Glittering show ushers in new era

Macau showed it meant business in the world of fashion when it staged the Glam Slam 2011 at City of Dreams yesterday. The three-day extravaganza features seven of Asia's top designers presenting their latest creations before an audience of socialites and fashionistas.

Three runway shows are being held at the Grand Ballroom in the Grand Hyatt Macau, showcasing the newest collections from Hong Kong designers Barney Cheng, Vivian Luk and William Tang; Francis Cheong from Singapore; Taiwanese designer Jasper Huang; Malaysia's Lee Khoon Hooi; and Qi Gang from the mainland.

Top international model Ai Tominaga is the ambassador for both City of Dreams and the event, and renowned brand Butani Jewellery is showing off a glittering array of pieces in its latest collection of couture jewellery.

'I am excited and honoured to be the ambassador for City of Dreams and Glam Slam 2011 at this prestigious and fashion-forward event,' Ai says. 'Having participated in some of the top fashion shows throughout the world, I can say with confidence that this showcase of uniquely Asian haute couture, from seven of the region's top fashion designers, is truly innovative and an important step to further developing the industry, and providing a platform for supporting and showcasing the very latest in Asian haute couture.'

Cheng presents some outstanding pieces in line with his philosophy of making the wearer stand out - through simple extravagance. He explains the inspiration behind this collection comes from travelling with his friends.

'Design inspiration is everywhere,' he says. 'Most of the time I am inspired by my clients while we are chatting or talking.'

Relative newcomer Luk's first collection is based on the Peter Pan theme. She created an enchanting series of romantic floor-length gowns that reflect her interest in this magical story.

The forest and fairy tales inspired Luk to create energetic and organic looks with shades ranging from lime green to forest green, while a soft feminine feel is evident in her interpretation of a mermaid in a variety of layered and ruffled dresses in pastel colours.

Tang is also inspired by the underwater theme of mermaids, and his collection features aquatic colours that represent playfulness and seaside resorts. The Hong Kong-born designer does not disappoint with his aim to create drama in every piece.

He adds the reason he chose the mermaid was because it's one of City of Dreams' iconic images visitors see on entering the entertainment complex and because it brings back childhood memories of seeing dolphins in Macau waters.

Beijing-based Qi looks to the peacock as the theme of his collection. Interested by the shape and colours of the beautiful bird, Qi presents casual and party wear. He explains the outfits tell the story about a peacock princess. 'She falls from heaven and falls in love with a mortal on earth,' he says.

The peacock is regarded as a 'Bird of Paradise' in Europe and, as a result, the outfits are colourful and romantic, using lots of red, black and white decorated with feathers and floating fabrics. Some dresses glitter with Swarovski crystals, while others feature interpretations of the bird from headdresses to fabric colours.

Taiwanese designer Huang looks to tradition for his collection. He says he once visited an old Chinese temple in the woods and found it was a popular one packed with worshippers and lots of incense sticks were lit. He saw something special in the rich colours of the temple's interiors and exteriors and the shapes of various items such as the gourd shaped like the number eight.

For Lee, floral motifs are the inspiration. For his fall/winter collection, he has a pared down palette of black, cr?me, brown and orange that experiments with simple but elegant lines with some edginess. The outfits exude rock chic that transitions easily from day to evening.

Cheong does not disappoint with an amazing collection that combines intricate French embroidery with extravagant Italian fabrics. His feminine outfits create new curvaceous shapes that redefine beauty and are stunning pieces for any special occasion.

'City of Dreams offers an integrated entertainment experience to visitors through a continued commitment to attracting world-class entertainment and cultural events,' says Nicholas Naples, co-chief operating officer, operations of Melco Crown Entertainment.

'It is the perfect backdrop for 'Glam Slam 2011 at City of Dreams', which features the truly outstanding collections of a unique assembly of seven top Asian designers. [The event] provides designers with an opportunity to showcase their latest work on an international level while helping Macau live up to its potential as a world-class and multiday stay destination that offers a wide range of diversified entertainment options for its visitors.'

Signature pieces of each of the designers are displayed throughout City of Dreams' shopping and entertainment areas. A pop-up store at The Boulevard will offer visitors a chance to experience haute couture through made-to-measure and ready-to-wear consultancy services.