[Fashion] ERROR - Raffles College 35th Graduation Fashion Showcase

ERROR - Don't think about your errors or failures; otherwise, you'll never do a thing - Bill Murray, American Actor and Comedian.

ERROR, that was the theme of this years graduation.

In the words of the College Director, Mr. David Liew "This graduation represents the beginning of a new stage in the lives of our new graduates where they will utilise their versatility and adaptability garnered from their education to meet the demands of new challenges of this millennium as individuals who are ready to compete in the global market."

Top : The Judges
Below : The graduates 

24th March 2016, The Royale Chulan KL - The Raffles College of Higher Education 35th Graduation saw 25 fashion students showcase their final work in a graduation competition. The participants were judged by some influential names in the fashion industry namely Kittie Yiyi - Fashion Blogger, Fashion Designer and Alumni of Raffles College, Joe Chia - Fashion Designer & Director of Joe Chia Clothing also an Alumni of Raffles College and last but not least Mianta Boey – Fashion Buyer at Zalora and Ms. Ginie, manager of student services of Raffles College.

The participants (students) were put through a rigorous judging process that involved a two part criteria, Part A and Part B.

Part A (Pre-Judging)

Story Board, Creatively & Design Interpretation – 20%

Workmanship of Garments – 20%

Commercial Viability – 10%

Hanger Appeal – 10%

Part B (Fashion Show)

Color, Fabrics & Accessories Coordination – 20%

Catwalk Presentation – 20%

We thoroughly enjoyed the well choreographed and professional fashion show. The designs paired with the top notch models made it was easy to forget that we were at a college graduation show!

I am excited to present to you the pictures that I have painstakingly put together for your viewing pleasure from this fabulous event. Yes, I have never edited soooo many pictures before for just one post. But absolutely worth it. You may notice that initial shots aren't that great (sorry students and models :D) and I must apologize but they do get better great :p. 

Ready? Here we go!

Eternity by Loh Tze Ven 

Reborn by Chan Yu Chiou 

1-1 by Jacinda Long Ji Ying 

A Requiem for Misadventure by Carina Rozeboom  

The Theatrical Arch by Mimi Lau Chiew Ting

Eternal Beauty by Jeffery Goh Jao Ren

Don't Run You Little Monster by Ng Yee Chien

Dead Sea by Le Chang Hin

Into The Glamorous Jungle by Sharifah Amina

Complications by Nicole See

Your Truly by Loy Jing Shien

Transform by Jessie Owi Jee

Ayatana by Chan Guan Lin

Perspective by Wong Jia Cherng

Man + Woman = Equality by Mary Alison

Impermanence by Amanda Yee

The Art of Illumination by Elaine Ong

Who I Am by Nao Chang Sheng

The American Dream by Esther Tsan

Intrinsic by Jeanette Tan

Resurrecting Cleopatra by Nazia Rahman

Dive by Yvonne Lee

HANBOK : Cultured Beauty by Ma Dayeon

The Face Without Eyes (TFWE) by Chin Ee Sean

Spot it! by Zoe Liu Hui Min

And that was all 25 designers! You have your favorites? It was really hard for me to pick my favourite but yes, I do have mine. The show ended with a finale walk followed by the announcement of the top three. 

The Winners. From left to right: 2nd Runner Up - Jeffery Goh, 1st place - Yvonne Lee and 1st Runner Up - Esther Tan

After careful evaluation, the three winners were announced. Each winner took home an Ericco Iron and a Zalora voucher worth RM50, RM100 and RM150 respectively.

I would also like to add here that runway looks are not necessary wearable looks unless it is mentioned that it is a RTW (ready to wear) collection. The reason why designers sometimes make weird outfits that you would never imagine wearing is to showcase their ability, exaggerate their ideas and grab attention. It is after all a work of art and a form of expression. 

Themodelmom's Choice. Left to Right - Lee Chang Hin, Elaine Ong and  Mary Alison (Do scoll back up to see their full collection)

Priceless Pics with Joe Chia, the talented Tuti and Kittie Yiyi

Themodelmom and fellow bloggers and friends. All colour coordinated without planning!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed the show ! 

Are there any designs here that you would wear or would like to see your favourite artist in? I'm curious..let me know in the comments below!

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If you are interested to find out more about studying at Raffles College of Higher Education or know anyone who would do checkout their website http://www.raffles.edu.my/ you may also Call +603 2164 1059

Their intakes are January, April, July and October every year.

Raffles College provides 8 Courses (Advanced Diploma / Bachelor) as below:
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Marketing
- Interior Design
- Jewellery Design
- Visual Communication
- Multimedia Design
- Psychology
- Business

Selberan's Ideal Diamond 10th Anniversary and unveiling of The Leia Collection

On 22 October 2015, I was invited to Malaysia's premier jeweler Selberan's Ideal Diamond 10th Anniversary celebration and the unveiling of their Leia Collection which was designed specially for the 10th Anniversary.

