Latest news with #FashionWeeks
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
A Singapore style story: Finding self in a city of influence
For years, the notion of a distinctive Singaporean question. As with the Big Four—New York, London, Milan and Paris—Fashion Weeks have long served as a stomping ground for individuals to express a sense of vision, often reflecting the broader cultural or national mood. And then, of course, there is reference to some of the most creatively defining eras that are often credited with setting in motion the landscape we have today. Deeply rooted in the idea of community, our culture has seen an overarching evolution, spanning from the Centrepoint Kids in the '80s—known for their rebellious, out-of-the-box styles that defied norms—to the subculture movements in the '90s and early noughties, from punk to streetwear. To date, we've seen Singapore Fashion Week, Audi Fashion Festival and Digital Fashion Week Singapore, to name a few. And while there have been many expressions of personal dress over the years, a succinct, overarching definition has remained elusive. And maybe, as most things are within fashion, the absence of a definition is a great thing. To me, more than anything, it signifies a continuous well of potential. A bustling Singapore street scene, where diverse individuals navigate the balance between personal style and cultural assimilation in the city's fast-changing landscape. Getty 'Singapore style in general is casual and comfortable but these days we are starting to evolve our own tropical style, for example, T-shirts and shorts but more stylish,' notes Singaporean singer, playwright, songwriter and director, Dick Lee. 'Since we don't have a national costume, we've basically had to make do with convenience. But as we've become more of a global city, international trends have influenced and inspired us to dress better. Since we can't really adapt ethnic dress and fusion styles have been tried but look forced, we will probably evolve a tropical look that has strong Asian undertones in the future,' he notes. 'There is a strong focus these days not to follow rules. The days of assimilation as a conscious effort are over, as I believe we have evolved our identity to the point of having a stronger sense of our being Singaporean.' Lee boasts a distinct style of his own, and over the years has become known for his sharp yet vibrant take on traditional suiting and shirts, spanning striking prints, pinks and reds. 'My personal take on Singapore style is to embrace the tropics, which translates to colour and vibrancy, reflecting the spirit of our environment, multi-ethnic and urban. My signature is colourful prints and I love silk,' he shares. 'It's encouraging to see people dress according to how they feel, with no one pointing and staring. Individuality is finally accepted and normalised. There is a strong focus these days not to follow rules. The days of assimilation as a conscious effort are over, as I believe we have evolved our identity to the point of having a stronger sense of our being Singaporean.' Former supermodel Pat Kraal, who is now owner of Platinum Angels Management, started modelling at the age of 19. She became one of the earliest Singaporean faces and top models to represent brands like Givenchy and Balmain on international runways. She shares: 'Singaporeans have grown up in a culture that values harmony and that can make standing out feel uncomfortable. But I see change, especially with the younger generation and with older women too. At Platinum Angels Management, our over-50 models are embracing their individuality more than ever. There's real beauty in no longer needing approval. You start dressing for you, not the crowd.' Kraal brings a distinct perspective to this, having lived in both Singapore and Paris, but being at the forefront of trend production, literally wearing creations fresh off the runway and also seeing these trends trickle down to the rest of the world, having developed her own sense of sartorial structure in the process. 'When one puts an outfit together and is proud to wear it and identify themselves as a Singaporean, that is defining local style.' As she reflects on the growing definition of what Singapore style looks like, she says: 'Singapore is still discovering her fashion identity. The mix of cultures here is rich and inspiring, but it also creates this tug of war between tradition and modernity, East and West, blending in and standing out. And maybe there's still a bit of fear around being 'too much'. But fashion should be daring. Style is born from taking risks, not repetition.' Crowds moving through Singapore's urban fabric, reflecting the city's dynamic mix of identities and the ongoing search for a uniquely local expression in dress. Getty For creative director and fashion show producer Daniel Boey, who recently launched a designer collective called dBX and a fashion label called Furry Tales, his 35-year trajectory in the industry gives him an incredibly overarching and nuanced view of what fashion looks like on our shores. 