Raffles Hong Kong Wowed in Style at the 2014 Hong Kong Fashion Week
Hong Kong – Raffles Hong Kong staged its first runway show “Modern Tribes & Egos” at the 2014 Hong Kong Fashion Week with a showcase of impressive collections from 10 aspiring Raffles Fashion Designers from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, Thailand and United Kingdom. The audience, including industry leaders from Lane Crawford and Ralph Lauren, were captivated and awed by the high-end fashion apparel that was presented by Raffles Fashion Designers.
The verdict of the runway show: Impressive, amazing and absolutely stunning. Raffles Creative Practitioner, Thomas Empson, explained the theme of the runway show: “As digital natives inherit the earth, guide the fashion industry and evolve codes of style, Raffles attempts to identify, understand and create capsule collections to appeal to Modern Tribes and our Egos”.
Three awards such as ‘Collection of the Year 2014’, ‘Brand Ready’ and ‘Best Creativity’ were also presented to further motivate the aspiring Fashion Designers. Judges from four esteemed fashion brands such as DKNY, H&M, Moiselle and Brilliant Global, were impressed by the collection from Raffles Fashion Designers - Sue Suh and Tommy Chong. Sue Suh bagged two awards namely, Collection of the Year 2014 and Brand Ready, for her “Watchmen” collection that featured menswear sport-lux streetwear as inspired by social issues. Tommy Chong bagged the ‘Best Creativity’ award for his “White Noise” unisex collection.
Meredith Sherwood, a judge from DKNY JEAN, said: “The standard of work from Raffles students was so high this year. It made the selection of the winning collections under the three categories really hard for the judging panel. The fabric manipulation and graphic prints coming from the students’ work was really above par. It was a great honour to be invited to judge at the Raffles Hong Kong’s 2014 Fashion Show. I look forward to seeing these aspiring artists around in the industry for many years to come.”
Raffles Jakarta 's Graduation Collection Preview at the 2014 Jakarta Creative Week
Jakarta - Raffles Jakarta participated in the 2014 Jakarta Creative Week to showcase a preview of the collection by graduating Raffles Fashion Designers to the Indonesian fashion industry. Five Raffles Fashion Designers, Anita Natalia, Fiona Rebecca, Adra, Naarah Nahama and Yovana Elita from Raffles Jakarta, presented their latest creations to the audience at the Kota Kasablanca Mall on Sunday, 8 June 2014. One of the highlights was the ambitious and conceptual collection from Anita Natalia who described her collection as a vision into a bleak future where humans will be replaced by a new species called the “Arthropiens”.
The preview was to prepare the Raffles Fashion Designers ahead of a mega event - Raffles Night 2014, an annual celebration by Raffles Jakarta which will be held at the Hotel Mulia Senayan on 2 October this year. The event will showcase the work of aspiring Raffles Designers from Business Management, Digital Media Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Interior Design, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Visual Communication Design.
Raffles Bangkok Received Trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali
Bangkok - Raffles Bangkok was presented a trophy by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Soamsawali for its contribution as a fashion collection partner at the opening ceremony of the 7th Thai Cotton Fair, held at the Supports Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT).
The theme for this year’s 7th Thai Cotton Fair event was “Modern Living and Lifestyles”. It is an annual event to showcase the diversity of Thai culture through hand-woven cotton from every region of Thailand, and also, to appreciate textile masterpieces created by Thai designers. The event recorded over 7,000 visitors and buyers from Thailand and overseas, and had over 100 booths of tailoring and handicraft traders. It provided an opportunity to boost Thailand’s handicrafts at an international level, and eventually establishing a worldwide presence.
Raffles Bangkok, one of the leading international colleges in Thailand, was also invited as a key partner to design garments for the fashion show as part of the opening ceremony. Three Raffles Fashion Designers, Piyanuch Stickler, Ropuma Manandhar and Hnin Yee Wint, designed a "Heart to Life" collection that consisted of four garments in the Art Couture and Semi-Couture style. The collection was displayed in the event hall from 12 to 15 June 2014.
Click here to view highlights of the fashion show.
Raffles Singapore's Orientation Day
Singapore – The Raffles Orientation Day was held on 4 July 2014 to welcome a new batch of local and international students from various countries for the July 2014 intake. The students are now part of the Raffles Singapore family as aspiring Raffles Designers, Marketers, Entrepreneurs and Psy!
After a warm welcome and course briefing by our Raffles College Director, Programme Directors and Creative Practitioners, the students were in for a great bonding session at the Singapore’s River Cruise. Through the activity, the students will learn more about Singapore and meet like-minded individuals as part of the Orientation Day.
Check out the photo gallery to relive the excitement of the event:
Raffles Jewellery Designers Sparkled at Singapore’s International Jewellery Expo
Singapore - In collaboration with Raffles industry partners, nine Raffles Jewellery Designers were shortlisted to represent Yuli Fine Jewellery, La Putri, Simone and Caratell at the Singapore International Jewellery Expo 2014 (SIJE 2014).
