A Cut Above The Rest With Unparalleled Collections At Digital Fashion Week 2014
Singapore - The stage was all set. When Raffles Fashion Designers Winnie Leong, Yunita Lim, and Iven Teh’s collections hit the runway at the Digital Fashion Week 2014, their designs were second to none. It was almost an impeccable closing to the whole segment, with these three Raffles Fashion Designers finishing in great magnitude and style.
Digital Fashion Week is Asia’s highest profile designer showcase. Taking place once a year in Singapore, with their inaugural launch in Bangkok in 2014, it was the only fashion event that promoted the best young fashion designers through events and digital platforms across Asia. Since 2012, Digital Fashion Week has supported more than 50 local fashion designers and has welcomed notable names in the global fashion industry including Naomi Campbell, Patricia Field, Guo Pei and many others.
The theme for this year was ‘European Exchange’ where renowned models such as the world’s oldest supermodel, Carmen Dell’Orefice, were invited to grace the event. Jourdan Miller, winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20, also strutted in style on the runway donning the collection designed by Iven Teh.
Iven expressed in exhilaration during the interview, "Jourdan Miller is amazing and really nice. When I saw her in my signature piece, my emotions was overwhelming and I wouldn’t want it any other way." Right after the show, Jourdan Miller posted a picture of herself in Iven’s signature dress, crediting this talented young designer and his amazing outfit.
The joy wasn’t only for Iven as Winnie and Yunita were both over the moon. “I felt overjoyed and heartening to see my collection at such a grand event. Before the show, we were all nervous and worried, but I felt a sense of accomplishment when the fashion show concluded.” Winnie said in all smiles.
“Being able to participate in Digital Fashion Week 2014 was certainly a good platform for new designers. I hope through this, I can gain greater awareness for my designs.” said Yunita, who is currently working on launching her own label.
Raffles Fashion Marketer Amos Yeo was also invited to showcase his label ‘AMOS ANANDA’ in the retail space. “This was an awesome platform to gain international awareness for my label. It also allowed me to express creativity to design the space to showcase my upcoming collection.” said Amos.
| Impressive Collection By Raffles Fashion Designers at Digital Fashion Week 2014 |
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Exciting Highlights at
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Raffles Singapore's Second Victory At Harper's Bazaar Asia New Generation Fashion Designer Award
Singapore - Since the inaugural launch of the Harper's Bazaar Asia New Generation Fashion Designer Award, Raffles Singapore has been producing numerous talented Raffles Fashion Designers over two consecutive years. Two out of four Raffles Fashion Designers, Seah Loh and Sheila Agatha Wijaya, emerged as top winners for Malaysia and Indonesia regions in 2013. In 2014, two Raffles Fashion Designers Cynthia Fransisca Haryono emerged as top winner while Yunita Lim was among top 10 finalists.
Harper's Bazaar Asia New Generation Fashion Designer Award is a platform for aspiring and talented designers to showcase their works. The competition in 2013 enabled eight emerging designers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to showcase their winning collections at the Bangkok International Fashion Week and Audi Fashion Festival.
In the coming May 2015, Cynthia will be representing Indonesia to compete with regional winners at the grand final in Singapore at the Audi Fashion Festival.
Cynthia was inspired by the idea of third gender. "I was shocked as I didn't expect it at all. However, I was very delighted to be the top winner as I have done Raffles proud by winning this award again this year. To other designers out there, you just have to do it, make things work, make things happen although it may seem impossible."
Raffles Fashion Designers Joe Spinelli, Mai Takemori, Paul Nathaphol and Firdaus Aris Rose To The Challenge At Men’s Folio Designer Of The Year 2014
Singapore – Four Raffles Fashion Designers from Raffles Singapore beat 70 contestants from around the world to compete in the finals and a chance to be crowned as Men’s Folio Designer of the Year. The four finalists were Raffles Fashion Designers namely Giuseppe (Joe) Spinelli, Principal of Raffles Singapore and Programme Director (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing and Management), Mai Takemori, Paul Nathaphol and Firdaus Aris.
On 5 November, the top 10 finalists from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia impressed a panel of fashion experts such as style meister, Keith Png; fashion show veteran, Hideki Akiyoshi; and Group Director of FJ Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, at the National Design
Centre. After a ‘Question & Answer’ session with the finalists and careful deliberation, Joe Spinelli emerged as the top three finalists in the competition.
Experiencing Cultural Exchange Between Raffles Singapore and Bunka Fashion College in Japan
Singapore - Raffles Fashion Designers from Raffles Singapore namely Daniella Grace Krestianto and Zhong Haowen who graduated in December 2014 were winners of the 4th JCC Sustainable Fashion Design Contest. Their triumph entitled them an opportunity to experience cultural exchange with fashion designers from the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, Japan.
