GLAMOUR and glitz come to VivoCity this weekend as it launches a three-day series of fashion shows.

Starting tomorrow, the shows – under the VivoCity Fashion Showcase banner – will kick off with the grand finals of the my paper Executive Look 2009 contest at 8pm in the central atrium.

Nineteen contestants will vie for the grand prize of $10,000 in cash.

On Saturday, the mall will present a total of five chic runway shows where models will parade the latest threads and jewellery from River Island, Liz Claiborne, Tangs department store, Utopia and SK Jewellery.

Renowned show producer Daniel Boey says he hopes that the showcase will serve as a platform to educate women to “shop intelligently”, given the world’s depressed economy.

But that doesn’t mean boring pieces. Key trends to watch out for this season are metallics, animal prints and electrifying colours like lime green and fuschia, Boey said. Indeed, colour is becoming hotter than ever.

Matthew Williamson and Marc Jacobs were among the long list of international designers who featured a riot of colours in their spring collections.

Taking the spotlight were hues like fuschia, lime and yellow in everything from suits to tops and dresses.

Yes, colour is here to stay, which is good news for cash-strapped shoppers who want something new, fresh and fun in their wardrobes that will still look hip in seasons to come.

Here’s Boey’s big tip for shopping smart: “There’s no need to plaster yourself in trendy items from top to toe.

“You can liven up or update an outfit simply by adding a dash of colour with a fuschia scarf, for instance.”

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The my paper Executive Look grand finals take place at VivoCity, level 1, tomorrow at 8pm. Fashion shows run on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm, with an additional show on Sunday at 7pm.

For more information, visit www.vivocity.com.sg

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