On 25 March 2007, we were invited to add some axé to the runway during Island Shop’s Spring Summer ‘07 Ipanema collection show at the Singapore Fashion Festival 2007.
Seven of us assembled under the prominent white tent at the Civic Plaza in front of Ngee Ann City at 9am for the first runway rehearsal down a black carpeted floor along with the tall and willowy models. The tent was dark and the runway semi-lit. We took our cues from the choreographer and down the runway we went like there was no tomorrow.
By the time we were done, we were raining sweat from head to toe. Not very glamorous standing next to the oh-so-cool models with their freshly made-up faces and every strand of hair in place. (Plenty of eye candy!) And then we found out we had to do a second round! Now slightly wiser, we simply marked our steps as we went through our paces.
After that, we were at the mercy of the makeup artists. It was probably an eye-opener for the boys since it’s the first time their faces were getting done. And by professionals. And then, a final wardrobe fitting to make sure the white and ecru cotton tops and bottoms from Island Shop could accommodate us when we move.
We had a lunch break before re-assembling back at the Tent to get our hair done. Since the first show was over, backstage was less crowded and there was more room to chill. It was a long wait as our show didn’t start till 4pm. So it was either read, play phone games, catnap (like Mixirica) or in Claudinho’s case, practise speaking in his native tongue with a fellow brasilero.
In the meantime, we had free Haagen Dazs ice-cream and water from Vodavoda while twiddling our thumbs. And the truth is: Models eat a lot of ice-cream! Now we know what boredom do to models during a runway show!
The buzz picked up again when more models returned from their break and the choreographer gathered us for a final briefing. Then it was time. The adrenaline-laced atmosphere was palpable as models, dancers and capoeiristas all jumped into their clothes. In a jiffy.
4pm. Showtime. We watched as models sashayed languidly and then, the moment they were out of the audience’s line of sight, they scrambled like mad deer to get changed for their next outfits. As the music and lights changed, we watched for the last model (from Brazil!) to return. Now it was our turn.
What I remembered were the spotlights in my eyes and then enthusiastic clapping erupting as we did our solos down the runway. What a feeling! The runway was paved with a white broad strip down the middle and the spotlights formed three mini rodas. Tocastor had the easy job of holding the berimbau and walking around us while models sauntered up and down on both sides. The rest of us had to joga with our partners for four minutes non-stop.
The clapping didn’t stop so that was very encouraging and it got louder whenever someone did something spectacular. What a nice audience to jogar to!
Photo courtesy of Island Shop
However, kudos must really go to the indefatigable choreographer, Rizal, for including bona fide capoeiristas on the runway to spice up the show and adding some real-time action to pump the adrenaline. I am quite sure the audience was thrilled since they had more than a fashion show to feast their eyes on.
We are also very happy to report that our client was well-pleased with our runway debut. Even better was when the event organiser showed up backstage after the show to compliment us for a very exciting performance. She claimed good-humouredly that we stole the limelight from the models. How wicked.
Photo courtesy of Island Shop
Excerpt from Mastercard Fashion Insider Journal by Anita Kapoor, writer, editor and TV personality. She’s worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE and appeared on both local and international television.
“To the strains of a club version of The Girl From Ipanema, Tangs’ resident resort brand, Island Shop took us to Brazil with tall and tanned, young and lovely models walking between capoeira exponents (nice touch, Rizal) who mesmerised the audience with their rhythmic display of this Brazilian acrobatic sport so much, the models pretty much had to fight for our attention. But not for long, because everyone loves resort chic, and Brazil calls to mind gorgeous long days, the Amazon, exotic flora and steamy nights, which translated into skimpy frocks, flowing caftans and beautiful accessories, in linen, lace cotton and chiffon in colours of the sea, the sky, shells and exotic fruits. I’d recommend a short white cotton bikini cover-up with eyelet details, the metallic Grecian sandals and all the shiny bikinis - perfect for lounging poolside at Singapore’s Café Del Mar.”
[http://www.mastercardmomentsfashion.com/sff/journalday3.html](link to:http://www.mastercardmomentsfashion.com/sff/journalday3.html)
