Godfrey Gao and a bevy of models at the Ashley Isham AW14 extravaganza
PUBLISHED ONMay 16, 2014 9:48 AMByHong Xinying
SINGAPORE - When you've got supermodel and SK-II ambassador Godfrey Gao in the house, it's hard to focus on much else. Thus, instead of sitting idly on front row, Gao took to the runway too on May 15, 2014, at the Ashley Isham catwalk show for Audi Fashion Festival 2014.
We jest, of course. He didn't really "walk" the runway like a normal model. In fact, he didn't even appear until the very, very end of the show. Nonetheless, cheers from the crowd grew even louder when Gao strode down the runway with Singapore fashion designer Ashley Isham during the finale walk.
But onto the show proper, and what we saw: Basically the entire Ashley Isham Autumn Winter 2014 collection in all its embellished glory, accompanied this time, by male models in ever-more-glitzy suits.
For once, the women were not the only ones to steal the show at an eveningwear-centric presentation. The homegrown designer spared no effort in taking his glitzy pageantry from womenswear to men's suits this season.
We saw blazers and shirts which were more than on par with the glitter factor as the ball gowns, thanks to sparkly fern embellishments that crept along the lapels and onto the shoulders. Godfrey Gao too, sported a similar splendrous blazer that glistened with every step. Yes, the Ashley Isham man is no wallflower , just like his glamorous female counterpart.
But there is just something, discernibly different about the Ashley Isham belle for Autumn Winter 2014.
As with the catwalk playlist which switched from a Britney Spears pop ditty to a broody tune from The Great Gatsby soundtrack, the Ashley Isham woman seemed to be of two minds about what she wanted to wear this season.
And her wardrobe dilemma indeed, was embodied by the curious mix of fabrics. She could have opted for full-on glamour; yet she took a tentative step back, venturing into new territory with floral loungewear and dresses that she may actually wear in a more everyday situation too.
On one look, patent leather panelling was sewn onto an otherwise demure checkered dress; on yet another, black lace met with slinky green in a draped dress which ended with an off-kilter tweed skirt.
There was also the teasing play of a tomboy-esque aesthetic, where the Ashley Isham woman would indeed, throw on a motorcycle jacket and leggings, albeit still with lace details and glistening gems.
Then in the evening gown section Ashley Isham went back to his fashion roots as models sashayed out in slinky gowns with flowy capes, lace and long trains aplenty.
Still, the Singapore designer could not resist a dramatic ending; after strutting down the catwalk, the models then collapsed onto the floor en mass, like sleeping beauties pricked by poisoned spindles. And who can forget the cheery entrance and exit, made so dashingly together by Godfrey Gao and Ashley Isham?
The Ashley Isham Autumn-Winter 2014 show took place on May 15, 2014 at Tent@Orchard, as part of the Audi Fashion Festival. For more information, go to www.audifashionfestival.com.
Get updates on AFF 2014 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AudiFashionFestivalSingapore, on Twitter@AudiFashionFest and Instagram @AudiFashionFest and by following the hashtag #affsg.