MOTOROLA BLACK CARNIVAL @ DXO
Feat. Hansel, Nicholas, Mizú & Baylene
21 JAN 2006

Dear reader, I should inform you that this ramble employs Singlish expressions to best articulate this writer's slightly dismissive, relak-jack attitude towards the Motorola Black Carnival. Of course, this is what you must expect, when one is presented with a seemingly glamorous event but is dealt a subterfuge blow with lackluster crowd management, small venue (again! Refer to Overdrive 2005 article. *sigh*), a lucky draw (so PSC night, so uniquely Singapore!) and this one broke the camel's back- the crowd leaving faster than impatient SBS bus drivers after the show meant only one thing- Sian, no post-show party. My rational is simple, you like it meh, thinking that you are attending a chi chi event, only to find that its pseudo-chi chi. So I would rather ditch the Queen's English and get real…

When Mr. Editor dangled the invite to the Motorola Black Carnival, I gleefully snapped it up. Motorola, wah seh, big name event, should be quite an experience. And like any self-respecting, dedicated writer should be, I promptly checked out the event's website for further information on this exclusive,"by invite only" event.

But, take it from me, the worse thing to find out about a "by invite only" event, is that the invites could be obtained easier than this semester's truckload of readings. (Psst, by email, click and send, viola!) Before you think of me as an ungrateful brat, I must say that despite my complaints about everything, the one thing which deserves apt commendation is certainly the threads that our local labels are producing.

The Motorola Black Carnival was essentially a showcase of the latest collections from local brands Mizú, Baylene, Nicholas and Hansel. The fashion show was inaugurated by fire-jugglers and eaters who attempted to literally get the heat on. That was as much of a Carnival we got at the event. Theatrics aside, the proceeding show was weaved together by a story of a girl morphing and maturing, reflecting the essence of the designs, starting from Hansel to Nicholas, Mizú and lastly, Baylene.

The Hansel "Criss-Cross Boy Loves Plain Jane" Spring/Summer 05/06 collection thrived in the beauty of basics. Featuring simple lines, cuts and colors, the collection is made for the lady who is practical with an understated stylistic acumen. Quite likely Singapore's quirky version of Polo Ralph Lauren. The attraction piece in the Hansel collection, the one eliciting the "So nice!" stamp of approval, was a double strapped dress paired with a matching sash which spoke of understated charm and elegance. All the ladies around me gripped each other in intense desire, eyes glazed onto the dress. Says it all doesn't it.

If bright prints and peonies rock your boat, Nicholas has it all cut out for you. In his collection entitled "Alice in Portobello", he features pieces mainly with Victorian cuts and printed peonies. Nicholas' garments exude a sense of playfulness and carefree wandering. Mizú brought in sleek and minimal designs in dark colours with dashes of violet and yellow suited for the corporate conqueror who understands the need to be cloaked in a "don't mess with me" attire, yet does not sacrifice the underlying vibrancy in her. Office chic is now attainable for us mere mortals.

I have to unabashedly say that Baylene's collection was my personal favorite and highlight of the night. Inspired by the zeitgeist of the 1930s and 40s, her military, well-structured designs were at once sophisticated and edgy. If you thought pairing socks and heels was unthinkable fashion suicide, Baylene did exactly that and revived creativity.

I was impressed by the exacting standards our local designers are at and still rising above. In all, very wearable pieces which while practical, don't border on the edge of boring.

I am able to comment on the beauty and laudable standards of the designs because yours truly was small and short enough to struggle into the crowd, right to the front to get the best standing view spot in the house. Thus, it is now my civic duty to speak up for the rest of the crowd who were tip-toeing frustratingly to even get a glimpse of the fashion parade.

In an already impossibly small venue for a fashion show (approx. size of 2 classrooms), there was an impossibly large crowd which of course made it almost impossible for anyone half a metre away from the barricade to see the clothes on parade, unless you are as tall as Yao Ming. Jia lat right? I would think that the problem should have been anticipated and efforts for a more elevated stage should be put in place. The basic premise of a fashion showcase is quite simply to show, for people to see, to be interested and to purchase eventually. What's the difference between viewing the collection from the catalogue and being at the show then when you can't even catch a decent eyeful?

If you made through my diatribe till this point, it should be clear that once again, essential aspects of this event were lacking in finesse while the publicity, paraphernalia, theatrics etc…things are important but not as important as the final execution, took glory at this event. The organisers did not scrimp in producing glossy catalogues and well-designed invites, but it would be much appreciated if organisers put themselves in our shoes and understood the ridiculousness of going to a fashion show but not being able to see it.

That aside, I would like to champion for another cause. The clothes featured were all ladies wear, what about the men? Let's see some couture for the men the next time. Thus, I say, Motorola Black Carnival was a good attempt but could be much better. (Do I sound like your impossibly unsatisfied lecturer already?)

[Post-script]
Local labels are up and coming, so go get them. Hansel, Nicholas, Mizú and Baylene are headquartered at Stamford House.

More photos of the Black Carnival at the Funkygrad Gallery