MIFW: Model's Point of View
[Joyce: TiC just interviewed model Jay earlier this month, and here she is with a post for TiC]
It’s been over two weeks since MIFW and I remember all too well how call time on the first day was at 6am! It may not sound too bad, but throw in a late fitting the night before, dinner after and packing up my "work gear", and you can see why 6am is early.
Just like everyone else, I arrived with no hair and make up. The exception is my hair has a mind of its own and the tendency to look like Bobo The Clown. One of the girls who was lying down propped up when she saw me, “Oh my god, it’s you Jay! I thought it was Whoopi (Goldberg)!” We started rehearsals shortly after. There were 4 different walks to memorize and we went through every one of them with some of us drawing it out in our notebooks.
Then it was straight to hair and make up. Things were quick-paced backstage because there were about 7 shows a day and a gazillion faces and heads to tend to. One would usually spend hours merely waiting, though noone complained. The only complaint was the lingering haze of hairspray that made the air sticky!
Lots of light needed for make up!
It was good to be back at MIFW for the second time round. The difference between the previous year and this year's was quite significant, in my view.
First was the total look of the place. Last year everything was very white, wide and clean. This year everything was black, and gone were the spacious changing areas as well.
Last year you could walk to the counter for tickets whereas this year you needed to RSVP.
Last year my heart pounded every time it was my turn to go out whilst this year I couldn’t wait to get on the catwalk and head towards the flashing lights of the camera.
Last year I knew no one, this year I was so happy to see the many familiar faces. Everywhere I walked there was a smile to return and while on the catwalk, I could have sworn I heard my name more than a few times. (Maybe it was just once and the rest were echoes? Heh =p)
Not a shoe sale!
The Changing Room - where 16 designers (maybe more), their clothes, models, dressers, shoes, and bags were held
Models’ Line Up
I was happy to see many designers from Project Runway Malaysia (Season 1). They may not have won the reality show, but being able to showcase their talent at MIFW made them winners. What’s more Alex, Hatta, Alwyn, Hairi, Anizam and Nurita were also featured in 10 Rising Stars.
Project Runway finalist Alexandrea Yeo, I love this dress. Very form flattering as u can see!
I was initially not scheduled to walk for Winson Tan (the winner of last year's Mifa 8) but through fate I ended up wearing his Lego dress (complete with infamous Lego shoes) on stage for the designers finale.
I was all packed up and ready to leave when a very panicky Winson rushed into the changing room. Not noticing the panic on his face, I smiled, picked up my bag and said ‘bye’. With eyes-a-darting and a frozen expression, he asked, “Can you please wear my finale dress?” I don’t take long to say yes. “Okay, change… quick, quick, quick”.
The Lego Dress by Winson Tan – I actually like the shoes. I do hope he seriously thinks about making wearable ones, and not just for stage.
Ever wonder what models wear before a show? The keyword is anticipation and comfort.
Daphne - looking casual, comfortable and relaxed before the show.
1. Layering is good when you don’t know if its going to be hot or cold.
2. Tops with buttons or wide necks so you don’t get your hair caught in it or mess up your make up.
3. Simple with minimal accessories so you save time taking them off and putting them back on (might even get lost in all the fuss).
4. Flip Flops are fuss free.
That’s all there is to it really!
Whether chilling out or prepping, comfort comes first.
The Coy, The Mischievous, The Studious – waiting for the show to start.
Andrews Models with their "work gear"/huge bags.
Shabana is a former Malaysian athlete and represented our country to many Heptathlon events all over the world. This year’s MIFW is her first time on the runway. Even though she has performed with a whole stadium full of people watching her, she finds there is more pressure walking down the runway in heels!
Sandals : Montego Bay Club
Dress : XOXO
Watch : Gucci
Bangles : 3 for RM10 at Mid Valley
Pashmina : Mid Valley
Diamante Earrings : night market
“This year at Mifa was quite relaxed for me as I only came in for a few designers to be a guest model. It was chaotic as usual backstage, but that can be expected with ten million models shoved into a changing room the size of my bathroom. But more organised than previous years. For the second year in a row, I came in as a guest model for my dear friend Eric Choong. As in his previous collections, his gowns were stunning and beautifully made, and always comfortable to wear, all the while making you feel like a true diva. Was a wonderful show and hope to be back next year to relive the madness!” – Aimee.
Tank top : m'phosis
Skinny Jeans : Mango
Vest : from Australia
Scarf : Neiman Marcus (she has had for over 10 years - “Keeps me warm in the freezer we call backstage.")
Leather bag : from Gold Coast - ”Great for shoving tons of shoes and snacks to keep me going.”
Shades : from Bangkok - “To hide the dark circles before the makeup artist fixes it!"
"Dress Form" Necklace : from Bangkok
Gladiator Sandals : Blay Concept
“It’s MIFA! The shows are great, great models, great music, awesome designs from international and local designers that showcased the fashion trends for 2009. I personally love Daniel Chong’s collection, very dramatic and innocent.” - SaSa
Frilly Tank Top : Topshop
Slim Cut Jeans : MNG
Shades : Vincci
Sandals : Vincci
Bag : Elite
So now you know how to spot a model - shades, skinny jeans, comfy footwear. a HUGE BAG and perhaps in the future, Lego shoes.
