KL News N' Buzz

[glenj]

The Star 13 February 2004

High-fashion hub plan for KL
BY LAM LI
Launching ceremony of KL Fashion Week 2004

KUALA LUMPUR: A “truly Asian” fashion week which aims to propel Malaysia’s capital into a regional fashion hub was launched here yesterday.

The event – “KL Fashion Week 2004” – to be staged in late April, will bring together fashion designers and talents from the region to showcase cultural diversity under the theme “Stylish Asia.”

At the launching ceremony, Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the event would help to shape Kuala Lumpur as a capital for high fashion and promote the country as a world-class shopping destination.

“To be a world-class shopping destination, we need diversity in the fashion scene and this private sector-initiated event will help us to realise that goal in the shortest possible time.

“The event will bring in regional fashion designers, buyers and industry players and help to establish the country as a fashion capital.

“To live up to the name of fashion capital, we must offer something unique and truly symbolic of the country’s fashion. The event is also a perfect occasion to promote Malaysian batik,” he said in his speech, adding that the event would be listed in the tourism calendar.

The fashion week, organised by The Star and presented by a leading cosmetic company, L’Oreal, is in its second year after the inaugural show last year became a huge success.

Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director Datuk Steven Tan said this year’s event was aimed at tapping the rich heritage of Asia – a region where three-fifths of the world’s population live.

“The cultural diversity and historical depth of Asia are a great source of inspiration for creativity. When we cannot compete in size on the world stage, creativity will help us to stand out,” he said.

He added that just as the Paris fashion week was an avenue for European designers, the local fashion week could be a similar platform for Asian designers, adding that designers and models from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and India would be participating.

Tan said newspapers needed to take the lead in promoting worthwhile projects and industries.

“We believe newspapers need to have fun and colour too. We have annual fairs for education, information and communications technology, the environment and so on.

“In fashion too, we see tremendous potential as Malaysians grow more affluent and sophisticated,” he said.

L’Oreal Malaysia managing director Alvin Michael Hew said the theme of the event, “Stylish Asia,” was in line with the Government’s tagline of “Truly Asia” in promoting tourism.

“The bringing together of talents from different ethnic groups and cultures in the region is reflective of the country’s image.

“We also believe that creativity is needed for a country to develop its future. That is one of the reasons we support this event,” he said.

The fashion week, which would be held from April 24 to May 2, would include a search for young talents under The Star Designer Awards 2004, a series of fashion shows featuring creations by local and regional designers and students of fashion colleges as well as beauty workshops.

The highlights of the event would be the “Secretaries Unplugged 2” luncheon on April 29 and the “Simply Haute” Fashion Gala Dinner on April 30.

In conjunction with the event, a “Fashion Emporio” featuring the sale of fashion and beauty items will also be held, where fashion-conscious visitors could shop for designer labels at special prices.

[szehoong]

Designers see healthy rivalry at fashion fest









Kem: 'Exposure is crucial and this event will help designers share their experiences'



KUALA LUMPUR: Local designers are looking forward to the second KL Fashion Week, themed Stylish Asia, as a platform for healthy competition.

Rizalman Ibrahim, who participated in last year's inaugural KL Fashion Week, said he believed this year's event would be more successful with its direction spelt out in the theme.






Rizalman: 'By zooming into Asian elements, I believe the event will be more focused'




“By zooming into Asian elements, I believe the event will be more focused and designers will be going back to their roots and culture to inject exclusivity into their creations.

“I am very excited by the prospect of having a healthy rivalry at the event,” he said after the launching ceremony held at Shangri-la Hotel here on Thursday.

Kem Salleh, a designer who owns a boutique, said the event would provide valuable exposure to those in the fashion industry.

“Like all creative-related industries, those involved in the fashion scene need to learn about what the trend is and the latest ideas going on in other parts of the world.

“Exposure is crucial and this event will help designers share their experiences in various techniques, cut and styles, use of fabric and design.

“It will also improve the networking between regional players,” he said.

Eric Choong, who specialises in bridal creations, said the theme of the event was exciting and regional designers could compete with each other for attention, using their unique cultural appeals.






FUN TIME: Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir sharing a light moment with local designers at the launch of KL Fashion Week 2004 at Shangri-la Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.





At the launch, five local designers – Michael Ong, Orson Liyu, Tom Abang Saufi, Jonathan Cheng and *Sharifah Kirana – provided a sneak preview of the event by showcasing one creation each.