'Singapore style is individualistic and varies from person to person. It has to develop organically and from the ground up, not through officially sanctioned design competitions that profess to 'search for the Singapore dress', which have all missed the mark spectacularly,' he explains. 'Singapore dress is not just an emblem—like slapping an orchid on a print or an outfit—nor is it a confused smorgasbord of different ethnic elements in one ensemble. It is all of the above, but it has to evolve from the streets, from the people who adapt different styles in order to identify as Singaporeans. When enough of those begin to adopt a style or an identity, then we are on the road to discovering a Singapore identity.' A proud supporter of local and Asian designers, Boey makes a strong effort to bolster visibility as well. 'When one puts an outfit together and is proud to wear it and identify themselves as a Singaporean, that is defining local style. For me, it means wearing Singapore designers when I am attending events, locally and overseas, especially at Fashion Weeks, when the look I have put together identifies me as someone who proudly comes from Singapore. It always makes me so proud when someone stops me and asks me who I am wearing, and I say 'I'm wearing a Singapore designer'.' 'To dress with a sense of self here means embracing your roots, your influences, your stories—and allowing that to inform your aesthetic.' And finally, for fashion designer and couturier Frederick Lee, who sets and defines looks from his drawing board, there is a sense of hopefulness when it comes to the future-facing notion Singapore has become known for. Having launched his label in 1990, he has conceptualised the shifts in his vision, while having a consumer-focused lens on what it is customers are buying into. 'To dress with a sense of self here means embracing your roots, your influences, your stories—and allowing that to inform your aesthetic. It's about creating new mythologies rather than following fleeting trends. My creations don't follow trends; they create stories that feel personal and relevant to today's audiences,' he notes. As for what's to come? 'The future of Singapore couture will be shaped by the harmonious integration of technology and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in innovative, sustainable and breathtakingly beautiful creations.' Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue is out on newsstands now and available to order online.
Observer
19-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
An Omani make-up artist's journey from Oman to international runways
In the shimmering limelight of international fashion weeks, Khadija Ibrahim Al-Naimi's name has become synonymous with elegance, precision, and perseverance. Her journey from a small-town girl in North Al Batinah to a celebrated makeup artist featured at London and Paris Fashion Weeks exemplifies the extraordinary ability of passion, resilience, and talent to transcend borders and stereotypes. Breaking into the world of professional makeup artistry is rarely a straightforward path. Globally, aspiring makeup artists often face numerous obstacles—a saturated market, the need for a foundational skill set, establishing a unique signature style, and navigating the unpredictable landscape of fashion and beauty. In Oman, where the beauty industry is still evolving, these hurdles are even more pronounced. Khadija's story resonates with many who have had to overcome societal expectations, limited resources, and the struggle for recognition. 'Starting out was tough,' Khadija recalls. 'There weren't many recognised makeup artists in Oman, and breaking into the international scene seemed impossible at first. It took years of dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.' Her journey underscores a universal truth: success in this field demands more than talent—it requires relentless perseverance and a willingness to continually adapt. Establishing a Foundation: Formal Training and Continuous Development One of the common requirements for success, both locally and globally, is formal education complemented by ongoing professional development. According to industry standards outlined by recognised organisations like the International Make-Up Association (IMA) and professional development platforms such as MasterClass and Coursera, a successful makeup artist must master a comprehensive skill set that includes colour theory, anatomy, skin care, and specialised techniques for different face shapes and skin types. Khadija's commitment to excellence saw her seeking professional training across Lebanon, Bahrain, and other countries, learning advanced techniques that most aspiring artists only dream of mastering. Such international exposure not only honed her technical skills but also broadened her stylistic horizons, enabling her to adapt to various cultural aesthetics and client needs. In the high-stakes environment of Fashion Week, a makeup artist's skill set is scrutinised more intensely than ever. During these global events, artists must deliver flawless looks at lightning speed, often under extreme