Our nine Raffles Jewellery Designers, Chynthia Susanto, Khiev Mana, Mook Fan Zong, Qiu Ruoqi, Shao Qingzi, Teo Wen Yan, Yang Mingyu and Zheng Zhiqi, were tasked to sketch customised jewellery pieces to meet the customers' needs on behalf of the companies which they represented at the SIJE 2014. The SIJE 2014 was organised by the Conference and Exhibitions Management Services at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre from 3 to 6 July 2014. More than 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries showcased their stunning jewellery collections at the event. Other event highlights included the jewellery fashion shows, networking sessions and jewellery appreciation talks.
Hector Arturo Salazar Navarrete, Raffles Creative Practitioner and Programme Coordinator of 3D Design Department, said: "This event is a good opportunity for Raffles to showcase how our students can grow and bring out their potential by our top international Creative Practitioners in Raffles."
Raffles Singapore Designers Showcased Their Talent in the Büffel Art Competition
Singapore - Two Raffles Singapore Designers garnered thousands of votes and emerged as the winners with the most number of votes on Facebook for the Büffel Art Project, organised by Braun Büffel. Congratulations to our Raffles Multimedia Designer Yang Ming and Raffles Animation Designer Pang Yen Ser!
The Büffel Art Competition serves as a platform to support aspiring artists in showcasing their talents on a national level. The inaugural competition was held on 10 May 2014 at VivoCity, where promising artists constructed their work of art on the spot. Funds raised through an online auction of the projects went towards “Very Special Arts Singapore” who was the charity and beneficiary in 2014.
Raffles Singapore Designers showcased their talent using their boundless imagination and artistic flair to embellish and personalise the Büffel figurine freely. Their artistic creations were judged by an esteemed panel of judges at the Braun Büffel Asia-Pacific Headquarters. Their creations were also subsequently exhibited around Singapore.
Kenji Choo, Raffles Creative Practitioner and Programme Director of Visual Communication Department, said, "This competition not only serves as a good exposure for my students, but also instils a sense of philanthropy in them. Ultimately, it is not just the design concepts that define them as good designers."
Raffles Graphic Designers Bagged Multiple Awards at the 2014 Safety@Work Creative Awards
Singapore – For the third consecutive year, Raffles Designers have done us proud once again in the 2014 Safety@Work Creative Awards. Three of our outstanding Raffles Graphic Designers, Arief Ong, Liu Jiayi and Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngoc bagged three awards under the Poster Design category – Gold, Judges’ Choice, and Commendation Award respectively.
The award presentation ceremony, held at the Holiday Inn on 26 June 2014, were graced by Mr Tan Pheck Hock, President and CEO of Singapore Technologies Engineering, Mr Lai Poon Piau, Executive Director of Workplace Safety and Health Council, Ms Elim Chew, CEO of 77th Street, as well as other judges for the competition.
Our Raffles Graphic Designers left a deep impression on the judges, especially Mr Lai Poon Piau. “I particularly like the poster with the concept designed by Arief Ong. The message was delivered in a very unique and different perspective but at the same time very straight forward.” said Mr Lai.
Arief’s poster was designed to reach out to office workers, depicting fatigue at work with the clever combination of a pillow and suitcase which made the poster both aesthetically appealing and sophisticated. “I felt very blessed to have my Raffles Creative Practitioners guidance along the way and giving me valuable advices.” said Arief. Jiayi was also pleased with the results and commented that she learnt a lot about concept building through this competition, and that her Raffles Creative Practitioners played a huge role in helping her.
Raffles Interior Designer Randoll Lee Shares His Experience
Singapore - Randoll Lee, our Raffles Interior Designer who graduated from Raffles Singapore in 2010, has made a name for himself among his clientele in the monthly interior design-solutions magazine, Square Rooms, which covers all aspects of interior designs.
Randoll from Malaysia is currently a proud owner of Hall Interiors located at Lavender. He is famous for providing modern and sophisticated interior designs. His most recent feature in the Square Rooms magazine was to design a home for a bachelor. Randoll utilised raw materials in a bold and plush way, catering to the client’s lifestyle and needs. “All my designs are very customer-centric. My inspirations come at any time, for example a vacation. I see different structures and architectures that inspire my creativity,” said Randoll.
A word from Randoll to all aspiring Raffles Interior Designers: “If you have the passion, just go for it.”
Click here to watch his video.
Visit Hall Interiors at:
465 Crawford Lane #01-02
Singapore 190465
Contact no.: +65 6298 0354
Email address: admin@hallinteriors.sg
Website: www.hallinteriors.sg
Raffles Singapore Grooms Fashion Designer Anrini Polim
Singapore - Anrini Polim, Raffles Fashion Design Alumnus is one of many successful designers groomed by Raffles Singapore. Anrini is now a boutique owner of her own fashion label, ANRINIPOLIM. Soon, she will be expanding to a ready-to-wear label for her next career milestone.
