WORLD RUNWAY - Round 2

Hi Huneybees,
“Runway shows that feature high-priced, artsy pieces are aplenty. WORLD RUNWAY aims to share with Singaporean ladies street-fashion that is practical and affordable. Some call us the “anti-fashion” show because we interpret fashion shows so differently. We feel that there is so much more than just fashion alone- it is also about the music and the love. Fashion without the music is not a show. And a show without love is a performance without soul.”  --- Jake f.R., Director for WORLD RUNWAY
After the first round of the intense competition, the judges retired to deliberate about the 4 teams to continue on to Round 2 and they had NARE, the upcoming Korean female artist, to perform a new original song for the occasion.


I recorded a video of her performance, sorry for the not-so-good quality as I was filming only on my handphone. But you can still hear her beautiful sweet voice right? Audience were mesmerized by her voice!



When the decision was made, Mr Sugar was on stage with UTT to announce it. The 4 teams that made it through were France, Japan, Singapore and UK. But there was a twist to Round 2. Instead of the usual "each showcasing" their own collection, this time round, they have to each choose a team from the eliminated team to work together with, add new styles to the second round.


Round 2 kick started with the Singapore - Brazil team. There was lots of colour splashes, sleeker looks with lots of bling! And like what Jessie described, it was the "Ge Tai" collection.



I'm in love with the Cheongsam inspired Jumpsuit. So chic, that it no more just dressed that might make one look like waitress. :)

Next up, Japan - Russia team. Like the previous collection that they showcased, the clothing had detailed fabric prints. But it was a little disappointment as the collection was more toned down, not sure is it because they were limited by the Russia's minimalist collection?



The only suit that caught my eyes would be the one below. That is the only one that was different, that was daring and totally different from their Round 1 collection.


Credits: Photo on left is from Organizer.

The 3rd team to present was the France - US team. They continued their modern chic look, every piece was definitely wearable, but I found it did not "WOW" me at all. It's almost like France's first collection and I don't see a tinge of US in there. Do you agree?

Credits: Organizer.
Credits: Organizer.
Last but not least, we have the UK - Italy team, that amazed us during Round 1 and I must say they totally nailed it! Every single piece was an art. I would call it the Rock Couture collection. So much intricate details and elements were put in. Who said leather, sequins and tulle can't be put all together?






When the models came out, I was only think Alexander McQueen and Lady Gaga!! It's like they stepped right out of a fashion week rather than a competition. Everyone applaused and drooled over the collection, everyone went wild. I was so happy UK created the climax.

Then, it was time for the judges to deliberate and while waiting, we had the chance to be entertained by Korean heartthrob Se7en. (Which I will be blogging on Part 3). I guess everyone had an inkling as to who is the winner. Are you thinking the same as the judges?


“It was not easy coming to a decision to crown the winner as all eight teams had their unique interpretation of street fashion in Singapore. UK’s winning edge was really their ability to wow the audience. I was looking out for the team who can beat the budget constraints and come up with something extraordinary. And I think team UK did it." --- Jake F.R., the Director of World Runway



Mr Sugar was invited out to announce the winner....



Yes! UK won!




A total of 68 looks were created for the show, and the event saw a turnout of 4500 attendees, a hint at bigger things to come. 


Mr Sugar and the UK team was so happy, that they decided to make a new top for Mr Sugar on the spot....
More than just a fashion-music extravaganza, WORLD RUNWAY will donate half of the prize money (S$50,000) under its own FASHIONQUAKE AID to natural disaster relief activities around the world.

I hope there's more of this World Runway to come. It was exciting to be at a fashion show and there were some moments jaw dropped and my heartbeat with the contestants. :)
“Singapore has never been known for its fashion but I think WORLD RUNWAY will show the world what we are really capable of. In terms of street-wear fashion, Singapore is a hidden gem with a plethora of indie labels. It will be exciting to see what these eight countries can put together in such a short time. I am looking forward to be wow-ed by models in street fashion but runway looks.” --- Mrs Tina Tan-Leo, the President and Founder for alldressedup, The Link Group and ETRO
Disclaimer: Photo credits all thanks to the Organizer and my friend, Darren Ong.

