This year's Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF) promises to be a juxtaposition of old and new.

So expect to see some internationally renowned names as well as fresh faces when the annual event rolls by on March 28.

Just to namedrop: British supermodel Erin O'Connor, who has been called "one of the greatest models working today" by Karl Lagerfeld, newcomers Chinese model Emma Pei (also the face of L'oreal Paris True Match Minerals Foundation), Kiki and Lili Shen will be faces to watch for on the runway.

Meanwhile, British designer Matthew Williamson will be in town to open the event with his Spring/Summer 2008 collection, even as ck Calvin Klein closes the festival with a presentation of its Spring/Summer 2008 collection, with Creative Director Kevin Carrigan in attendance.

Two local veteran designers will make their comeback to the catwalk during the Festival.

Thomas Wee stages his comeback show after more than 10 years, with support from L'Oréal Professionnel, and Tan Yoong will present a collection of 20 couture-inspired dresses, in collaboration with Lee Hwa Jewellery.

With the veterans come the rising stars. Up-and-coming designer Qiu Hao will also bring his label to SFF, where shoppers can preview his collection. Another runway show to watch out for is alldressedup, helmed by principal designer Sven Tan. It will feature a capsule collection by Francesca Versace, niece of Gianni Versace.

During the festival, other designers will be offering previews to their Autumn/Winter 2008 collection, or making their debut here in Singapore.

Fashion watchers will get to see collections by Carlos Miele, Indian designer Ritu Kumar among others Anteprima with Creative director Izumi Ogino

Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Cluster Development,Tourism Shopping and Dining, at Singapore Tourism Board, said: "In 2006, Singapore achieved a record S$12.4 billion in tourism receipts with shopping once again accounting for almost half of visitor expenditure.

"Fashion and accessories accounted for the biggest share at 32% of shopping expenditure, or almost S$1.1 billion."

He also added that one of SFF's key attractions was that visitors could buy the collections showcased straight off the runway at leading shops.

There will also be special promotions and discounts on shopping, dining and pampering treats, as well as preferential
ticketing to the SFF shows, on offer by Mastercard, one of SFF's main sponsors.

The Singapore Fashion Festival runs from March 28 to April 6 and will be held at The Tent at Ngee Ann City. Watch this space as we update you with more details from SFF 08.

Also, find out how you can win backstage passes to the view behind-the-scene exclusives at SFF from AsiaOne!