My Personal Experience at SGFW 2015

Hey ya'll,

Before I go into the details of my experience at SGFW, here is how I actually managed to land my ass there.

I am currently taking an elective called Print Journalism in my final-year of Mass Communication and I told my editor of HYPE magazine that I wanted to cover SGFW because I had an angle. To be really honest I did not expect to get the media passes because SGFW is such a huge event where designers from all over Asia or even the world would gather and watch the runway shows.

I was just so glad but at the same time super anxious because I was panicking about what to wear and all that jazz because it was my very first time at an event as huge as this and I had to go for 3 days which means 3 different outfits. I went for the minimal approach I guess, was quite scared.

Day 2 - Leather Jacket (Ashley's) and shoes from The Editor's Market, skirt from Nickel Row,
necklace from F21

Day 3 - Dress from Carrislabelle

Day 4 - Necklaces from Lovisa, top from Temt, skirt from Åland, shoes from
The Editor's Market and bag from Charles & Keith

So off I went on day 2 of SGFW. I was quite blur because I had no idea that the time stated was actually the time doors open NOT the time the show actually starts. So I went at 5.50pm when the time stated was 6.30pm. When I arrived, there was this huge massive queue and a short queue. I had to go in front and take a look. Turned out, they told me I was too early and had to come back at 6.30pm instead.

I went to be llaollao (hehe) and came back. After getting the media pass, I was so excited and nervous and honestly did not know what to expect. So I went in and was served with this delicious apple cider. After drinking, I realised, shit I should be interviewing people and taking photos. So I gulped down the entire cup quickly and starting snapping away. The photos were not fantastic though...

But anyway, I decided to be brave and start interviewing people. I won't go into the details of my interviewees here but it is amazing how everyone is so different even though I expected a lot of fashion designers. 

I managed to interview a maternity womenswear designer, a Korean designer, a Shanghainese marketing manager, a product design student from NTU, a really cute guy who looks like Lee Min Ho with piercings, an NTU design professor, a project manager for a architectural job, an apparel design student who graduated from TP, two business students from SIM, a dental therapist, a design student and photographer from Laselle and last but not least a fashion blogger who graduated from SP media communications.

It is just so amazing to make new friends there because everyone came from different places. Oh yes, and actually they were not the last people I met because... I MET LOCAL CELEBRITIES THERE TOO!!! I was fangirling all by myself I swear and I am just so glad I managed to pick up my balls and ask for pictures with Nadia Rahmat (Marc by Marc Jacobs campaign model), Christabel. C (BellyWellyJelly), XiaXue, Yutakis, Jean Danker, Tosh Rock, Rebecca Tan and Bobby Tonelli. Actually I saw a lot more celebrities like Rosalyn Lee, Yasmmine Cheng, Jeanette Aw, Jade Seah and many more. But sigh they were so far away... Oh well. I am happy with what I have :-) .

Belly Welly Jelly <3

Nadia werking it.

Yutakis <3

XiaXue omgggggggg

Jean Danker <3

Tosh Rock(s)

Bobby Tonelli and Rebecca Tan (hot)

The drinks there were also pretty dope. They had vodka, apple cider, NesCafe, fruit juice, beer and cheesecake. The cheesecake saved me because I tightened my braces before going there on Day 2 and I was just so hungry. So glad I could eat the cheesecake :').

But yeah, to sum it up, it was a very eye-opening experience and now I am actually thinking of volunteering for Digital Fashion Week 2015 later in the year because it was really amazing. 

Goodie bag madness

So because I had media passes for both day 2 and 3, I did not manage to take the bags because only had media standing access. However, for day 4, they started giving seats to media to prevent us from standing in front (which I felt was ok? because we were not blocking anyone since the official cameras were right in front of the runway). But yeah, so day 4 I had really shitty photos because sitting down sucks. 

But anyway, here's what's in the official goodie bag and what's in the Zalora bag! Different shows gave out different bags, like for example, Harper's Bazaar had their own bag too but I didn't go for that one so... oh well. But yeah for the main ones, they gave the standard paper bag but some things inside may change depending on the show.

This is the standard bag which consists of advertisement brochures, ELLE magazine, Strongbow cider, perfume sample, SGFW booklet, 2 notebooks and a pen from kikki.K, vouchers, pack of tea from Tealy and a Buro fan.

