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QIPAO CHIC: Chinese designer Liangzi's works opened the SFW's gala fashion show. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG
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IT MAY have started with a lively African dance, but the Singapore Fashion Week (SFW) is all about firing up the local fashion industry with help from Singapore's Asian neighbours.
Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang, who opened the annual trade-related fashion festival last night at the Suntec Singapore ballroom, said Singapore's fashion industry needs to be in tune with developments in the region to succeed.
'Fashion, as with all creative industries, requires the continuous exchange of ideas to flourish. The industry needs to tune in to regional and international trends and leverage on partnerships, be it in design, manufacturing or retail processes,' he said.
Fittingly, last night's gala dinner featured a fashion show that had works by four up-and-coming designers from South Korea, China, Japan and Singapore.
China's representative, designer Liangzi, led the parade with a series of contemporary takes on the cheongsam.
It was followed was Japan's Masako Oka, who showed off gowns from her Ecomaco label.
Korea's Lee Jong-Chul and La Sae-Young showed a structured yet whimsical collection, while home-grown designer Daniel Yam closed the show with chiffon gowns.
The local fashion industry is growing from strength to strength, said David Wang, veteran designer and co-chairman of the SFW. 'We've been getting quality buyers from the international market coming in to our shows during SFW and showing positive response.'
He added that the SFW sold over $2 million worth of designs last year.
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