Raffles Runway 2012

I was invited to attend Raffles Runway R Project 2012 show. The theme this year is Memnto Mori which is loosely translated as ” Remember your mortality”. It is a genre of art theme that started since the Roman empire and is now being used to showcase art and design inspiration using fashion.  Before I continue any further, I should clarify that although most of the photos you see here are taken by me, there are about 8 to 9 photos in this post that were graciously granted permission to me by Vue Media.

Before the show began, Regina and I looked through some of the student’s mood boards and even though they were all working towards the concepts of death and of rebirth, the ideas and inspirations were so varied. I was invited backstage to see the work in progress with the models but there was a blackout and I couldn’t capture any usable photos backstage.

By the time we were done with the mood boards, the panel of judges settled into their seats. For 2012, Raffles Runway judges consists of:

Janice Koh, Nominated Member of Parliament
Wykidd Song, Internationally-acclaimed fashion designer
Tjin Lee, Audi Fashion Festival Director
Sharon Lim, ELLE Singapore Editor-in-Chief
Jumius Wong, Fashion Stylist

Regina and I quickly settled into our front row seats with our cameras ready as the music started for showtime. Raffles Runway opened with a stunning casual line by UK fashion house, French Connection. I love the collection and was already mentally ticking off the chic pieces I need to get my hands on the next time I go shopping. As the models strut their stuff down the runway, I was immediately impressed by the level of sophistication and professionalism of the models. They certainly knew how to strut like seasoned pros!

The came Memento Mori which features the cyclical progression from death and destruction to rebirth and life, displayed in 3 segments – Animalism, Annihilation and Awakening. It was an eye-opener from start to finish. You can tell that a lot of thought and hard work has been put into the designs. Sure, there were one or two pieces that was way over-the-top and a couple who didn’t look polished enough or hems that should have been finished off better but there were so many more pieces that were REALLY REALLY GOOD! Pieces that had great cuts, compelling concepts and passionate designs. Credits also goes to the models had a high level of elegance and poise to pull off the varying designs. Even during a technical glitch when the music stopped, the model sashayed down the runway without missing a beat!

There was never a dull moment and my eyes were glued to the stage throughout the whole show. There were definitely a handful that I could see myself buying if I saw them at a boutique while shopping. The potential of students was simply exploding! After the show, the judges had to take some time to deliberate and select the two winners of Raffles Runway 2012 while the rest of the audience enjoyed some modern dance performance by the Raffles modern dance group.

Guest of Honor, Ms Janice Koh, represented the judges in announcing the winners to be Dyon Ang and Trang Cat Tuong. Trang Cat Tuong’s winning black outfit was the 2nd oufit to be showcased in the show and both Regina and I nodded enthusiastically at it when we first saw it. I also loved Dyon Ang’s simple short white dress as I felt the whole outfit to be well cut with clean lines and constructed with gorgeous structure.

All the models were fantastic and my favorite models of the night goes to Tian Yuming and Tang Liyong. I love their subtle glamor, their ease of movement, their beauty, their quiet confidence and most importantly, I love how they look like they are soaking in every moment of their time on the stage!

I had a great time at the Raffles Runway and I’m truly glad to be able to view first hand, the raw talent and potential of these students. Congrats once again to Dyon Ang and Trang Cat Tuong who each won an all expense trip to Milan, Italy for a once in a lifetime internship opportunity at major fashion house Versace.