RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Last February, I was blessed to come across an open invitation to anybody who's willing to participate in an intimate evening with a designer. 

As I signed up and was representing my own blog site, I found myself having an opportunity to know how Hong Kong owns a great deal of commitment to the art of design.

Raffles School of Continuing Education offers three paths to success:
1) Raffles International College
2) Raffles Business Institute
3) Raffles Design Institute.

working stations

And I was able to see what Raffles Design Institute has to offer.

Being an early bird to the event, I was given a personal tour by one of their staff, Kelvin Yeung, of the entire workplace since they were still waiting for the other guests to come. I was explained of how each room was set to cater to a student designer's demand. As for a fashion designer specifically, there's a room for cutting textiles and they are spacious and complete with whatever tool you need. Sewing is next so there's another room for that sufficed with mannequins and complete with a line of machines. If you want to test your product's commercial edge, there's a photography room to experiment with different backdrops to know what's best in highlighting the design and style. I must say, in terms of facilitative learning, they are pretty much efficient. Of course, Raffles Design Institute not only holds that much learning facilities but also, a superb faculty.

Proof of this greatness is a designer named, Grace C.Y. Lam, who was mentored in Raffles. She is going to showcase her evening wear collection in Vancouver Fashion Week this March 14 until the 20th. She will be representing Hong Kong in the said event. And as a newly emerging designer, this is quite a leap to take.

Grace C.Y. Lam is an alumna of Raffles Design Institute. Because of her unique taste and style, the institute decided to feature her works to inspire designer students. She was a graduate of law that turned fashion designer, a walking epitome of an empowered woman of this era. She is a mother of one and she had found the sense of achievement she'd been longing for in pursuing a career in design with the aid of Raffles Design Institute.

with Grace CY Lam, the designer herself

Guided all the way by her mentor, Mr. Stefan Orschel-Read, the institute's Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing Programme Director, and her dad for a sole investor, Grace had achieved putting up a collection for the whole world to see. Her designs focused on detail and rich fabrics that aim to bring out the beauty of each piece. All of her clothes are made up of small pieces of handcrafted art. And her collection somewhat represent the modern goth. There are people who might find her sense of style too deep or where a designer's inspiration comes from but I admired it. In fact, I am in awe with her creativity. 

with Mr. Stefan Orschel-Read,
Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing Programme Director,
Raffles Design Institute

Grace's workbook consisted of footnotes,
drawings, cut outs and swatches.

Her collection, called, Marie Van Goethem, was inspired by her trip in Paris. She got hold of the sacred heart that speaks of a human's inner connectivity to God and she combined it with the sensuality in every ballet dancer's gracious movements. Such Parisian concepts fed her imagination and from there, she translated everything into her workbook. This very workbook was shared during the session and it was a busy one. It's amazing to have a glimpse of how she had worked with each design. Swatches of each textile and fabric were very distinct to each design. She played with various materials and mismatched with what perfectly goes with what. Her choices were extraordinary and she hailed a lot of layers because one thing that she noticed with evening gowns is that, it's too limiting and straining. For her own designs, she infused flow and it has got to breath on its own. 

Consulting Stefan with every idea she has in mind, Stefan warned her of the complexity of putting together an evening gown collection. He didn't miss a thing in warning her that there are certain expectations. Him, for one, thought that it's got to be a whole new collection and that the least that he wanted was to look at yet, another typical line up. Secondly it's got to be wearable. But Grace conformed to these expectations and more that's why she made it in Vancouver.

Truly, creating something is hard. Putting up a collection was another story. She emphasised on how challenging it had been for her being a mom and juggling things from meeting the deadlines, handcrafting almost everything, having rained on during the photoshoot and in the end, finding models, partners and investors to showcase it; each had shared their own load on making it happen. Nevertheless, it was a success. The hard work paid off. She was able to make her long time dream come true. She was proud to say that she may not be that young like the other designers but it's never too late to achieve what you've been longing to do. It's just important to stay focused and determined. And she was proud to say that it was hers and literally, she made it with her bare hands.

I have been exposed to the fashion industry thru my sister since I was in college. She is an alumna of John Robert Powers and she had joined the Search for Supermodel Philippines. With that little of an understanding, I appreciate this event that Raffles Design Institute had opened to people. It gives expectators a different level of appreciation to a designer's craft. Fashion is a way to express for many people. We always find an excuse to dress up thru gatherings and events. And yet, we are limited to a superficial understanding of how something was created.

this was my sister, Khrista Dalino during her modelling days
Fashion Week, Makati

On top of all these good news, Raffles Design Institute extends its 3-year degree bachelor courses to Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing and Multimedia Design. Short courses are offered too with Fashion Design, Creative Classics, Interior Design, Media and Communication, Apps and Mobile Design, Entrepreneurship and Development. This information was mind blowing to me because I'm always amazed with the people behind "any" design. To those of you who have an inclination to designing anything, perhaps, this is the place for you. Raffles also offer workshops to let you become aware of your inclination. So, it's good to check their website every now and then for updated events, requirements for admission and necessary application forms to aid you with your utmost interest.

Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. With facilitative institutions like Raffles Design Institute, you're just one click away in making things happen.

Related posts:
1. LIVING THE DREAM - check out how these entrepreneurs had gone up to making it happen in the limelight.
2. 2015 BEST PHOTOS - this is a line up of photos that remind me of how good and fruitful my 2015 was in terms of career, family and investments.
3. ON-THE-GO IN WINTER - Check out my polyvore for an upbeat woman of 2016!