pressure and with models and clients from diverse backgrounds. The requirements are exacting: impeccable skin finishing, innovative styles that complement runway concepts, and the ability to evolve swiftly as trends change. Fashion Week is a career-defining platform—an opportunity to showcase technical mastery and creativity to industry leaders, designers, and potential clients worldwide. For Khadija, her successful participation in London Fashion Week four times and her recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week not only validated her skills but also positioned her as an international talent. From Local Salons to Global Recognition Khadija's endeavours reflect this commitment. Starting from humble beginnings in her family's home, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged career through persistent learning and refining her craft. Her decision to pursue specialised training internationally allowed her to develop a signature style defined by elegance, meticulousness, and versatility—attributes highly prized in the fashion industry. Today, her brand, Dar Al Khaleej, boasts multiple salons and a thriving bridal boutique, Dar Al Khaleej Royal. Her work has earned her awards for Best Beauty Salon in North Al Batinah and Best Makeup Artist in Oman. Despite her accomplishments, Khadija remains grounded, continually seeking new opportunities to expand her expertise and influence. her excellence as the Best Makeup Artist in Oman and for her salon's outstanding services, exemplify how industry acknowledgement can propel careers further. Such accolades reinforce her reputation both locally and regionally, creating opportunities for collaborations with renowned designers and international ventures. For Khadija, her repeated appearances at London Fashion Week and her recent debut at Paris Fashion Week exemplify her rising global stature. She exemplifies the emerging new breed of African and Middle Eastern makeup artists making their mark worldwide. Her journey from humble beginnings to participating in the world's most prestigious fashion events highlights the importance of skill, resilience, and industry recognition.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
90s supermodel unrecognisable as she's spotted in Rome – can you guess who?
THIS CANADIAN supermodel has left an unmatched imprint on the world of fashion – and over 30 years since she first stomped the catwalk, she's still effortlessly chic. The star – who has made a name for herself walking Fashion Weeks around the world, was seen keeping covered up while spending the day in Rome with her son, Augustin James. Advertisement 5 Linda Evangelista cut a casual figure in a bucket hat Credit: BackGrid 5 The star is best known as one of the biggest supermodels of the 90s Credit: Getty Recognise her? It's the iconic original supermodel, Linda Evangelista. The 60-year-old was almost unrecognisable as she kept herself hidden in oversized clothing and a beige bucket hat pulled down over her face. Wearing a navy blue, floorlength skirt and a loose-fitting blouse, Linda wore brown thick-rimmed glasses as she went for a stroll. Making her way through the crowd, Evangelista still had a signature strut, walking with a brown MiuMiu handbag for a relaxed day out. Advertisement READ MORE SUPERMODELS After decades in the spotlight, Evangelista has largely enjoyed a quiet life after the past few years. During her tenure as one of the world's most enduring fashion faces, Evangelista was one of the Big Five stars who first earned the term 'supermodel' – the other four being Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford. Evangelista was known for her edgy-style, which was cemented with an iconic cropped cut in the early 1990s. Officially, Evangelista retired in 1998, though has returned to modelling for multiple reasons and special campaigns in the years since – particularly for Vogue and iterations of the iconic magazine across the world. Advertisement Most read in Showbiz Over the past eight years, Evangelista has been keeping herself away from the spotlight entirely – after a combinations health issues and medical problems. In 2016, the star underwent CoolSculpting – a fat-freezing procedure – caused an adverse reaction that made her remove herself from the spotlight. Ex-supermodel Linda Evangelista files $50 million lawsuit after being left 'deformed' and 'permanently disfigured' by cosmetic procedure Diagnosed with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), She sued the company for $50million, which was later settled out of court. Advertisement In 2018, Evangelista was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy. She only spoke about the diagnosis in 2023, a year after cancer was found in her pectoral muscle for which she also received chemotherapy. 5 Keeping her skin hidden in the heat, Linda still managed to look stylish and chic Credit: BackGrid 5 Linda was one of the world's most indemand supermodels Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Alongside a select few stars, she was one of the original supermodels Credit: AFP
