Model Moment: Rise of the Dragon

Vogue UK recently published an article on the rise of Asian models in their mag. I glimpsed through the article, and in my opinion, it is well written with several insights on Asian models, and the reason they are increasing in numbers at full force in the fashion industry, which still remains largely dominated by Western faces and designers.

I agree that the rise of Asian models is in tandem with the blooming Eastern economy. Western fashion houses see a growing, untapped base of customers and fans of their products in the Asian market, thus attending to their needs and wants is a smart and necessary move to internationalize. Think of how LV didn't stop at selling monogram bags in mega stores in Chinese cities, and went to conceptualize an entire Orient-inspired collection for Spring 2011. Think of how Chanel didn't stop at selling couture to the rich Chinese, and even went to open the prefall 2009 show in Shanghai, calling it the Paris-Shanghai Métiers d'Art Collection.

Above: Louis Vuitton SS 2011 shot by Steven Meisel.

Thus with the vast array of fashion collections with Mandarin collars and Cheongsam-inspired thigh high skirt slits showcased on the runway every season, it seems natural that more Asian faces walk down the runway as well.

My favourite new comer is Xiao Wen Ju. Her face resembles a chinadoll. She is definitely one of the most unique faces I see after Emma Xie. Another relatively new model in the Western scene is Sui He. She was placed among the top 10 new faces this fall on style.com, and she grabbed the opening spot at Ralph Lauren, making her the first Asian face to do so.

Below: Xiao Wen Ju, Far below: Sui He in Marchesa

I'm also excited that Singapore finally has a representative at the Ford Supermodel of the World competition next year! I realized that in the past, Singapore used to participate in this competition broadcasting the competition on Channel 8, but it has ceased for a long time till this year! The winner is Chinese-Indian Puvana S. She was called "ugly" by her classmates, according to the local press. However, she is far from ugly! Her unique look is sure to take her far in the world finals in NY.

Well, I hope that using Asian models on the runway is not like Sportswear looks on the runway -- just a trend that will fade in time. Examining the fashion scene and economy now, Western designers' love with the East should not, and I hope will not wane in the near future.

From left: Ming Xi, Sun Feifei, Xiao Wen Ju, Liu Wen

sources: thefashionspot, style.com, fordsupermodel.sg

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High & Mighty High street!

Well many high street brands have great collaboration with designers & it girls. These brands come up with capsule collections coveted by all fashionistas..as they are deemed to be designer ware at a fraction of the cost! This fall, H&M will up its game with a tie up with Versace. Previous collabs with other designers like Lanvin and Stella Mccartney were already a sell out worldwide, and this time, high street will go plus haute, plus luxe with such a well known couturier. Judging from the pictures available, Versace's signature embellishment, beads and flowy pieces will not be missing in this commercial spin. Apart from menswear & womenswear, Versace will design some homeware pieces as well.

The reason I'm blogging about this exclusive collection is not because H&M is coming to Singapore, but more on the fact that many Singaporeans are hoping this collection will come to the new store here this September! and considering that I got an email from the press from H&M sg regarding this collection, I really hope they will bring the gorgeous couture worthy pieces to our sunny shores.

Heart: Donatella Versace

all pictures are from H&M

Accessoires

Many fashion magazines advise fashionistas to buy accessories, as simple accessories can jazz up any look, from a basic shift dress to a casual bf shirt and jeans ensemble. No doubt my sister and I have been investing some $$ into accessories, especially belts and necklaces. (although I still can't bear to splurge on statement pieces as I do have a decently modest budget)

One of our favourite shop includes Aussie's DIVA. It's array of sparkling accessories sorted out by colours and patterns adorn the walls and shelves of its pristine interiors. Knowing that its the Great Singapore Sales now, DIVA's offerings are not to be missed. The sales for past seasons accessories start at $3, but I will say most necklaces and ea

rrings are 7 bucks and up. I bought a gorgeous ring for 9 bucks. It may not be the best steal in the shop, but this ring was really unique and it looked expensive.

For those who prefer unique accessories, several online shops offer such handmade treasures. Here are some of my recommendations. They do have different price ranges, but above all, the jewellery in there are gorgeous!

Indiesin
Recommended for the rock chic and those on a budget.

Mode.ulation loves: The moulin rouge necklace & all the chunky chains including the Troy coin necklace.

Ocha Cream
The trinkets and charms used in the wide myriad of earrings and charm bracelets are worth the splurge!