Muahz,
Christina aka Huney

Dare to Dream

Hi Huneybees,




Dreams, the Living and the Pursuit is a photo journal that wants you to show the world this cycle of dreams, those who live it, as well as those who give their all to pursue it. Not every athlete has the blessings and support from the family to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed. Not every family has the financial strength to give that blessing. The financial rigors of engaging in sports for people with disability are strenuous to say the least, even more so in these trying times. Transport expenses can be significantly more than that of an able bodied athlete simply because buses and trains are just not accessible enough.


This book feature those who have the means to pursue their dreams to chase their dreams. But it is also a stark reminder of the many more who had to give up midway through their journey. Not because the mind is weak, not because the body is unwilling, but because the cold hard facts of dwindling finances told them harshly to. We can't run the race, or complete that lap for them.

But what we can do is to make sure that these athletes have adequate support to be the best that they can be. You can help us to make it happen. you can help them to realize these dreams.
Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) would like to seek your support in adopting our sponsorship package for the commemorative photo-journal titled, Dreams, the Living and the Pursuit. 
We are fortunate to have a foreword honoured by President S R Nathan and the support of a talented photography team led by Mr Kwek Leng Joo, Managing Director of City Developments Limited, to undertake the photography aspect of this project. Senior Correspondent of The Straits Times sports desk, Mr Rohit Brijnath, has also lent his words to pen the athletes’ stories for this publication.
The concept of this book is to feature the dreams and achievements of our athletes with disabilities. This book will serve as an inspiration to people, that with dedication and perseverance, they too can reach the pinnacle of whatever they choose to focus on in life. 
To bring sporting opportunities to more people with disabilities as well as to provide more overseas training for our Para-athletes leading up to next year’s major games - London 2012 Paralympics, we aim to raise funds through the charity gala dinner as well as through sales of the publication.   
Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) would like to seek your kind sponsorship for this project. Your support can be in the following ways:
• Sponsorship of photo exhibits for Book Launch @ City Square Mall (Today 1st October 2011. Do go down to the venue to show your support?)
• Sponsorship of gala dinner tables for Charity Gala Dinner @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel 
• Purchase of Dreams, the Living and the Pursuit autographed by President S R Nathan
• Outright donation

All donations will go directly to SDSC and will be eligible for a tax-exempt receipt.


For more information, please do not hesitate to call me at 82422978/63423508 or email catherine@sdsc.org.sg



I hope everyone can do a little part for SDSC. I'm not able to sponsor, thus helping to spread the word. Do go down the City Square Mall today to find out more about the book and sponsorship and help spread the word. Thank you!


Muahz,
Christina aka Huney

WORLD RUNWAY - Round 1


Hi Huneybees,


I've always dreamed to be sitting on the front seat of a fashion walk, watching models strutting their stuffs up close and personal! And finally this day, I got the chance to do that! I went to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to attend the World Runway Premiere.


The event is organised by the wonderful people behind Tokyo Girls Collection and Asia Girls Explosion. They made their first premiere here in Singapore with rising fashion stars from 8 different countries - Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, UK and USA; for the first-ever global fashion faceoff! It's almost like watching Project Runway live!!!






ABOUT TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION

Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) show is the biggest bi-annual fashion festival in Japan. Launched in August 2005, this event combines the country’s top fashion brands with popular music acts. The TGC show has established itself as the epicenter of Japan's "kawaii," or cute culture, a culture that has gained a global following in recent years.

While models strut their cutesy, fashion-forward looks down the runway, organisers are careful to pick out pieces that are practical and affordable to the audience. Unlike most fashion shows where big brands unveil high-priced looks on the runway months before they reach retailers, outfits featured at the TGC show can be purchased immediately, for an affordable price.
Touted as a “fashion festival for Japanese real clothes”, the 11th TGC 2010 last September saw a total of 30,200 attendees.
Check out the passes....
Amazing crowd.
Beautiful stage!

Of course I muse take a pic myself! If only I could get on the runway. LOL!
Laser beams were shone.
And out came Ren Kido, singing and performing a number....
Before the challenge began, we were treated to a galore presented by our very own Singapore designer/stylist, Jen Su. And amongst the models, we spotted Nat Ho and Dawn Yeoh too!












