The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands presents Fashion Week 2013 organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks

11-day Prêt-à-Porter and Couture fashion season returns this October with over 30 captivating shows

Singapore (11 September 2013) – From 9 to 19 October 2013, the highly anticipated 11-day world-class fashion event will see over 30 inspiring presentations of the latest season’s Men’s and Women’s Prêt-à-Porter and Couture labels that are set to blaze Asia’s fashion scene. Tickets go on sale on 12 September at 10am.

Held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Fashion Week 2013 will present an exceptionally seamless schedule encompassing nine featured shows from labels available at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; five Men’s Prêt-à-Porter shows (11-12 October); three Japanese Couture shows (13 October); seven Asian Couture shows (14-16 October), three French Haute Couture shows (17 October); four Women’s Prêt-à-Porter shows (18 October) and the grand finale on 19 October.

Mr. John Postle, Vice President of Retail, Marina Bay Sands, said, “Following a resounding success from the Men’s, Women’s and Haute Couture Fashion Weeks over the last two years, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is pleased to once again host this hallmark fashion event. This year, we are combining Men’s and Women’s Prêt-à-Porter and Couture shows across 11 days, creating our largest fashion show to date on property. We are extremely thrilled to welcome the return of these world-renowned couturiers, as well as showcase some of the most stunning ready-to-wear fashion from labels who have recently opened with us.” He added, “With such iconic fashion events, coupled with our dynamic retail offerings, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands will once again cement its position on the global fashion map and redefine the conventional shopping experience.”

Organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks and presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Fashion Week 2013 will deliver the highest show quality that will elevate the local fashion scene yet again, with new Prêt-à-Porter labels showing for the first time in Singapore, as well as several returning Couturiers and Haute Couturiers who have won the hearts of all fashion aficionados since its debut in 2011.

Participating Prêt-à-Porter labels at The Shoppes and returning couturiers

Participating retailers from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands such as Anne Fontaine, Bread & Butter, Germain, MCM, MOISELLE, Surrender, Pierre Balmain, Porsche Design and 6Five Barcode will include the most stunning displays of their Fall/Winter 2013 collections.

Fashion Week 2013 will also see the return of renowned French couturiers Alexis Mabille, On Aura Tout Vu, Julien Fournie and Stephane Rolland. As members and invited members of La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture they will once again present the craftsmanship and artistry inherent in their craft. Representing the very best of Asian Couture, they will be joined by Frederick Lee, Lie Sang Bong, Sebastian Gunawan, Yumi Katsura, Michael Cinco, Vatit Itthi and Guo Pei. As part of a special Japanese Couture Evening, Junko Koshino, Yoshiki Hishinuma and Keita Maruyama will be showing their collections.

Chairman and Founder of FIDé Fashion Weeks, Frank Cintamani said, “Over the past five seasons of fashion weeks, we have worked tirelessly to gain better recognition for Singapore and Asia as fashion leaders on the world stage. In doing so, Fide Fashion Weeks established a number of critical and important ‘firsts’. This included the creation of the first dedicated Men’s Fashion Week in Asia as well as the first presentation of Haute Couture Week, outside Paris. I am delighted that this year, with our sixth season, we will see yet another milestone with the establishment of Asia’s very first complete ‘fashion season’, which encompasses the key components of men’s and women’s Prêt-à-Porter shows as well as Asian and French Couture collections that will focus on the presentation of 10 of the most prolific and revered Asian Couturiers in Asia.”

“Fashion Week 2013 represents the most credible platform for the very best of Asian and International fashion talent. Indeed, joining us this year will be: Guo Pei (China), Junko Koshino (Japan), Lie Sang Bong (South Korea), Michael Cinco (Philippines), Frederick Lee (Singapore) and Stephane Rolland (France) are some of the most iconic and exceptional designers from across the world. However, they are only six of nearly 40 incredible designers and labels that will be gracing our runway this year.”

“Furthermore, it has been a hallmark of our activities to be collaborative with the most prominent fashion authorities within the industry. In the past several years, this has seen us work closely with the La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (France). This year I am delighted and proud to announce our partnership with the renowned Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Likewise, we will once again reprise our collaboration with the Bunka Fashion College (Japan), one of Asia’s most elite fashion institutions.”

“Finally, the calibre of the fashion weeks has quite rightly attracted the attention of some of the world’s most celebrated fashion editors and icons of fashion. Last year, we welcomed fashion editor Suzy Menkes, and iconic designer Kenzo Takada. This year, I am pleased to welcome other fashion editors of prominence and a contingent of international ‘A-list’ celebrities and personalities.”

“We continue in our journey to keep fashion exclusive, but never to exclude.”

