Singapore Fashion Week 2016 pushed back to October this year

Singapore Fashion Week (SFW) 2016 is back, but unlike last year, the event will be held at a later date in October.

Held in May last year, the move is to increase interaction between Singapore designers, SFW partners and the public through various activities that will include free and ticketed events, said event organiser Mercury Marketing & Communications in a statement on Thursday (Feb 18).

Having the event during the later part of the year also aligns SFW with international fashion weeks that showcase Spring Summer collections - which is a season more fitting with Singapore's tropical climate, the organiser explained.

This will also provide homegrown designers the opportunity to present their strongest collections, it added.

The organiser added that runway shows will continue to showcase Singapore and Asian design talents alongside renowned international names while the trade presentations will take on a more intimate setting in showrooms, allowing designers to have more in-depth engagement with buyers.

This year's SFW will include two new initiatives: the SFW International Programme and the Patrons Programme. The former will focus on heightened engagement of designers, media and fashion industry players in key Asian markets whereas the latter will provide the public with more opportunities to support the local fashion industry.

Previously known as Audi Fashion Festival, SFW took on a new direction last year by changing its name and also tying up with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, whose president is Diane von Furstenberg.

Last year's event also saw the likes of well-known fashion designers such as Thakoon and Victoria Beckham showcasing their collections.

The organiser said it will release more details about SFW in the coming months.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg