ABOUT TOWN: Fashion with an attitude

2009/08/28

LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology Fashion graduates must have been beaming with pride. Their recent garments showcase at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur literally stopped the traffic.

Hundreds of attendants, clutching shopping bags and photography equipment, swarmed the stage as student designers prepared their clothes for the catwalk.

The fashion show was part of the recent convocation. Titled Creativity in Motion, it was an ambitious project by the university to delegate 33 designers from seven countries with more than 100 designs.
The show was unusual as the models not only strutted on the catwalk but also danced to the music.
“It is not just a normal fashion event; this is an attitude show,” says president and founder Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.
“It is full of character and attitude. This show is about expressing yourself well. Normal fashion shows are meant to sell clothes; this event is selling creativity. It is not about looking pretty but about making a statement.”
Creativity in Motion is a collection of fashion ideas from the world’s next generation, influenced by elements of Asian culture including the Manipuri dance of India, the Irezumi of Japan and the tribal paintings of Sarawak.
After the event, three awards were given to the designers who had shown admirable efforts, innovative designs and workmanship.

The recipients were Merlin Yuwita from Indonesia, Tan Cho Sian from Brunei and Andy Yap Hock King from Malaysia. Yap also won the Styllo Young Designers’ award 2009.
“This fashion show is a lifetime achievement and I am honoured to be granted this award,” says Yap, whose garments were inspired by the Chinese folklore, The Last Empress.

“I’m glad this award validates my ideas in the garments, as they explore the abstract expression of Chinese costumes.”

SOCIAL DIARY

Graduating designers received awards for their creativity

- Monday Night Movie is a series of monthly film screenings at the Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur with titles chosen and introduced by guest curators.
Otoko Wa Tsurai Yo was according to Yasmin Ahmad’s blog The Storyteller, Part 2, her favourite movie. The film will be introduced by a reading of Yasmin’s blog entry on the film, followed by a post-screening discussion with Hassan Muthalib on Sept 7 at 8pm.

Admission is free. Call 03-2070-1137.

- After much delay, Akon Freedom Beach Concert 09 is back on track.
The concert will be held on Oct 24 at Surf Beach @ Sunway Lagoon at 8pm. Tickets are priced at RM88 (beach zone), RM138 (rock zone) and the pit RM188, all free-standing.
Fans who had bought the tickets earlier can enter the venue without having to exchange for new ones.

During the re-launch (until Monday), those who buy two tickets will enjoy 10 per cent discount. Buy four or more and you get 30 per cent off.

For details, visit www.axcess.com.my or www.marctensia.com or call Axcess hotline at 03-7711-5000.

- The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia will hold its fourth National Art Calligraphy competition on Oct 31.

The contest is open to adults and students under the age of 18. Winners will receive cash prizes, a certificate of participation and a trophy.

For more information or to register for the competition, call Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia at 03-2270-5111, fax 03-2272-5346 or visit www.iamm.org.my

Email nstyouth@gmail.com for your activities to be included here.

Arif Kamal from Bangladesh infused Nakshi Kantha — his country’s folk art — into nightgowns