Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A Gift from Heaven – Lucy Shih X Fashion Visionaries "FRIENDS" for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011

It was probably the most touching runway show I have ever seen!

"Lucy Shih X Fashion Visionaries" fashion show entitled "FRIENDS" presented by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 was the first ever eco-fashion show throughout the history of Hong Kong fashion week, where the infamous Hong Kong designer, Lucy Shih showcased a series of eco multi usage clothing ranging from daywear to evening dresses using eco-friendly materials. The multi-usage collection meaning each piece in the collection could change into seven different pieces maximized the function and versatility of each piece of clothing, which embedded a spirit of conserving the environment in the designs. The majestic carnival costumes decorated with dust broom like feathers added to the collection a sense of humor on top of celebrating a recycling idea.

What won applause in Lucy's show was not necessarily the top models walking the catwalk in some breathtaking clothes, it was the inspirational and warm hearted message infused into the show which earned every single audience's tears, that was, everyone of us, young and aged, with or without disabilities are gifted creations of God. We are equally entitled to an incredibly fabulous life and be our own style master, provided that we are grateful for what we are given from heaven above. Seeing the elderly and the disabled walking down the runway as the models, I could no longer hold back my tears and murmured hallelujah.

In view of God's blessing, Lucy chose to play hymns instead of pop as background music throughout the show. A singer singing "Unreserved Love" live helped drive the show to its climax. Lucy, you made it!! You succeeded in glorifying God anytime, anywhere. You have all my respect!!

The multi-usage collection meaning each piece in the collection could change into seven different pieces maximized the function and versatility of each piece of clothing, which embedded a spirit of conserving the environment in the designs.









Everyone of us, young and aged, with or without disabilities are gifted creations of God. We are equally entitled to an incredibly fabulous life and be our own style master, provided that we are grateful for what we are given from heaven above. Seeing the elderly and the disabled walking down the runway as the models, I could no longer hold back my tears and murmured hallelujah.



A singer singing "Unreserved Love" live helped drive the show to its climax.





The majestic carnival costumes decorated with dust broom like feathers added to the collection a sense of humor on top of celebrating a recycling idea.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

1st Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers' Contest for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 – China Fantasy by Patrick Ho

1st Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers' Contest for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 presented the award winning collection entitled "China Fantasy" by Patrick Ho (the second runner-up and Woolmark prize winner). The contest provided the young designers with a precious chance to make their dream become a reality by creating something new and brilliant. Among the other contestants' designs, Patrick Ho's "China Fantasy" especially appealed to me and probably westerners in general due to its exotic and oriental feel.

As the name suggests, elements of traditional Chinese costume were found in the collection. Red was a key color accented with floral prints and with gold thread twisted into the fabric, which symbolizes happiness, luckiness, and opulence in Chinese tradition. The qipao inspired knitted evening dress inherited the art of traditional qipao to feature a perfect female body. What was more, the Chinese Manchu Qing Dynasty princess shoes and headpiece and the emerald pearl necklace with which the models were adorned enhanced the total look of the collection. Chinese New Year is around the corner, do you fancy partying up in the chic Chinese look?

If there is one thing I don't quite like about the collection, it is deficiency of imagination. Instead of simply copying some characteristics of Chinese traditional clothing, the designer may try to borrow ideas from Chinese philosophy/art/culture and have them embodied in his original design, which leaves room for interpretation, and on the other hand will possibly take his design to the next level. Fashion, after all, is a cutting edge industry, designers must always stay creative in order to remain competitive.



The new comrade look



The Chinese Manchu Qing Dynasty princess shoes and headpiece and the emerald pearl necklace with which the model was adorned enhanced the total look.



The qipao inspired knitted evening dress inherited the art of traditional qipao to feature a perfect female body.









The second runner-up and Woolmark prize winner, Patrick Ho and his model