From 29 October to 3 November 2014, both of them went on a campus tour at Bunka Fashion College where they explored various advanced facilities used by Japanese Fashion Designers. Bunka Fashion College comprises of a comprehensive resource centre with over 8,000 fabric samples, archives of past fashion shows around the world, advanced technological equipment and many more. They also visited Shima Seiki, a company that specialises in computerised knitting methods, and were introduced to the Wholegarment production technique to understand the differences between Wholegarment and manual knitting methods.
Daniella and Haowen also attended four different fashion shows organised by Bunka Fashion College and Bunka Gakuen University. As part of Bunka's Open Day, they were given a sneak peek into the works of Fashion Design students from Bunka Fashion College, Bunka Gakuen University and Bunka Fashion Graduate University. At Bunka, students not only learned about creating garments, they also learned to create accessories such as jewellery, shoes, bags and hats to go along with the garments.
Daniella shared, "This trip was very beneficial as I can broaden my knowledge in understanding the cultures and unique styles of different countries. From the four fashion shows that I have attended, I observed that the fashion styles in Japan are more extravagant and costume-like instead of street wear or ready-to-wear apparel. On top of that, they experiment a lot with colours, vibrant prints and patterns, unlike what we have in Singapore."
Haowen said, "This Bunka study trip has been pleasant and fruitful as I have discovered their wide array of unique tailoring skills, and learned the vast differences in the fashion styles between Japan and Singapore."
It was indeed an eye-opening experience for Raffles Fashion Designers as they were exposed to the Japanese culture and its fashion industry and acquired knowledge beyond Singapore’s context.
Raffles Jewellery Designer Summer Yang Mingyu Won 2014’s Jewellery Design Award
Singapore - In conjunction with the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair (SJGF) 2014, the Singapore Jewellery Design Award 2014 ceremony was held on 23 October at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. Congratulations to Raffles Jewellery Designer Summer Yang Mingyu, who won the first runner-up for Category B in 2014.
Gracing the event was Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng, President of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Nominated Member of Parliament. The event highlight was a stunning array of the most exquisite and finely crafted jewellery designs. Other activities included seminars, workshops and a jewellery runway show.
Being the largest fine jewellery event in Singapore and the region, SJGF is the leading marketplace for esteemed jewellers to source for dazzling collection of jewellery, gemstones, and related products and services from around the world.
Raffles Designer Samal Bandara Won the Art With Impact Film Contest
Singapore - Raffles Designer Samal Bandara who graduated from Bachelor of Arts (Visual Communication), With Major in Animation in June 2014 from Raffles Singapore was a winner of the Art With Impact Film Contest, a philanthropic competition using mental health as the topic.
Using animation, his short film on 'Schizophrenia' visually portrayed the distress from people affected by the illness and highlighted the harms that arises from the stigma and lack of understanding of this condition. His film aimed to illustrate the full extent of the disorder and the detrimental effects on one's life that other people would not experience or understand. However, with great care and acceptance, there is a possibility that the affected people could find a small ounce of freedom from their constant nightmare.
Samal shared, "I am honoured to be chosen as the winner and grateful to everyone who have helped and supported me, especially Raffles Singapore and Raffles Creative Practitioner Federico. Winning this competition opens many doors for me as my film reached many individuals, along with new filmmakers who aspire to create videos conveying the same message for mental illnesses. This contest also served as a great platform for artists who wish to make a difference for the society through animations and films."
"I am very pleased to witness Samal's hard work being recognised. As a 3D Animator, it is essential for Samal to gain confidence in his works and start his own career. It will also serve as a good example and encouragement for the other Animation students in Raffles." commented Federico.
Samal said, "As an animator or filmmaker, you should make use of the experiences gained in your academic and career, together with your creative juices, to create projects that are interesting and addresses the issues faced by today's society. Explore and challenge yourself as it can truly make a difference."
View his award-winning video here and hear from Samal on his achievement here.
Raffles Fashion Designers Liau Jia Hui, Jessica Paola and Laurensia Salim Conquest For Awards Reaches Italy
Singapore - The string of awards that Raffles Designers have won goes across the globe. Adding on to the international conquest was an award from Italy named “First Edition GIULIACARLA CECCHI PRIZE International Competition”. Raffles Fashion Designers Liau Jia Hui won the Special Mention Award while Jessica Paola and Laurensia Salim won the Honourable Mention.
Organised by Pola Cecchi, daughter of GIULIACARLA CECCHI, this competition celebrated the 100th Anniversary of GIULIACARLA CECCHI’s birth, to commemorate the spirit, style, rigour and skill in transforming fabrics and innovating production techniques that distinguished the work of GIULIACARLA
CECCHI. The theme of the competition was "the research, elaboration and transformation of one or more fabrics for the creation of a high fashion design".
