Rounding Up the Noughties: One Decade of Asian Fashion
The noughties are closing in and it seems like we have seen such great developments in the fashion industry of South East Asia in these 10 years. Although it has always been an unconventional field, fashion has fought through for acceptance in this region and it will only get better. So before we countdown to the start of a new calender, let's take a look at some of the turning points in fashion - the past decade, in South East Asia!
January 2000 - Hong Kong Fashion Week Millenium opening
The new year started with bigger and better HKFW shows, the number of designers participating also expanded regionally. Asia Pacific Young Designers Show was the highlight of HKFW where young regional designers were invited to showcase their skills. Melinda Looi, a Malaysian based designer, won Best Collection Award.
Source: hktdc.com
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March 2001 - Singapore Fashion Festival
Singapore Tourism Board announces the first opening of Singapore Fashion Festival at Millenia Walk. The first ever fashion consumer event is not to be confused with Singapore Fashion Week. The event was driven due to the increase number of tourists and fashion buyers in Singapore. Among the brands participating are Kenzo and Moschino - later on other big brands such as DKNY, Chanel, Vera Wang and local designers were also invited.
Source: Infopedia, Asia Travel Tips
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October 2002 - Designer Zang Toi recognition by International Center of New York
After 13 years in the industry, Malaysian born Zang Toi received a prestigious award from International Center of New York. The award is dedicated to foreign born individuals who have made a significant contribution in USA. During his acceptance speech, he encouraged everybody to dream big despite being born in a small town in Kelantan. Today, Zang Toi has two lines; House of Toi and Zang Toi.
Source: fashionwindows
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2003 - Beginnings of MIFA
The start of MIFA was through their Gala nights held during Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week in 2003. Some of the awards receipients were: Bernard Chandran voted for Best Designer of the Year and founder of A Cut Above, Winnie Loo who received Best Hairstylist Award.
Source: MIFA
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2004 - Bryanboy and his blog
Then only 17 years old, Bryanboy started blogging from his parent's home in Manila, Philippines because he needed an online travel journal where his friends can see updates when he was away. The web developer began sharing his passion for fashion, and over the years we have envied the effects of his blog; including front row seats to fashion week and the infamous Marc Jacobs BB Ostrich bag made in his honour.
Source: Tresspassmag
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August 2005 - Australian Model Michelle Leslie arrested in Bali
The dramatic event occurred in August 2005 when police were raiding an open air party and found model Michelle Leslie (or Michelle Lee) in possession of two ecstacy pills. She was brought to custody and the first news that came out was that she was convincted with 15 years in prison. The former lingerie model was surprisingly spotted with an Islamic hijab (head cover) and spoke of her religion as a Muslim. Rumours went around saying that she converted to gain sympathy in court. After the October 2005 trial, she was given a sentence of three months in prison, but because she was already in custody for the same amount of time, she was released and deported from the country.
Source: Bali blog
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November 2006 - Singapore announces launch of FTV Asia
Starhub, Singapore's largest pay TV operator announces the launch of Fashion TV Asia. The first of its own, the channel is dedicated to fashion, beauty and style. Audiences will be able to watch programs such as Fashion Week runway shows, behind the scenes, exclusive interviews with fashion icons, personalities and style guide.
Source: FTV Asia
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July 2007 - First Bazaar in Malaysia
It all started with Bijou Bazaar back in July 2007 at Jaya Shopping Centre, PJ. Using the internet as a medium of marketing and to introduce online blogshops, Bijou Bazaar quickly became a community of its own. Many bazaar organizers followed in their footsteps and flea markets rapidly became a weekend routine in Kuala Lumpur.
Source: Bijou Bazaar
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August 2008 - Michelle Obama wears Thakoon
Michelle Obama have been dubbed as one of the most fashionable First Lady. Her choices in fashion designers have caught the world by surprise, as she always opted for the less known fashion houses. At the Democractic National Convention, she wore a beautiful floral dress designed by Thakoon, a Thai designer.
Source: LA Times
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August 2009 - ASEAN Plus Fashion
Finally, we see 10 ASEAN countries showcasing fashion talents under one roof. In conjunction with the 2009 Bangkok International Fashion Fair & Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIF & BIL 2009), the purpose of this event was to celebrate the different cultures under one united stand. The common goal was also to place ASEAN in the global market of fashion industry. For the showcases, each countries brought in their own interpretation of traditions and modernity combination.
Source: Fashion windows
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