Singapore will hold its first fashion trade show with a cruise collection theme in a three-day showcase called Blueprint, from April 29 to May1 at the Pit Building in Republic Boulevard.

Also known as a resort or holiday collection, a cruise range falls between the two main fashion seasons.

The show promises to be the only east-west trading platform of its kind, where emerging Western labels get a chance to penetrate Asia, while Asia’s rising stars get an international platform.

Organised by Mercury Marketing & Communications, which also organises the Audi Fashion Festival, Blueprint is held jointly with the Textile & Fashion Federation.

The first two days are open to fashion buyers and industry insiders. Up to 50 designers and 100 overseas buyers are expected.

A ticketed shopping event called Blueprint Emporium will be open to the public on the third day.

About 3,000 visitors are expected to check out the latest designs of up to 50 participating brands.

Singapore designers taking part in this include established brands such as Raoul and Alldressedup as well as emerging labels Ben Wu, Antebellum and Al & Alicia.

The event will also debut a new menswear line by local designer Wykidd Song.

International labels include Thai casualwear brand Asava, Indonesian womenswear label Oka Diputra, Indian fabric innovator Varun Bahl and iconoclastic British label KTZ, whose fans include pop star Lady Gaga.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.