A discreet air of romantic reverie swept the space of Violet Oon Satay Bar and Grill’s dining floor last Thursday at the Ong Shunmugam Cruise 2018 show. Perhaps it manifested from the enchanting allure of the restaurant’s traditional Peranakan decor that was left deliberately untouched to match the label’s genteel old world charm.
But in all probability, it must have had something to do with the inspiration behind the actual collection ‘Love Letters’ itself: The expression of love.
Designer Priscilla Shunmugam (our previous Her World Young Woman Achiever) took upon herself to revisit and preserve the art of affectionate display through this collection.
This all stemmed from her frustration with the nonchalant and detached way in which love is expressed these days; through texts, phone calls and social media.
The cherubic act of thoughtfully crafting out a love letter and sealing it with a kiss seem almost like a fictional thing of the past. But Love Letters may alter this notion once and for all.
We loved the charming patterns in the batik fabric featured. To add, it was also personally created from scratch by the label itself before being sent to Indonesia for crafting.
The batik, teamed with intricate knife pleats, brings a fresh contemporary take on traditional Southeast Asian details – a sophisticated detail achieved through Priscilla’s expertise in fusing minimalist and ostentatious styles.
Geometric prints stood loud and proud amidst dream-like feathers and polka dots.
Sleek, workplace appropriate styles were the true highlight of the show; demonstrating Priscilla’s masterful shift away from her usual cheongsam silhouettes.
Sensual bare-all outfits also made its way down the runway in the form of lace vests and fashion-forward bustiers.
Some of Priscilla’s favourite declarations of love can be found artfully scribbled across some pieces.
All in all, it was a truly breathtaking show that was made complete by lust-worthy ensembles and clever juxtaposition of traditional and modern fabrics.
