Syamimi YusoffReview: Singapore Designer’s Showcase @ Audi Fashion Festival
Much has been said (or air-kissed) about designers like Oscar de la Renta showcasing at the Audi Fashion Festival, but for one warm Saturday afternoon, the attention is on homegrown designers at the Singapore Designers Showcase.
Despite a half-filled tent and lack of star presence in comparison to local boutique owner Yoyo Cao’s Exhibit show the previous night where we spotted the likes of David Gan and Dr Georgia Lee, the show must go on. Because if Singaporeans are not supportive of homegrown labels like Aijek, AWOL and Triologie, who will?
AIJEK
Self-taught designer Danelle Woo creates garments which epitomize cool elegance as seen in her choice of lace fabric and environmentally friendly color dyes in her Fall/Winter 2014 collection ‘Fly Home’.
Woo also embraces the sexy tomboy style, adding intricate oriental prints in her easy-to-wear dresses, a take on the reality of life and the fantasy of dreams.
AIJEK is all about beautiful tailoring and effortless style as its highly wearable collection boast basic blacks, whites, navy blue and violet. The collection also adopts the ‘less is more’ philosophy with flowing dresses that are lightweight and simple but showing more skin than ever.
White lace and easy cuts that normally evoke wedding vibes instantly becomes fashionable with the timeless halter neck and elongating neckline. It’s naughty but at the same time extremely sophisticated, adding a subtle touch of femininity to the masculine white pantsuits.
TRIOLOGIE
If you thought the runway looked more like a time capsule this season, it was because vintage emerged as Triologie’s major influence in their Spring/Summer 2014 collection titled ‘Kaleidoscope’. Highly inspired from the hues and blues of the 1980s era, a myriad of colors and eclectic mix of textures were seen gracing the runway.
With the duo’s impeccable tailoring and styling, fashion has become a compendium of the past now, as retro is also enjoying a comeback with Triologie showcasing a series of whimsical printed knee length dresses paired with bold-colored stockings, bright sleeveless rubik garments with intricate back details, short dresses with glittery sash and color blocking tops with flutter sleeves. Buttercup yellow? Check. Neon pink? Check. Electric blue? Check. Name a loud and bold color, Triologie has it.
Although the timeless element is evident in the collection, Kaleidoscope might appeal to only woman in their thirties and above. Yes, we can all agree that it is a rehashing of a great movement but the collection lacks the groundbreaking X-factor.
The innovative duo designers Sylvia Lim and Jennifer Neo have reinvented a classic and added their own fresh twist to it.
AWOL (All Walks Of Life)
The audience erupted into cheers and applause when two adorable 5-year-olds decked from head to toe in rainbow houndstooth greeted the runway while clenching onto alphabet balloons which spell – you guessed it – AWOL.
AWOL showcased a string of futuristic and holographic garments for its Fall/Winter 2014 collection, which was titled “State of Mind”. Designer Alfie Leong created his entire collection with a strict color palette of white, black, grey, silver and an occasional yellow.
Cue structured jackets, slinky dresses with sturdy ruffled hem lining, eccentric headpieces, striped suits with peplum detail, a luscious metallic skirt and an abundance of fringing on the runway – perhaps a state of Leong’s mind which is in constant flux.
Looks like A.W.O.L is now ready to embrace shape shifting silhouettes that are now snugly fitted, casual and highly practical.
All photos courtesy of Audi Fashion Festival Singapore