THE Little Black Dress that Coco Chanel made chic in 1926 may be the epitome of timeless fashion but a stunning red dress makes an indelible impact, as Eric Clapton testifies in his tribute to the ever popular Lady In Red.

This year, 15 red dresses are a highlight of the Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF). Local and foreign brands, including Baylene, Francis Cheong, Jean Luc Amsler, Levi’s, River Island and Vivienne Tam, are each donating a red dress to be sold in a silent auction, with proceeds going to the Singapore Heart Foundation.

A striking dress in this collection is one by Levi’s. The denim label worked with one of Singapore’s most established couturiers Frederick Lee, also known as a design Maverick.

“We chose to work with Frederick as he and Levi’s share similar philosophies in so many aspects. Our approach to work — to constantly be cutting-edge and innovative — our passion for the trade and the belief to return to the community,” says Ms Leow Shin Yee, 30, the marketing communications manager for Levi’s at Jay Gee Enterprises.

Explains Mr Lee, who is in his late 30s: “When Levi’s approached me to design a dress incorporating their denim, I grabbed the chance.

“It was the opportunity to push the design boundaries, to retain both the street style essence of Levi’s and yet show off the Frederick Lee trademark.” He adds that the charity element was another reason that prompted him to take on the last-minute request.

Four days and six hours later, the fruit of the only collaboration for the Red Dress project was ready: a black-and-red denim and chiffon dress that any glamorous rock chick worth her salt will be happy to strut in.

A pair of black denim jeans was deconstructed to serve as the bustier while layers of hand-shredded chiffon pleats topped off by roughly hewn rhinestones show off Mr Lee’s distinctive, flamboyant style.

Although the Red Dress campaign is an inaugural component of the SFF, the red dress has been a regular feature at fashion weeks and fashion festivals in cities such as Australia, London, Milan and New York in an effort to raise awareness of heart disease among women.

Mr Graeme Lewsey, 38, the marketing and communications director of IMG Fashion Asia Pacific and official spokesperson for the SFF this year says: “The dress has had so much focus in terms of print, style and silhouette styles. So it was really apt to introduce The Red Dress Campaign this season to Singapore. This follows from success in New York where it is now an annual event attracting thousands of celebrities.” — Lyn Chan

The Red Dress exhibition will held at the main foyer of Wisma Atria from Mar 23 to Apr 1.