AUDI STAR CREATION 2012: Q&A with the sixth finalist Ko Youngji from South Korea

Currently studying in Paris, the sixth (and the oldest) finalist of the Audi Star Creation is Ko Youngji from Korea. Youngji’s collection draws inspiration from dance and literature and translates it in a way that is personal to her experience living in Europe at the moment. Read what she has to say about this interesting collection and the story behind it.

Name of designer: Ko Youngji (South Korea)
Age: 32
Name of Collection: Li Jin

1. What made you participate in the Audi Star Creation? How did you hear about it?

I’m currently studying at l'Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris. There, I learnt of the various fashion design competitions around the world and was able to look at the collections of the previous Star Creation winners through the website. It made such an impression on me that I found myself waiting for the call for entries for this year’s competition. I want be able to take part in this competition and stand on the same stage like those impressive designers did.

Why I'm proud to be a B.A.D. girl

I have a confession to make. I'm a B.A.D. girl!

But it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and the reason I'm leaving the country for a couple of weeks has nothing to do with being kicked out. In fact, it's something I'm rather pleased about.

Because being a B.A.D. girl means I'm Backing Asian Designers. It's a new initiative to raise awareness of emerging local talents in the region and encouraging people to go out and shop local. 

B.A.D has been launched by Singapore-based website Shopthemag.com, the luxury e-commerce site bringing you the crème de la crème of Asian designers. From Thailand to Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia and of course Singapore - the breadth of coverage is pretty impressive.

Among the Asian labels on shopthemag.com is the awesome Thai label
Second Issue (remember it here?) from which this gorgeous dress is.

AUDI STAR CREATION 2012: Q&A with the fifth finalist Kim Yong-Woo from South Korea

The fifth finalist in the Audi Star Creation fashion contest is Kim Yong-Woo, whose collection takes inspiration from the concept of space and three-dimensional imagery. It's actually one of my personal favourite collections of this competition! Read on to see what he has to say about the competition and his designs.

Name of designer: Kim Yong Woo (South Korea)

Age: 27

Name of Collection: The Existence of Space

1. What made you participate in the Audi Star Creation? How did you hear about it?

I came across the competition while I was surfing the web with a friend during the Christmas season in 2011. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to take part. I was attracted by the lucrative prize money and opportunity to do an internship with FJ Benjamin in Singapore, if I win.

Parco next NEXT party: celebrating the launch of 18 new Singapore labels and young designers

The 14^th of November, 2011 was the first time I got invited to a local fashion event. It was at Parco and I still remember Wey, the designer of Veira bags sending me an invite as an excited newbie on the blogging scene.

I remember going with my hubby, not knowing a single person or designer showing. Fast-forward 5 months and here I am, just as excited and attending the launch of yet another batch of young local designers at Parco – only now I know almost everyone and was surrounded by friends and familiar faces.

A model showing one of Revasseur's colourful designs during the mini-show

With Genevieve, one of the designers behind 20:twothree

We Want Beautiful Shoes: Party in heels, flats, pumps, shoes, shoes, shoes!!

You know someone is serious about foot candy when the company is called Surrealist Love Scene AND they throw a party called ‘we want beautiful shoes!’

Apart from having the best name in Asian fashion since Indonesia’s Nipples Revolt, these guys are also hosting the best event in town, and one which I’ll be marking down on my calendar.

So don’t fret if you miss it this time around. The ‘We Want Beautiful Shoes’ party will take place every 3 months for a whole weekend.

Basically imagine yourself as Alice in Wonderland, only here, you’re surrounded by the most fanciful shoes you’ll see around town and all the signs should say ‘wear me’ or ‘buy me’.

Fiona (left) is leading the revolution for fanciful shoes!

Shoes or candy? It's hard to tell!