F or the second day of MIFW 2008 ,we only managed to get in for the “Asia Magic Gala” which featured some more experienced and commercially successful designers. The line-up included Malaysia- Tangoo, Hong Kong -Dorian Ho, Thailand- Zenithorial, China- Meidi Zhang, Pakistan – Deepak Perwani and last but not least Malaysia’s own -Farah Khan.
This event was graced by Her Royal Highness The Queen, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, who looked her usual elegant self in a black full embroidered dress. Most of the elegant society ladies present were dressed in Farah Khan of course. Top models like Lisa S and Anna R led the shows.
Now , Tangoo opened the gala, showing clothes that were sexy and yet wearables, loads of animal prints. I loved how they had shiny silver sequined zebra striped dress, and a gold shiny leopard like printed caftan. The whole tribal culture in their clothes was their way of fusing nature , ethnicity and fashion in a collection that pulsates with verve and virility after spending nine months in Central Africa. Fashion aside , this focus called “Call of The Wild ” is also their way of highlighting the suffering in Africa form extreme poverty , AIDS and environmental degradation. The whole show , which was accompanied by drums by young children, throbbed with excitement. Their collection of headgear and accessories, big bangles and necklaces and the use of feathers also gave the clothes a dazzling finish and for their finale, a bride and groom walked down the runway in a zebra striped ensemble …
Next up was Dorian Ho , whose collection was a sharp contrast to Tangoos wild , hot act. His was a demure and sweet pastelly collection of greens, pinks and purples. Lovely evening gowns with attention to details but what was just the right twist and yet catching the momentum of Tangoo’s act , was that touch of quirky twist to the headgears. Lisa S opened the show in a short tutu dress carrying a giant teddy bear and wearing a small one on her head. Watch out for the tiara and also the crown. Guess everyone’s a real princess when wearing his clothes or maybe the jauntily perched tophat with a teddybear is more your thing.
Thailand’s Zenithorial was a truly mesmerising collection with loads of silks and brilliant toga dresses . His shirtdresses with floral print were wearable and interesting. But it is his toga like one shoulder gowns that really capture my attention. The complex architecture of the Grecian toga is minimalised and yet at the same time drawing more attention to the details. His is a resort collection worthy of any “jet set cruise”… My favorite piece a one sided dress pants worn over skinny jeans (watch the fashion show video)
What was really interesting also, was the transparent vinyl wedge that he introduced throughout the whole show in the form of an upper bootie or peep toe…out of this world …
Meidi Zhang then decided to warm up the room and some hot blooded males’ blood when Lisa S opened the show wearing only a wool and fur trimmed poncho . The East meets West rest of the collection had some seriously delicate and yet slinky crochet and knit numbers. Definitely in for some “hot” time on a cruise… His was an intricate collection of a craftsman weaving his way into the hearts of his fans… His range was shown off with some really interesting boots, the one I like best is a bandage like full boot, kind of wearing Herve Leger bandage dress for your calves…cool!
When we bumped into Deepak Perwani at the media room , he mentioned that he was kinda nervous and I wonder why. His fourth showing with MIFA, it was an elegant collection with intricate embroidery and beading works. I like the corset bodices with beading on the evening gowns reminiscent of a more demure “Pride and Prejudice era” but fast forward to 21st century, Deepak styled modernism and sensuality.
Last but not least , Farah Khan’s Spring Summer 2009 which brand’s main intent is to bring out the “goddess” in every woman with intricately embroidered caftans and tops, still did. But what was a pleasant surprise for me was the full sequined short shift dresses that were ageless and timeless. It could have been worn by many a Datin as a top or for their daughters as a dress. This is a trendy and hip collection. There were loads of intricate beadings but so very lovely without going overboard. Okay , yes, maybe a little over the top, with beading in block colour combos on the same dress for instance, but yet very wearable. I just love that she had the dresses worn with leather or denim jacket and with boots, loads of attitude!
And the show ended with an appreciation bouquet presented by the Queen to each designer…
Watch the videos that we will be posting to get real feel of the clothes!
Keep watching this space as we will be adding in videos and pictures …
Do you have bigger picture for the Queen? I really want to see her black embroidered dress.
will look for you