SINGAPORE: Kylie Minouge, Noami Campbell, Angelina Jolie have one thing in common, as strange as it may seem. They all have Ashley Isham in their wardrobe.

The London-based ambassador of Singapore fashion may be haute hot but he is very sensible about fashion nonetheless.

When in Singapore recently the fashion guru traded secrets about dressing off the runway where designs can get more close to art as fashion really gets.

“You choose the trend that will work for you and I think that’s where it’s important for you to have your own style. For example, I don’t wear skinny jeans because I will look odd so I stick to what will work for me,” he explained.

So forget about adopting every other trendy or outrageous outfit right off the latest season’s runway. As Isham points out, the most important thing about being fashionable is to feel comfortable in your own skin

But what if you rather dress others, than dress up?

The advice for aspiring local fashion designers from the man with years of experience in the rag trade is also terribly down-to-earth.

He said: “I certainly believe that there should be a business plan while being creative. It’s still a business.

“You’ve to be realistic about it because the only way we can fund the next collection is to be able to sell - otherwise you’re stuck. There must be a sense of the commercial aspect and the creative. So consider it carefully.”

Wise words. And not empty ones either from Isham since he appears to have branched into other areas of fashion.

The first Asian designer to be bestowed with the opportunity by the soft drink mega-giant, Isham recently unveiled his stab at designing something totally different, 100,000 commemorative bottles and a million cans of Coca-Cola light.

Crowning his Coke design the “Jewel in your Hand”, Isham said inspiration was a couture corset dress that was showcased at the recent Autumn/Winter ‘09 collection that was unveiled at this year’s London Fashion Week.

Another collaboration that will put Isham fashion in your hands is a tie-up with Samsung Electronics and Lee Hwa Jewellery for a limited edition accessory to complement the flagship Samsung UltraTOUCH mobile phone.

Dressing the phone is a pouch designed by Isham in his studio. Each comes with his magical personal touch in adding gems such as amethyst and aquamarine for that luxurious look to an otherwise conventional-looking pouch.

With this pouch, you won’t just look good but you’ll feel good too as all proceeds will go to the Singapore Heart Foundation. - CNA/vm