Elysian Elegance: Raffles Runway Showcase’ 24

By Alena Siaw Min En (24S03O), Vera Heng Shi Ning (24S03R), Tay Yu Ning (25S07A)

Images courtesy of Raffles Photographic Society

On the 21st of May 2024, the lights dim and the audience’s anticipation electrifies the air, Raffles Runway’s “Elysian” beckons, poised to unfold an evening of sartorial spectacle and creative fervour. Today, Albert Hong Hall has become a battleground of style and innovation, where the fashionistas of Raffles converge to showcase their design prowess and aesthetic mastery.

The showcase follows the theme of “Elysian”—a nod to the mythological Elysian Fields, viewed by the ancient Greeks as their version of paradise. Within this ethereal framework, each designer crafts their unique vision, using their blood, sweat and tears to their fashion dreams to life. Each piece is a testament to their boundless creativity and dedication, blending fantasy with reality to transport the audience to a realm of imaginative splendour.

However, actualizing their artistic visions was not without challenges. The designers were constrained by a modest budget of $30 per design, pushing them to be innovative with their limited materials and resources. With initial sketches starting last year, multiple rehearsals with the models, to copious refinements leading up to the showcase, each design was a testament to the designers’ unwavering passion and commitment, 

Chan Kai Ling (24S03G), the Vice Chairperson of the CCA, estimates that each creation took around 50 hours to complete. The intricate detailing and meticulous craftsmanship required for each design made the process particularly laborious. Designers spent countless hours drafting patterns, selecting and sourcing materials, and hand-stitching embellishments. With the budget only released in February, this tight timeline meant countless hours of missed tutorials and late-night sewing sessions. Even with a GP timed practice the week before the “Elysian” showcase, the designers were still hard at work making last minute refinements to their designs, ensuring that everything would be perfect.

The hard work of the designers paid off–“Elysian” was a smashing success. Despite Kai Ling previously stating that “publicity [was] an issue”, Albert Hong Hall was packed with supporters, with almost every seat being occupied. The MCs set the stage with a haunting narration of the “Elysian” theme, their voices echoing through the hall and heightening the sense of anticipation.

As the first model stepped onto the runway, the audience erupted into loud cheers, a wave of excitement washing over the room. A particularly notable moment included model Grace Tam (24S06A) pausing in the middle of her walk to give a bouquet of flowers to her friend, Teh Zheng Xin (24S06A). This spontaneous gesture was met with thunderous applause, adding a heartfelt touch to the evening.

Throughout the show, the models were well-received by the audience. As each model posed and twirled, shouts of “I love you!” and “So pretty!” could be heard, reflecting the audience’s admiration and delight. The designers’ efforts and creativity shone brightly, captivating everyone present and making “Elysian” an unforgettable event.

In total, CCA teacher-in-charge Ms Lim Lizhen estimates that around 220 people showed up in support of Runway. This surpassed the expectations of some Runway members, who previously avoided speculation as to how many people would turn up as they “didn’t want to jinx it”.

In a crescendo of style and applause, the show ended with an encore as the models strutted with unparalleled confidence. The audience erupted in cheers in light of the conclusion of Runway’s spectacular display of artistry and elegance. Raffles Press would like to congratulate Runway on a showcase well-done!

Road to Elysian: A Spotlight on Designers’ Creativity and Passion

Designer: Chan Kai Ling (24S03G)

When envisioning the Elysian Fields, Kai Ling was inspired by the virtues required to reach such a paradise—innocence, sacrifice, and honour. These concepts manifested in her designs through intricate 3D-printed skeletal motifs.

Her first look, titled “Blooming,” encapsulated innocence with a whimsical, ethereal quality. A sheer, white dress adorned with 3D-printed skeletal designs covered the eyes, representing the purity of perspective. The contrast between the skeletal elements and the flowery embellishments created a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. Kai Ling personally arranged the flowers, drawing from her experience as the daughter of a florist.

The second look, “Sacrifice,” delved deeper into the themes of mortality and dedication. A ribcage-like structure was 3D-printed and adorned with trinkets, wire-made necklaces, and seashells, mimicking blood on the ribcage. A clock hung from the structure, signifying the fleeting nature of time. This piece was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of an ideal life, underscored by the sombre yet beautiful interplay of materials and motifs.

Kai Ling’s final look, “Honour,” featured a 3D-printed spine that symbolised the strength and integrity needed to reach Elysium. The spine was seamlessly integrated into a regal gown, embodying the elegance and resilience of a warrior spirit. The design celebrated the unwavering courage and honour required to navigate the trials of life and death, merging fantasy with a profound philosophical message.

Designer: Angelina Kee (24S06N)

What comes to mind when you think of Elysian Fields? For Angelina, the theme signified the natural scenery of paradise, and how humanity always ties back to Earth; the lush greenery and sparkling waters with green and silver dresses.

Her first look pirouetted about using the sheer lustre of green fabric to convey abundance in her first look. Having taken into consideration that her character had to possess human flaws and complexity gave rise to her concept: a widow burdened by her wealth, yearning and yet devoid of the true joys of life. As seen in the photobook, she utilised a myriad of fruits as a motif of the natural wealth the world has to offer, in her hands, juxtaposed with a miserable expression. 

To Angelina, the brainstorming process involved “merging of a novel backstory with the character design”, and “adding intricate elements to the overall model” to create a cohesive final product. This could be seen through her model Megan Chong (24S06N), with drapey fabric to convey an air of affluence to her character, lime-green colours to convey a bitter, sour atmosphere, and Indian jewellery to finish off the look. 

The elegance and prestige of being able to enter the Elysian Fields was well-portrayed by Angelina’s second look—the concept of a regal river dragon spirit who remained composed even during her last days. “Regarding the Elysian Fields, the discussion of mortality is inevitable”. She brings this topic out with the unconventional approach the river dragon spirit has towards the diminishing state of herself. Though her river is thinning out, her character remains as sure of herself as before.

The designers and models had collaborated closely for months to put together this remarkable show, with nothing but each other to thank for the seamless process. Such a partnership was the cornerstone of the showcase’s success, ensuring that Raffles Runway Batch’24 left an indelible impression on us all. 

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