From Prisons to Paris

Days ago my friend commented that fashion isn't very recognized in Singapore and hence expressed his doubt in entering this precarious industry. Upon further thought I couldn't help but disagree, as the local fashion scene is definitely a flourishing one abuzz with vibe and I already find it quite difficult to keep track of the several happenings in town! Granted, one could perhaps only name the annual Audi Fashion Festival if asked about any local fashion news worthy of excitement. Yet fashion has taken a bold turn here in Singapore and it's definitely more than alive and kicking!

First up Calvin Klein showcased his Spring Summer 2010 collection in the former Queenstown Remand Prison in January this year, taking the local fashion scene by storm and convicting us that the most happening events can take place in the most unexpected of locations. Well, creativity and thinking out of the box was all it took to make waves in the young fashion industry here and carve a name in Singapore's history.

Supermodel Liu Wen at Calvin Klein's S/S 2010 showcase

But fashion in Singapore is not confined to luxe labels setting foot in new malls dotting Orchard Road. Local labels such as Elohim and Harryhalim are redefining Singapore fashion in subtle, unannounced ways. I was pleasantly surprised to see Elohim's Spring Summer 2010 campaign at bus stops and even more excited to see Harryhalim's Paris Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week debut! Talk about national pride!

Elohim S/S 2010 campaign



















Harryhalim F/W 2010 show at Paris fashion week

Perhaps then it is still valid to claim that fashion is and will be a precarious industry in Singapore, at least in the near future. However things have certainly changed - the population's perception of fashion and of style, big brands' view of Singapore as a lucrative retail market and the society's enthusiasm for promising talents of tomorrow. Thus to me, the sun can only continue to rise in Singapore's budding fashion scene. As to what's in store- we shall wait and see.

Avalanche of Fashion. and of School.

I'm on the verge of giving up. No, I will never stop blogging fashion. After all, who can stop musing on the creativity that oozes from the multitude of masterpieces that grace the runways each season? But my point is sometimes these all too glamorous creations evolve so fast, to an extent where they gather to become an avalanche, crushing my sensory perceptions, stripping away any chance to stop for a breath of fresh air. Pessimistic? Perhaps. But until fashion takes a break (which it never will), I cannot help but feel that the burden of keeping up with fashion season after season, trend after trend, somehow diminishes my passion for it. If only I were fully devoted to fashion, then perhaps my enthousiasm would, on the contrary, be fuelled by the breathtakingly rapid changes of creation.

Now I see the point in fashion bloggers going full time. And I see the point in designers' wanting to go on hiatus.

Same here for school.

Tutorials, lectures, tests, projects and assignments never take a backseat in school. But unlike fashion, nobody condemns you when you slack off temporarily. After all, fashion is mean business whereas school is an educational playground, ideally speaking. And we do have holidays. So for me it's all about A levels this year. It's time I get my nose buried in those books and look forward to the fruits of my labour at the end of the year. Then will I perhaps reignite my passion and get back to business.