Diary of A Style Nomad – MFW 2012
PUBLISHED April 27th, 2012 09:07 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:28 pm
Find out what happened with this Style Nomad as we got behind the scene’s at this year’s Men’s Fashion Week Singapore…
Tuesday 17th
It’s the day before the official start to Singapore’s second instalment of Men’s Fashion Week and things are in ‘full speed ahead mode’. As one of just 10 lucky writers selected to participate in the Leica Photography competition, I have been invited backstage to witness first hand the calm before the storm and catalogue key moments with my loaned Leica camera. Delicious-looking models lounge around waiting for their fittings, sound and lighting guys rush from place to place lugging heavy duty cables and serious-looking contraptions, and around me the stage for the week’s events is being lovingly constructed. Lawn is laid, cherry blossom trees are artfully ‘grown’ and there’s a buzz in the air….it’s fashion!
Wednesday 18th
Men’s Fashion Week Singapore 2012 is off and it’s a full house! On the red carpet, celebrities such as South Korean pop singer ‘Se7en’, Korean actor Sung Hoon and singer-songwriter Yuna Ito show off their fashion credentials. Also in attendance are many of the designers themselves, Nick Hart and Song Zio, celebrity aesthetic doctor Dr Georgia Lee, socialites Emily Hwan and Chang Yu Lan, nightspot owners Ritz & Bobby, international media and prominent stylists, fashionistas, writers and bloggers from around the region.
Savile Row’s Spencer Hart – renowned for exquisite, bespoke British tailoring, make their first ever runway debut show featuring a total of 27 looks, specially created for Men’s Fashion Week Singapore 2012. A firm favourite with male celebrities who appreciate a well-cut dose of British dandy, the crowd seems impressed by this jazz-infused collection with its clean, sophisticated lines.
Songzio’s show sees top Korean supermodels, Lee Soo Hyuk, Kim Han Soo, Lee Tae Hwan, Heo Min Ho as well as Japanese actor, Tanihara Shosuke blaze the stage to rapturous applause. Songzio’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection comprises of sophisticated black, grey and aubergine colour tones in elegant yet funky silhouettes.
A key theme in this week’s events is the synergy between music and fashion, so throughout the week we will be treated to Asia’s musical stars as well as it’s sartorial ones. Tonight, guests are entertained by internet sensations Jung Sungha – a 15 year old, extremely talented guitarist with over 427million Youtube views (that’s a lot of views right?!!), Megan Lee – an absolute cutie pie with a soaring voice and Korean pop band, 8eight – known for their R&B influenced vocals.
Thursday 19th
Day 2 and it’s all about the Korean designers and Se7en (aaaaaarrrrrrrrgh squeal– more on that later!).
Beyond Closet kicks off with a charming, preppy take on the collegiate look and then in total contrast, Vandal evokes a sombre tone with their all-black collection. Despite the dark palette, shades of light are introduced through draping and pleating, and the intricacy of the craftsmanship is beautiful to see. The black cone hats worn by the models have a surreal, other-worldly effect.
Resurrection is next with their take on military meets sophisticated goth chic, but the mood is quickly lightened by D.GNAK’s Charlie Chaplin inspired collection. The classic suit is modernised with quirky details, and a sense of playfulness. Model’s jauntily strut down the catwalk with canes and fake moustaches, reminding us all that fashion doesn’t have to be so serious.
General Idea close the night with its highly-wearable and sporty collection, inspired by the 1968 Olympics. Quilted fabrics, kneepad detailing and fur collars are key here for ultra chic sportswear.
The 2nd night of Men’s Fashion Week Singapore ends on a slightly hysterical note as K-pop star, Se7en, takes to the stage. Girls swoon, guys swoon, and there’s a lot of wistful sighs as he gyrates to the beat. Even this nomad has to admit he’s pretty handsome!
Friday 20th
Tonight four Japanese designers take to the runway showing just why they’re known for cutting edge fashion.
Accompanied by famed Japanese pianist H Zett M; Japanese glam-rock cult label, Diet Butcher Slim Skin gets us off to a flying start showcasing a collection fit for a gentleman, enhanced with pops of blues and red. Orange is the statement colour for the second Japanese designer, Jun Hashimoto, who also shows fine tailoring made current with flashes of vibrant colour. Up next is Pascal Donquino, who brings us Country Club chic in muted tones. Closing the night is Factotum, with utilitarian and military-inspired looks as the core of each collection, precision tailoring and layering are showcased, with checks, scarfs and outer-coats. Yuna Ito blows the crowd away with her power-house vocals and ends the 3rd night of Men’s Fashion Week on a high note!
The crowd tonight are looking super stylish and there is stiff competition for best dressed tonight. However, the clear favourite and winner is mini fashionisto, Sorao Fukatami, the 4 year old son of Hisashi Fukatami, designer of Diet Butcher Slim Skin’s, who puts many of the grown men present to shame with his fashion flair!
Saturday 21st
Singapore’s sole representative, Reckless Ericka takes to the runway with their androgyny-meets-fashion offering. Male models in wigs and female models walk side by side as the brand plays with textiles, patterns and colours. Men in skirts is the order of the day!
Bodybound explores uniforms as symbols of conformity, sportswear meets space age as techno fabrics and bulbous articulated joints seem reminiscent of Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World”. French Couturier, Alexis Mabille, gets pulses racing as he showcases his HOM Underwear line alongside his menswear collection. It’s hard to know where to look! Next up is Casely-Hayford’s uber cool, street inspired collection, colour features strongly and the feel is decidedly strong and masculine. Matthew Miller then treats us to a kaleidoscope of amazing prints and bright, bold colours, the collection goes down extremely well and he is received to rapturous applause.
Thai singer, Bie KPN, gets the girls swooning tonight as he serenades us. Judging from the lady next to me, clutching her hands to her chest and singing every word along with him, he’s quite the heartthrob.
Day 4 of MFW Singapore ends with Richard Chai presenting his Autumn/Winter 12 collection, titled ‘Into The Woods’. The look is sexy lumberjack with fantastic accessories and it draws massive cheers. As the night draws to an end, Royal Pirates take to the stage and get everyone to cut loose and throw some shapes!
Sunday 22nd
It’s the final night of what has been a fabulous week. Marina Bay Sands sure know how to host a party and the champagne is flowing. MCM who have had a dedicated VIP lounge for the whole event show us the meaning of luxury with their chic, aspirational collection.
Eli T. Singapore’s very own paramour and one of Cleo’s Magazine’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors in Singapore steals a few hearts with his blend of East-meets-West urban pop.
All that’s left is to congratulate everyone who has been involved and revel in the huge accomplishment that has been Singapore Men’s Fashion Week. The 5 day extravaganza has not only showcased established designers, but has also thrust the spotlight on to emerging talent and perhaps most interestingly, local talent. There’s a real sense of excitement and achievement that this event, hosted here in Singapore has been such an unparalleled success. I have loved every minute of it and just have one question…..when is it the ladies turn? I’ll keep you posted!
Written by Heh Zee.
Hosted by Leica.