The prize was launched for young creators of women’s wear and designers whose innovative vision could conceive and produce style for contemporary women in the future. With this prize, Pola Cecchi honoured the creativity, avant-garde spirit and accomplished art of her mother. The award
ceremony was held on 13 November 2014 at Florence, Italy.
Triple Achievements for Raffles Singapore Luminary Fashion Designer Joe Chia
Singapore – In just a couple of months, Raffles Luminary Fashion Designer Joe Chia from Raffles Singapore scored three achievements. He is definitely on the move towards making a big name for himself in the fashion design industry. For two consecutive years, Joe Chia was awarded the Asia's Most Influential Designer at the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week 2014.
He commented, "It was very unexpected as I didn't see it coming at all. It was such a great honour to
receive the award again and I was very grateful for it and thankful for those who have supported me and pushed me to where I am now. I had zero knowledge on fashion before joining Raffles. Raffles has built my foundation on fashion, art, design, ideas, patterns and many more. I have learnt to create from the basic to experimental pieces that involves pattern making and development process. These fuelled me to express the world in my head to physical garments. Raffles Singapore is a stepping stone to my career today. People come from different backgrounds
so it's difficult to provide advices to other budding designers. For myself, I believe in what I believe in and work as hard as I can."
Joe Chia showcased his first womenswear collection at the World Fashion Week (WFW) held from 30 September to 4 October 2014 in Paris. He shared, "It was a step forward to introduce the Malaysian fashion scene to the international market."
Women today are constantly on the lookout for pieces that are easy to maintain and can cater to different occasions when styled differently. Therefore, the concept of his collection is convenience - versatile, no ironing, easy to maintain, pack and travel. In conjunction with the Malaysia Fashion Week (MFM), the WFW served as a gathering of the world's fashion creators. 10 Malaysian labels were invited to showcase their collections alongside with international labels from over 30 countries.
Click here to view his collection.
Held from 23 to 27 September 2014, Plaza Indonesia Men's Fashion Week (PIMFW) 2014 featured Indonesia's local talents and brands as well as renowned international brands and three international designer labels from Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia. Representing Malaysia, Joe Chia said, "It was their very first time inviting and featuring international designer labels on the
PIMFW runway and we were very proud to be a part of it."
Chapter05 collection showcased the concept of dual functionality. In addition to being transformable, Joe aspired to conceive garments of an escalated version of reversibility and versatility. Drawing inspiration from world violence, military is the muse of this chapter. It is about peace and creating love instead of war. Chapter05 is the philosophy of liberation, powered by layers of souls.
Raffles Fashion Designer Chiang Xiaojun’s Impeccable Launch At Mercedes-Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week 2014
Singapore - To say that it was a golden opportunity for PLEATATION to be invited to feature at the
highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week 2014 in Malaysia would be an understatement. It was in fact a double blessing for Raffles Fashion Designer Chiang Xiaojun as this invitation came on the right time for her to launch her latest label ‘PLEATATION PLATINUM’.
PLEATATION PLATINUM is the bespoke label of PLEATATION, holding the same concept of being entirely pleated in intricate and detailed styles. When her collection ‘Anarchia’ hit the runway at Mercedes-Benz STYLO Asia Fashion Week, the audience was stoked at the intensity of her designs.
"Anarchia collection marries the idea of a darker inner self to an opposite surface, the collision of the light and dark, focusing on cut-outs and translucencies, bringing together two opposites that formed a beautiful silhouette." said Xiaojun.
Emotions was running high as Xiaojun saw her collection on the runway, ending the entire event with magnitude and style. “It felt really overwhelming and was heartening to receive acknowledgement from the event. This show has brought both PLEATATION and PLEATATION PLATINUM to another level, exposing the labels to an international level and reaching out to greater awareness.” commented Xiaojun.
Visit Xiaojun’s PLEATATION store at:
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road #02-17, Singapore 238896
Launch of Artify Studio and DRM'R Clothing By Raffles Designers Tay Hui Jie and Zac Ong
Singapore - Barely six months after graduation, two Raffles Designers from Raffles Singapore's Visual Communication disciplines, Tay Hui Jie and Zac Ong Chii Terng, have set up their own labels. They are indeed real-life examples of how Raffles groom its Designers to be industry professionals.
Graduated with Bachelor of Design, With Major in Graphic Design, Hui Jie launched Artify Studio - an art studio for both children and adults. In the day, it serves as a place for children to learn, have fun
and explore their creativity. At night, the studio converts into a hangout area for adults to experience new painting methods and use art as a medium to unwind.
"Through Raffles, I have learnt about advertising, branding, photography and software skills. These acquired skills allowed me to apply in my career where I designed my own company logo, website, and advertisements. I hope to get a bigger space and set up a studio for the lower income families and people with disabilities (mentally and physically). There are no limits in art, so we should not restrict people with less privilege." said Hui Jie.