Indian model Tinu Varghese, who won last year's Best Ramp Model in the World Award (fashion television category), also made a special appearance.

The fashion week is organised by The Star and presented by leading cosmetic company L'Oreal.



* Sharifah Kirana is my secondary school art teacher! .....and she still remembers me!!!

[baqthier]

Great idea! But fast fast lah implement!!

[szehoong]

Air tickets to fashion capitals up for grabs




SECRETARIES attending the KL Fashion Week Secretaries Unplugged Luncheon this year are in for a special treat.

Malaysia Airlines, the official carrier for KL Fashion Week 2004, has pledged flight tickets to New York, Hong Kong and Denpasar as lucky draw prizes at the event.

MAS promotions and sponsorship manager Jamilah Itam presented a mock flight ticket to Star Publications (M) Bhd deputy group general manager Datin Linda Ngiam at a sponsorship presentation ceremony.

“This is an important event to MAS as secretaries are the ones who make flight arrangements for their bosses, who are our frequent flyers.

“Just as we have programmes to thank our valued customers, we also sponsor prizes for their secretaries to acknowledge their hard work,” she said.






Jamilah (right) presenting a mock MAS ticket to Ngiam at a sponsorship presentation ceremony recently.






“The Fashion Week Unplugged Secretaries Luncheon is our main event for secretaries, so we expect the secretaries of many corporate figures to attend.

“To make the event extra special this year, the flight tickets up for grabs are to three fashion capitals,” she added.

The KL Fashion Week 2004 Unplugged Secretaries Luncheon will be held at noon on April 27 at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The event will feature a fashion show of smart casual, office and eveningwear by Kapas, Kwan, Melinda Looi and Embun as well as entertainment by Ferhad.

Tickets are priced at RM150, RM200 and RM250 per person. For reservations, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1238/1165/1121.

[szehoong]

Choong finds success with timeless simplicity



By BAVANI M







Choong showing one of his simple, yet elegant bridal gowns.






MENTION bridal couture, and the name Eric Choong will pop up. The designer is known for his exquisite wedding gowns that seem to exude a timeless quality.

Hence, all his wedding gowns are not just elegant but enduring as well.

Not one for flamboyance, Choong prefers to design simple gowns that emphasise the woman's figure.

“I enjoy designing gowns that emphasise the woman’s curves and the small of her back,” he said, adding that he always ensured that his gowns suited the personality of the bride.

“To me, it is the person who should wear the gown and not the other way around. The personality of the wearer is important in bringing out the beauty of the gown,” he said.

He added that the extra handwork and accessories should also reflect the bride’s taste.

Choong will be showcasing 12 pieces of his latest designs at the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2004 event themed “Stylish Asia” at Suria KLCC on May 2.

Choong, whose collection would be themed “Ladies & Gentleman”, said he gained inspiration from the movie My Fair Lady when designing for this range.








Choong's other speciality is designing evening gowns, which he will show at the DHL Corporate Night on April 29.






Fabrics like Thai silk, silk chiffon, organza and duchess satin are used.

Choong will also be participating in the DHL Corporate Night event on April 29 at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.

He will showcase designs from his 2004 Summer Splendour collection featuring evening gowns in bright colours.

“For this range I have used Chinese silk front and reversed imprints, French lace and chiffon silk, with a hint of Malaysian songket and saree as finishing, with colours of lime green, fuchsia and black.

Cheongsam and qi pao will also be featured for its contemporary sophistication, teamed with glamorous Victorian elegance.

The audience will also get to see long embroidered pants that speak of an east-meets-west influence and butterfly headgears that symbolise freedom and liberty.

Eric Choong Couture Sdn Bhd is located at Lot F8, Mezzanine Floor, Sheraton Imperial Hotel Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-2031 7112.

[glenj]

Here's an article that appeared in today's S'pore Straits Times:

APRIL 10, 2004
insight
Feeling the heat and the buzz in KL
By Warren Fernandez

THINKING ALOUD


A HUGE white marquee stood beside the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) as my taxi pulled up to my hotel. A laser projected the blue and white BMW logo onto it, trumpeting the joys of the 'ultimate driving machine'.

The German marque was launching its new 5 series. It was just one of a string of events organised to coincide with the Formula One race that weekend.

