Celebrating the best in Fashion

SINGAPORE CELEBRATES THE BEST IN FASHION AT THE ASIAN COUTURE FEDERATION AWARDS GALA

Singapore’s position at the forefront of the global fashion stage was sealed yesterday evening as the Asian Couture Federation (ACF) presented the region’s prominent fashion awards at Marina Bay Sands. The prestigious event also saw the announcements of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Couture Council’s landmark formation and the FIDé Fashion Weeks world tour, which will bring its unique, and groundbreaking fashion initiatives across Asia and the world.

Attended by the most respected names in fashion, the ACF awards gala honoured key individuals across a range of disciplines and professions who have made a profound impact on the fashion industry, particularly in Asia. Fifteen awards by Crystal Partner Liuli Gong Fang were presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to ACF Honorary President, Mr. Kenzo Takada.

Additional awardees include Ms. Silvia Fendi for Outstanding Contribution to the Global Couture Industry, Mr. Daniel Boey for Outstanding Contribution to the Singapore Fashion Industry, and Mr. Bryan Yambao, more famously known by his moniker Bryanboy, for Outstanding Contribution to Social Media in Fashion.

“Around the world, leading fashion federations such as La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the British Fashion Council have made it a point to consistently recognise the best talents in their markets. To date, this simply hasn’t happened in Asia,” said Dr. Frank Cintamani, ACF Founding President.

With a mission to represent the very best couture talent within Asia, the ACF officially appointed a further three Governors to its Governors Committee, two couturiers to its highest status of Asian Couturier Extraordinaire (ACE) and five as Invited Members. These new additions bring the ACF’s total representation to 16 couturiers, covering 10 countries. By ACF guidelines, Invited Members must accrue at least 20 years of couture experience before being elevated to ACE status. The Asian Couture Federation fashion show highlighted the exceptional talent of all of the members and was styled with deLaCour timepieces, with make up from M.A.C Cosmetics and hair by Shunji Matsuo.

“The Asian Couture Federation has a firm belief that Asia is home to some of the most creative and talented couturiers in the world. It is a constant process of evaluation to identify those designers who meet our stringent membership criteria. However, the induction of a further eight designers to our ranks proves again the depth and breadth of talent that exists in the region. Likewise, the ACF values the expertise and insights of our Governors, all of who are leading members of Asia’s fashion landscape. The appointment of a further three Governors today brings even greater experience to hand, and also consolidates many of the relationships that we have worked so hard to put in place,” said Ms. Emily Hwang, ACF Vice President.

Following the success of the ACF in promoting and nurturing couture talent in Asia, the ACF announced on the 25th November, the creation of the MENA Couture Council (MCC). Operating under the auspices of the ACF, the MCC will undertake a similar role in recognising and supporting the very best couture talents across the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).

Overseeing the strategic and legislative aspects of the MCC will be the Executive Committee, comprising of the most esteemed leaders, experts and opinion leaders in the world of MENA fashion. They represent the full spectrum of media, industry and business. Likewise, in line with the ACF, the MCC will recognise senior members as MENA Couturier Extraordinaire and junior members as Invited Member. The MCC will bring together some of the most acclaimed names in the Middle Eastern couture industry such as Basil Soda and Abed Mahfouz.

The Asian Couture Federation Awards Gala marked yet another monumental milestone for FIDé Fashion Weeks’ position as one of the most ground-breaking fashion events organiser in Asia. Over the course of the last 3 years, FIDé Fashion Weeks has created a number of firsts. In 2011, FIDé presented Asia’s first Men’s Fashion Week. Later that year, FIDé hosted the first dedicated couture week outside of Paris and soon after, went on to present Asia’s first complete fashion season. Following the rousing success of FIDé’s initiatives in Asia, and to align with its goal of constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of fashion, FIDé is now embarking on the FIDé Fashion Week World Tour 2014-2015.