Nothing short of full blast glamour – that was exactly what anyone present at Francis Cheong’s spring collection would bring home from his show. With an extensive showcase of Cheong’s signature gown designs by models and even his friends, it was definitely a night not to be missed.

Cheong’s showcase at this year’s Singapore Fashion Festival on Apr 4 at the Tent@Orchard was a collaboration with coffee brand CappaRoma.

You might wonder why these 2 seemingly unrelated companies were working together to put up a fashion show. Well actually, both parties have the same view, according to the official press release, when it comes to maintaining weight, staying in good shape and keeping up with fashion. And the goodie bags had packets of instant CappaRoma coffee that come in different sugar levels, very apt indeed!

Thrilled guests, ranging from celebrities such as Dick Lee, Chen Han Wei and Patricia Mok, to expatriates and socialites, surged in from the reception area after mingling and downing glasses of champagne. Murmurs of exhilaration were interrupted when the lights dimmed and the music started. All eyes were on the runway when the model, donning Cheong’s gowns and blown up hair, strutted down the catwalk. The front row was giving her their utmost support as if they are cheering on an old friend. Well, indeed, the first 10 models who kick-started the show were Singapore’s famous socialites, tai-tais [Wealthy socialites]. All graceful and glitzy, they owned the runway as though they had done this all their lifetime.

With what sounded like a track you’d hear in a typical Bollywood movie being played right after that, professional models took over the runway readily. This tied in with the rationale behind the show, which is going back to our roots and exploring how each and every one of us, according to the official press release.

Vibrant and strong colours were the order of the day. And it wasn’t hard to notice that Francis had arranged the models in order of their dresses’ colours. Together with the models’ well-trained steps and body arches, it was definitely an entertaining show to watch. Ruffles, feathers, and floral prints are what Singapore’s haute couturier Francis Cheong has defined for this year’s spring. His famous evening gowns were ever alluring and figure tugging, sculpturing flattering silhouettes for the ladies.

The neat pleats and bold use of colours were his idea of spicing up 2008’s spring. Even the dramatic makeup, which utilised feathers around the eye, played an essential part in jazzing up the collection. However, the feathers and makeup seemed rather familiar. Fashionistas would immediately spot the similarities between this Francis Cheong show and the work of renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Just when you thought the show was ending, Sheila Sim, Singapore’s budding model, stole the limelight with her entrance. You could dub this finale the “Angelic Entrance” – as she sailed elegantly in in a white dress with sequins and long strands of fur, not to mention, the magnificent pair of wings attached to Sheila’s back. If only the wings didn’t remind us so much of those signature ones from Victoria’s Secret fashion shows.

All glitz and glamour had to come to an end and the man finally appeared on the runway, with bouquets of flowers presented to him. People unfamiliar to him wouldn’t know but friends of Cheong were present not only to give him support, but also to celebrate the designer’s 48th birthday.