Star Creation, organised by the Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (TaFf), is part of the Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX), and aims to uncover new local and Asian talents and groom them into becoming tomorrow’s fashion stars. The event, now into its second year, ultimately aims to develop the long-term sustainability of the region’s fashion industry by building capability and profiling local talent on an international platform, here in Singapore.

Mrs Kee Ai Nah, Director of SPRING Singapore’s Lifestyle Division, said: “Star Creation has gained prominence among upcoming designers across Asia. It reflects their growing aspirations to be Asia’s leading designers. It is heartening to learn the stories behind the Star Creation entries, some of which stem from personal experiences and some that were inspired by our rich Asian heritage. We hope Star Creation will be a stepping stone to a successful design career.”

The winners at a glance

Chen Zhi Gang, 28, China (Star Creation 2011)

The story that inspired Zhi Gang’s collection, We’re Inseparable, is a sad one. The student in China’s Raffles Design Institute had to help a close friend deal with having been sexually abused, and it left a deep impression. The collection aims at capturing two different states – a sexy woman being undressed, and the idea of being safely shielded by a man and his coat. He also hopes to convey a sense of the ‘now’ – how, in an instant, things change.

Tiang Boon Tieon, 27, Malaysia (Star Creation 2011)

Boon Tieon’s inspiration to go into fashion design came from an unusual source – comic books. As a boy, the Raffles Design Institute (Singapore) student used to spend hours trying to draw the costumes in them. His collection, Along, is inspired by the humble handbag, which has become so much more than just a functional accessory and can say a lot about the person carrying it. In an attempt to capture that shift in mindset, he has deconstructed details in handbags and incorporated them into his outfits. The silhouette is loose-fitting to capture a sense of escapism, and the use of light, monotone materials lend the outfits a modern touch.

Tsai Ming Hung, 28, Singapore (PR) (Star Creation 2011)

Ming Hung, a fashion design graduate from the University of Northumbria who has lived in Singapore 10 years. His collection, Internationally Asian, attempts to infuse modern menswear with ancient Asian design philosophies, and incorporate Asia’s rich cultural legacy though in a wearable way. Boundaries are broken as East and West combine to create something completely unique.

Hiroyuki Watanabe, 24, Japan (2011 Audi Young Designer Award, in collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar)

Hiroyuki is a freelance fashion designer who studied at the Hiroshima school of fashion – the Hiroshima Fashion Speciality College. His collection, Modern Folk Costume, was sparked by a long-time interest in Asian ethnic costumes from all over the world. In his collection, he ventured to offer women the opportunity to delve into the ethnic, yet look modern and chic.

Please download images from: http://yousend.it/SC11_gala

For more information about Star Creation 2011 or to arrange for interviews with this year’s winners and finalists, please contact Word of Art:

Arti Mulchand
+65 9066 6152
Arti@word-of-art.biz

Pamela M. Devied
+65 8180 3776
Pamela@word-of-art.biz

2012 | This Year's Competition Theme

2012 | Star Tracker Finalists

2012 | Milestone Dates

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