Young regional designers from MDIS School of Fashion and Design draw from strong inspirations and influences from women
Malaysia, 3 November 2016 – Singapore Fashion Week today saw the debut of collections from aspiring young designers from across Asia. Held at the National Gallery Singapore, this is the second graduation show for the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) and the first time that the MDIS School of Fashion and Design’s Nottingham Trent University, UK, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Design graduates showcase their work at Singapore’s premier fashion event.
Hailing from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the young talent from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, showcase creative works that converge around a common focus: transformation, and the inspiration and influence of women. From the whimsical, to the contemporary, to the edgy, the collections reflect their experiences and draw inspiration from personal discovery and triumph, and are a catalogue of how they view the world they live and interact in. The collections speak of strength, boldness, vulnerability and gentleness; the many facets and very essence of a woman.
Malaysian graduate Malveen G grew up watching her grandmother turn remnants of fabrics into beautiful dresses. This early exposure to creativity and transformation inspired her to explore the world of fashion. “I am a creative person and fashion was the one thing that allowed me to be free and open-minded,” shared Malveen.
Her collection, X – its spring 18’ is based on the theme “X” or unknown, and revolves around a deconstructed basic shirt that results in six different outfits. The designs deliver a strong message of hidden identity and self-escapism, to translate everyday outfits into something unexpected for the wearer. “Through my collection, I hope to show to the world that we might all seem the same on the outside, but inside, we are different,” she revealed.
Ms Gilly Staples, Course Leader for Nottingham Trent University, UK’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Design, who was at the event to present four collections from the University’s UK collection, remarked, “The collection from MDIS School of Fashion and Design graduates is well balanced and comparable to UK standards. We are delighted to be here today to jointly showcase talent from Nottingham Trent University.”
“MDIS is proud to partner Nottingham Trent University to make the pursuit of fashion design accessible to anyone determined to pursue their passion in this field. The University’s School of Art and Design is one of the most established in the UK and is renowned for excellence in design. MDIS complements this with an international student experience which sets the ground for creativity and innovation through collaborative cross-cultural exchange in an Asian context”, said Dr R Theyvendran, Secretary-General of MDIS.
Students at MDIS benefit from a 100% coursework curriculum which includes project assignments and studio practice to get them familiarised with the real world of fashion. Wykidd Song, Head of the MDIS School of Fashion and Design said, “We nurture talent, cultivating industry-ready fashion designers with a finger on the pulse of what is contemporary and edgy. Our students come to us with a vision and we help them develop their design philosophies and brand, as well as create a portfolio that blends their vision and experiences into apparels that are unique, inspirational and sellable.”
Designs from MDIS and partner university -Nottingham Trent University.
Show sponsors include Julian Hakes, Dr. Martens and The Body Shop.
Photos:
MDIS Graduation Show 2016 – https://we.tl/QajkIkDxW5
Designer Portfolios – https://we.tl/YxFNStegFl
About MDIS
Founded in 1956, the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) is Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS has two main subsidiaries – Management Development Institute of Singapore Pte Ltd to oversee its Singapore academic operations, and MDIS International Pte Ltd to further its globalisation strategy.
MDIS offers internationally accredited courses from globally recognised universities in Australia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The institute has been EduTrust certified since 2010 and is one of the first Private Education Institutions to be registered under the Enhanced Registration Framework. In 2015, the institute received the Enterprise 50 Award.
MDIS has three international campuses – Tashkent in Uzbekistan (2008), Johor in Malaysia (2013) and Chennai in India (2015). MDIS also has representative offices in China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, as well as agents throughout Southeast Asia.
About MDIS School of Fashion and Design and Nottingham Trent University (UK)
The MDIS School of Fashion and Design (SFD) was established to nurture a new generation of creative professionals in the fields of Fashion Design, Branding, Marketing and Communication, through teaching excellence.
To remain relevant and tuned to the global fashion industry’s demands, MDIS has been partnering the reputable Nottingham Trent University (UK) to offer specialised undergraduate programmes.
Nottingham Trent University (UK) is accredited by the Privy Council and recognised as one of the top ten Post-92 universities for student experience in England and Wales and an excellent graduate employment rate, with 94% of its graduates in employment or further study within six months.
Founded in 1843, Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art and Design is one of the most established in the UK. As a flourishing, multicultural community, Nottingham Trent University has gained a world-renowned reputation for creativity, innovation and design excellence. The School makes a major contribution to the cultural life and to art design all over the world.
The University is ranked 5th in The Guardian University Guide 2017: League Table for Fashion and Textiles, and 9th (UK) in The Business of Fashion’s Global Fashion School Ranking for Undergraduate course in 2016.
Students will undergo a 100% coursework curriculum based on project and studio practice to be familiarised with real-world assignments. The Fashion Marketing and Branding programme also incorporates a 10-week internship, through a network of international and local companies.
Students will have opportunities to collaborate with local and global brands and participate in fashion shows such as Singapore Fashion Week, Jakarta Fashion Week, and Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week in Malaysia during and after their course of study.
Students’ learning experiences are also enhanced through an optimum student-lecturer ratio, classes with an international teaching faculty, in addition to modern facilities housed within an in-campus Fashion Studio.
Upon successful completion of the programmes, graduates can find career opportunities ranging from designing, manufacturing, retailing, marketing, to branding, and media.
新加坡管理发展学院 Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
http://www.fsi.com.my/mdis/
