Text by Jessica Ye | Photography by Felly Loi
On Saturday, May 17, 2014, we had the privilege of witnessing the graduating collections from LASALLE College of the Arts. As one of Singapore’s premier institutions in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London, the expectations were high, and the delivery was higher.
Staging a show at the Audi Fashion Festival for the second time since 2011, LASALLE turned up the heat with an impeccable presentation titled “Between Worlds.” Partnering with L’Officiel Singapore, the runway spotlighted the 20 best collections from this year’s degree candidates across Creative Pattern Cutting, Menswear, Womenswear, and Fashion Textile.
The showcase kicked off with a stunning entry under the “REPLICA” series. Developed to meet the industry’s demand for advanced construction, students were tasked with an in-depth analysis and replication of top-tier designer pieces, including the headlining Spring/Summer 2010 collections of Viktor & Rolf and Balmain.
CREATIVE PATTERN CUTTING
Ong Yun Yu
Replica / Chloe Resort 2014 Collection
Reproducing the “barefoot sensibility” of Claire Waight Keller’s Chloé, Ong Yun Yu displayed well-versed tailoring. Silhouettes remained slouchy with ample legroom, exuding an effortless minimalism and a free-spirited attitude. This is a collection for the woman who accepts her perfect imperfections with relaxed self-confidence.
Lee Zhu Er
Replica / Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2009 Collection
Replicating Yamamoto requires a mastery of juxtaposing avant-garde silhouettes while concealing the wearer’s form. Lee built her collection on detailed research into androgynous dressing, questioning the physical differences between the male and female body. The final presentation was a balanced mix of sleek patternmaking and precise ruching.
Lim Mei Jun
Replica / Balmain Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
Heralded as the collection that paid homage to Michael Jackson, Christophe Decarnin’s SS10 Balmain was the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll chic. Lim dedicated her focus to the fit of skin-tight leather pants, military closures, and exaggerated shoulders. Her use of metal mesh to construct shimmering Grecian draped dresses was particularly striking.
.
Patricia Putrilsnandar
Replica / Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
An ode to both Gaultier and the late Amy Winehouse, Patricia’s collection resonated with a cross-disciplinary study of fashion and music. She demonstrated stellar ability with well-constructed bustiers and corsets, working with challenging fabrics like lace and soft satin. The pop of glaring red against monochrome was a dramatic stance on being simultaneously sexy and formal.
Fonnis Choo
Replica / Comme des Garçons コム・デ・ギャルソン Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
When Fonnis Choo’s first look emerged, there was a quiet, apparent shift in the atmosphere. The vibe became surreal as models appeared in cloud-like headpieces. Replicating the “White Drama” collection is no small feat, requiring the technical sculpting of headgear and defiant sleeve structures. This was a beautiful reenactment of Rei Kawakubo’s genius, representing the stages of life from birth to transcendence.
Janice Nerissa Suyanto
Replica / Balenciaga dresses from 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1965 collections
A throwback to the Golden Age of Parisian Haute Couture, Janice’s work allowed us to envision the immense cultivation of Cristobal Balenciaga. From the reshaped silhouettes of the 1950s to the sculptural purity of the 1960s, these recreations lifted the garments into the arena of art.
Shi Wen
Study / “The Mirror Stage” Fall/Winter 2014 Collection
Using a strict black and white palette, Shi Wen explored the duality of the mirrored self. Taking cues from Swan Lake, the collection engaged viewers with an array of fabrics and a mix of straight and bias cuts. The long, billowing gowns and heroic capes scored on their ability to exude both vulnerability and controlled strength.
Sandra Chan & Hwe Ling Budidharma
Replica / Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
Undoubtedly a highlight of the day, this duo took on one of the most technically advanced collections to date. They reproduced gravity-defying structures through precision cutting and immense sections of gathered tulle. To jazz things up, they sent down children in miniature versions of the original pastel dresses—an exceptional take with a brilliant twist.
