April 2013
RAFFLES FASHION DESIGNER WINS SAMSUNG’S HEART FOR GALAXY S4
In an exclusive collaboration between Raffles Design Institute, Samsung Singapore and the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), ten designs from Raffles Graphic and Fashion Designers were eventually shortlisted from dozens of submitted entries for dressing up 40 trees along Orchard Road, specially for “Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2013”.
Raffles Fashion Designer, Cassie Jiang Boyang has been losing sleep for the last few days. When she received news that her design for the “Fashion Prints: A Trunk Show” competition organised in conjunction with “Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2013” was selected by Samsung to be featured on the casing of the new Galaxy S4, she was overjoyed.
Guests at the launch waiting patiently for the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S4
At the launch of the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4 mobile phone, held in the ‘Flower Dome’ at Gardens by The Bay, models started off the show with an exclusive fashion showcase featuring the capsule collections of renowned fashion designers – Joe Chia, a Raffles Alumnus, and Ashley Isham – a preview of what is to come at the iconic Orchard Fashion Runway on 4 May 2013. Present at the launch, an excited Cassie Jiang shared with us the rationale behind her winning design.
Raffles Fashion Designer Cassie Jiang showing her winning design
Local and international guests waited anxiously as the host announced the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S4
“These Asian floral prints were inspired by ancient Chinese patterns. The colourful cloud pattern represents luck, while the lotus pattern represents a beautiful and graceful woman. The plum blossom represents a noble character. The vase and door patterns are abstractions of the shape and grain of ancient Chinese artifacts. As a spring event, the colour should be approachable and varied. The collection I designed sees soft and light colours intermingled with high clarity colours to create a strong effect,” she shared.
The launch started off with an exclusive fashion showcase featuring the capsule collections of renowned Raffles Fashion Designer, Joe Chia
If you aspire to become a successful Fashion Designer like Cassie, please do not hesitate to contact us at 6338 5288 or email us at enquiries@raffles-college.edu.sg
A close-up of Cassie’s design on the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Limited Edition Protective Cover
The sleek mobile device is slated for release in Singapore on 4 May 2013 at Orchard Fashion Runway. Look out for Cassie’s design if you intend to buy yourself a designer casing for the new Galaxy S4. On behalf of Raffles Singapore, we would like to congratulate Cassie on her achievement!
Raffles Fashion Designer Cassie Jiang’s winning design
Showcasing the new Samsung Galaxy S4
FSO 2013 TRAFFIC STOPPING FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
the exclusive opening segment of the Orchard Fashion Runway.
On the evening of 4 May, Orchard Road turned into fashion runway with many beautiful colours, styles and models. Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2013 (FSO2013) had a one-night-only fashion show that transformed the usual vehicular bustle at the heart of Orchard Road into a dazzling outdoor fashion runway, with 170 models strutting the latest Spring/ Summer looks, as well as Fall/ Winter styles from international and local fashion designers including: Fausto Puglisi, Victoria by Victoria Beckham, Coach, J.Press, Robinsons, Marks & Spencer, Adolfo Dominguez, Maria Grachvogel and Blugirl.
The capsule collection from avant-garde Raffles Fashion Designer and Alumnus, Joe Chia
The new mobile devices featured alongside the ensemble of models' injected a creative blend of fashion and technology, and demonstrated how the new smart-phone is the perfect companion to life's special moments. A specially-selected “Trunk Show Fashion Print� version of Raffles Fashion Designer, Cassie Jiang Boyang, incorporated into a limited edition cover design for the Samsung GALAXY S4 LTE, was also unveiled at the Orchard Fashion Runway, and is now available for sale at Samsung Experience Stores island-wide.
