Singapore just had a taste of the world of couture.

Over the last few days, Women's Fashion Week's The Best of Haute Couture allowed a peek into the rarefied world of expensive clothes for people with immense wealth.

And Singapore has the distinction of being the first place out of Paris to get such a week of couture.

By the time the last model walks off the runway, eight designers would have shown their collections. And many more would have had their first brush with couture.

I, for one, am glad for the experience.

I won't be wearing couture on my salary but I can still dream, can't I?

It's all about the illusion and, I guess, delusion.

The Best of Haute Couture opened on Wednesday with a nod towards the host country, Singapore.

And judging by the wild applause and the reaction on Twitter (which is really the gauge of how popular things are these days), Federick Lee was the star of the night.

Lee presented a collection that is altogether whimsical, dramatic and impactful.

My favourite is that green one-shoulder gown that looks as if a cauliflower had bloomed on the model's shoulder.

And the bright blue feather top is just the right outfit to make an entrance in.

On the second night, Maxime Simoens brought young Hollywood glamour.

His collection would find a fit with the likes of Beyonce, Blake Lively and Emma Stone.

The collection was inspired by the 1922 movie Nosferatu and featured short dresses and structured shoulders.

Gustavo Lins is an official member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture 2011 and is famous for the drape of his dresses.

His collection here flows along elegantly.

These clothes are works of art and probably cost as much.

But there is no price when it comes to appreciation.

This article was first published in The New Paper.