Ohh What a Night!

Kanchan Couture has been prepping now for over one month for the ReDress: Forever Better with Miele Fashion Show.

What was it? Well it was a fashion show featuring 15 Hong Kong designers’ reconstructed creations using second-hand clothing sourced from local clothing banks.

We were lucky to be part of this event and create 4 dresses, 2 walked down the runway at Watermark, Upper Deck in Central and 2 will be displayed at Harvey Nichols, Hong Kong next week.

All day we were rushing to get things ready, sewing and putting the finishing touches on our accessories to go with the outfits.
Kanch and Shivani left at about 6pm to prep the dressers while I had to rush to Kwun Tong to pick up some posters and be back at the office before 7 so Annie and I could leave together. It was a race against time, but I made it. All the power walking has lead me to believe I have dropped 10 pounds-ha!

It was 7:15pm and we just made it on time. We got out of the lift and walked towards Watermark, a HUGE; 6 metre mountain of second hand clothes greeted us at the front entrance. When our outfits came down the runway there was a gush of excitement.

Hardly any of the dresses that night looked like they were made of second hand clothes. The construction was impeccable and definitely gave a new meaning to second hand clothes.

We are always interested to participate in events like this because it really works to educate the consumer on how much of a wasteful society we really are. When I talk to Kanch about this she said:

“As a designer I really quite enjoyed the design process of the two deconstructed garments – it seems almost like a game/ puzzle taking of you have and making something new. Taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary.

On sustainability…I think the world is getting more aware that we really do have a problem and we are an over consuming existence, and it needs to change. A lot of designers are getting more conscientious about how they produce their lines and what kind of carbon footprint they are leaving behind. The eco market has developed substantially at a speedy rate and will continue to do this. It is here to stay.”

Thank you to all the wonderful people that came and made it such a special evening, I only hope the future brings an increased eco friendly existence.

Love Petra,

The team

Enquiries: +852 2117 1782 | info@kanchancouture.com

www.kanchancouture.com | www.kanchancouture-bridal.com

That Spring Summer Feeling calls for a Wardrobe Cleaning….

…. approaching the end of February brings muggy days and warmer temperatures (well with global warming these days you cannot guarantee it will not snow tomorrow); hopefully spring is in the air. And with this comes a change of wardrobe, its time for that wardrobe clean out!!!
Not only with this help me to see what it is that I really will be wearing, what does not fit anymore but also how many hours need to be spent working off all those inches put on during the season of eating also known as Dewali, Christmas, New Year and Chinese new year.

On my latest project, Kanchan Couture has collaborated with Miele, yes that’s right Miele the German luxury home appliance brand. At first a lot of people seem to look confused at the collaboration but once explained it makes perfect sense. Miele have come out with a “Perfect Garment Care” concept, which can be used to wash very delicate silks and printed fabrics.

It is a two-week exhibit to promote fashion and wardrobe for real people, am giving some talks thus have come up with a few tips I thought worth sharing

5 tips to recession proofing your wardrobe

_Start by doing a WARDROBE STOCK TAKE, it is said that women only really wear between 20 to 30 percent of their wardrobe. Set aside everything you love, have worn recently and know you want to keep. Everything left should be tired on and examined. Classify your wardrobe into sections – Basics, Classic pieces, Fads, Evening wear what ever is convenient to you

_Pump up the power of the accessories, use your scarves, jewelley and pieces differently, buy small but impact full items. Try a new lipstick color

_Think like a fashion editor, mix and match high street with designer pieces, look on-line and in fashion magazines for inspiration

_Try layering items in a way you normally would not and look to dress your classic pieces up using a fresh eye

_Learn how to properly care for your garments (Miele has launched a great product which can use used to wash silk, for optimal results to be used on a miele washing machine)

5 key trend for Spring / Summer 2009

_Recession chic ~ dressing easy, ankle crop pants, the classic summer dress in a bold color, its all about how your accessorize this summer

_Butterflies and bold prints ~ butterflies symbolize many things hope of resurrection, reminder of ethereality of life, symbol of beauty, femininity and the ability to be ever changing

_One shoulder ~ sensual look to your back and shoulders and indulge in back-less fashion or the one shoulder trend

_The Sophisticated Trench ~ not only is it a trench for the rain anymore but it has now been upgraded to a trench dress, worn both as a dress and as a trench in a luxe silk and satins

_Color, Color, color ~ with all this talk of recession and depression color plays a big role this year bringing freshness and a new beginning so put on some color, color, color.
Some images from our session and opening night at Miele Studios:




…I’ll leave you with fond memories of that spring summer feeling, it reminds me of spring in London and waking up to my roommate blasting Jill Scott.
For more details to sign up to a session:

http://www.kanchancouture.com/200903Events.aspx



www.kanchancouture.com