'Are you going to watch the F1?' I asked my cabby.

No, he replied. 'That one, for foreigners. Mahathir's dream. The foreigners come, go to Petronas hall, listen to orchestra, go to Sepang... Nothing to do with us,' he lamented.

Yet, KL, I found, was abuzz with F1 fever. Hotels, malls, pubs, restaurants had joined in the frenzy.

Tourists were everywhere. The hotel I stayed in was full. People were eating out, buying sporty clothes, caps and sunscreen, hailing cabs and hiring cars to get to the race.

If the F1 was 'Mahathir's dream', it was a heady one that many ordinary Malaysians were sharing in. From taxi drivers to restaurant workers, PR agents, creative directors and hotel managers. Some of these were Malaysians, others were foreign talent, roped in to help pull the event off.

I was in Kuala Lumpur on work, covering the Malaysian General Election. But I could not help but feel the buzz of the city.

Even as I banged away at my laptop, I could hear the beat of music from several parties going on around The Straits Times bureau office.

Just as the election results were coming in, fireworks burst onto the night sky over the KLCC, in celebration of the F1 race, not the Barisan Nasional's big win.

A few days after I returned home to Singapore, my wife and I drove down to Orchard Road. It was a Sunday evening. The place seemed quiet in contrast.

'Where is everybody?' I cried.

'At home, probably. Back to school tomorrow,' she replied, sensibly, as ever.

Even so, it was a downer.

Then, this week, came the figures to confirm my fears.

The Singapore Tourism Board reported that tourism receipts had fallen by 21 per cent between 1993 and 2002. Malaysia's share of the East Asia Pacific's tourism receipts, on the and by whom?

A few years ago, the URA held a public consultation exercise on its plans for the 'new' Orchard Road. Like many others, I went along and offered some views. Since then, I have heard little about this. Endless reports have been published about plans and schemes to link up buildings with underground walkways in Orchard Road. But, alas, they have remained plans and schemes for rather too long.

But let's not kid ourselves. Spending and building more is only half the solution.

Equally important will be training and motivating people here to offer visitors top-notch service, drawing foreign events and performers here, as well as the audiences to sustain them.

After all, if Singapore has the Esplanade, Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Philharmonic Hall.

Yet, each time a top ensemble like the Vienna Philharmonic or the London Symphony comes to perform here, the Esplanade concert hall is filled to capacity.

What makes this possible? First, the world class hall, designed by the renowned Russell Johnson, helps to draw performers here.

Second, the fact that there are audiences to pay top dollar, made up both of Singaporeans and foreigners living here or passing through, also makes all the difference.

The result: Singaporeans too get to enjoy these performances. But this is music to the ears of not only the well-heeled, but also many taxi drivers, hotel workers, chefs, waiters, PR directors, airline workers and others.

Put simply, jobs, livelihoods and the quality of life here are at stake.

So the next time you hear those recurrent complaints against foreign talent, 'excessive' spending on the arts or the easing of restrictions on performances, do remember these haunting words: 'Singapore is so middle of the road, it is in danger of being bypassed'.

The writer is Foreign Editor of The Straits Times. E-mail: warren@sph.com.sg

[szehoong]

Originally Posted by glenj

After all, if Singapore has the Esplanade, Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Philharmonic Hall.

yea.......and for musicals and stage performances.....we've got Istana Budaya ....just a short drive away from The Petronas Phiharmonic Hall

[szehoong]

Originally Posted by glenj

Yet, KL, I found, was abuzz with F1 fever. Hotels, malls, pubs, restaurants had joined in the frenzy.

Tourists were everywhere. The hotel I stayed in was full. People were eating out, buying sporty clothes, caps and sunscreen, hailing cabs and hiring cars to get to the race.

If the F1 was 'Mahathir's dream', it was a heady one that many ordinary Malaysians were sharing in. From taxi drivers to restaurant workers, PR agents, creative directors and hotel managers. Some of these were Malaysians, others were foreign talent, roped in to help pull the event off.

I was in Kuala Lumpur on work, covering the Malaysian General Election. But I could not help but feel the buzz of the city.

Even as I banged away at my laptop, I could hear the beat of music from several parties going on around The Straits Times bureau office.

Just as the election results were coming in, fireworks burst onto the night sky over the KLCC, in celebration of the F1 race, not the Barisan Nasional's big win.

