So the Duchess of
Cambridge (a.k.a. Kate Middleton) has left Singapore today. But her effect will
certainly be felt - especially when it comes to Singapore fashion.
Kate is known for
picking the right and diplomatic choices for her overseas visits and it was the
same case here where among her handful of wardrobe changes were a gorgeous
dress by Singapore-born Prabal Gurung and an ensemble by RAOUL, which came
rather as a surprise.
But my question is,
did we really need the Duchess to wear a local designer to make us realize that
they do exist, and make beautiful clothes for that matter?
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| The Duchess of Cambridge looked lovely in her RAOUL top and skirt. Still wish she makes more effort in her shoe choices though! Oh well... |
While not everyone can
afford the Prabal Gurung or RAOUL outfits that Kate sported, there are a lot of
other young local designers whose work is remarkable but lack the deserving
support from the majority of Singaporeans.
And it is important to
remember that labels like RAOUL and Alldressedup (which I had hoped Kate would
also wear on this trip) didn’t become an international name overnight. It took
years of struggle but also the belief of people who made it possible. So while
supporting one local designer at their beginning might not seem as crucial, it
is actually the reason celebrities or royals like Kate would hear about them
and wear them in the first place. As sad as it is, this is how most labels make
it. Spot it on someone important and cash on it.
This is exactly what
the Kate effect is all about! There is no denial she has singlehandedly helped
the fashion industry in the UK especially chains like Reiss and Warehouse,
where whatever she wore became an instant hit and sold out within minutes.
Let’s hope the same
happens with Singaporean label RAOUL and eventually more local labels which
failed to make it on Kate’s list this time.
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| This Prabal Gurung number from his collection which inspired a lot of copies of similar prints is just gorgeous! Love the colours!!! |
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| No doubt her smile is her best accessory :-) |
But
regardless, the Duchess looked great during her visit. She is no doubt very
elegant and knows what to wear - when and where - and what flatters her best. My
favourite look on her had to be the Prabal Gurung dress. Other than the fact is
a stunning frock, the style is a little bit edgier and experimental from what
we’re used to see her wearing. And the fact that she knew that he was born in
Singapore and chose this dress for the tour accordingly, proves that she has
done her homework!
Other
than the Singaporean designers, Kate also wore some great British labels like
Alexander McQueen, Jenny Peckham and Erdem. She is after all the face of British
fashion at the moment so wearing these UK labels is part of her image and duty –
after all everyone should support THEIR local designers no?
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| In beautifully-cut Alexander McQueen. But the shoes again... |
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| Jenny Peckham is on every fashionista's radar this year, thank to Kate! |
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| Another dress from Jenny Peckham, featuring Singapore's national flower: The orchid. How appropriate! |
So
will the Kate effect work the same way in promoting Singapore fashion and
exposing them to bigger audience around the world? Let’s hope so! and on behalf
of everyone who has been pushing for the local emerging talent, I say, Thank
you Kate and please come back again! We have some more great Singaporean labels
for you to wear! Next time just give me a call before you arrive and I’ll get
them ready for you! ;-)
What other Singapore designers’ pieces would have looked great on Kate:
While
RAOUL and Prabal Gurung looked great on the Duchess, here are some pieces from
other Singaporean labels which I think would have looked great on her. Ah well,
there's always next time!
Alldressedup Maxim jersey printed dress: This dress scream Kate with its elegant and flattering cut, modest length and sleeves, and subtle print. I was betting on her picking up for one of the events on tour.
Burgundy
Ong Shunmugam customized cheongsam-inspired dress: Nothing looks more flattering and elegant on a woman than a traditional cheongsam! And the best label to do it with a modern twist is the homegrown Ong Shunmugam. I would have loved to see Kate wearing one of their gorgeous dresses and bring the mandarin collar back as a hot trend in international fashion!
