Since its launch in 2010, Asia Fashion Exchange, operated by the Singapore government agencies Spring Singapore, the Singapore Fashion Council, and the Singapore Tourism Board, has been expanding its influence worldwide each year, actively attracting international designers.
This year's invited designers to Singapore include New York's Prabal Gurung and Oscar de la Renta, and London's Thomas Tait, who recently won the Grand Prix at the LVMH Young Fashion Designers Prize in late May. Additionally, DressCAMP from Japan held a runway show at Tent@Orchard.
With support from Parco, DressCamp showcased their 2014-15 Autumn/Winter collection as a showcase for designers who will lead the next generation of Japanese fashion. PARCO operates its local subsidiary, PARCO (Singapore) Pte Ltd, with over 20 years of experience in shopping center development and various incubation initiatives. As part of its ongoing efforts to provide business growth opportunities for fashion designers on an international stage, the company supported Dress Camp in raising brand awareness in the Asian market and expanding its sales channels to select shops. The venue, originally scheduled for 600 attendees, was filled to capacity, with standing room only. Many attendees commented, "This is the first time I've seen a Japanese brand show with so many Singaporean fashion industry professionals," and "Does online shopping offer international shipping?" Prabal Gurung, the designer who opened the show, is originally from Singapore, grew up in Nepal, and has traveled around the world, including India and New York. Following the triumphant return of the runway show, he commented, "I'm delighted to be able to hold a show at this time in Singapore, a time of rapid growth." Oscar de la Renta delivered a dazzling show, featuring Hollywood actress Kate Bosworth, fittingly bringing Fashion Week to a close. In addition to the brand's 2014 Pre-Fall collection, the show also featured numerous cocktail dresses that combined the brand's signature simple American style with European elegance. It was a strategic show, anticipating demand, particularly from the wealthy, in Singapore, where there is a strong dress culture. Thomas Tait was born in Montreal, Canada, and completed his master's degree at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, where he currently presents his collections. His 2014-15 SW collection, featuring clean forms with extensive use of curves and a bold, abstract yet crisp color balance, created a powerful impression, and was well-received by Singapore fashion industry insiders, including those from the Textile & Fashion Federation and Her World magazine.
In addition, the joint exhibition "Blueprint" also had a strong international flavor, with 70 brands from Singapore as well as a total of around 200 brands from Southeast Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Jakarta, and Bangkok, as well as London and Paris. At the opening show on the first day, ROGGYKEI from Japan announced their new collection.
