THE 10-day Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF) which starts next Friday looks set to be bigger and better, with several 'firsts' in its eight-year history.

It's the first time the festival has brought in seven international designers and three supermodels. Last year's SFF had three international designers and two top Asian models, for example, says Charmaine Ho, public relations manager with Mercury Marketing & Communications, the festival organiser.

SFF will have its longest ever catwalk at 60 feet; the largest show area which can accommodate 1,200, including standing room in mezzanine; and the most number of models on the catwalk with more than 500 model appearances booked for the 10 days.

This is the first time in more than 10 years that Singapore designers like Tan Yoong and Thomas Wee are presenting a show, while FJ Benjamin is throwing in its support with its Raoul label. DesignSingapore Council is another debut supporter.

Logistically, this is the first time the festival will have 10pm show slots, due to overwhelming demand for shows in the Tent@Orchard at Ngee Ann City civic plaza.

The festival is going high-tech too, for the first time, by employing Radio Frequency Identification technology featuring access stickers by Stickkeys for VIP guest clearance.

And, of course, without sponsors the show couldn't go on - and newbie sponsors include Audi, Samsung, Robinsons Beauty Hall/Dior, Haagen Dazs, Evian, Lavish Dine, Coca-Cola Light, and New Majestic Hotel.

Ticket bookings for select events can be made through TicketCharge and visitors to Singapore can obtain tickets to day shows from the Singapore Visitors Centre@Orchard on a first-come-first-served basis. Many special treats are also on offer for MasterCard cardholders, as the card is the presenting sponsor.

For more information, please look up at www.singaporefashionfestival.com.sg

This article was first published in The Business Times on Mar 22, 2008.