It was last Thursday when Raffles International College presented its 21st College Graduation showcase aptly called Fusion. Held at the prestigious J.W. Marriot, the showcase was an assemblage of 22 young talents, each with an individual theme bolder than the next.
As the guests mingled and nibbled on fashionable hors d’ouerves, they admired conceptual booths from every one of the 22 designers. Props were used to creatively emphasize the themes, and namecards were scattered in rightly manner for the convenience of stylish collectors. In spite of the impressive presentations that surrounded us, it was the fashion show that got everyone talking.
A ballroom transformed into a nude runway, the stark disposition of this common space failed to disillusion the collections that came to us. From frocks to frills to exuberant splashes of unexpected colours, the chiffons and scalloped edges completed a predictable tailoring reputation that comes with Raffles International.
Carol Teh tells the tale of the Bennet sisters through detailed drafts of difficult cuts and folds, Jennifen Fatrina plays with the thrill of a modern cabaret dancer transpiring against society’s norms, Leony Evelyn explains a great adventure through exposed zipper trims and beige leather, Jaime Wong rewrites the rules learned from her school days in her collection Beyond The Schoolyard via short pleated skirts and embellished uniforms, and Olivia Koo explores a woman’s definition of perfectionism on drapes and metallic leggings.
There was a decisive display of colours that flowed from each collection. While Jesslyn Leong, Sheilla Amelia and Relyne Ban subdued the image of design through muted tones of black and white, Mia Wong and Mariana Mariawan relied on fresh pantones to highlight their garments.
But of course, all work and no play makes Jane a boring dane. Hence, a pinch of humour in fashion is always appreciated, as portrayed by the quirky collection of bedtime pyjamas, polka dotted rain boots and jacketed soft toys by Chua Mui Fung.
Since this was, after all, a fashion show, it goes with little saying that stylish people were among us. Here are a few that stood out effortlessly from the crowd of fashion worshippers.
Alwyn Chua, fashion designer
Jacket: Y3
T-shirt: Full House
Bag: Gucci
Shoes: Adidas
Yaya, sister and student of a fashionable sister
Red cropped cardigan: London
Black floral blouse: A Fitting Room Boutique
Leggings: Supre, Melbourne
Bangles: Collected around Melbourne
White striped flats: Vincci
Scott Chu, fashion designer
Jacket: Sunshine, Bangkok
Black jeans: Sungei Wang
Black oversized bag: Prada
Japanese print shoes: Onitsuka Tiger
Wendy Pang, shy girl who actually said no to a photograph
Floral blouse: Johor
Skirt: Bangsar
Bag: she doesn’t remember
Shoes: Vincci
Justin Yap, fashion designer
Wrinkled shirt: Zara Men
Black pants: Jaspal
Bag: CK Calvin Klein
Watch: Zodiac
The night was celebrated with constant bursts of supportive applause from friends and families alike, and the graduates wore the best accessory to every outfit; a proud smile of a job well done.
Congratulations to all graduates of Raffles ’09, and we will look forward to its next talented batch!
Raffles International College
62 Jalan Damai, off Jalan Ampang
55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T (03) 2164 1059
F (03) 2161 1063
www.raffles-international-college.edu.my
