V.
REMIX2k21
锐•MIX 花 young 时尚服装设计大赛
I am a person with ambitions
: presenting an award-winning project
I came in 1st Runner-Up in a local fashion design competition.
Take a look
Remix2k21 Fashion Competition
With the Chinese Indian inspired dress from my FYP, I participated in a fashion competition REMIX2k21 organised by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and was awarded 1st runner up
Videos are in Mandarin
Self-introduction
Gist of the interview:
I am a recent graduate of NTU. When my professor saw the news of this competition, she knew it was meant for me as I love creating garments that fuses different cultures together, especially dresses with Chinese elements. I wasn't sure where I stood in the competition as everyone in the competition are extremely talented. I shall let nature takes its course and bring me to where I am suppose to be.
Pitch
Gist of the pitch:
I introduced my design idea and was given feedback by the judges.
Judges
Keith Png
Singaporean fashion design and stylist who has worked with multiple award-winning celebrities such as Zhang ZiYi
Kate Pang
Local celebrity and popular TV Host
Low Sze Wee
CEO of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Judges comments
Gist of the comments:
She is adorable and confident. She has done her research and she knows her goals. Although her current design does not align 100% with our theme, we shall see how can she improve.
Getting there...
This video has English subtitles
Gist of my process video:
How I chose my model?
How was the atmosphere interacting with other competitors?
Finale
Translation:
Question: What is the surprise element in your dress?
I believe you've seen multiple layers of "surprise" on the runway. This wedding gown is designed especially for interracial couples, and most importantly, I wish to make the bride feel like the queen of her big day and be the center of attention. After removing the Chinese traditional wedding dress-inspired cropped jacket, an Indian-inspired toga is revealed. Similarly, after removing the open-slit ball gown similar to the Indian wedding Lengha, we have a cheongsam-inspired skirt and Indian Punjabi pants underneath. All in all, this gown is filled with surprises with unexpected layers unveiled one at a time.
This outfit was handmade in all aspects, including the intricate hand embroidery, as well as the headpiece. The headpiece was made with aluminum wires and artificial pearls, folded and twisted by hand.
Additionally, one part of the Chinese butterfly double knot button is sewn onto the toga and the other half on the cropped jacket. Not only does this button symbolises the union of the couple, but it also represents two individuals "tying the knot", a common traditional saying at Chinese weddings, "永结同心 (May their hearts unit as one)".
(Pun intended: The second character "jié" means knot)
Next, the motifs embroidered on the gown are also significant. It is a combination of Peacock and Mango motifs from the Indian culture and Osmanthus flower from the Chinese culture, all of which symbolises "fertility", wishing the newlyweds to quickly "bare fruits" and be in a harmonious relationship forever, "早生贵子 开花结果 百年好合“.
Judge Keith was chosen for the critique
Comments:
I am extremely pleased with the outcome, I think you did a really great job. Not only did you deliver a beautiful design and multiple layers of surprises, the elements of fusion between Indian and Chinese traditional dresses is done to perfection. So far, you are the only participant who has retained your initial design and added a few new elements. Especially your headpiece, it is a big surprise element to me. I am exceptionally impressed by the fact that you made this headpiece by hand. If you didn't mention that, I would have thought "it was okay, nothing too special about it." There is also this criterion of "Marketability". In my opinion, this gown can even be sold as casual wear, it is very versatile. I love it. All the best.
Dress anatomy analysis
Specially designed for an Indian-Chinese couple, this gown is the perfect fusion of the traditional wedding dresses from both cultures. It is definitely unique and striking at first glance.
This multi-layered gown consists of a total of eight pieces which include, cropped toga, jacket, ball gown maxi skirt, A-line maxi skirt, Punjabi pants, two additional hand-embroidered panels, and a headpiece.
My piece is functional and intelligent. Made up of multiple pieces, the bride can wear and remove any piece at any moment appropriate for the event.
The Motif
This Chinese Indian motif representing fertility is inspired by the osmanthus flower, peacock, and mango. The teardrop shape of the motif is “Kalga”, also known as mango, which is an auspicious symbol for fertility, enclosing the peacock feathers. The bottom half of the motif is osmanthus petals and leaves.
A symbolic piece.
Each motif is carefully thought-out, designed, and executed via hand embroidery.
Headpiece
The headpiece is hand twisted with gold and red aluminum wires, and beads.
Award ceremony
A big thank you to the organisers of this competition. I was amazed by the professionalism and scale of this event. Hiring professional models, make up artists and producers, setting up a runway, as well as well-known judges really gave me an insight of the Fashion industry. I have a lot more to learn and explore, and I am excited for my future in the world of fashion.