Stylo: A taste of glam
Good job: Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai presenting the Emerging Designer of the Year award to Yona Yuliani Hutari. With him are Stylo International president and CEO, Datuk Nancy Yeoh and renowned shoe designer Datuk Prof Jimmy Choo. - Photos AZLINA ABDULLAH, SAMUEL ONG and DARRAN TAN/The Star
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A glittering night celebrating fashion excellence was the highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Fashion Grand Prix 2014.
THE crème de la crème of Malaysian high society attended the final night of the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Fashion Grand Prix 2014. Guests were dressed to fit the theme: “Who is Gatsby? ... A Vintage Party”.
Ladies in flapper dresses and men in white suits or jackets stood out amongst the crowd. The atmosphere was one of a celebration – and rightly so, as they were all gathered there to pay tribute to some of the local fashion industry’s talents.
The Mercedes-Benz Stylo Fashion Awards Gala took place on March 28 at the decadently decorated Hap Seng Star automobile showroom. Presented by Mercedes-Benz, it coincided with the beginning of the Formula One Grand Prix weekend.
Showcases for the night included designs by Datuk Zang Toi, Bon Zainal, Jovian Mandagie, Iliza Ho and Fairuz Ramdan. Each and every one of them presented bold creations.
Jovian’s collection was inspired by a romantic anecdote. Named Splash of Romance, it featured six looks that resembled a sentimental touch of enchantment and embellished love.
Designer of the Year, Bon (left) with Fairuz who won Best Designer Showcase.
Bon’s ready-to-wear, however represented the gentlemen of today. Fashionable, classic and elegant, his masterpieces sported material like velvet, suede and wool. These ranged from stunning black suits to demure hunting jackets and daytime blazers.
Toi sent out his works that spoke of a dramatic decadence. Lavish dresses and gowns dominated his showcase, but they were aptly pared down with soft touches of perceived 1920s sophistication.
Ho, who happens to be the protégé of famed shoe designer Datuk Prof Jimmy Choo, unveiled her recent collection of bags. Seen during the night were some truly unique handbags and clutches with cutout elements and unconventional forms.
As much as a “show” was called for, Fairuz’s was the highlight. The intrepid menswear designer’s models were accompanied by a throng of clowns on the runway. This was backed by his muse Man Kidal, the renowned Malaysian guitarist, playing on stage.
The night also witnessed the crowning of the much-awaited Emerging Designer of the Year winner. As such, five finalists presented their avant-garde interpretation of fashion using items like plastic bottles, rubbish bags, tubes, polystyrene and strings.
It saw Yona Yuliani Hutari from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology wresting the title. As part of her prize, she will be showcasing at the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week later this year.
Yona was also awarded with a cash prize of RM15,000. The money (inclusive of the first and second runners-up, RM10,000 and RM5,000 respectively) was sponsored by My Creative Ventures – a new government’s initiative that supports creative development in the country.
Other awards given out included Designer of the Year (which went to Bon), Most Promising Designer (Ho), Best Designer Showcase (Fairuz), Best Male Model of the Year (Darren Tan), Best Female Model of the Year (Gabrielle Boudville) and Industry Award (the late Ronnie Choong of Trend Matrix).
That was not all. The night continued with songstress Janet Lee crooning jazz numbers and international DJ Petra Silander taking to the decks for a well-deserved after-party.
Stylo 2014 partners and sponsors include De Beers Diamond Jewellers, Visa Worldwide, A Cut Above, Kinohimitsu, Diva Productions, Asia Fashion Inc, ICAD, Beach Club, Malaysian Official Designers’ Association, Bumiputra Designers Association, Harley Owners Club and RAPR Mileage Communications.
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