Living the dream at Fide Fashion Week! Part 1- Asian Couture

PUBLISHED December 7th, 2012 03:42 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:18 pm

Since it’s conception but more so in recent times, the relevance of Haute Couture has been questioned, it’s accessibility doubted and it’s purpose derided. To those that feel that way, I say… one might as well turn off your imagination and go and live in a box. Haute Couture’s offerings are of such distinction in concept, design and exquisite technique, they are comparable with the most sublime of art. They are an exercise in unlimited imagination, the actualisation of a dream, with no limits on cost or capability, Haute Couture provides us with the most beautiful clothing that can be envisioned by a creative mind.

Last week my life became a sea of sparkles and wondrous imagination, because Haute Couture came to Singapore and reminded us all what a furtive imagination can create. It was a fairytale, a spectacle but also, importantly…a revealing of Asian talent, often forgotten in a European-dominated market. The kimono became a intricate weave of riotous colour while heritage influences became avant-garde masterpieces, Asian Couture was put on the world stage… and we loved it!

Day 1

Fide Fashion week began in auspicious style as Guo Pei from China brought her creations to the runway. Her first look was revealed by four contemporary dancers whirling and writhing around a cloaked figure, who..when disrobed, was wearing what can only be described as a fairytale princess’s dream. From afar each look was hugely impactful but with each new offering, the audience leaned a little closer to fully appreciate the detailing which was painstakingly evident.

I loved this Chinese dragon inspired look which shimmered and sparkled under the spotlights and reminded us all, that this was Chinese Couture we were witnessing!

Next up was Asava of Thailand and Barney Cheng of Hong Kong

but it was Torgo from Mongolia that gave me goose-bumps.

Strong, powerful silhouettes, almost super-hero like, hugely theatrical, with dapplings of gold on bold colour. A masterpiece on a peacock blue canvas!

Day 2

Day 2 was dedicated exclusively to the amazing couture creations of three Japanese Couturiers –Somarta, Junko Shimada and Yumi Katsura. With all three making their debut in Singapore at Japan Couture evening, the Japanese ambassador and Kenzo in attendance, there was a tangible sense of national pride.

Somarta’s show was beautiful, with my personal highlight being this look, which conjured images of ninja warriors in my mind, juxtaposed against the feminine elegance of pearls, lace and diamonds. So feminine, yet so strong.

Junko Shimada collection was bold and zesty, drawing on Middle Eastern influences, models resplendent in bright turbans and handmade harem-inspired shoes.

However it was Yumi Katsura, well-regarded as the ‘Queen of Wedding Gowns’ in Japan, who stole the show.  First we saw evening gowns reminiscent of Club Tropicana sashaying down the catwalk. Next riots of taffeta and petals in every hue imaginable, then a foray into kimono’s

and finally in a finale that had us ooh-ing and ah-ing, she gave us this iridescent, dreamlike, pearl cotton candy whirl..

impressive in itself…until the lights went off!

Wowed is something of an understatement! To the sound of rapturous applause Japan Couture Night drew to a close and we held our breath for what may come tomorrow.

Watch this space for Part 2…

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Written by Heh Zee

Huge thanks to Jansen Siak at WomComm and his team for inviting us to be their guests.