Graduating students showcase their skills through design

The creation of the recent batch of fashion graduates from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology drew massive attention and, literally stopped the traffic.

It was a clever mix of colours and designs that greeted the audience as the models sashayed down the runway wearing the students’ creations.

The fashion show was part of the recent convocation ceremony.

Titled Creativity in Motion, it was an ambitious project from the university to delegate 33 designers from seven countries with more than 100 designs.

“It is not just a normal fashion show; this is a show with attitude,” said university president Professor Emeritus, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing.

“It is about expressing oneself well. Normal fashion shows are meant to sell clothes; this fashion show is about creativity. It is not about looking pretty, it is about making a statement.”

The creations were influenced by elements of Asian culture including the Manipuri dance of India, the Irezumi of Japan, and the tribal paintings of Sarawak.

After the event, three awards were given to the designers who had shown admirable efforts, innovative designs, and workmanship.

The recipients were Merlin Yuwita from Indonesia, Tan Cho Sian from Brunei and Andy Yap I-lock King from Malaysia.

Andy Yap was the winner of the Stylo Young Designers’ award 2009.

“This fashion show is a lifetime achievement and I am honored to be given this award,” said Yap whose garments were inspired by the Chinese folklore, The Last Empress.

“I’m glad that this award validates my idea in the garments, as my design explores the abstract expression of the Chinese costumes.”