"Raffles provided me with a conducive learning environment that is fast paced and disciplinary, of no limitations to our creativity. It is this freedom and discipline that hone my creativity and groom me in becoming a better fashion designer." said Anrini.
After her study at Raffles, Anrini did an industrial attachment with Marchesa, a brand specialising in high-end women’s wear. "The fashion industry is never easy. It is essential to always stay resilient and never give up. Your learning journey does not end after you have graduated as you have to constantly upgrade yourself throughout your career pathway. Read a lot and absorb new information like a sponge. Start as early as possible, have faith in your talent, stay persistent in face of rejections, and network as much as you can because you will never know what your connections can bring you down the road." said Anrini.
Visit her boutique at:
ANRINIPOLIM Showroom
Jl. Pluit Timur Raya
Jakarta Utara
Contact no.: 087885368920
Email address: info.anrinipolim@gmail.com
A Successful Raffles Fashion Designer Diana Widjayanto
Singapore - Diana Widjayanto, a Fashion Design graduate from Raffles Singapore established her label, Grace Bridal Couture in November 2013 in partnership with Silvya Widjaja who is also a Raffles Fashion Design Alumnus.
Her label, founded in Indonesia, features a variety of customised bridal gowns and evening wear. With a couture line sophisticatedly created to honour every bride, Grace dedicates its utmost creativity and fineness to turn every loving moment into one beautiful adventure that will be forever treasured.
Diana was the top student in her class at Raffles Singapore and was honoured with a fashion show featuring her collection. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design, and pursed her Master's Degree in Milan’s prestigious institution.
Today, she is an international award-winning Fashion Designer who rose very quickly in the fashion industry. She represented Raffles Singapore in the 2004 Jakarta Fashion Week, received the 2005 Crespi Trophy Fashion Award in Italy, and became a Fashion Brand Manager for Converse Benelux in Germany. She also worked as a Buyer in Shoes and Accessories for Harvey Nichols Jakarta; and a Fashion Stylist for Fashion TV Magazine in Jakarta. She has also dressed Celebrity Chef Fitri Wahab and Indonesian socialites such as Vinna Kartika, wife of Ronald Onggo and many more. Recently, she showcased her collection at the Surabaya Fashion Show where she collaborated with top accessories’ retailer and producer.
Visit Grace Bridal Couture at:
JL. Kartini VIII No 8-10, Jakarta Pusat 10750
Contact no.: 021 629-3978/021 659-3938
Email address: gracediana@gracebridal.co
Website: www.gracebridal.co
Click here for a video by Diana as she shares her experiences with us!
Raffles at the 2014 JobsCentral Career & Education Fair
Singapore - Raffles participated at the 2014 JobsCentral Career & Education Fair at the Suntec Convention Centre on 5 and 6 July 2014. A series of activities were lined up in an effort to reach out to potential students, parents and even adult learners.
Raffles garnered support from Raffles Creative Practitioners to conduct activities to engage the audiences in a fun and enriching way. Raffles Creative Practitioners, Sandra Fie and Paula Garcia Silvan conducted hands-on Jewellery Design workshops whereby participants could customise their handmade jewellery pieces.
Raffles Creative Practitioner, Michael Leong, gave a talk on Leadership in the Global Business World. He adopted an engaging, interactive lecture style in which he induced participants to think further and answer his questions.
Raffles Academic Director and Programme Director of Applied Psychology, Dr. Monica Walet, delivered another talk on Psychology Career Prospects in Non-Profit Sector. Together with Raffles Creative Practitioner, Connolly John Patrick, they had one-to-one consultation sessions with participants who were enthusiastic to learn more about careers in the field of Psychology.
Bandung Trip To ElZatta and Central TextIndo
Jakarta - Raffles Jakarta visited the manufacturing factory of ElZatta and the knitting factory of Central TextIndo in Bandung, Indonesia on 23 May 2014.
At ElZatta, budding Raffles Fashion Designers and Marketers witnessed the process of layering and cutting of fabrics. They also observed the assembly line and how garments are stitched in the factory. They were also given an overview of various product categories and the target market by the factory’s marketing manager.
At the knitting factory of Central TextIndo, Raffles Fashion Designers and Marketers visited a vast setup filled with circular knitting machines. They were also given a preview of the knitting and dyeing to the finishing processes.
Overall, the trip was a great and interactive learning experience for all.
Interactive Outdoor Learning for Raffles Singapore Students
Singapore – Students from Raffles Singapore had a fulfilling and fun outdoor learning session with Raffles Creative Practitioners, John Brummel and Harveen Kaur, at the National Museum of Singapore on 13 June 2014.
In teams, students read aloud the exhibit descriptions at the “Genesis by Sebastiao Salgada” and the “We: Defining Stories” exhibition. They also watched a photo montage of the Singapore’s history with commentary and various stories provided by Raffles Creative Practitioners.
"We added a twist to the sharing session by assigning certain questions to the students who were part of the audiences. This gave them an opportunity to practise their presentation skills outside of class." said Harveen Kaur.
