Fashion festival highlights Singapore as Asia's style capital

Taking place on the world famous Orchard Road from March 28-April 6, trend-watchers from the Middle East visiting Singapore can expect to discover fashion's hottest rising stars from around the world, blazing a new trail in Asia's style capital.

Middle East visitors can be one of the first to preview the Autumn/Winter 08 collections of world-celebrated designers, straight off the runways of Paris and New York, ready-to-order in Singapore.

The Festival plays host to two world-class fashion designers this year - celebrity designer Matthew Williamson and Kevin Carrigan, Creative Director of cK Calvin Klein.

Making a personal appearance in the red carpet Opening Gala, Matthew Williamson will showcase his vibrant Spring/Summer 08 collection. And to end the Festival on a high note, Kevin Carrigan will be in town for the cK Calvin Klein Closing Show.

"As a leading hub in the region, fashion and glamour are essential elements for attracting visitors to Singapore, and we have found that events such as Singapore Fashion Festival draws in many travellers from the Middle East region, who are aware of the latest style trends"

said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

Singapore will also be welcoming to its shores Asia's top emerging models such as Lili Shen and Kiki, who will join iconic British supermodel Erin O'Connor on the Festival catwalk, creating a unique contrast of cultures and beauty on the runway line-up.

The Festival period is one of the best times to shop for fashion in Singapore as visitors will be allowed to buy collections showcased straight off the runway at leading shops.

Running alongside the fashion shows are a broad range of satellite events including The Orchard Road Style Parade, an outdoor showcase of funky street fashion labels, The Red Ball charity gala, and the 'Have a Heart' exhibition in support of the Singapore Heart Foundation.

Set in a spectacular catwalk theatre built to accommodate more than 1,000 guests, the Tent@Orchard at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will feature an elevated 60 foot catwalk designed for versatility, and is the first in Asia to introduce contact-less RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) access stickers by Stickkeys for VIP guest clearance.

Transforming from a couture gala dinner venue to a theatre-style runway gallery, the stunning catwalk will feature an impressive 8 meter-wide LED screen, creating a world-class backdrop for ten days of high-octane fashion shows and parties in the heart of Orchard Road.