Models created a stir among as the bustling district along Orchard Road transformed into a mega fashion runway
This significant 6-week fashion event was part of the annual Fashion Steps Out extravaganza in the popular shopping district, organised by the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA). In an exclusive collaboration with Samsung and ORBA to liven up Orchard Road with vivid hues and effervescent prints adorned on trees for the Fashion Steps Out 2013, Raffles Graphic and Fashion Designers created their masterpieces using the Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE, entitled "Fashion Prints - A Trunk Show". To mark the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S4 LTE, Samsung Singapore, the Presenting Sponsor of FSO 2013, also showcased the latest capsule collections from avant-garde Raffles Fashion Designer and Alumnus, Joe Chia, as well as local designers, Ashley Isham and Amaya Arzuaga at
Models displaying the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE mobile devices
MBFWA 2013 ROUND-UP If there was a top of the charts of global fashion weeks with New York, London, Milan and Paris making up the top four, Sydney is fast on its way to claiming the fifth spot. You'd think the main show circuit was exciting enough, but it seems Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia is now proving to be worth making an additional trip, this time down under, for fashionistas. After months of pre-planning, everything finally came together for Raffles Fashion Designers, Aurelia Evelyn Santoso and Virginia Killory Liu Xu. Representing Raffles Design Institute Singapore at the recent ‘Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Spring/Summer 2013’ (MBFWA 2013), both Fashion Designers debuted their labels, ‘AURELIA SANTOSO’ and ‘XU’s’ in Sydney, Australia.
hard work, gave much attention to details, and had to be quick-witted in handling last-minute changes to ensure a successful show, proving they were old hands at what they were trained for. The girls clearly displayed confidence and finesse throughout the event, and they unanimously gave credit to their lecturers for the knowledge imparted to them while pursuing their Bachelor of Design, majoring in Fashion Design with Raffles College of Higher Education (Singapore). Rounding up the solo shows after two days, the event welcomed the girls’ debut in the Raffles Student showcase, along with four other fashion designers, Ayaka Ichikawa, Diyanna Kosso, Gabriel Lee and Pimnarra Sangngern from Raffles College of Commerce and Design in Sydney.
30 minutes to the show and counting down. Everyone doing their finishing touches at the backstage.
From left: Raffles Fashion Designers, Virginia Killroy Liu, Aurelia Evelyn Santoso and Programme Coordinator for Fashion Design Programme, Swee Wong.
Though scheduled to start at two o’clock in the afternoon, the show was slightly delayed. However, queues already started to form near the entrance of the show at a quarter to two, despite attendees being told the show would run late. Photographers from the press were all jostling in their designated area to nest themselves for a good angle of the impending show. As the estimated crowd of about 200-odd settled down, the show finally got on its way.
With an international crowd and press at the show, the event was held in the underbelly of heritagelisted ‘Carriage-Works’ over five days (8 – 12 April), showcasing the latest fashion collections from Australia’s top designers. In addition, PREMIERE, a trade show platform for international buyers and the largest boutique event in the Southern Hemisphere, was also in an inaugural partnership with the MBFWA 2013 for the fourth year. From the pre-show preparations, backstage lineups, to the actual day presentation, the two Raffles Fashion Designers clocked countless hours of
Local and international press waited anxiously for the start of the Raffles showcase
First up on the runway was Gabriel Lee’s collection. The South Korean brought nostalgia, drama and conceptual designs to the runway with his collection inspired by a tragic tale of an unloved house maid in the Victorian era.
Elegance and modernity were the order of the day with ‘AURELIA SANTOSO’ by Aurelia Evelyn Santoso
First on the runway was Gabriel Lee’s collection
The mood changed with Diyanna Kosso’s showcase of floor-length white lace jumpsuits with frilled accents on the hips and a white silk gown with a high split and regal neckline, filled with ultrafeminine touches for women with curves.
Following that was the collection from Pimnarra’s label ‘NARA’. The petite but feisty young lady’s inspiration was "wartime freedom of spirit", and showcased fuchsia pink prints and glamorous embellishments for women in flowing silk and satin prints, harking back to the '40s and '50s.
‘DIYANNA KOSSO’ by Diyanna Kosso
’NARA’ by Pimnarra Sangngern took over the limelight with striking colours and design
Models donning Aurelia Evelyn Santoso’s collection were up next. Aurelia shared, “My inspiration came from a science fiction German silent movie directed by Fritz Lang (1890 - 1976) in 1927, titled “Metropolis”. It was produced during the Weimar Era, which focused heavily on futurism and philosophy.” Aurelia thrilled the crowd with her collection of elongated and streamlined silhouettes, emphasizing elegance and modernity.
