A YEAR IN FASHION

I don't know about you but for us at KC the year seems to have flown by..
September usually marks the end of the four fashion seasons while it makes room for the coming year. New trends, new styles, new controversy and new boundaries.

Everyone at our office loves reading the September issues, even though there isn't that much reading involved, its the perfect time to get a little bit of inspiration and ideas. I love the feeling of walking into my local book store and walking around all the sections before making my final stop- the magazine section (save the best till last) Its only my last stop because I know I'm going to pick up my chunky issue of September Vogue and possibly another publication if draws me in. I don't exactly want to hold a 500+pages of a magazine whilst browaing the rest of the store.

The September issues is the year book of fashion, a round up if you will of the trends that have come and gone and updates of the past fashion years stories. Although about 50% of the issue are adverts, fashionistas all over the world don't seem to mind flicking through endless ads because its just as entertaining as the rest of the magazine.

I would say there were a couple of things this year that stood out in the fashion industry. There was some controversy, starting with Alexander Wang's sweatshop debacle which involved a $450million USD lawsuit. Wang denied allegations of violating employee rights by denying bathroom breaks, working long hours, and general unfair treatment. However, recently the case was dismissed for reasons unknown by Wang said he was happy as the allegations had no truth.

Celebrity style lately has been bigger than ever with Lady Gaga leading the pack with her wacky, fearless and eccentric style. Lady Gaga has certainly tested the limits this year and has offended people with her outrageous and sometimes cruel fashion choices.

Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge was also a style icon this year in which she wore some very affordable dresses that sold out in minutes online. Her sophisticated sense of style and natural beauty has inspired a wave of classic elegant style. A lot of sites have compared her to her late mother in law, Princess Diana for her influential style and taste.

I can't forget one of our fashion shows that took place last year in Malaysia for the Islamic Fashion Festival. It was such an amazing cultural experience and the fashion was so different and refreshing. We've had the most fabulous seasons and we've now created over 25 jewellery collections and are still creating of course! We've also got the jewellery fair coming up in the next few weeks so we are super busy prepping for that and tagging all the jewellery.
It’s a long process but totally worth it and Kanch and I are so looking forward to checking out the antique and vintage jewellery!

We'll be updating along the way so follow us for all the details!

Love, Petra

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

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Islamic Fashion Festival

About a month ago Kanch told me that we are showing at Islamic Fashion Festival, my initial reaction was ‘oh really how interesting’ and since that day we’re both been watching fashion shows that we usually would not have thought to in order to understand the culture of the women in the Islamic world. Two words spring to mind – beautiful and elegant to describe these women.

Being intrigued on what exactly were the laws on Islamic Fashion and what it means I Google it and I found an interesting quote from the Qur'an

“And say that the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss.

—Sura 24 (An-Nur), ayat 30-31, Qur'an[1]”

I think its incredible how women these days stick to their religious rules and are yet having so much fun at these fashion festival with all sorts of color, fabrics, shapes and cuts....this is creativity sets them free.

Usually in fashion you see boundaries being pushed with sexual references or simply not covering enough of your bits and pieces. Looking at some of the images from past IFF runway shows I've been fascinated with how much these designers can do with certain rules implemented. Keeping religion in mind, this is a different kind of challenge, making a garment look incredible covering almost 95% of the body and Kanchan Couture likes challenges so bring it on.

I've seen beautifully printed fabric and draping from designers of past IFF shows and its quite inspirational. I love how designers are forced to focus on different aspects of the garment as the length can't change but embellishments, colours, draping, layers and drama is encouraged.

We are in the process of designing and making a 10 piece collection, which has brought an excitement in the air – one afternoon Kanch and I were talking about one of the 2 pcs outfits and it great to see how we are totally on the same page of what Kanch's vision is for the collection, so stay tuned to see the beauties go down that runway!

Have a look at some of our inspiration images.

IFF Founder, Dato Raja Rezza

Love, Petra

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

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