ACF Awards – A Night to Remember

Heralding Asia’s most prominent fashion awards ceremony, Marina Bay Sands played host to the Asian Couture Federation Awards Gala.

Welcoming over 400 guests and VIP’s from around the region and internationally, they were joined by the Executive Board, Governors and members designers of the Asian Couture Federation in a celebration of both Asian and global couture.

Couture, the highest form of fashion, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, the gourmet meal that was served was no exception. Following an elegant cocktail reception, guests were treated to a specially prepared gastronomic experience by celebrity chef Hide Yamamoto. Complementing the celebration of couture, which is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, the gourmet meal that was served was no exception. Accompanied by fine wines and champagne, the exquisite menu was the perfect accompaniment to the evening’s proceedings as were the thousands of white roses and hydrangeas, which festooned either side of the specially created 30-meter runway.

As such it proved to be the perfect platform for presenting the world’s very best couture. This was a journey, which reflected the extensive relationships and networks of the Asian Couture Federation and the most exquisite array of couture imaginable. Representing Italy’s AltaRoma, was celebrated couturier Renato Balestra whose elegant collection was the epitome of Italian style and luxury. This was followed by Beirut based, Middle East and North Africa Couture Council member, Basil Soda. His romantic and delicate collection provided a further perspective of global couture.

Paying homage to the home of couture, six member designers of La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture were presented in a specially curated showcase. Seminal pieces of Grand Couturiers Stephane Rolland, Maurizio Galante and Alexis Mabille and Christophe Josse were joined by those of Invited Members Julien Fournie, and On Aura Tout Vu by Yassen Samouilov and Livia Stoianova. The combined talents underscored a classic as well as eclectic representation of couture.

The final and climatic showcase of couture was an Asian one. All 17 member designers both Asian Couturier Extraordinaire and Invited Members were showcased in a spectacular finale of 34 couture pieces. Spanning 10 countries, the runway show highlighted the creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship of couture within the region. It was also a testament to the Asian Couture Federation’s vision to promote and nurture the very best Asian couture talent.

Lending glamour to the evening was a surprise performance by Korean celebrity and superstar Rain. In an electrifying performance, he took to the stage with renditions of some of his greatest hits. Adding to the entertainment were the irrepressible Three Waiters, the worlds original and most successful singing waiters act of its kind. With their rousing renditions of Italian, French and Spanish opera and arias the audience was soon singing along.

Beyond the presence of celebrities, VIP’s, stunning couture and exceptional cuisine the evening also paid homage to the world’s fashion elite with 15 special awards. The Awards recognise individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on Asia’s and the world’s fashion landscape across a spectrum of disciplines and areas of expertise. From the international arena, highlights included Kenzo Takada’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Silvia Venturini Fendi’s award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Global Couture Industry”, Bryan Boy’s award for “Outstanding Contribution to Social Media in Fashion” and Rain’s recognition as the “Asian Couture Federation Style Icon.”

Asian and Singapore home grown talent was lauded too with Kim Sung-Joo, Chairperson and Chief Visionary Officer of the Sungjoo Group and MCM Holding AG being awarded for her “Outstanding Contribution to the International Fashion Industry”, Frederick Lee for “Outstanding Homegrown Couture House in Singapore” and the award for “Outstanding Homegrown Fashion Brand in Singapore” being presented to Raoul.

Reflecting the Asian Couture Federation’s growing presence across the region, the Executive Board took a special moment to welcome the appointment of new governors and the induction of new Asian Couturier Extraordinaire and Invited Members. This included The Right Honorable Lisa Scaffidi Lord Mayor of Perth and media entrepreneur Dian M. Muljadi from Indonesia as new Governors and Furne One from the Philippines and Keita Maruyama from Japan as Asian Couturier Extraordinaires. Further, Tsolmandakh Munkhuu from Mongolia, Roj Singhakul from Thailand, Tamae Hirokawa from Japan and Tex Saverio from Indonesia were also made Invited Members of the ACF. Marking the occasion, the entire Asian Couture Federation membership was photographed on stage to demonstrate its reach and breadth in Asia. In tribute to this, a champagne toast was raised and the moment suitably celebrated.

With the Awards Gala concluded, guests were welcomed to the Asia’s biggest fashion party – the Couturista Party. Hosted by Emily Hwang, Vice President of the Asian Couture Federation, it provided guests with a unique insight into the world of couture as seen through Emily’s eyes. Arriving in spectacular fashion, Emily was flanked by tuxedoed dancers and singers to a rapturous applause. This was followed by the inspiring and sparkling show from MCM whose collection took its cue from diamonds. Guests were then free to explore the world of couture with the dedicated hair and make up areas, styling experts, Vanity Fair inspired photo-shoots and a carefully curated exhibition of couture.

As guests left in the small hours of the morning, it was clear that the Asian Couture Federation Awards Gala had not only celebrated and recognised the rich diversity of couture talent, but that this would be a night to remember.