I AM passionate about the local design scene, my obsession for YSL leather products aside.
A lot of local designers don't design for people of my - ahem - upsized frame, so I don't buy local as often as I would like.
Where to buy local
BOUTIQUES to go to if you want to support local fashion:
Front Row 5, Ann Siang Road
Tel: 6224 5501
Hide & Seek 22B/C Hong Kong Street
Tel : 6536 7475
Felt #01-18, Capitol Building
Tel: 6837 3393
Still, I think they deserve our support.
And for that reason, I am excited about The New Paper New Face 2008 finals.
This Friday at Takashimaya Square, while one of the 20 finalists will get the title, about 10 up-and-coming local talents - students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Raffles Design Institute - will get their moment in the spotlight.
Fashion stylist Verna Tan, 33, is full of praise for the students' collection.
She said: 'The clothes look fabulous. They just need a little styling and they'll be great.'
To me, when viewing a student's collection, you must forget what you see at the mall.
Some of the designs on the catwalk will be strange and outlandish. Some of the outfits will look like Halloween costumes.
But look past the crazy facade to see the basic ideas and you might be impressed. Think of it as the student's glittery coming-out party, before they settle down to serious editing and designing.
Miss Tan thinks support for the students is vital.
'The local design scene needs a lot of support from the public and the industry. If you do great clothes, but no one wants to support you by featuring or buying them, what's the use?'
And in that spirit, let me present five dresses - modelled by some of this year's The New Paper New Face finalists - that you'll see on the catwalk this Friday.
Who knows? One of these designers could end up as our next Tan Yoong or Thomas Wee.
WHAT THE DESIGNERS SAY
ZHANG SUSHAN, 24 (Design at left)
KRISHY MAL, 20
(Design at top)
IXCHEL AW, 20 (Design in front, centre)
ALFRI MOHD YUSOFF, 20 (Design in green)
JESSLINN AIK (A.S.H), 28 (Design at right)
'I believe we will have more designers who can make it big in the international arena. Singapore may even become one of the hubs promoting Asia's fashion.'
HER LOOK
Scottish Highlander kilts, tartan and idea of power dressing.
MODEL: Claire Chua
'The fashion scene in Singapore is strong, but can be stronger, bolder and more colourful.'
HIS LOOK
'Dance pop derived from electronic music.'
Krishy's clothes will be sold from next year. Log on to www.krishymal.blogspot.com to see more of his designs.
MODEL: Lydia Norman
'More activities and competitions should be held to seek more young, local talents.
'Developing brand loyalty is important and the market needs to be changed in order for us to be accepted.'
HER LOOK
Water and how it goes from gas to water to solid.
MODEL: Sara Chan
'I would love to make a name for myself in five years and contribute to the local fashion scene.'
HIS LOOK
Military. Think metal zippers, huge brass buttons and epaulets.
MODEL: Lydia Yacob
'I hope to be able to reach the status of a fashion designer in five years' time.'
HER LOOK
The Victorian era look, evoking the mood of Edward Scissorhands the movie.
MODEL: Cheryl Koh
This article was first published in The New Paper on Oct 5, 2008.
