By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Wendy Palomo from the Philippines
Video = Wendy Palomo

At dusk on June 15, a sudden downpour posed a threat to the well-prepared ASEAN Fashion Show, which was to open in less than two hours. But the heavens conspired and stopped the rain just as the VIPs, comprising members of the diplomatic corps of member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, started arriving at Seoul Plaza. At exactly 7:30 p.m., Kim Min-ji, host of the ASEAN-Korea Center in Seoul, opened the program by announcing that the show, highlighting designers from each member nation, was the first of its kind and commemorated the 30th anniversary of dialogue between ASEAN and Korea. This year also marks the center's 10th anniversary.

All ASEAN member nations were distinguishably represented by their designers and creations. One by one, models donning their clothing hit the runway and showed each country’s unique fabrics and designs in the following order: Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei. Afterwards, diplomatic staff came out wearing their respective countries' national dresses, including the spouses of the ambassadors from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia.

Vietnamese designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam displayed a silky and floral collection, followed by a black-and-white ensemble by Paul Direk from Thailand. Singaporean Fock Ee-Ling showed dainty pieces, some of which were casually paired with sneakers. Lenora Luisa Cabili of the Philippines stayed loyal to the Filipiniana spirit with a modern take on her country's national dress.

El Nandar San of Myanmar showcased her collection featuring pastels, while Fairuz Ramdan of Malaysia went tropical with summer clothes. Somephone Phonepaseuth of Laos displayed a silk collection, while Lia Retnoningsih of Indonesia's creations featured mostly black, brown and stripes. Each of her models carried an Indonesian mask while on the runway.

Nou Veasna Alias Boranich of Cambodia showed long gowns in royal colors, while Brunei's Farhanna Pura brought couture creations from her line Naforrer in an elegant display of high fashion. And acclaimed Hanbok designer Park Sul-nyeo took center stage with her collection in the show's finale.

ASEAN-Korea Secretary General Lee Hyuk and the attending ASEAN ambassadors congratulated the designers and models on stage. K-pop singers The One and Soyou also performed.

I was especially impressed by Cabili's modern take on Filipiniana fashion and look forward to wearing one of her creations. I'm sure the other attendees felt the same pride in the works of their respective countries' designers.

wisdom117@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.