Accompanied by gothic sounding vibes in the background, models with heavy red eye-shadow donning the collection of Virginia Killory Liu Xu’s label ‘XU’s’ caused a stir amongst the crowd. XU’s inspiration derived directly from The Ballet Russes. “They are one of the most influential itinerant ballet companies during the early 20th century. The Russian dance troop successfully blended new dance, art and music in performances that reinvigorated and revolutionized the art of performing dance then,” said Virginia.
Guests waiting to enter the event hall
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Showcase by Virginia Killory Liu Xu’s collection, XU’s
AQUINTIC by Ayaka Ichikawa
Fukuoka-born Ayaka Ichikawa’s androgynous wares, featuring Leonardo da Vinci's sketchings, were also inspired by science. Her label 'Aquintic' delivered high-end garments with detailed tailoring and hand-finishing. Ayaka’s palate was black, white and beige, and incorporated menswear elements into her female collection.
Without a doubt, fashion shows are an exceptional affair that brings excitement and pumps one’s adrenaline! If you want to experience the glamour and excitement that comes with being a Fashion Designer, please do not hesitate to contact us at 6338 5288 or email us at enquiries@rafflescollege.edu.sg
Virginia backstage, as she prepares to sort out her collection before the fashion show
Aurelia (right) having a video interview
RAFFLES FASHION DESIGNERS REPRESENT SINGAPORE IN THE AOF 2013
Representing Raffles Design Institute Singapore are Nadia, Gong Jia Qi, To Phan Dieu Linh, Nguyen Hoang Xuan Thi, Joy Chiang Shiao Lui, Cassie Jiang Bo Yang, Ssimo Sun Xin, Fenny Wirawati Wong and Yohana Setiawan. All of them are rising fashion artisans from the Bachelor of Design, majoring in Fashion Design. On behalf of Raffles Singapore, we wish them luck in this competition and the college is proud of their participation.
Nine Raffles Fashion Designers will storm the international scene with their original and innovative designs in The Arts of Fashion Foundation (AOF) Fashion Student Competition 2013, where aspiring fashion students, schools and fashion professionals from all over the globe celebrate creativity in the name of fashion. Introduced since 1983, this annual worldwide contest is organised by the Arts of Fashion Foundation, an international and independent organization geared to promote and reward creativity and inventiveness, to discover emerging talent and facilitate careers, to establish enriching contacts and exchanges between different countries, schools and universities, and to foster new relationships between those from different industries and fields. 2013 theme: Resilience Themed Resilience this year, the remarkable event will be held at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute of Textiles and Clothing. A total of 365 fashion students from 120 design schools, universities and colleges from 37 countries will be participating in this contest. They will compete against one another to enter the finals, when only six of the most outstanding fashion designers, whose designs best reflect creativity and innovative potential, will be awarded scholarships and internship opportunities in creative programmes and renowned fashion houses. Representing Institute
Singapore:
Raffles
Design
Unfazed by the tantalizing pressure, Raffles Design Institute (RDI) has the honour of being the only design school in Singapore to participate in this year’s competition to vie for the top spots.
RAFFLES DESIGNERS HELP CPIB STAMP OUT CORRUPTION Raffles Graphic Designers do their part to help stamp out corruption with an aptitude! In a recent call for entry by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness through poster designs titled “Do Your Part to Stamp-Out Corruption”, participants were invited to submit poster designs that reflect the nature of the theme, and to interpret and create the artwork in their own creative way. The competition was divided into two categories – the Student Category (for students aged 13 to 18 years old) and the Open Category (for anyone above the age of 18 years old). Response to the competition was tremendous. Altogether, the competition saw more than 260 submissions from students of various schools and professionals in the creative industries. After going through a series of stringent moderations from the panel of judges who focused on criteria such as, relevancy to the anti-corruption theme, artistic and visual appeal, creativity, originality and X-factor, Raffles Graphic Designers Tanvi Purohit, Ottis Austin Angwyn and Visatio Herianus Jonly emerged as Merit Award winners. Raffles Visual Communication lecturer, Mr. Iskandar Rahman was in high spirits when the results were announced. “This was not an easy task! The poster is targeted at members of the public that are from different walks of life. Therefore the topics we used must be easily understood and comprehended,” said Iskandar. He also shared that he and his team of lecturers had multiple in-depth discussions with their students and brainstormed for inspirations together as a team. Iskandar added, “We are delighted that our work paid off and are accepted by the judges eventually,”
Also sharing the joy were the winning students themselves. They are, Raffles Graphic Designers Tanvi Purohit, Ottis Austin Angwyn and Vesatyo Herianus Jonly. Obviously still in a state of disbelief of winning a national competition, Raffles Graphic Designer Ottis Austin Angwyn recounted, “I felt great winning the competition. It was a good experience for me! Winning this competition boosts my confidence in graphic designing. I would like to thank my lecturers, friends and family for their support.” This recent achievement is yet another success story of Raffles Graphic Designers making their mark in the design industry. Click here to view all the winning designs of this competition. If you have an aspiration to become a successful Graphic Designer in the advertising or creative industry, contact our friendly education consultant at 6338 5288 or email us at enquiries@raffles-college.edu.sg for more information.
