Friday the 13th featuring Missoni

My first foray into the Audi Fashion Festival … and what better “initiation” than at a Press Conference featuring designer Erdem Moralioglu, photographer Russell James and Asian Supermodel (or “top model”, whoever knows the terms nowadays?), Tao Okamoto. Hosted at the St Regis, the press conference was presented and mediated by legendary fashion writer, Colin McDowell.

I did however, get to speak with Erdem Moralioglu. The half-British, half-Turkish designer was warm and unassuming. Known for his use of colours, floral print and flowly designs, Erdem gave me an insight as to what it was that inspired him; art, photography and women. And it’s his love and admiration for the female form that’s apparent in his designs that make any woman feel, well, womanly.
His creations can be found here: ERDEM

The next session of the press conference welcomed the family of the Italian Fashion house, Missoni. They were warmly welcomed into the ballroom with a round of applause by journalists, bloggers, photographers and other media individuals from all over South-East Asia.

Missoni was the curtain-raiser for this year’s Audi Fashion Festival. And so it was absolutely imperative that I got an interview in with them. But it would have to be backstage, and AFTER the show. Having been in the industry for too long a time, I know how absolutely MANIC it can get before any event. I wasn’t about to go poke my nose in (along my my mic and camera) and even TRY to attempt to get any one’s attention pre-show).

At left: Armed with my “Front-of-House” Media Pass, I now had the “key” to go just about anywhere, hassle-free.

The invites/tickets stated 7pm. But EVERYONE knows that events don’t start on time. For the very reason that they (the organisers) need to be sure the house is filled before even starting to think of raising the curtains.

everyone busy. All the usual suspects were there; socialites, party-people, media, personalities, etc. By the time everyone entered the show area, Louboutins and Gucci footwear were finding it hard to keep their balance, and dignity (that story shall be left for another time, and social media).

It must have been about 8.30pm before the actual show started and it wasn’t disappointing. The Italian Fashion house stayed true to the inspirations and creativity that have kept them running since 1953. Failing to succumb to buy-outs and stranglehold of the massive fashion groups, the Missoni family has stuck together through the rollercoaster of various economic recessions and the pressure to “conform” to the latest trends and materials. The brand started out with unique knitwear and zig-zag patterns in various fabric and colours, and till today, that signature bears much strength in their collections. The runway on Friday revealed a myriad of colours (mainly muted-pastel), a variety of lengths and textures and furs. It is after all the F/W 11/12 collection. So very heavy knits, and lots of layers. Angela Missoni later revealed that the inspiration was military-inspired feminine-chic almost. With manly jackets and long trench-like coats, flat footwear and boots. Pale faces, strong eyebrows and red-lips were the accessories, and just about all you need to accompany the collection.