This is the Zalora bag. They gave a woo/fiziwoo and Zalia piece of paper, umbrella, a pair of shades, chocolates, Sephora mini bottles and a $50 Zalora voucher (YAY)

Lastly, if you ever stumble upon a chance like this (like me), GRAB IT. It is so worth it. The number of shows I watched probably summed up to about $400-$500? So yes, I really enjoyed my time there and I would love to go rewind time and go back again (maybe give us one more pass for a photographer next time k).  

Cheers,
Yun Rong  ♔

Wanderlust Come True // Part 2: Punggol Park

Hey!

Punggol is such a beautiful place. I felt like I was in another country like legit. It is so peaceful and so different Jurong or the west side of Singapore. Like the people are also more chill and basically its such a peaceful place, I'm not referring to just the park but to the entire neighbourhood. Hahaha I don't mind living there in the future!

So I went with Jun Keat to explore the waterpark, lalang field and wetland. We took the LRT several times because we were quite lost hahahaha. It is quite embarrassing but nonetheless, we reached the places we wanted to go yay! Alright, here are the pictures.

Love the design of this bridge.

Small boy Jun Keat.

The waterpark area!

Shoe shot of Jun Keat's new shoes.

Lalang tickling his armpit. 

When lalangs tell you a joke.

Feeling the peace and quiet at Punggol. Shot by Jun Keat. (I really love this shot!!!)

Cleopatra + Pocahontas?? Shot by Jun Keat.

The walkway to paradise!!! (Wetland) 

Its like I'm in another country. Shot by Jun Keat.

Long legs crew.

My Into The Woods debut. Shot by Jun Keat.

Since it was like a park for exercising and all, it was pretty awesome that we managed to take some pretty portrait shots. Like especially in the lalang field... IT IS SO PRETTY. I am definitely going back there soon to take more pretty shots :). Overall really happy with the place because it is just like stepping into a different world. Stay tuned to my upcoming posts! Weeeeeee.

Cheers,
Yun Rong  ♔

Wanderlust Come True // Part 1: MacRitchie Resevoir

Hey!

This is the first post dedicated to my Wanderlust Come True series hahaha it is basically just me exploring different parts of Singapore and putting my photography skills to the test! Really excited to start!

So I went to MacRitchie together with Geok Hong and Jun Keat so we have each other to take photos of hahaha. Anyway, we began our journey with this beautiful view. We only snapped a few shots and walked the other way because our aim was to reach the treetop walk as soon as possible.

The beginning. Shot by Jun Keat

Jun Keat being a model and all.

In the middle of no where. Shot by Jun Keat. 

Geok Hong and the beautiful view. 

Tried out double exposure shots and it turned out pretty cool. 

Hey there baby monkey :)))) 

Living high on the treetop walk. 

Mr Monkey terrorising everyone who's on the treetop walk. 

The lovely pair of shoes that will get me through my wanderlust adventures.

That's all for this post! Next one will be coming up soon! Looking forward to taking more beautiful scenic shots!

Cheers,
Yun Rong ♔

Danzation 2014 | Appreciation Post

Hey!

It's quite late but I really really want to post this up for these special people whom I would want to thank.

First up, of course I would like to thank the entire Love segment <3. I never would have thought to have such strong and awesome bonds with these people because even though I was also in Love last year, it didn't feel that much bonded, but this year, it was the total opposite and I love it. Basically, it takes two hands to clap. I feel that our choreographers, Lester, Krisha and Brandon, were so encouraging and patient with us. They were too nice for our own good actually but I'm glad we managed to turn this kindness into strength when we're on stage. All those tears we shed beforehand definitely did not go to waste because it turned into tears of joy at the end of it. Thank you so much for this experience and a group where I can finally call family <3

LOVE SEGMENT x FANTASTIC FOUR

SLUT CLUB!!!
Personally my favourite item, ya'll are so bubbly and sexy to bits. Thank you Brandy for bringing us up so damn well. 

Secondly, I would like to thank Media Team for being so awesome at everything you all do. At first we were split into teams of website, design, photography and videography but over time there were more and more things to do. Like Isabelle and I were supposed to do scripting as well which was weird because we both did not have any prior experience in that and all and suddenly we have to be all creative and write in a stage production perspective. But part of this experience was all about trying new things and growing from it. So even though it was terrifying, I really learnt a lot from this experience and working directly with Alex (Principal of NRA), Jiajun (Awesome Alumni) and Sarah (President of NRA) was really an honour because one year ago I was just a girl in NRA who was not involved in anything and nobody knew me but at least now I know that people are willing to give me a chance for the job. 

