Fashion Week 2013 Marks a New Era in Asian Fashion History

Asian Couture Federation elevates regional fashion designers on a global platform

Singapore (14 October 2013) – This October, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands will present Fashion Week 2013, its largest ever fashion show on property in an 11-day extravaganza. Organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks, the festival will feature the best in Men’s and Women’s Prêt-à-Porter, Women’s Couture and Haute Couture labels, and feature a number of firsts.

Fashion Week 2013 will see the inauguration of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF). Given the increasing importance of Asian fashion talent regionally and internationally, this independent federation has been set up to provide a platform for recognising, promoting and nurturing the most exceptional design talent in the region. Asian Couturiers who have been inducted for the first time will have the opportunity to debut their collections.

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 as well as individuals who will oversee the mission and direction of the federation. The federation will recognise well-established designers as Asian Couturier Extraordinaire (ACE), as well as Invited Members who are considered the next generation of Asia’s top Couture design talent.

To be held on the 14th October, the ACF Gala Dinner 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.

Emily Hwang, Vice President and Spokesperson of the ACF, 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 ACF is an important milestone in formally establishing an internationally recognised platform to both promote and develop this creativity.

Frank Cintamani, Asian Couture Federation Founder and President, 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 today, on the 14th October. Likewise, I am delighted that all the Governors and designers who are part of the federation will be in attendance for this unique and truly special occasion.

The designers who form an integral part of the federation will all be presenting during Fashion Week 2013, heralding not only the creation of the ACF but giving guests 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 of.”

At the Press Conference held in Tokyo on 24 September 2013, ACF received an amazing message of support from His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Japan Prime Minister. He cited FIDé Fashion Weeks as being ‘world-renowned’ and has endorsed the Asian Couture Federation.