RAFFLES FASHION DESIGN PREVIEW

Whoever might be into fashion, hesitate not to take this opportunity. Free seats are limited. Register to this link if you are interested:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wOpzU8Uo2ot2K4lBQeZhKcVwAfjMTuWGQ8SDhGk4Ruo/viewform?c=0&w=1

Related posts:
1. CELEBRITY CRUISE AUDITIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES THIS FEBRUARY, 2016 - Take part in a big audition from Feb. 27-29 in Manila for Celebrity cruise if you are a singing dancer, a dancer singer or a triple threat.
2. TEST YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS - How assured is your financial future? Check your financial capabilities by taking this test.
3. HARBOURVIEW HOTEL MACAU - Wanting to experience Macau harbourfront, you may be interested in this particular hotel.

15 DIY TIPS FOR COLORING ASIAN HAIR

According to a Cosmopolitan Philipines' advertorial back in May 2012, Asian hair is different from Western hair. So, here are pointers to help create your new look, the fun and fearless way.

1. Stand out. Don't stick out.

There's nothing worse than hair colour that makes you look like trying too hard. Asians generally look better in shades of red, brown or black. Dark eyebrows matched with platinum blonde is an unpardonable fashion crime.

2. Complement for compliments.

Reds, browns and blacks can set off Asian skin tone in various ways. Reds are perfect for fairer women. A more bronzed complexion matches well with brown shades. While the simple yet sophisticated blacks with a blue or brown sheen can be pulled off? by anybody.

3. Bring sexy black.

There's a reason why black never goes out of style. So don't be frustrated because you were born with black hair or if your work doesn't allow loud hair colours. Just choose a black-based hair colour with a coloured sheen such as blue or brown. This adds a natural and effortless touch that's always a surprise when light reflects on your hair.

4. Flaunt your style and personality.

Different hair colours can enhance different aspects of your character and even your personal style. Blacks can give a touch of elegance and sophistication. Browns can make you seem a bit more chichi and trendy. While reds are best for those who would like to look more fashion-forward.

5. Look to the stars.

If you're not sure about how a hair colour would look like on you, look for Asian celebrities who sport the same colour. Find a star who is close to your skin tone and see how she flaunts the shade you covet. Be realistic. Don't just be a "second-rate trying hard copycat." If the colour doesn't suit you, try another. The bonus is finding a celebrity with a similar complexion to yours is that you can use her colour choices as guide for your own transformations.

6. Be true to your hair.

Don't just choose any hair dye. Choose a hair colouring product that is made especially for Asian hair.  Unlike Western hair, Asian hair is usually darker and thicker - making resistant to dyes. A hair dye made for Asian hair would ensure that the pigments would penetrate each strand deeply for vibrant shades.

7. Color and care.

Choose a hair colour that is gentle to your hair. There are some formulations that may be too harsh for Asian hair causing it to be dry and brittle. This can cause the strands of your coloured hair to look like a wig. That's why it's best to have a hair dye that's also infused with vitamins to condition and nourish your hair.

8. Creamy is easy.

Our home application, a hair colour that comes in a rich non-drip cream format is best. This is easier to apply by yourself so you could ensure that the dye goes on your hair and not everywhere else. Cream formulations also ensure even application for better, more stunning results.

9. Make it a ritual.

The best thing about colouring your hair is the comforts of your own home is doing it with friends or even the man in your life who normally avoids going with you to the salon. This adds a fun touch to the process that you wouldn't normally enjoy if you just had done in the salon. Invite your friends over and make it a hair colouring date. Or better yet, make it you-and-me time with your guy.

10. Be armed and ready.

It only takes a few key tools to create your personal colouring  "salon" at home. Just invest  in a decent  mixing bowl for the hair pigment and developer, a fine-toothed comb for parting your hair, brush for applying the hair dye, and plastic gloves to protect your hands from stain. A premium hair dye would have most of these tools already inside the box.

11. Patch up.

Before applying the hair dye, test it first on the small patch of skin in your inner elbow. Do this to ensure that no irritation or allergic reaction will occur once you apply it on your hair.

12. Rules are made to be followed.

The key to doing your own hair colour is to really follow the instructions on the box of your hair dye. Don't experiment or adjust formulation just because you think you can.

13. Take your time.

Don't rush the process of colouring your own hair. Enjoy it like you would in a salon. Make sure that you part sections of your hair and apply hair colour with a brush properly. Coloring your hair part by part is the best way to ensure even coverage.

14. Make the cut.

Once you've achieved the hair colour that you want, visit a salon to get a hair cut that could bring out the beauty of your hair even more. With everything you've saved from doing your own hair colour, you won't feel guilty indulging in a haircut from a top stylist.

15. Do it with style.

This doesn't just refer to hair styling. It also means creating a complete look from head to toe that goes with the flow of your new locks. With the perfect choice of clothes, shoes and even accessories - your hair can be your ultimate crowning glory.

Be fun and fearless with your hair colour. Kolours Hair Dye had come up with a formulation especially made to penetrate and coast Asian hair for total coverage.

Related posts:
1. DIY LIP BALM - Save more than HK$500/year by making your own organic lip balm at the comfort of your own home by following this tutorial.

2. SPA IN YOUR OWN HOME - Click and read on if you're interested to mix your own facial scrub or cleansing oil.

3. CROWNING GLORY - Here are the nutrients you have to eat to have that glorious mane.