Of course there are times when I feel absolutely useless especially with market spoilers like Nana, she is really the goddess of LED. I cannot fathom the amount of stress she had to face during the last two weeks to Danzation. And of course Kaiying and Sha. They are truly the mind, body and soul of media. I feel that, the team was being led by true leaders and they are really inspirational. When I see them working so hard, it really wakes me up and like, try and do my best because when I think I have a truckload of work on my table, I look at them like, they have a freaking Mount Everest of work to do. So, I'm really thankful and so happy to see it all come together as one during the shows. Diana's videos were also super amazing. Even though I couldn't see what she was thinking during the filming, but when I saw the video, I was like, damn, so that was what you were thinking about this whole time. It was really fun doing the makeup and script for the prevideo as well. Like I said, this was a truly new and awesome experience. Thank you so much Media Team for doing so well and so good. You all are amazing!

From left to right: YunRong, Isabelle, Nana, Kaiying, Sha.
Missing Lucas and Diana

Media being cute and all that jazz

Thirdly, this is not really a thank-you post but more of a shoutout I-care-about-you post. So, this goes to my girl Beatryce. All this while, I've never thought that you were so wild. My initial impression of her was just quiet, anti-social and shy. But ever since Love practices started, were started talking and clicking. That wasn't it though because during the Love segment 'talk', we all started to understand each other's backgrounds and realise why certain people act a certain way. I just want you to know its okay to cry, it's okay to be broken because you are flawesome (flaw + awesome). It really broke my heart girl. It broke my heart even more to see your knee all wrapped up in a cast looking thing. Everyone was so worried if you will be able to recover in time for the show. And two days before show day 1, you asked in the Love chat, who wants to replace you because you can't perform for Burlesque. When I read that, I just thought, like your injury was so bad it took away an opportunity on stage but on another hand, I thought like since I'm already here at Kallang and since no one else is here to learn it, I might as well grasp this opportunity to join the Limited Edition item. And for this opportunity I would like to thank you for being so honorable. Because if it was someone else with that nasty ligament injury, that person will still go ahead with the item and hurt himself/herself even more. But I really give you my respect because you really respected your body enough that you are willing to give up this item so that you will still be able to do well in the other Love items. You are awesome. 

Following up on that, I learnt the Limited Edition item quickly and happily in a day at Kallang. It was a new and terrifying experience but I'm really happy I did it and from the start to the end, I was thinking of how Beatryce would do it if she hadn't given up her spot. I really felt that I honoured her and did her proud. Thank you Beats and thank you Burlesque for being welcoming to the Love girls. 

JOELLE who revised with me the Limited Ed item many many times right before the show <3

Pretty Beatsssss

BURLESQUE x LOVE x LIMITED EDITION 

Lastly, I would like to thank all those who came and supported me. Like TeamDeep, Joanna, Clare, Hannah and Siman and hopefully more. But yeah, I hope we delivered a really good show and that ya'll had an amazing time watching us. 

Joanna <3

TEAM DEEP <3 Thanks for the baby Christmas tree

Overall, thank you NRA for this awesome and fantastic production. I've learnt so much and grown alot during this course of time. Just want to thank everyone who was there and working hard as a whole. Hope to see everyone again soon :)

JUNIORs & SENIORs with Summer, Fredy and Desiree 

Cheers,

Yun Rong ♔

FMS Study Trip // Korea Beauty Haul

Hey!

(This is a very delayed post.) If you have read my previous post, I spent 10 days in Korea on a study trip and really really enjoyed my time there. It didn't really feel like a study trip though. It felt like I was on a holiday with friends hahaha. Anyway, during the trip, I got very close to four lovely girls: Valencia (my roomie), Clare, Constance and Isabelle. We can get angsty or restless at times, but at the end of the day, we were really happy with each other and the trip. I miss korea so much :(

On Day 7, after visiting the Korean Film Archive and Korean Academy of Film Arts, we were given the chance to go to Hongdae Shopping Street. The first thing that came to our minds were... STYLE NANDA and 3CE. So we immediately went there first. It was quite deep inside Hongdae but with the help of Valencia, we managed to find it. The clothes were so expensive so I didn't buy anything. I bought a lip lacquer from 3CE because to be honest, there are so many other cosmetic brands with prices that are so much cheaper, but I wanted to give 3CE a go. 

On Day 8, after visiting Chung Ang University (best university for media in Korea), we were allowed to go to Shin Chon University Street for shopping. We were really excited but sad because Valencia and I didn't bring enough money for shopping. But anyway, still bought many stuff from there because it was so easy to find decent clothing (better than bugis) for only 5000 or 10000 won which is about SGD$6 and $12. How awesome is that??

