Fashion came to life last weekend when live "mannequins" were planted at 313@somerset.

The aim: To get people to join a contest that may see them featured on the cover of a leading lifestyle magazine.

Men and women between the ages of 18 and 28 exuding that X factor were sought out.

The response has been peachy so far, with over 400 entries submitted, including those via e-mail or Facebook.

"Being a cover model has always been the dream of every young fashionista. With our upcoming autumn fashion campaign, 313 wants to present that opportunity and engage our shoppers, providing them (with) a platform to explore fashion," Ms Amy Lim, general manager of the mall, said in a press release.

A total of 12 finalists will be selected, and they will strut their stuff in a runway show on Oct 7, where the winners - one male and one female - will be crowned. Both will be featured as cover models, and will win $1,000 worth of shopping vouchers at 313@somerset, among other prizes.

Vote for your favourites, via the mall's Facebook page or at the mall, which will put up a photo display on Oct 1, and stand to win prizes, too.

This isn't the only fashion event that's going on at the mall. At the end of the month, on Sept 29 and 30, it will host a fashion auction.

At 2pm, 4pm and 6pm on both days at the mall's atrium, more live "mannequins" will model ready-to-wear looks that the public can bid for in the Bid Me A Cover Look event.

Bidding for each item will start at 50 per cent off the original price, and the highest bidder will win the piece.

If you intend to head to the mall for that event, you'll get to see the best of the Fall/Winter trends from brands like Aldo, Esprit, Forever 21, New Look and Outfitter Girls.

Want to be inspired? Head to the shops of 313 now, where Fall/Winter fashion is already taking hold.

One of the biggest trends of the season is studs and spikes, giving clothing that extra edge.

The peplum look, which you've seen on celebs like Eva Longoria, as well as South Korean stars Kim Ha Neul and Yoon Jin Yi, is still going strong.

And lively, vibrant colours are still taking centre stage.

At New Look, you'll find 1960s-inspired mod looks, a nod to the 1971 film Get Carter, and richly coloured, sumptuous "Kaleidofolk" looks that feature bold designs.

Forever 21 is going big on bold looks too, and statement pieces are to be found in ferocious leopard prints and classic houndstooth designs. Expect to see structured and bold silhouettes, and embellishments in luxurious metallics.

Staples from Aldo's collections include slipper flats that will last for at least another two seasons. Animal prints and colours like electric blue, oxblood and midnight blue will spice up the shoe wardrobe.

Now, get shopping already!

DEALS AND SPECIALS AT 313

Sure-win Fashion Spin

Shoppers, have a go at a surewin Fashion Spin from now till Oct 14.

Simply spend a minimum of $150 (maximum of three sameday receipts) at any 313 outlet to stand to win over $20,000 worth of food and shopping vouchers.

With each spin, shoppers are also entitled to a chance to win the new iPad (worth $958) in a lucky draw on Oct 15.

This is limited to the first 80 shoppers per day on a first-come-first- served basis. Each shopper is limited to one spin per day.

Club 313 members who meet the minimum spending requirement for the 313 Fashion Spin are guaranteed one spin per day. They will also receive double chances in the lucky draw.

Find out about your aura

From Sept 29 to Oct 6, shoppers who spend a minimum of $150 at any 313 outlet are invited to discover what their aura colours say about their personality, their fashion statement and lifestyle.

The Auramatherapy Shop uses the Aura Video System to capture the colours of a person's chakras and aura (otherwise known as the emotional and energetic states of the user), using real-time imaging technology.

Shoppers can discover the truth about their inner well-being at the 313 Atrium in a matter of minutes.

For more information, visit or call the Concierge Desk on 6496-9313 or log on to the 313@somerset Facebook page at www.facebook.com/313somerset

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