RAFFLES HELP NURTURE YOUNG MINDS FROM ICS
the aim of nurturing their talents and potential, as well as increasing their self-esteem and resilience.
While many were still snuggling in their warm cozy beds on a drizzling Saturday morning, students of the International Community School (ICS) donning red T-shirts were getting ready for their annual funrun competition at the West Coast Park. Anxious parents, friends and teachers were already lined up along the route, prepared to cheer the competitors on. The wet weather failed to wash away the anticipation and nervousness lingering in the atmosphere. “On your mark, Get set……!” The race umpire said in a steady and firm tone through the loud hailer. “GO!” Within split seconds, the contingent hurled themselves forward, racing towards the finishing line five kilometres away. Almost immediately, the 600-strong crowd of spectators roared with deafening excitement. Supporters threw punches in the air and cheered them on.
Despite the early morning downpour, turnout at the event remained strong
This year, Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) was one of the main sponsors of this event, in order to help raise funds that will contribute to the well-being of young minds, with
Runners gathered before the starting point for a mass warm-up exercise
Athletic Director Alicia Bandy said, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Raffles College of Higher Education for their generous donations. These funds will be used by the school to finance equipment and activities that will enhance students’ learning experience.” Like previous years, the event concluded with great success. The bad weather did not dampen the competitive spirits of the runners. After the race, the winners proceeded to the stage as their names were called upon by the emcee to receive their awards. Once more, the crowd cheered all the participants on.
Bending their bodies in anticipation, ICS runners were ready to race to the finishing line
Present at the show were guests comprising of celebrity Fashion and Lifestyle event producer / Creative Director, Mr. Daniel Boey, and industry partners such as Club 21, Crocodile International Pte Ltd, Blum & Co Pte Ltd, SPRING Singapore, etc. Singapore/ Shanghai
RAFFLES PRIVATO’S LUXE SHINES THROUGH WITH SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTIONS The stage was set for a fashion show like no other, as models decked out in outfits designed by Raffles Privato Designers filled the premier luxury mall Paragon’s atrium-turned-runway on a crowded Saturday afternoon on 12 April 2013. Raffles Privato, the retail concept between Paragon Shopping Centre and Raffles Design Institute, showcased to eager audiences its much anticipated Spring/Summer 2013 collections from eight of its talented Raffles Fashion Designers.
Mr. Daniel Boey (centre) and the Raffles Privato Designers
Kicking off the show was 29-year-old Tsai Ming Hung’s latest collection of his menswear line - MR. HOWARD. Winner of Star Creation Awards 2011, Tasi infused modern menswear with Asian design philosophies in his new collection, incorporating Asia’s rich cultural legacy.
‘MR. HOWARD’ by Tsai Ming Hung
A veteran of the industry and having participated in several international fashion weeks from Moscow to Australia (just to name a few), Erin Loh of ‘THE PRODIGAL SON’ paired clean silhouettes and boxy forms together, creating chemistry and glitter for her Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
A winner of the DHL Fashion Design competition at the Fide Fashion Weeks 2012, and also representing Raffles Design Institute at the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2013, Virginia Killory Liu also showcased a collection from her label ‘XU’s’. Her outfits expressively displayed the colours of Spring and Summer, with long and lean silhouettes.
‘THE PRODIGAL SON’ by Erin Loh
Crowned the Most Popular Designer in Project Runway Thailand 2012, Raffles alumnus, Paul Nathaphol showed the crowd his brilliantly designed collection, inspired by immortality and ancient Greek mythology goddesses.