DJ Ira doing her thang whilst looking cool in an Eggie Azman original

The event was held at Selberan's Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Boutique. It was kept simple with free flow of drinks and canapes whilst DJ Ira put us all in to party mode. While awaiting the highlight of the event, a fashion and jewelry show, guests were encouraged to try on anything they liked that was on display.

A guest tries on a necklace of her choice

I was too busy snapping pictures and observing people to try on anything but a RM1,000,000 tiara =P 

An expensive tiara makes you feel like a princess or a rockstar or both

Whilst mingling I managed to say hi to the designer for the outfits that would complement the jewelry, Eggie Azman. According to Selberan, the reason they chose to collaborate with Eggie Azman was her knack for modern designs with an avant garde twist. Eggie Azman's brand DNA goes hand in hand with Selebran's brand where traditional design masterfully meet contemporary style.

Eggie Azman & Themodelmom

The following pictures are Themodelmom's picks from the jewelry show. Honestly, one must go to their boutique and check out the entire collection as there will be something to suit each taste.

Hana earing 

Right Hand: white & yellow gold Frida bracelet & Achive ring. Left Hand: Frida ring

Chantum pendant, earing & dimension ring

Inara Pendant, Achive Raya earing & ring

Elin earing & ring

Close up of Chantum earing

Rococo necklace with sapphire 

Close up of 3D Chantum ring & Chantum pendant

Onda bracelet & Onda ring with Selberan Supreme Diamond

Malaysian Supermodel Amber Chia and Themodelmom

The models with Chen Tien Yue, Executive Director of Royal Selangor & Eggie Azman

Here is a preview of the Leia Collection:

This daring and unrivaled Leia series is inspired by sculptural forms expressed in a variety of rings, pendants & earrings which show off sparkling, ideal cut diamonds in designs that are audacious and sophisticated.

The Leia solitaire ring is a dazzling masterpiece, set with a scintillating Selberan Diamond atop of a sculptural design. The Leia diamond rings are created with a love of bold and striking forms in mind, resulting in a jewel that leaves an impression on those who set their eyes upon it.

The Leia solitaire rings come in two versions – one is a more refined and delicate interpretation, while the other version is an assertive expression of the design.  Both have detailing on the shoulders which refer to one another in this family of jewels.

The elongated almond shape - striking in its length and accented by solitaire diamonds, make for elegant earrings. With their exaggerated size, these jewels are a call for attention.  Likewise, the Leia pendants are pieces that have a delightful balance of glamour and fun.

The diamonds in the pendant or earrings can be customised to sizes of one’s choice – either with petite & beautiful Selberan Diamonds to catch the light and sparkle, or dazzling carats that go as large as you dare.

The sensational and unabashed Leia series in 18k white gold is now available in all Selberan boutiques in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, The Gardens Mid Valley City as well as the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak where the administration offices are based.

Raffles College KL Fashion Show 2015

Last Friday night,  25 September, I was invited to attend the Raffles College of Higher Education Graduation Fashion Show 2015 at JW Marriot, KL.

Raffles College of Higher Education Kuala Lumpur (RCHEKL) was established in 1994 and is part of Raffles Education Corporation - the largest private education group in Asia-Pacific. Since establishing their first college in Singapore in 1990, the Group has grown to operate 3 universities and 34 colleges across 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Here is the best part, students have the flexibility to start their course in one city and transfer to another location to complete their qualification!

The graduation fashion show was an extra special event for the students as for many of them, it was their first time showcasing their work in full fledged fashion runway style with professional models, professional hair and make up in front of their family, friends and fashion industry.

With fellow bloggers at the front row

The best part about watching young designers is to look back in a few years when they have 'arrived' and have that moment where you reminisce about their fresh and raw beginnings. You sort of celebrate the journey together and feel proud of them. Well that's just me, the mama me =)

Just as I arrived I bumped in to an old friend Mr. Syomir Izwa Sen Gupta. I was very excited and approached him eagerly. He gave me a hug and asked me if I was pregnant again. 'Whaaaat? I just fell from walking on air'. "What?" and I began to rant about how I just had a baby and bla bla bla.I made it a point to gather my shattered ego and talk to him again after the show because I know it must have been pretty awkward for him as well. He probably didn't realize that baby girl had popped out already. Yes. I am thaaat positive! It's okay babe, I forgive you.. It's probably because I was glowing that you thought I was still preggers :p

Anyway, Syomir was there as a judge alongside Fashion Designer, Silas Liew and Fashion Editor, Kathryn Rao.

