Ashley Isham: The Real Fashion Gem at Audi Fashion Festival
By Vimita Mohandas, Channel NewsAsia.com | Posted: 18 May 2009 1932 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Bold colours, strong tailoring and signature draping. These were stamped throughout the Ashley Isham Couture Showcase at the Audi Fashion Festival which drew many ooohs and ahhhs.

In his first showcase in Singapore, Ashley Isham’s Autumn/Winter 2009-10 boasted a series of looks – structured dresses in a vast range of colours, skirt-suits and draped gowns

Breaking out from the neutral colours which first dominated the runway, Isham worked up a climax of colours that burst with sensual reds, gorgeous rose-pink cocktail dresses followed by rich gold, ivory and copper dusted gala-ready gowns.

While his designs are widely hailed as flamboyant with that distinct sophisticated flair, Isham told Channel NewsAsia, his designs are for the modern, strong woman.

“I like feminine styles but at the same time strong lines. Because I think the contemporary modern woman wants to be feminine but at the same time is a strong person. And I like strength in people,” he said.

No surprise that the likes of Angelina Jolie and Naomi Campbell see a connection with Isham’s collections and like being dressed by the London-based fashion designer who pays attention to marrying contemporary and classic designs.

Joining the ranks of celebrated international designers Manolo Blahnik and Roberto Cavalli, Isham dubbed as the ambassador of Singapore fashion, also presented a capsule collection of breath-taking bridal gowns in a tie-up with Lee Hwa Jewellery at the fashion festival.

The avant-garde and futuristic gowns, apt for the modern bride, also saw a touch of femininity with swirls of sparkling diamonds, set in white gold.

What I truly admired about Isham designs were the juxtaposition of graphic pieces with soft delicate silhouettes while employing a range of contrasting fabrics and colour that made each outfit truly fantabulous while still retaining his signature touch. - CNA/vm