Mode.ulation loves: Everything from the Masak Masak (childhood toys) collection! The charms really remind me of my childhood toys!

AmeVi
Very unique charm necklaces and accessories made with love. I spotted this shop at Orchard Central's weekend flea market, Open Doors.

Mode.ulation loves: The watering can necklace!

Hope you guys do check out these websites!

Images courtesy of DIVA, indiesin, ochacream, and AmeVi.

AFF Perspective no. 2

As I interned at SPRING Singapore, I had the privilege of attending STAR CREATION, the show in search of new Asian designers. Walking around the Belvedere VIP lounge tasting macarons and drinking vitamin water was a totally different experience from ushering and stuffing mags & bottles in goodie bags. It was realy exciting to be invited to a show!

Next, I realized how insignificant volunteers were in the eyes of the invited guests - yep that's a hard fact. While as an usher I may think that I did contribute a little part to the flow of the entire event, yet all the audience want is a good show with no hiccups. I guess that's the case in all kinds of shows - theatre, dance and even fashion. On a side note, Star Creation was a little disappointing. There were really great outfits from the finalists (and crazily unwearable ones), but the commercialized creations from last year's winners was a let down. It seemed as though the past 3 winners have lost their creativity to commercialism.

Apart from the Lasalle graduate show, the other show I thoroughly enjoyed was Raoul one. It was oversubscribed with several cases of double seatings, and guests standing along the ailes together with us ushers. Ok back to the show, the entire collection was amazing. It was a monochrome fall collection with bursts of tangerine and violet. Raoul did just as what the brand was famous for -- amazing tailoring of workwear. The pieces were so well made and flowy, that I'm sure they will be coveted by every working woman their among the audience!

A formal twist of stripes and bows that wil turn heads in the office:

Preppy chic even for working girls:

The hairstyle was young and fresh too, the side part pinned to the side was a unique take of asymetric hair dos.
images: zimbio, fashforward

AFF Perspective no.1

I have signed up as a volunteer at AFF! I was down at the Tent @ Orchard on 19 (opening night!!) and 21st night so far. Volunteering as usher/packer wasn't easy, for several reasons:

1. Had to wear black the whole day.

All ushers were dressed in long-sleeved black shirt and formal black pants..it got really hot after a while, doing the packing of heavy stacks of magazines and carry the heavy AFF bags to every seat.


2. Strict rules!

Strict rules were a must of course, given that the organizers wanted to portray a professional image, so photography was not allowed!!

3. Appreciated or not?

Sometimes, I felt quite unappreciated as an usher, or quite insignificant in other words. The space between the front row and the runway was so narrow, so standing right in the middle of that narrow passageway shoo ing people off the runway was really weird, especially since i was standing over a switch right in front of David Gan before The Inspiring World of Redken show commenced.
Below: Guest star creating a hairstyle live during the show.



Follow this link to find out more about David Gan's interview with Fashforward. The cameraman blocked the entire narrow passageway, thank God they didn't take too long for the interview!

Of course, the perks of being a volunteer should be recognized as well. I definitely made new friends in the short 2 days, and apart from that, I got to watch the shows for free =)


The Missoni AW show was great, with Tao Okamoto opening the show. She was a stunner on the catwalk!

The LASALLE graduate show was a show to remember as well. There were many gorgeous outfits, and what I loved about the show was te wearable yet creative designs. Not many groundbreaking and OTT creations like in overseas grad shows, but it was great nonetheless.

My two favourite looks are as above. I simply love the well-draped cyan maxi. It is something different from the other maxis in high street stores!

Stay in tuned for perspective no.2 of AFF...

images: zimbio

t.r.e.n.d: The Maxi

We are starting to love skirts and we're adding them into our wardrobe in a steady stream! However, nothing bothers my mind most other than finding the perfect maxi skirt. After seeing models sashying around with the swishy skirts on and even off the runway, I feel that the maxi skirt is a perfect staple, even in sunny Singapore.

On the runway: Loud!

VS.

Sheer on Jourdan Dunn

My faves are classic styles including

Basic drapey ones:

From Urban Outfitters

Loud printed ones:

From Zara!

Pop colours a la Jil Sander:
From Zara too

Which is the best? I think most importantly I'm finding one that is not stiff, and of the ideal length for my height, not too short as it will then fall to an awkward length!

Images: Zara, UO, Street Archive, Style.com