MENSWEAR | WOMENSWEAR | FASHION TEXTILE
The second half of the show shifted toward original concepts and creative thinking from the graduating cohort.
Gong Ye Hua
“Mid Rhombus” Fall/Winter 2015
Inspired by 1930s Middle Eastern long coats, this menswear collection featured consistent geometrical rhombus quilting. The looks offered a conservative, clean-cut impression that brought an oasis of calmness to the high-adrenaline show. Renowned fashion show director Daniel Boey was such a fan that he wore the quilted look right off the runway for the Parco Japan show later that day.
Paridhi Jaipuria
“Bunai” Fall/Winter 2015
Influenced by the Hmong tribe of Vietnam, Paridhi’s collection portrayed a cultural freshness. With hand-woven details, intricate beading, and relaxed silhouettes, these pieces felt perfectly suited for a luxe resort getaway or a sophisticated cruise look.
Diana Lesmana
“Clover” Pre-Fall 2014
Driven by manga, “Clover” told a dystopian story of government control. A sporty vibe was juxtaposed with lush wool and soft tweed in boxy silhouettes, while vibrant yellow headbands and large gold buttons added a sense of childlike wonder.
Chung Min-Tzu
Textile Design: Melanie Chin
“Point, Instead” Spring/Summer 2015
Blending modern pixel art with loose silhouettes, this collection provided a sense of stillness. Using cotton jerseys and digital prints, the presentation offered an organic feel with a futuristic touch, creating a sleek, elongated look for men.
Hafizah Ghazali
Textile Design: Divya Ajmera
Jewellery Design: Salut De Miel, Matthew Leong
“Sutra” Spring/Summer 2015
Inspired by 1930s beachwear, “Sutra” introduced a modest alternative to coastal dressing. The collection featured long, duo-toned skirts in colour-block silk and collarless boxy jackets with a pearl-like shine, elegantly finished with tasseled jewellery.
Aashna Gilder
“The Rule” Fall/Winter 2015
Examining the symbolism of the colour black, Aashna’s collection referenced the Benedictine monks. By mixing leather with luxurious, decadent fabrics, she achieved an edgy yet elegant look representing minimal austerity. The fanned-out headbands served as a striking finishing touch.
Hu Lin
“Utilization” Fall/Winter 2015
Hu Lin placed the utility blazer at the focal point, blending functionality with classic tailoring. Elements of construction wear—metallic zippers and safety harness belts—were adapted into sleek coats. The look was topped with work helmets equipped with headlamps, a nod to the labour that inspires the aesthetic.
Allegra Lee
“Victor/Victoria” Pre-Fall 2014
An exploration of the ‘Animus,’ this collection provided a relatable rationale for female empowerment. By juxtaposing sharp masculine tailoring with sheer lace and tulle, Allegra championed the determination of women in the modern workforce.
Faye Chan
“The Empress’ New Clothes” Spring/Summer 2015
Do not expect dowdy royal getups here; this was an ode to Kate Moss and 1990s liberation. Pleated satin and translucent mesh were jolted by highlighter orange and neon green. The sportswear-inspired silhouettes, paired with platform sandals, conveyed the confidence of a woman comfortable in her own skin.
Chikalwama
“Surf Gyre” Pre-Fall 2015
This modern menswear collection, inspired by surfing culture, represented the voice of independent youth. Utilising the shark as a predatory graphic element, the collection created maximum impact through an optimised colour palette and straightforward visuals.
Nithya Nanayakkara
“Cathertus Aura” Fall/Winter 2014
Taking cues from the vulture, Nithya explored feathers and furs as animalistic extensions of the human body. The multi-hued feather coat and clutches with attached finger-gloves—shaped like claws—were highlights of this ferocious, character-driven collection.
Gracia Christabella
“Zero Degree Crater” Fall/Winter 2015
Closing the show, Gracia took inspiration from the volcanic crater in her hometown. Marrying the textures of sand and sky, the collection featured boxy sweaters and paneled coats that played expertly with solids and transparencies.
