Spring and summer are often about florals and pastels. However, London-based Singaporean fashion designer, Ashley Isham, has re-defined 2008’s spring and summer for the ladies with a lot of draping and usage of unique materials, like how he has always been known for.

Ashley Isham’s latest Spring/Summer 2008 collection wowed the crowd at this year’s Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF), held at Tent@Orchard at Ngee Ann City. What kick-started the showcase was a series of dresses with prints that resemble pixels. These monochromatic dresses were tailored so brilliantly that they looked as if the models were born in them. The clever usage of belts and seamless tucking of fabrics put great and flattering emphasis on the models’ waistlines.

Long and flowing dresses are definitely a must for when the sun shines and flowers blossom, which fortunately is true of Singapore almost all-year. Likewise, Ashley has spiced up these dresses with a tinge of his personal touch. His signature stunning draping of fabrics to create a simple yet dramatic look is distinctive. The touch of skinny patent belts on the dress completed the ensemble.

Ashley has made Singaporeans proud with his innovative pieces. One of those would be the intriguing woven dress. The intricate intertwining of the fabrics for the dress is extremely alluring and shows his extensive experience in fashion design of 12 years, inclusive of his education years.Another breakthrough, which is also the highlight in this season’s collection, will be none other than the use of hologram foil and glossy vinyl. The bold decision of using such materials, together with the elaborate and crazy folds, has unquestionably earned nods from the attendees.

What we can see from his show at the SFF would be the significance of textures and formations of silhouettes for the ladies. High-waist skirts, tailored blazers, and ruffled dresses – all these accentuate the female form at the right places, bringing out the true beauty of a woman.

Where it falls short is what I’d term the “shredded dresses”. The mass of shredded fabric, plus the prints on it, made the models look bulkier and out of place. This UrbanWire reporter wonders what was going through Ashley’s mind when he was designing this.

And I’m sure Balenciaga’s renowned structured dress has inspired a lot of many other designers as it is well acclaimed by many fashion enthusiasts. Ashley’s vinyl structured dress sure does resemble Balenciaga’s, minus the florals, that is.

But that’s just nitpicking, when his collection has already blown your mind away with his avant-garde and daring designs.


Pictures Courtesy Of Singapore Fashion Festival 2008