’XU’s’ by Virginia Killory Liu Xu
A pioneer of the avant garde fashion scene in Malaysia, Raffles alumnus Joe Chia presented his unisex collection that consisted of a lot of black and a whole lot of creativity, inspired by the notion of abomination and desolation, dubbed "The Beginning of an End". ’PAUL NATHAPHOL’ by Paul Nathaphol
Newly on board Raffles Privato, and a finalist of the Triumph Inspiration Awards 2012, Lau Ee Xuan’s label ‘XUANLAU’ wooed the crowd with her brilliant combination of neutral colours, clean lines and texture comprising a unique tweed material.
‘XUANLAU’ by Lau Ee Xuan JOE CHIA by Joe Chia
Aurelia Evelyn Santoso, another up-coming fashion talent, also representing Raffles Design Institute at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2013, revitalised the audience with a fusion of red and black, thrilling the crowd with her collection of elongated and streamlined silhouettes, emphasizing elegance and modernity.
’AURELIA SANTOSO’ by Aurelia Evelyn Santoso
Gracing the finale of the show was Sri Lukito Sari Poetronegoro, who took part recently in the Jakarta Fashion Week 2013, with her label “UPRISING’ exploring the possibilities of fusing fabrics and practicality of each garment that was showcased.
’UPRISING’ by Sri Lukito Sari Poetronegoro
All the eight Raffles Privato Designers’ skills were indisputable and their collections reinforced the fact that they have proven themselves to be true fashion artisans with their aptitude. Their collections are available at Raffles Privato, Paragon Shopping Centre, Level 3, 290 Orchard Road. (Phone: 6733 8500).
Model donned in an elegant red dress by Aurelia Evelyn Santoso
Raffles Privato Designers at the fashion show (from left to right): Tsai Ming Hung, Erin Loh, Joe Chia, Sri Lukito Sari Poetronegoro, Paul Nathaphol and Lau Ee Xuan. Both Aurelia Evelyn Santoso and Virginia Killory Liu Xu were not at the event as they were representing Raffles Design Institute at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013 in Australia
PIONEER COHORT GRADUATES WITH EXTRAORDINARY FASHION SHOW IN SRI LANKA Raffles Design Institute in Colombo (http://www.raffles.edu.lk) recently held its graduation ceremony for its first batch of 16 graduates on 26 March at The Kingsbury Hotel.
from the Ministry of Higher Education in Sri Lanka. In a recent announcement, Mr Chew Hua Seng, Chairman and CEO of RafflesEducationCorp, said, “Sri Lanka is an emerging market filled with opportunities. With economic growth, there will be increased demand for university education. We are delighted that we are welcomed to participate in the transformation of Sri Lanka’s tertiary education sector. With our years of experience, we are committed to play our part to train industryrelevant professionals to meet the needs of the industry.”
The grand event exhibited works by the Multimedia, Interior and Graphic Design graduates and finished off with a bang with an impressive fashion show which featured the creations of the school’s Fashion Design graduates. Every little detail – from the uniquely designed runway to the three distinctive endings of each fashion show segment – was the combined effort of the graduates as well as world renowned designers, Dinesh Chandrasena and Andrea Lonhardt Muresan. Both are also lecturers at the Institute.
The pioneer batch of graduates from Raffles Design Institute and the proud faculty members
Professor Steve Rawlinson graced the event as Chief Guest, along with Academic Director, Professor Julie Ross. Both delivered engaging speeches as they bade a final farewell and gave well wishes to the promising graduates. College Director Mr Alex Quah Ban Thong proudly addressed the audience, noting that many students have already been head-hunted by employers before graduation. These include leading fashion stores such as Kelly Felder, Odel, Maldives Resorts and even companies in Dubai. Mr Quah continued by celebrating the achievements of Raffles Education Corporation Limited (RafflesEducationCorp) in Sri Lanka as a premier higher education provider – several weeks earlier, RafflesEducationCorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Raffles Assets (Private) Limited, had signed an investment agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka to establish Raffles University Sri Lanka. On top of that, approval for the establishment of the University was received
An impressive fashion showcase of the creations done by Raffles fashion graduates
A truly gratifying moment for the fashion graduates, when their works “came to life” on the runway after months of hard work