The judges getting ready to judge

The event opened with Paradoxical by Nana Ooi from Malaysia. The collection had an undeniably Japanese influence. Colours were electric blue, black, gold and white and design was kept neat and structured. It had a very distinguish regal feel to it.

Paradoxical by Nana Ooi

The second designer to show was Erica Lim. Her collection called Senshi saw models in all black warrior style clothing with belt embellishments. The uniqueness of the collection was that it was tailored with soft flowy material contradictory to its theme.

Senshi by Erica Lim

The next collection by Tania Saraswati called Psychedelic State was a stark contrast to the former collection we had seen. Bright bold colors and geometric patterns adorned this wearable collection.

Psychedelic State by Tania Saraswati 

Next we saw Marie Nardelli's collection called La Belle Epoque. Colours were deep bronze and black and fabric used was luxurious. The silhouette of the collection emphasized the female body reflecting the La Belle Epoque period in Western European history that was characterised by peace, prosperity, scientific innovations and saw the flourishing of theater and the arts.

 La Belle Epoque by Marie Nardelli

Quek Sh'un-Liann's collection titled Where Are You, Papa? Was a very melancholic. The theme was inspired by a daughter missing her father and creating paper versions of him. Colours were basic black and white with light weight fabric suitable for our local weather. The cuts were fitted on the shoulder but flared from waist down. One of my favourite outfits was from this collection. It was a white asymmetrical cut shift shirt dress

 Where Are You, Papa by Sh'un-Liann

Aneesa Alsagoff's collection was very sporty. It was called Inferno and inspired by Moritz Waldemeyer's 1000 Flames which is an art installation that reflects digital flames from a hexagonal surface.

Inferno by Aneesa Alsagoff

1000 Flames. Picture from www.weldemeyer.com

The following collection we saw was the most unconventional. It was by En Chi Koo who took inspiration from Frank Gehry's Dancing House to produce this geometric and asymmetric ensembles.

Moving The Lifeless by En Chi Koo

Dancing House. Picture From Hanim Zafar's Flickr Photostream

Distorted Reality by Lee Hui Mein was showcased next. The collection saw contrasting monochromatic shapes and colours brought together. It had a Korean girl group vibe to it.

Distorted Reality by Lee Hui Mein 

The SmoG of all the collections showed that day may have been the most relevant as we are being suffocated by the haze more and more. This was my favourite collection because of the theme and how the designer, Ng Jin Ying translated it to reality through her menswear collection. The signature piece of this collection was the windbreaker style jacket with a built in backpack. I can see many man's man nodding to this collection for sure!

The SmoG by Ng Jin Ying

Next we had another melancholic showcase through Reiko Poon Shi Hui's Painful Happiness. The material used resembled tissue where I thought symbolized the Pain part of the theme and the design element on the outfits seemed to be like sparkles on Happiness.

Painful Happiness by Reiko Poon Shi Hui 

When Niki Tan's collection 'Untamed' started to show, from the first piece itself my thoughts were retro, biker and wearable. The big umbrella cut skirt really honestly put a smile on my face when it bobbed up and down the runway.

Untamed by Niki Tan

The second last collection was a very romantic one by Lee Huei Wen titled Eternity. It was white, soft, flowy  and sensual. It was a matured look with a regal feel.

Eternity by Lee Huei Wen 

Last but not least, was 'Mama, I can't Sleep' by Michelle Li Yuan Ting. I wonder if it was purposely put right at the end to remind us that it is the end of the show so please go back and sleep. Colours were pastel pink and blue, grey and white. There was a lot of emphasis on woolly materials as scarfs. The cutest thing about the show was this model dressed up like Noddy. Well I know that using cute in a fashion review is a big no-no but come on..just look at the picture and tell me..so Noddy right?

Mama, I can't Sleep by Michelle Li Yuan Ting

The show ended with prize giving...drum roll please..here are the winners in pictures...

Second Runner Up.... Quek Sh'un Lian

First Runner Up ....Ng Jin Ying

And Numero Uno ! En Chi Koo

I applaud Raffles College of Higher Education Kuala Lumpur for putting on a show that was crisp and well organized with a high level of professionalism on par with industry standards.

With fellow bloggers

With Fashion Designer, judge and ol fren - Syomir Izwa

If you are are interested to find out more about studying at Raffles College of Higher Education or know anyone who would be do register to go to their 'UN:LOCK your creative future 2015' event.

Below are the event details:

Date : 19 - 20 December 20115
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Venue: Raffles College, KL

Featured Courses:
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Marketing
- Interior Design
- Jewellery Design
- Visual Communication
- Digital Media Design
- Psychology
- Business

Register Here or Call +603 2164 1059

First 100 registered early birds will receive a Special Gift