Limkokwing University’s graduating Diploma Fashion and Retail Design students, Wan Ilya Wan Hassan and Koh Li Wei from Malaysia, graced the stylish and glittering Fashion Summer of Chengdu Textile College.
Chosen as guest designers, the duo showcased their fashion collections at the Shiwaitaoyuan Grand Theatre, Chengdu, China on 16 June 2016.
The annual graduate fashion show was organized by Chengdu Textile College. Themed ‘Originality,’ the college selected and exhibited some of the best student designs from their 563 graduating fashion students under the majors of Fashion Art, Fashion Design and Shoe Design.
Alongside the graduate collections from the college, Limkokwing students’ designs were showcased to over 2,000 attendees including fashion designers, industry professionals and members of fashion associations from the province of Sichuan.
The president of the college, Professor Xia Ping, was impressed with the students’ fashion collections and the University’s creative approach to education.
“Limkokwing University encourages its students to be creative and take up challenges by looking for opportunities at places where others fail to see,” he said.
For Ilya and Li Wei, this opportunity came as a pleasant surprise just before their graduation on 2 July 2016.
“The timing couldn’t be better. We are given the opportunity to share our designs in a foreign land where we can meet and get inspired from various designers,” they said.
“Not only as a designer, but also in terms of creating a brand, the experience opened up our minds to let in new ideas for marketing our products to different consumer markets,” explained Ilya.
Li Wei was very excited to showcase her graduate collection to people with a different fashion culture and perception. Describing her collection La Blanchair, she said she was inspired by the French era of ‘La Belle Epoque’ and its youthful culture.
“I wanted my designs to be fresh and young. A ready-to-wear collection that has a touch of avant grade to make it stand out from other collections,” she exclaimed.
Ilya took a different fashion approach by portraying unique elements from the army uniform with her collection Minimalitary, coined from the words minimalism and military.
“Less is more. My collection is an answer to how minimalism in fashion can also achieve the grand style and sophistication of lavish and intricate designs,” she said.
Their designs were collectively called ‘La Millitaire’ and was paired with stylish Limkokwing Fashion Club accessories. The students received trophies and certificates for presenting such exceptional designs. The opportunity allowed them to work with experienced models and make-up artists at the backstage—giving them a glimpse of what to expect once they have graduated.
According to Li Wei, the pressure backstage was immense. “It was truly a learning experience to work with models and other designers to make the show a success.”
Ilya chimes in to add, “The language barrier also taught us how to deal with tough situations and effective ways to avoid miscommunication.”
Limkokwing University paves the way for young talents like Ilya and Li Wei to showcase their skills and capabilities at international platforms. It provides them with the much-needed exposure and experience to thrive in the global fashion industry.