Launch of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF)

Given the increasing importance of Asian fashion talent regionally and internationally, Fashion Week 2013 will also see the formal launch of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF). This independent federation has been set up to provide a platform for recognizing, promoting and nurturing the most exceptional design talent in the region.

Taking inspiration from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the ACF will comprise of a Board of Governors representing some of Asia’s most authoritative, respected and leading fashion entrepreneurs, commentators and individuals who will oversee the mission, objectives and direction of the federation. The ACF will recognize both well-established designers as Asian Couturier Extraordinaire (ACE), and Invited Members who are considered the next generation of Asia’s top couture design talent.

Fashion Week 2013 will see the inaugural launch of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF) at a special ACF Gala Dinner to be held on the 14th October. This unique occasion will celebrate the creation of the federation and will be attended by all the Governors and designers, as well as leading members of Asia’s business and social communities. The Gala will be preceded by the ACF’s first Annual General Meeting, which will present the federation’s purpose, goals, and activities in front of a specially invited audience.

Vice President and Spokesperson of the ACF, Emily Hwang said, “I am extremely excited to see the creation of the Asian Couture Federation. Asia has always produced some of the most exceptional fashion talents in the world. However, they have not received the attention and support that they rightly deserve. The creation of the Asian Couture Federation is an important milestone in formally establishing an internationally recognised platform to both promote and develop this creativity.

With the increasing global interest in Asia, this is the perfect moment for the Asian Couture Federation to come to fruition. That it is comprised of such credible and leading designers from across the region is a testament to its vision of recognizing the very best that Asia has to offer. Likewise, the calibre of its Governors, each of who are leaders in their respective fields of business and expertise, reflects the authority that it seeks to establish. I am deeply honoured to have been asked to be a Governor and have no doubt that the Asian Couture Federation will make tremendous progress in elevating Asian couture talent on the world stage.”

Asian Couture Federation Founder and President, Frank Cintamani said, “Over the last few years, I have had a strong personal commitment to supporting and promoting Asian fashion designers. The ACF is a key development in the evolution of the Asian fashion industry, and I am honoured that it will be formally launched on the 14th October. Likewise, I am delighted that all the Governors and designers who are members of the ACF will be in attendance for this unique and truly special occasion.

This year’s Fashion Week 2013 not only creates Singapore’s and Asia’s very first fashion season but it will stand alone as presenting the very best Asian couture talent. The designers who form an integral part of the Asian Couture Federation will all be presenting during Fashion Week 2013, heralding not only the creation of the ACF but giving guests and visitors a truly unique showcase of the most exceptional fashion talent in the region. This is a watershed moment in Asian fashion history and something of which I am immensely proud.”

Second Press Conference in Partnership with Bangkok Airways

Reflecting the Asian credentials of Fashion Week 2013, this is the second of three press conferences to take place across Asia. The first having taken place in Singapore on 11th September and the third to take place on 24th September in Tokyo. The Bangkok Press Conference in partnership with Official Airline Sponsor Bangkok Airways, provides not only the announcement of the creation of the Asian Couture Federation but also highlights the creativity of Thailand’s leading couture design duo Vatit Itthi, and who are also Asian Couturier Extraordinaire members of the Federation.

Mr. ML Nandhika Voravarn, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Bangkok Airways, said “We’re very excited to be part of the return of the world’s most renowned couture brands, and especially to help raise the bar of the region’s fashion scene. Fashion Week 2013 is Singapore’s first and it will surely be an event filled with Pret-a-Porter and couture delights that have won over fashionistas all over the world.”

Fashion Week 2013 tickets for public sale

The public will also be able to attend the shows[2] by purchasing tickets priced at S$20 for single show; or a full-day pass priced at S$40 (access to all shows on the stated day) or a season pass priced at S$280 (subject to availability and access to all ticketed shows sold to the public). All prices are inclusive of booking fees. Tickets are available for purchase from www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing.

Prelude to Fashion Week 2013: 4 October VIP Fashion Night, 6pm to 11pm

The bi-annual VIP Fashion Night returns to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands this October with exclusive treats, live entertainment, complimentary champagne on arrival and irresistible retailer offers. The one-night only shopping extravaganza on 4 October 2013 (6pm-11pm) will feature up to 40% off at selected retailers plus a total of 250 attractive giveaways from Oroton, Pandora, Penhaligon’s, TOD

AI as well as tickets to the upcoming Starlight Express show by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The first 50 shoppers with a minimum spend of S$50 can redeem these treats every hour starting from 6pm.

Amidst the shopping extravaganza, shoppers can also enjoy free popcorn and candy floss, go wild at the instant photo kiosks and indulge in a pampering express manicure at the new OPI Nail Bar. Live music acts including Jazz at The Shoppes and a string quartet performance will also inject smooth vibes and lend a soothing respite for all.