On the other hand, Zac graduated with a Bachelor of Design, With Major in Multimedia Design. He launched DRM’R Clothing - a local street wear label with the aim of creating affordable apparel that are unique in design, conveys meanings and represents you as a person. His brand concept “Imagine, Express, and Dream” refers to free your imagination, express the meaning of your life, and dream on.
"Although I majored in Multimedia Design at Raffles, the knowledge that I gained have helped me greatly in my business. I managed the whole company’s design direction including video production, website, photography and many more. I thank all my Raffles Multimedia Creative Practitioners who taught me a lot and helped me grow as a designer. They motivated and pushed me hard to the limits. I wouldn’t have made it without their guidance. Perfection comes with a cost. Don’t stop trying nor wait for opportunity. Work towards opportunities and learn to accept criticism or feedback as they are the keys to success." said Zac to aspiring designers.
Imagine, Believe & Achieve – Raffles Fashion Marketer Karishma Dhupar Holds All Aces In Career
Singapore - It has always been a smooth sail for Raffles Graduates to be hired by renowned brands and organisations, and it is no difference for Raffles Fashion Marketer Karishma Dhupar.
The choice was clear for Karishma when she decided to pursue the Fashion Marketing course at Raffles Singapore. In her perspective, fashion is not just an occupation but a passion that runs
through her veins. Possessing both a business-mind and a passion for fashion, Karishma naturally drums up a perfect tune for the industry.
“Spotting latest fashion trends, market study and analysing customer profiles are the few things that give me an adrenaline rush. Over the years, I’ve developed an interest in numbers, which is
definitely important in defining and running a business.” said Karishma.
Karishma’s course for career progression was also a very natural one as she started her industrial attachment at Raffles Privato - an incubator fronted by Raffles College of Higher Education to support young designers. She gradually moved to working in renowned fashion brands such as
Prada, Robinsons, MIU MIU, Yves Saint Laurent and now, a Merchandising & Planning Analyst for Victoria’s Secret Singapore.
Her passion for merchandising was largely influenced by Raffles, where the subjects she learnt can be applied seamlessly at work. “My most memorable moment at Raffles was securing an industrial attachment position at PRADA Singapore Pte Ltd, where Raffles encourages students to go for industrial attachments and made it a compulsory subject. There were many other unforgettable times at
Raffles such as being the Store Manager at Raffles Privato and being featured in The Straits Times. Make the most of every opportunity given at Raffles because it’s worth it. It led me to an industrial attachment at PRADA and Raffles Privato, which was the best learning platform anyone can be offered. It was an experience that has brought me thus far and no one can take that away from me.” said Karishma.
Engage, Exchange & Gain – Raffles Singapore Partakes in Insightful World Federation For Mental
Health Regional Congress 2014
Singapore - World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) Regional Congress 2015 will be held in Singapore, with Raffles Singapore as the official organiser. Dr Monica Walet, Raffles Academic Director and Programme Director of Psychology, also the appointed Co-Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, was invited to be part of this year’s congress in Athens, Greece.
The theme of the Congress was identical to World Mental Health Day 2014, ‘Living with
Schizophrenia’. “The Congress aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the experience of
Schizophrenia, to greater empathy with the persons who experience it and to a subsequent
improvement in our attitude and practice towards the persons who suffer from it.” commented
Professor George N. Christodoulou, President of the World Federation for Mental Health.
Dr Monica had the opportunity to hear from notable speakers across the globe. In addition to the
experience of ‘Living in Schizophrenia’, scientific facts about this illness were also shared among the
guests. One of the speakers who were invited to share her knowledge was Ms Porsche Poh, Raffles
Applied Psychologist and Executive Director of Silver Ribbon (Singapore).
WFMH Regional Congress was an amazing platform to leverage on the speciality of notable
committee members and renowned specialists to exchange their ideas and knowledge, in
contribution to the greater breakthroughs in Schizophrenia.
Team Building Day At Raffles Delhi
India – It was a day of fun and great bonding session for staff from Raffles Delhi in December 2014.
They enjoyed a spread of homemade food for staff by staff and participated in sporting activities such
as badminton and Frisbee at the Lodi Garden in New Delhi.
Prior to the session, staff from different countries and Indian cities whipped their best dishes to share
with their colleagues for the picnic. It was a great cross-cultural learning experience when staff got to
know more about each other.
Brian Orvik, Interior Design Program Coordinator said, “The weather was indeed perfect for a relaxing
combination of activities including Frisbee, badminton and a tour to the beautiful and historic grounds
of the gardens. Everyone also had a chance to contribute a dish for the group. There were many eclectic
and delicious offerings, so no one went away hungry. Events such as these are always a great
bonding opportunity for everyone involved.”