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Manchester Fashion Week makes a comeback
Manchester wants to return to the forefront of the fashion scene. After hosting shows for Chanel and Fila in recent years, with Haider Ackermann at the helm, the northern English metropolis, which was the capital of the textile industry in the 19th century - it was nicknamed "Cottonopolis" because it produced half the world's cotton - is looking to reaffirm its link with fashion by relaunching Manchester Fashion Week. It is announcing its return, after a ten-year hiatus, with a new team and management, and a focus on sustainable development. The event will take place over three days from September 9 to 11, just before the "Big Four" marathon of Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Its nerve center will be Campfield, Manchester's former market halls in the new St. Johns district, which have been renovated and transformed into a hub for tech and creative start-ups. "The event will be steered by renowned industry thought leaders, including Carry Somers, the co-founder of the Fashion Revolution movement, and Safia Minney, another sustainable fashion pioneer at the helm of ethical fashion brand People Tree," said the organizers, in a statement, adding that the executive producer of this Manchester Fashion Week is Gemma Gratton, who boasts twenty years' experience in sales and project management. Manchester Fashion Week is also supported by the media platform and sustainability consultancy Eco Age. "Manchester has always been at the forefront, whether in music, manufacturing, or movements. Today, it's time to return to the forefront by preparing the future of fashion from scratch. Manchester Fashion Week is not just a celebration of style, but a cultural catalyst for people, purpose, and progress," said Gratton, who co-founded the Manchester Fashion Movement in 2019 to raise awareness of the damaging effects of clothing overproduction and launched the ethical brand The Bee Thrive. Manchester Fashion Week will welcome established brands and emerging designers, the organizers announced without detailing the program, stating that beyond the runway shows, "it will highlight heritage and future, health and wellness, tech and innovation, merging fashion with responsible innovation," during round tables, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Manchester Fashion Week was launched in Manchester in the early 2010s, but only lasted a few editions. In parallel, another event called Northern Fashion Week was held between 2022 and 2024.
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Manchester Fashion Week makes a comeback
Manchester wants to return to the forefront of the fashion scene. After hosting shows for Chanel and Fila in recent years, with Haider Ackermann at the helm, the northern English metropolis, which was the capital of the textile industry in the 19th century - it was nicknamed "Cottonopolis" because it produced half the world's cotton - is looking to reaffirm its link with fashion by relaunching Manchester Fashion Week. It is announcing its return, after a ten-year hiatus, with a new team and management, and a focus on sustainable development. The event will take place over three days from September 9 to 11, just before the "Big Four" marathon of Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Its nerve center will be Campfield, Manchester's former market halls in the new St. Johns district, which have been renovated and transformed into a hub for tech and creative start-ups. "The event will be steered by renowned industry thought leaders, including Carry Somers, the co-founder of the Fashion Revolution movement, and Safia Minney, another sustainable fashion pioneer at the helm of ethical fashion brand People Tree," said the organizers, in a statement, adding that the executive producer of this Manchester Fashion Week is Gemma Gratton, who boasts twenty years' experience in sales and project management. Manchester Fashion Week is also supported by the media platform and sustainability consultancy Eco Age. "Manchester has always been at the forefront, whether in music, manufacturing, or movements. Today, it's time to return to the forefront by preparing the future of fashion from scratch. Manchester Fashion Week is not just a celebration of style, but a cultural catalyst for people, purpose, and progress," said Gratton, who co-founded the Manchester Fashion Movement in 2019 to raise awareness of the damaging effects of clothing overproduction and launched the ethical brand The Bee Thrive. Manchester Fashion Week will welcome established brands and emerging designers, the organizers announced without detailing the program, stating that beyond the runway shows, "it will highlight heritage and future, health and wellness, tech and innovation, merging fashion with responsible innovation," during round tables, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Manchester Fashion Week was launched in Manchester in the early 2010s, but only lasted a few editions. In parallel, another event called Northern Fashion Week was held between 2022 and 2024.
