John Postle

Singapore Tatler: What were some of the firsts that happened at the FIDé Fashion Week 2013?

Not only was it our biggest fashion season, combining men’s, women’s and haute couture over 11 glorious days, we also saw nine retailers from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands present their prêt-à-porter collections. Their greater presence and participation is testament to The Shoppes’ commitment to our retail partners by giving them the opportunity to garner exposure at an international level.

We also had an unprecedented number of celebrity appearances, such as Korean superstar Rain who graced the grand opening of MCM Singapore – which is yet another addition to the outstanding fleet of premium fashion labels at The Shoppes. Others in attendance included fashion personalities Khun Kidd, Tracy Phillips and Willabelle Ong, and a stellar line-up of couturiers such as Alexis Mabille, Julien Fournié, Stéphane Rolland and Singapore’s very own Frederick Lee.

 

Singapore Tatler: What was the highlight for you?

The fact that we received such an overwhelming response for the shows, which were sold out, leaving only room for standing. Even then, we witnessed such an incredible audience made up of trendsetters and style-makers that share our passion for fashion. The remarkable attendance this year is testament to the elevated profile of Singapore as a true fashion destination in Asia, and we are proud to have presented our guests with this unmatched experience. We plan to keep creating these marquee events, delivering on our promise to be Asia’s premier shopping destination.

 

Singapore Tatler: How has hosting FIDé Fashion Week 2013 elevated The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands as both an events and shopping destination?

As Asia’s premier shopping destination, The Shoppes boast the largest and most spectacular collection of luxury labels under one roof. We are home to some of the most exquisite flagship and brand boutiques that offer intimate and bespoke services for our shoppers. Apart from bringing new brands to Singapore, these luxury houses have also designed limited edition pieces that are exclusive to The Shoppes.

Hosting FIDé Fashion Week in such a grand scale at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, also allowed our MICE team to show its tremendous capabilities. They worked seamlessly with the organiser to deliver the 11-day programme, from banquet catering to audiovisual support, and most of all the spectacular runway and glamorous gala dinner set-ups.

We also stage signature mall events like VIP Fashion Night and our annual watch and jewellery exhibitions that reinforce our evolution and position at the forefront of all things luxurious and fashionable in Asia. To us, being able to present an experience that guests can take home with them is priceless and that is something we strive for every time.

 

Singapore Tatler: What new treats can we expect from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in 2014?

We are witnessing great demand from both new and existing luxury retailers for space. Brands with plans to double their boutique space at The Shoppes include Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bulgari, Prada and Saint Laurent. When completed, most of the leading luxury brands will have their largest stores in Singapore at The Shoppes. We are looking forward to completing our line up of luxury duplexes and flagships by end of 2014.

In addition, The Shoppes is bringing more high-end ready-to-wear fashion to cater to well-heeled male shoppers. Examples include Italian menswear brand Brioni, with its first standalone boutique in Singapore, a new concept store for Hugo Boss, Prada’s newly expanded men’s space, and Balenciaga’s first standalone boutique with a men’s offering, as well as the newly opened Kwanpen Men’s Collection Boutique and soon to open La Martina and Hackett. Adding to these discerning buyers are luxury watch brands such as Parmigiani Fleurier and Ulysse Nardin.

We believe these expansions offer retailers the opportunity to bring their most exclusive lines and services to present shoppers at Marina Bay Sands with a full suite of shopping options, many of which are exclusive to The Shoppes.

 

 

Photo: Marina Bay Sands