Not forgetting the street parties at Changkat Bukit Bintang where the entire street are cordoned off for revellers!

Actually this year's F1 is 'quieter' than the previous years because of the bad timing of the elections being held the same day.

[argory]

Originally Posted by szehoong

yea.......and for musicals and stage performances.....we've got Istana Budaya ....just a short drive away from The Petronas Phiharmonic Hall

Yeah, I think the Istana Budaya makes a better comparison than the Petronas Hall, though the latter does have a magnificent 44 stop Klais pipe organ with 2977 pipes!..whoa! I think it is one of the very few pipe organs in use around the country. Nevertheless, the Istana Budaya is very well equipped, it’s said to be on par with the Royal Albert Hall, London…not bad huh?

[szehoong]

Originally Posted by argory

Yeah, I think the Istana Budaya makes a better comparison than the Petronas Hall, though the latter does have a magnificent 44 stop Klais pipe organ with 2977 pipes!..whoa! I think it is one of the very few pipe organs in use around the country. Nevertheless, the Istana Budaya is very well equipped, it’s said to be on par with the Royal Albert Hall, London…not bad huh?

hmmm.....actually the Esplanade is are to be compared with both Petronas Phiharmonic Hall and Istana Budaya because The Esplanade actualy consist of an orchestral concert hall and a stage hall ( I think thats what they describe the halls ).

Actually Istana Budaya's stage mechanism is much better than the Royal Albert Hall as it is newer and much more advanced.

[argory]

Originally Posted by szehoong

Actually Istana Budaya's stage mechanism is much better than the Royal Albert Hall as it is newer and much more advanced.

not bad for a former colonial backwater or so they say...ei? KL never fails to surprise.

[szehoong]

Originally Posted by argory

not bad for a former colonial backwater or so they say...ei? KL never fails to surprise.

Yup.......we've got the facilities and infrastructures but sadly I think there still not enuf of artsy performances here.

Although Singapore's Esplanade opened not too long and we've got Istana Budaya and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall for quite a number of year already.......I still felt that Istana Budaya is under-utilised

[szehoong]

Local celebrities to liven up gala dinner



BY LISA GOH






IN THE LIMELIGHT: Daly and Deanna (below left) will be strutting the catwalk again.





PETALING JAYA: Our very own models and celebrities Deanna Yusoff and Elaine Daly will be walking down the ramp as well at the Simply Haute Fashion Gala Dinner on April 27.

Deanna, of Malay and Swiss parentage, had her first stint in commercial modelling while only nine years old.

Currently the host for the TV3 programme The Brand, which is in its fourth season, the 170cm-tall model is also an actress and singer.

“I have not been modelling much lately. Only when there are requests and when I think it’ll be a fun and special event,” Deanna said on Friday.

Deanna, who bagged a Best Actress Award at the 10th Malaysian Film Festival for her lead role in Selubung in 1991, has acted in eight movies, both locally and internationally. She has two albums under her belt.

She is most noted for her character as Lady Thiang, headwife of King Mongkut of Thailand, in the movie Anna and the King.

Among the fashion houses she has modelled for are Christian Dior, DKNY and Christian Lacroix. She has also done photo shoots for brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace, as well as lent her name to a string of products such as Hazeline Snow, Salem, Wella, L’Oreal and, quite recently, SK-II.

Her face has also graced numerous local and foreign magazines including Female, Her World, Style, and she was also featured for her character in Anna and the King in the American Vanity Fair.










With an equally impressive track record, Daly started off as a talent in a commercial for Jolie Shandy when she was 14.

At 16, she started catwalk modelling and has since worked with many local designers like Melinda Looi and Bernard Chandran, as well as international names like Fendi, Celine and Christian Dior, among others.

The 27-year-old law graduate is also currently Miss Malaysia and will finish her reign on Thursday.

With her reign drawing to a close, Daly said she would be having a “big week” as her movie Diambang Misteri had also premiered recently.

“I am currently shooting for Astana Idaman 2, as well as hosting a financial TV magazine called Money Tree. I have been quite busy with everything going on,” she added in a recent interview.

The 173cm-tall Daly, who loves to shop, said she had a “fetish for shoes and handbags” and cited Armani as one of her favourite brands for clothes.

But do not make the mistake of thinking this svelte model is little more than a clotheshorse – she also does kickboxing in her free time.