UTT was the host for the night and he introduced the teams....
Top:
From Left: Brazil, Japan, Italy, France
Bottom:
From Left: Russia, USA,UK, Singapore
Round 1 was for the Street Chic Style. The contestants are to score Singapore's more fashionable streets with a budget of S$500 (per look), to create 10 runways looks each. 




Each participating country will form a team of three - fashion director, make-up artist and hair stylist. And their final runway looks will be modeled by 40 models appointed by the World Runway Committee.


First team to present was France. Their line was chic and the models did their catwalk very cheekily. I love their energy and it was a great to have them to do the opening....
AMINA ABDALA, Stylist | Leader of Team France 
KARINE FERON, Hair Designer 
VIRGINIE FERON, Make-Up Designer





The next team really caught my attention. There was so much print, accessories and details going on. Every part of the models' clothing was a look-out-for! Let's welcome Italy!



MORENA, Stylist | Leader of Team Italy
EUGENE DAVIS, Hair Stylist
DAIKINI, Make-up Artist










Inspired yet? More to come by USA. They were just as daring, just as colourful and the heels the models were in, was something I always admired. They strutted their stuff as though walking on pumps and the audience applauded for them.....

Team USA
DAMON ALFONSO, Hair Stylist
EMI KOIZUMI, Make-up Artist




 



Ready for the next team? Japan! I was kinda eager to see Japan's collection. Would it be Harajuku inspired and I bet it was be colourful and full of their famous layering fashion....

TAKAFUMI KAWASAKI, Stylist | Leader of Team Japan
YUKA WASHIZU, Make-up Artist
CHINATSU NOBE, Hair Stylist



Love their elements of Japanese inspired fabric, fans and red umbrella.
This pair of heels reminds me super lots of Lady Gaga.
Next up, was the UK team. They stood out from the rest and I'm in love with their collection! Lots of people were saying that their clothes were not practical, but their efforts was very clear, they managed to turn a normal piece of clothing into something high fashion. I'm simply in love love love love with the details!

SIMON SETTER, Hair Stylist | Leader of Team UK
MIKE ADLER, Stylist
BEGOÑA ALEGRIA, Make-up Artist




 






Nice right? UK was impressive but what about Russia? I find them very bold and skintight, nude was their theme. Some might have look at the collection from the "wrong" perspective, but  found it very intriguing. Everyone was about clothes, but what about what's underneath? This is one daring collection...

ALEXEY PANTYKIN, Stylist | Leader of Team Russia
AKI MATSUHASHI, Make-up Artist
GORDEEV VYACHESLAV, Hair Stylist






I love they went earthly, incorporating flowers in their makeup and a bag for hat? Ingenious!


The next team is Brazil, and I'm so sorry, my cam was on low batt, I could only use what I managed to take and the rest I got from the Organizer. Note to self: Buy a camera spare batt soon!

MARCIA AMARAL, Stylist | Leader of Team Brazil
FLAVIA GOMIDE, Hair Stylist
CIDA NOGIUERA, Stylist | Make-up Artist




Loving those heels!
 And last but not least, TEAM SINGAPORE! *Cheer* Singapore's collection was loud, fun, rocker chic and absolutely something for our weather here!


JEN SU, Stylist | Leader of Team Singapore
DERRICK FUN, Assistant Stylist
ANTONIO CHENG, Hair & Make-up Artist




 

Then, it was time for the judges to deliberate and choose 4 winning teams to enter into Round 2 of the competition. Let me introduce a little about the judges....


WORLD RUNWAY is produced by Jake F.R, Founder and Director of the Tokyo Girls Collection and Asia Girls ExplosionKnown as the "King of Runway” and an iconic figure in the Japanese fashion scene, Jake has directed over 200 fashion shows and events and co-produced with internationally-known artist, Takashi Murakami. Jake also sits on the judging panel alongside Tina Tan-Leo, President and Founder of alldressedup, The Link Group and ETRO, and Brian William Frost, Lecturer, Fashion Design Department, Raffles Design Institute.

Can you guess who are the selected 4 teams?  Stay tuned to Part 2.

For more information about World Runway, visit http://www.worldrunway.org/

Disclaimer: Photos are all copyright of Christina Chung. Photos with the watermark are all given by the Organizer.

Muahz,
Christina aka Huney