Love, Love Me Do

Our usual Spotlight column runs on Sunday but I couldn’t wait till the weekend for this! I was invited to preview the Farah Angsana Spring 2010 collection and had the privilege of interviewing the Paris couturier.

Farah’s latest collection is inspired by her Asian heritage and the cities and cultures she has experienced. The dress we are standing next to is symbolic of that. Named “Kiss of the Dragon”, the strapless gown is made of silk scales handsewn with sequin detailling.

Gowns from her past and present collections were showcased. Though Farah was born in Medan, the Indonesian designer was raised in Singapore, Los Angeles and London. She graduated from the Central School of Fashion in London and launched her eponymous line of cocktail and evening wear with great success. Believing that her next challenge laid in Paris, she presented her collection on the runways and became the first and only Indonesian designer to do so.

Farah views Madame Grès, Valentino and Jean Desses as her inspirations and you can see the influence of these fashion greats in her designs. From the masterful draping to the intricate embroidery,  each dress is created to bring out the femininity of a woman. My favourite is Varessa, third gown from the right. I asked Farah if she had a favourite too. “The collection is my vision and there is a reason behind each design.  For this reason, I cannot choose a favourite.” Which celebrity then do you think embodies the Farah Angsana bride? “Angelina Jolie. She is beautiful and sexy.”

I asked Farah if she would consider opening a bridal salon in Indonesia or Singapore since there aren’t many internationally established couturiers in these countries. She smiled in answer, “First I need to have the market for it.”

When Farah brought her business to Paris, she was advised to do menswear and sportswear but after 6 years, she found couture calling out to her and returned to designing womenswear. Her comeback collection shown at Ritz during Paris Fashion Week was lauded by critics and a hit with buyers. Building on her success, her Spring 2008 collection which showed in New York last September gained great press and reviews too. Her US team urged her to consider starting a bridal line and after much research, she launched the Farah Angsana bridal couture in 2008, exclusive to select stores.

Of course I had to ask Farah what her own wedding was like. She married her Swiss financier husband at the age of 26 in a John Galliano gown. Married for 12 years now, home is in Zurich, Switzerland. Sounds like a modern fairytale to me!

With all the jetsetting she does, I thought Farah must be the best person to ask about the perfect honeymoon spot. Her answer came without a pause and true to her Indonesian heritage, “Bali. The people are friendly and welcoming. It’s in their culture. They go out of the way to make visitors feel welcome and enjoy themselves. Their service is immaculate. Honeymoon is a special moment for newlyweds and Bali is the perfect place to spend it.”

Before concluding the interview, I asked Farah if she had any advice for our brides in choosing the perfect wedding gown. This is what she had to say.

1. Do your research with bridal magazines before going to the salon.

2. Don’t bring too many people to the bridal salon. Just your mum and a friend.

3. Look for a style that suits your body type.

Our thanks to Farah and her PR for setting up this wonderful evening!