Residing in fashion capitals like New York and Milan may no longer be a prerequisite for designers who want to hit the big time.
Asia’s rising design stars are getting a profile-raising platform at a new three-day event called Blueprint that kicks off here next Thursday at the Pit Building in Republic Boulevard.
Not to be confused with a fashion festival, Blueprint is a business-to-business trade show featuring work from 36 local and 18 international labels.
The initiative is one of the key events under the inaugural Asia Fashion Exchange, which is backed by Singapore Tourism Board, International Enterprise Singapore and Spring Singapore.
Blueprint is Singapore’s first trade show to feature cruise collections, a line of light spring clothing launched between spring/summer and fall/winter collections.
Originally meant for wealthy fashionistas and jetsetters who take vacations in warmer countries during winter months, cruise collections are one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories.
Blueprint is not the first attempt at turning the little red dot into a fashion hub.
Trade event Singapore Fashion Week, which showcased only local labels, was organised for over 20 years by the Textile & Fashion Federation (Taff) but took a time-out in 2008.
Blueprint’s earlier incarnation in 2004, 2008 and 2009 took the form of a one-day fashion show featuring Singapore and Asian designers. The difference this time: Besides giving Asian up-and-comers wider exposure, emerging Western labels also get a chance to penetrate Asia.
International labels like Los Angeles cult shoe label Android Homme and Thai brand Greyhound will feature alongside local designers like Wykidd Song and Nic Wong, showcasing collections to 110 overseas buyers from top retailers like Liberty and Neiman Marcus.
Organised by local public relations and events company Mercury Marketing & Communications and backed by Taff, the first two days of Blueprint are open only to fashion buyers and industry insiders.
The public can get a slice of the action on May 1, via ticketed shopping event Blueprint Emporium. This is a chance for shoppers to get their hands on exclusive pieces that are not yet in stores.
Urban rounds up five designers who are participating in Blueprint, along with their
muses, to find out what inspires them.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
