Miss Sixty Rock Art – "ART in jeans" Campaign

Miss Sixty Rock Art!!!
Hong Kong was the first stop of and where the grand finale will be for Miss Sixty's exhibition cycle tour of Asia. The campaign named “ART in jeans” kicked off in Hong Kong's newly opened Miss Sixty flagship store which is located in a luxurious mall in the heart of the city. I must say I was honored to be invited by a painter friend from Canada/Hong Kong, Harvey Chan who was one of the five participating artists to catch the show and witness the philosophy of blending art and blue denim embodied in the brand.

One of the founders of SIXTY GROUP from Italy and its creative director, Wicky Hassan sees denim far more than just a basic, utilitarian fabric but a spiritual canvas on which unrestrained artistic notion can be manifested. In Hassan's own words: “I hope to show what and how much energy a simple material in a basic style like jeans can release.” Six masterpieces altogether from Hassan's private collection, all based on the theme “jeans art,” carefully transported from Italy were on display at the exhibition. On top of that, five local elite artists were invited to exhibit their artworks of the same theme, with inspirations from jeans, denim, buttons and zippers. Harvey's ink painting entitled “The Recurring Dream” conveys the revitalizing and energizing qualities of denim. According to the painter, the use of ink gives his painting a Chinese touch, which I reckon is the most interesting part of the artistic presentation.

Didier, 1994 by Pierre Et Gilles was one of SIXTY GROUP's creative director Wicky Hassan's private collection pieces transported from Italy exhibited at the event.



Convertirsi Al Jeans, 1994 by Aldo Mondino from Hassan's private collection



Blu, 1997 by Erwin Olaf and Jeans Energie, 1994 by Mark Kostabi from Hassan's private collection



The ink painting entitled "The Recurring Dream" conveys the revitalizing and energizing qualities of denim by Harvey Chan, a participating artist from Canada/Hong Kong.



Seeing the Unseen by Wilson



Menu Tsai's inspiring Something We Experienced Too





Beautiful Decay by Watto (Ken)



Hidden Stories by Kim Hung



Miss Sixty, along with the art exhibition hosted a fabulous fashion show at the concurrent “ART in jeans” campaign where plenty of beautiful and wearable pieces stunningly accessorized besides the signature jeans and denim were featured to satisfy the fashionistas' fashion cravings. The idea of having an adorable family walking the runway in jeans at the opening of the show was inspired by Menu Tsai, one of the local participating artists' artwork entitled “Something We Experienced Too,” which let the guests experience the heritage of the last generations. It was indeed one warm-hearted and sentimental scene which instilled a great amount of humanity into the glamorous show.



The live window model mannequins displayed the latest Miss Sixty collection.



The idea of having the adorable family walking the runway in jeans at the opening of the show was inspired by Menu Tsai, one of the local participating artists' artwork entitled "Something We Experienced Too," which let us experience the heritage of the last generations. It was one warm-hearted and sentimental scene which instilled a great amount of humanity into the glamorous show.





One of my favorite looks which reminded so much of the beautiful floor length, ruffled and multi printed dress from Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2008 collection



Finale



Ladies and gentleman, are you up for an artistic and creative journey, meandering through a mix of fashion and art? Come pay a visit to the exhibition till the 5th April and get inspired.

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

Forget Her Not.... A New Year, A New Start, GV Miao Wishes U a Prosperous New Year Abounding in LOVE

Forget her not!! In exactly one week is our beloved Gwen Vikkey, the founder of this fabulous fashion blog's 28th birthday. Time flies. Gwen had been through a lot this year; all we can do is to wish her weeping soul be comforted in God's arms. Gwen would love to see each of her supporters cherish their loved ones and understand the meaning of love. Wipe your tears and stay fashionable. GV Miao wishes you a prosperous year of 2011 abounding in LOVE.

The beautiful festive decors in one of the oldest Victorian-style shopping centres, The Strand Arcade in Sydney









Live music performance at late night shopping event in The Strand Arcade



The Christmas tree made of wheels found in Sydney city centre



The infamous Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in Sydney



Inside QVB





GV Miao's favorite oriental-style spiral staircase



Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year / Bonne Année / Buon Anno / Feliz Año Nuevo / Gutes Neues Jahr!!