SINGAPORE The Mega Tent@Orchard, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza was the location of the highly-anticipated comeback of the Singapore Fashion Festival.
Trend-watchers in attendance were the first in Asia to preview the 2008 collections of world-celebrated designers as well as the collections from the region's rising stars, ready-to-order in Singapore.
The festival played host to some of the world's most renowned fashion designers, international top models and style trendsetters including celebrity designer Matthew Williamson and Kevin Carrigan, Creative Director of cK Calvin Klein.
Making a personal appearance in the red carpet Opening Gala, Matthew Williamson showcased his vibrant Spring/Summer 08 collection, while the festival ended on a high note, with Kevin Carrigan and the cK Calvin Klein Closing Show.
"As a leading hub in the region, fashion and glamour are essential elements for attracting visitors to Singapore, and we have found that events such as Singapore Fashion Festival draws in many travellers from the Middle East region, who are aware of the latest style trends" said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
Singapore also welcomed to its shores Asia's top emerging models such as Lili Shen and Kiki, who joined iconic British supermodel Erin O'Connor on the Festival catwalk, creating a unique contrast of cultures and beauty on the runway line-up. The Festival period was one of the best times to shop for fashion in Singapore as visitors were allowed to buy collections showcased straight off the runway at leading shops.
Running alongside the fashion shows were a broad range of satellite events including The Orchard Road Style Parade, an outdoor showcase of funky street fashion labels, The Red Ball charity gala, and the 'Have a Heart' exhibition in support of the Singapore Heart Foundation.
Set in a spectacular catwalk theatre built to accommodate more than 1,000 guests, the Tent@Orchard at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza featured an elevated 60 foot catwalk designed for versatility, and was the first in Asia to introduce contact-less RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) access stickers by Stickkeys for VIP guest clearance.
Transforming from a couture gala dinner venue to a theatre-style runway gallery, the stunning catwalk will feature an impressive 8 meter-wide LED screen, creating a world-class backdrop for ten days of high-octane fashion shows and parties in the heart of Orchard Road.
