Saturday 9 June 2012

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Degree Graduation Fashion Show 2012 (31 May 2012)

It all started with a sudden phone call at 5pm. I got an invitation to Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Degree Graduation Fashion Show 2012 or better known as NAFA Day 3. Since the fashion show was about to start at 7pm, I had to dash over a mall near NAFA for a last wardrobe change before heading over to showcase (I was dressed incredibly shabby that day).
 
The grand opening presentation of NAFA Day 3

The fashion showcase displayed 5-piece works of each graduating fashion and fashion marketing students. Some of the works (not all unfortunately) are remarkably refreshing! Let me share with you some of my favourites.

The collection plays with lace patterns and dangling lines that potrays a graceful high-end fashion. It reminds me of those aesthetic pearly white porcelain antiques in the houses of those rich and famous.


 
I am in love the "Already but not yet" concept. The design conveys a creative presentation of beauty in an unfinished fashion.



"Survival travel" is a series for daring souls. Although the collection uses a range of duller colours, the design ends in a flare! How bold!

This collection is quite close to what I envision travel fashion should look like. The vibrance of colours still shines under all the ruggedness, blending well with layerings, albeit I think it may just be a tad too hot under summer weather.

I am deeply intrigued as to why the series is called "Ted in the fifties", but the white windowpane checkered lining, boyish bowler hats and blue, black white shades highlight the black beauty of street fashion. It is one of my top three in displaying all round creativity and practicality.

"Timber wonder" is by far my favourite collection in this show. The collection impresses me with a sense of youthful and loving feminine cuteness with the use of mittens, cartoon prints and cat ears. In love!

The Moda season has been brought back by Winarni in her series of moon surface-patterned linings, dragonfly glasses and glam pieces.


Indeed, this is a beautiful collection! The patterns are wonderfully crafted.

Finally, congratulations to the two chosen graduates to display their collections in UK fashion show!

After the fashion show, we went to the loft for some light refreshment before calling it a night. It was a brief evening fashion engagement but I really appreciate it a lot. Special thanks go to TPS and our lovely friend who got us VIP invites into the show!



Tuesday 5 June 2012

Summer Vacation Essentials


It’s officially summer time! *cheering* This signifies the season for indulgence in energizing and vivacious things, such as excursions to the beach, hiking, outdoorsy activities, stash of summer movies, bright colourful summer wears, summer festival celebrations and parties, etc. The list goes on and on!! Out of all those things-to-do, my personal favourite summer celebration consists of travelling to a foreign land and tasting different palettes of culture (and FOOD).


No, this isn’t going to be a travelling article, but it does somewhat relate to a vacation trip. Since I am about to travel (and should have done so by the time this article comes up), it is perfect timing for me to drop in some of the tips to look stylish and hot during a vacation. Some may say being visually stunning during a break vacation is a hassle, but I’d said “Who knows who you’ll meet there!”
So, before you prance off into your summer vacation, here are some essentials that you should bring:

1.       Toothbrush and toothpaste
It doesn’t get any more basic than this! Most hotels provide these in travel kits sizes, but I bring them just in case. Bright white smile is crucial during sunny weather!

2.       Facial Cleanser and Toner

With all the sweat and oil you are going to accumulate throughout the day, these are a MUST! During vacation, our skin may be exposed to radical changes in the atmosphere, weather, and activities we do. In order to maintain the skin’s balanced condition, it is highly recommendable to use facial products that our skin has accustomed.  Do it twice a day and remember to tone!

3.       Shaver

Vacation doesn’t stop us from meeting people that we might like along the way. So, keep it neat and clean.

4.       Sun block / Sunscreen

I understand the urge to get some tan during a summer vacation, but, the intention of a sun block is to protect our skin from those harmful UV rays that comes with the sun light. If there are going to be lots of outdoor engagements, put on a heavier SPF like SPF 50. It can last longer and perfect for activities under the summer sun.

5.       Oil Blotter / Oil Absorbing Paper

Summer heat can cause our skin to secrete excessive sebum/ “oil”. This will soon become whiteheads and blackheads that we all love to hate. So, strike while the iron is hot, wipe them off before they become a nuisance!

6.       Multi-Vit / Vitamin C

Taking multi-vitamins ensures sufficient nutrition intake on a daily basis. Meanwhile, vitamin C keeps our skin radiant and vibrant.

With all the basics in your bag, let’s get on with the stylish travelling wears!
As a rule of thumb, I always bring one shirt for each day of my vacation. If you are having an extended trip, you may want to recycle your shirt for up to two or three days depending on the activities you will be doing. Also, bring additional clothing for any activities involving water and/or dirt. Denims or jeans are practical and casual for vacations. They can usually last up to five to six wears!
On my 2 days vacation to the beautiful island of Bintan, I packed the followings:-
One singlet, two cotton tees, two shorts, a pair of sandals and three undies.

Camo-shorts are unique pieces that outline masculinity yet stylishly set.
I love to wear thin cotton shirt because they are really comfortable during summer

Oh, and since we are on the topic of summer vacation, here are some photos I have taken from my short summer getaway!

The enchanting Bintan Beach Resort that lies far in seclusion
Stunning vista of the Bintan Lagoon beach

Cloudy summer day at the beach
Aesthetic pub/cafe with wide louvres and glass panels to allow sunlight to bath into the edifice

There is just something hauntingly beautiful about this picture...


Duckies for sale!!!
A hermit crab on the shore
I call this "Calm and Waves"