So after these two days, these are the stuff that I bought:

On Day 9, it was the shopping street we were looking forward to the most even before the trip: Myeongdong!!! I got so much stuff from there I swear. Every alley, there will be like at least 5 cosmetic stores. I love how cheap the cosmetics are in Korea. The only thing I hate about Myeongdong is that the promoters tend to go overboard and pull customers in. Like, they literally pull. I find it really rude but I guess sales competition is really high there that's why they tend to resort to these tactics.

Anyway, after all the shopping, this is the final picture of everything I bought! Including snacks and merchandise!

For cosmetics only:

The Koreans are really generous with their samples and sachets!

Skincare products 

First row from left:

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off - about 6000-8000 won 
Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Clay Pack (mask) - 10000 won
Tony Moly Blackhead Steam Balm - 8800 won
Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack - 2 for 12000 won
The Face Shop the Smim eye cream - 33000 won
Nature Republic Original Power Refirming Ampoule (serum) - 9900 won (amazing price)
The Face Shop Green Tea Serum - 12900 won

Second row from left: 

Etude House Pearl Sheet Mask and Etude House Aloe Sheet Mask - 9500 won (20 sheets)
Sheet masks samples - free
Etude House Rice Ceramide set includes toner, emulsion and cream - 13700 won

The prices for Etude House prices are really awesome, they are super affordable!

Make-up products

First row from left:

Etude House eyebrow pencil in brown - 4000 won

Etude House pencil eyeliner in brown - 4000 won

Etude House pencil eyeliner in black - 4000 won

Etude House lipliner in dark red - 2000 won

Etude House lipliner in red - 2000 won

Etude House Mascara for curl - 4000 won

Aritaum Full Cover Concealer Stick - 7000 won

Aritaum Full Cover Concealer Cream - 6000 won

Skinfood Aloe BB cream - 12000 won

Skinfood Black Egg Pore Gel Base - 7000 won

Nature Republic Aloe Vera Moisture Mist - 5600 won

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura Make-up Mist - about 8000 won

Second row from left:

Too Cool For School BB cream Travel Size - 4000 won

Tony Moly Eye primers - 3000 won each

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bars - about 4000 won each

The Face Shop My Lips Eat Cherry Aqua Tint in Juicy Red - about 4000 won

Etude House Dear My Enamel Gloss - about 5000 won

3CE Lip Lacquer Dahlia - 18900 won

3CE Lip Lacquer Desert Flower - 18900 won

Nature Republic By Flower Essence - about 5000 won

Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Pore Pact SPF 25 PA++ - 8800 won

That's all for cosmetics!

My top 5 buys would be:

Aritaum Concealer Cream, simply because the coverage is really really good. Its really full coverage in a big tube. 

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura Make-up Mist because I don't think my skin could have survived without it during the trip. It not only sets the make-up, it hydrates the skin without ruining the make-up too. 

Nature Republic Hawaiian Fresh Clay Pack because it just smells so good despite its weird colour and having clay in it. I haven't tried it but I hope I will not be disappointed! 

Nature Republic Original Power Refirming Ampoule (serum) simply because of its price. 9900 won for a refirming serum is really awesome. I actually got this for my mom. But the price is really great and affordable for such a great product. 

Lastly, all Etude House products are amazing because the price is super cheap! Look at all the make-up product prices! Especially when you have Etude House outlets in Singapore, you can really compare the prices. 

However, I sort of regret getting the 3CE lip lacquers. I don't know. I really love the colours and all but the staying power is really bad. Like, it fades off in patches and at the end of the day it will look horrible. So, if you're a lazy person like me, I suggest you to purchase their matte lipsticks rather than their lip lacquer. For the price of 18900 won, it's really not worth to me. I really wish I could go back there and purchase their blood red matte lipstick instead of the lip lacquer :< but oh well. 

Anyway, I was thinking if I should do a clothes haul for this trip but decided to do a beauty one first because it's Korea where cosmetics are like everywhere. 

Really really miss Korea right now. Ladies, I really urge you to go Korea for shopping at least once. 

Great places for shopping: Myeongdong, Hongdae, ShinChon University Street (tons of cheap clothes and socks), Insadong (traditional stuff and souvenirs) and Dongdaemun which we couldn't go unfortunately. 

I enjoyed writing this post, hope you enjoyed it too :)

Cheers,

Yun Rong ♔