lasted an hour. Known for her fantastical proportions and even more extravagant embroidery and beadwork that knows no boundaries, the collection showcased was an extension of her strengths. Named “The Arabian 1002 Nights”, she showed 18 stunning ensembles, all accompanied with embellished platforms, with a few male model eye candies. Fantasy reigns supreme as she sent one model after another with so much to take in – embroidery, beadwork, crystals, prints, textures all juxtaposed and yet not jarring. This show, like all of her shows, is not about wearability, but a showcase of what Guo can achieve in terms of fabrications, embellishments and ideas. As guests left the Fashion Hall close to midnight, they were talking and buzzing about collection – all feeling amazed, delighted and appreciative.

Mr Stephen Low and Ms Elena Lavagni of Neville Hair and Beauty, London, worked their team hard this evening as they created three sets of vastly different hair styles for the three shows.

"The regional talents we have had the pleasure to work with here in Singapore have shown such tremendous finesse in terms of their craftsmanship and finish that we're thrilled to be a part of. We hope to be invited back to the next instalment of Fashion Week," said Elena Lavagni, Director/Owner, Neville Hair & Beauty, London.


Mr Romero Jennings, M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Director of Make Up Artistry, North America, and his team created make-up looks for all three shows.

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