“I enjoy travelling a lot too, and I am thankful that my job allows me the opportunity to do so,” she said.

Deanna and Daly will be among the six Malaysian models donning creations by nine Asian designers, including Malaysia’s own Rizalman Ibrahim, Steven Sin and Bernard Chandran, during the gala dinner.

The event is part of the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2004, organised by The Star and presented by L’Oreal from April 24 to May 2.

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I never been to Istana Budaya till today.

[argory]

Originally Posted by szehoong

Yup.......we've got the facilities and infrastructures but sadly I think there still not enuf of artsy performances here.

Although Singapore's Esplanade opened not too long and we've got Istana Budaya and the Petronas Philharmonic Hall for quite a number of year already.......I still felt that Istana Budaya is under-utilised

The artsy stuff has been around longer in Singapore, naturally giving it an edge over KL. Furthermore, those guys down there have been promoting arts the way we have been promoting, err well.., industrialization! An exaggeration? Maybe. But they’re pretty serious at promoting the country as a regional arts hub. It looks like they’re getting there, although the region they wish to represent is not keeping excessively silent either.

The talent pool we have is in no doubt larger but it deserves better organization and support as well as adequate exposure and recognition. In the same way, too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results. We need not get too worried about it but there’s certainly room for improvement. Let the arts grow gradually by firmly embracing the complex multicultural contours of our land. That’s when we’ll need no silly regional arts hub…

[szehoong]

Originally Posted by argory

The artsy stuff has been around longer in Singapore, naturally giving it an edge over KL. Furthermore, those guys down there have been promoting arts the way we have been promoting, err well.., industrialization! An exaggeration? Maybe. But they’re pretty serious at promoting the country as a regional arts hub. It looks like they’re getting there, although the region they wish to represent is not keeping excessively silent either.

The talent pool we have is in no doubt larger but it deserves better organization and support as well as adequate exposure and recognition. In the same way, too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results. We need not get too worried about it but there’s certainly room for improvement. Let the arts grow gradually by firmly embracing the complex multicultural contours of our land. That’s when we’ll need no silly regional arts hub…

Yea....you're right about "too much pushing will ultimately bring about superficial results".........I would rather it grows naturally

ANyway I would think that education plays a very big role in the promotion of arts. Many parents still thinks that arts are bad for their children and are not supportive in any way should their children pursue any 'artsy' career.

I think we need a revamp in our education system to encourage arts. I;ve seen many of my talented friends pursuing engineering courses in favor of their family wishes and their talent wasted! Afterall we can't have an entire society full of engineers, doctors and lawyers could we?

[ZaHiRnYa???]

Originally Posted by szehoong

I think we need a revamp in our education system to encourage arts. I;ve seen many of my talented friends pursuing engineering courses in favor of their family wishes and their talent wasted! Afterall we can't have an entire society full of engineers, doctors and lawyers could we?

Hmmm...true, true. For Malays on the other hand, it will always be accounting.

[liping_t]

Originally Posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Hmmm...true, true. For Malays on the other hand, it will always be accounting.

why ah? Thats interesting. Indians=Law/engineering/medicine. Chinese=anything but 'art' and other 'non-$-making jobs'.

[ZaHiRnYa???]

I honestly donno. Think it was always like that.....

My eldest brother and sister and me, all took accounting you know. Just I didn't finish it as I hate accounting so much and change my degree during my first year

[baqthier]

Malaysia : MKMA/MTMA/MATAC Annual Dinner & Fashion Contest 2004
23rd July 2004


A glittering show will be put up for the textile and garment fraternity once again, as Malaysian Knitwear Manufacturers Associations (MKMA), Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA) and Malaysian Textile And Apparel Centre (MATAC) join hands in solidarity, to celebrate their anniversaries.

According to information available on the official website, function will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2004 at the Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The Honorable Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato? Seri Rafidah Aziz will be the guest of honor, informs the website.

The highlight of the dinner will be a fashion contest to be participated by students in fashion designing from local colleges. In the face of a more challenging scenario ahead, MKMA, MTMA and MATAC strongly believes that Malaysian talents must be given the support they so critically need to be successful, according to the website information.

A fashion contest will be organized in conjunction with the annual dinner to encourage, promote and nurture new and emerging local fashion designers. The contest will also provide a platform for greater collaboration and interaction amongst the textile and garment industries, fashion institutions and designers, informs the website.