More from Fashion Week Singapore…

It’s All About Couture…

Following up from a Japanese fashion high, an historical moment for Asian Couture was established with the Inaugural Ceremony of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF), comprising 10 inducted designers from all over Asia – Guo Pei (China), Junko Koshino, Keita Maruyama, Yoshiki Hishinuma and Yumi Katsura (Japan), Michael Cinco (Philippines), Frederick Lee (Singapore), Lie Sang Bong and Songzio (South Korea), and Vatit Itthi (Thailand). A champagne toast was raised to mark this milestone occasion before everyone was ushered into the Fashion Hall to view a fashion installation featuring the works of these ACF designers.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts and literature, the Chairman and Founder of FIDé Fashion weeks and Founder/President of Asian Couture Federation, Dr Frank Cintamani, was given the Chevalier de L’ordre des Art et des Lettres by Mr Benjamin Dubertet, Ambassador of France to Singapore. This award is one of the three grades awarded to up to 200 people a year, which includes famous personalities from across the world of the arts - including fashion design, film and music, literature, art.

Then it was time for the highly-anticipated Haute Couture showcase by Stephane Rolland. As the lights dimmed with only a spotlight on the circular platform in the middle of the room, celebrated flamenco dancer, Rafael Amargo, emerged and kick-started the show with his dramatic and energetic footwork. As the rhythm picked up, gazelle-like models floated past, one by one, in Stephane Rolland’s Fall/Winter 2013/14 Haute Couture collection.

Keeping in rhythm with Amargo’s energetic foot-taps, the models were sleek, elegant and fluid, the gowns were mostly black and midnight with a pop of pristine white and cobalt blue. Rolland exhibited a sure hand with origami-like details and his use of sheer and opaque materials teased without showing too much skin, exuding a sensual allure.

Creating the make-up look for this evening was Mr Romero Jennings, M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Director of Make Up Artistry in North America. And again, all hair styling for the evening was headed up by Elena (pictured above with Stephane Rolland) and created by our seven-strong Neville team.

Head back for more news from Singapore Fashion Week as our time here reaches its fantastic conclusion!