Starhill Gallery Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015 Day 3


[Fashion]
 Models Evelyn Marieta (L) and L’Oreal Mok (R) with Miss World Malaysia 2012 Lee Yvonne (middle)
 
The third day of the Starhill Gallery Fashion Week 2015 (20 March 2015) showcased for the first time, three renowned Malaysian designers – Calvin Thoo, Jimmy Lim and VARIANTE – featuring a variety of stylish garments, contemporary trends and the most up-to-date accessories. The designers’ catwalk display showcased their latest collections, from red carpet dresses and runway outfits to feminine daytime wear.
 

                                                                                                                                        
Calvin Thoo’s debut at the Starhill Gallery Fashion Week recreated a beautiful collection titled “Reminiscence”, which celebrated his brand’s ten year presence in the Malaysian market. This collection was a contrast of the old and new, a reinterpretation of some of his most well-known designs from the past ten years; a combination of short cocktail dresses and evening gowns which expressed romanticism and traffic-stopping glamour.
The twelve showcased pieces were made with simplicity in mind; classy yet chic, elegant, but never over the top, with the focus always on silhouette, where form-fitting shapes are key. The collection featured pops of vibrant colours and soft pastels to illustrate the joyful mood of spring and the welcoming change of summer utilising only fine silks and soft, sensual chiffon with intricate, exclusive beadwork.
 

                                                                                                                                        
Jimmy Lim’s latest collection entitled ‘Beautiful Collision’ draws inspiration from Lord Byron’s romantically haunting poem, “She Walks in Beauty”. As such, his collection encompassed poetic romance, youthful grace, and a fragile clash of unexpected appearances of the usual label’s DNA.  The outfits portrayed a dreamy confidence with a commanding collection of modern simplicity and contemporary cuts. 
His models showcased flowy dresses, baggy trousers and relaxed cut tops which offered a nearly pyjama-like sensual sense of dressing; while contrasting the softness with dramatic skirts and jackets with exaggerated lengths and sculpted details. Challenging the norm, Jimmy carefully paired luxe fabric such as jacquard, sequined lace, multi fibre knit and comfortable natural fabrications of silk, cotton and linen in order to create a balancing effect of effortless style and comfort this season. The collection’s dark palate was contrasted by accents of cream, silver and bronze; a reference to the beautiful night sky.
 

                                                                                                    
Leslie Variyan showcased his brand’s more modest collections, with lots of layering and inspiration taken and revamped from the classics, but still very much VARIANTE. “I have gone for a more relaxed, summer like, holiday feel with this collection. The ideal VARIANTE woman will get up in the morning, open her wardrobe and put on a pair of sleek loose pants with a long tunic, call up her friends, and simply say, “Come Away With Me” guaranteeing to feel like they are flying a million miles away to a blissful and serene escape no matter where the destination,” said Variyan.
Retro graphic prints and summer floral blooms were crafted into silhouettes that were long, loose and layered. Concepts of long tunics over loose fitted pants were reminiscent of VARIANTE’s signature kaftans from previous collections, as well as their care-free and versatile pieces and use of retro graphic prints, and summer floral blooms combined with the loose, long and layered highlight that drew inspiration from the fashion archives of the ‘70s with a current and updated flare.
 

 
Vice President of YTL Land & Development Bhd, YTL Hotels and Properties, Joseph Yeoh, said “Starhill Gallery Fashion Week, now in its fifth year, is renowned for showcasing top international brands and for being committed to supporting home grown labels and tonight’s showcase forms part of a series of initiatives made to nurture Malaysian talent. Starhill Gallery’s portfolio of the best fashion brands is constantly growing and we are proud to be able to offer such a variety of choice and deliver exclusive experiences like Starhill Gallery Fashion Week.”
The three-day event featured special in-store deals, exclusive complimentary gifts, services and parties while guests could sign up for daytime Pampering & Lifestyle Packages by BMIC Nail Spa Salon, Donna Spa and IPL Skin Care Clinique. This event was in partnership with Citibank, DR Events & Consultancy, Malaysia Airlines, Pernod Ricard Malaysia, Shook! Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and YTL Info Screen.
More info at http://www.starhillgallery.com/
Photo credits: Andy Kho Photography (www.andykho.com)