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.

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

Highlight of Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 – Barney Cheng's Extravagant Journey

I was thrilled to be among the supermodels and celebrities at the cocktail reception at the most anticipated Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2011 for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 showcasing some internationally renowned fashion designers' latest collections. The glamorous cocktail reception and the dazzling show were held at the magnificent Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre with panoramic sea view. While the breathtaking designer collections were being presented on the runway, the guests all dressed up stylistically for the show were having their own fashion parade below the stage. Beautiful clothes for beautiful people, doesn't it sound cool?

Keita Maruyama, a fashion designer from Japan who participated in Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2011 and the Japanese top model, Ai Tominaga



The event featured four Asian designers from Japan (Keita Maruyama), Korea (Doii Lee), China (Alex Wang), and Hong Kong (Barney Cheng). Each designer conveyed a strong character in their collections but my preference is to stay with Barney Cheng (please excuse me), the outrageously talented Hong Kong designer considering Hong Kong was the host city and from whose models I saw the signature looks that best represent the graceful and fashion-conscious temperament of Hong Kong ladies. Barney Cheng Fall/Winter 2011 collection was truly an eye catcher. It incorporated evening dresses and ball gowns made in luxurious fabrics like faux fur, leather, silk satin, and beaded chiffon and embellished with plenty of couture elements and to great detail. A play of silver and gold colors was accentuated with an extensive use of metallic fabric to add a glamorous and futuristic touch to the collection. On top of that, the designer created an interesting texture and a variety of styles of and in the outfits by contrasting the thickest faux fur mink over the sheerest beaded chiffon gown and the business-like suit jacket over the flowy pleated tiered party dress respectively.

Lisa S., a top model from Hong Kong









The traditional qiapo inspired evening gown with the handmade floral button detail (they were in fact two buckles) added an oriental touch to the design.



The finale was a couture parade displaying Barney Cheng's exquisite craftsmanship and supreme quality where the stunning crystal encrusted silk satin dress and the luxurious fur cape surely wow you.





Barney Cheng Fall/Winter 2011 collection was indeed the attention to details
collection. I especially like the Chinese style long robe trimmed in metallic silver yarn embroidery (in the middle) which had brought the Chinese empress alive on the runway.



The designer, Barney Cheng and his guest models