AFDS bridging international fashion in Asia -
F8 Makassar International Eight Festival & Forum 2023
F8 Makassar International Eight Festival & Forum 2023
August 2023
On August 23rd-27th, ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase was invited to collaborate with
the F8 Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum 2023 in Makassar, Indonesia to
be part of the fashion presentation during the event to showcase the artistic and
creative talents of the region. This exciting event celebrates a range of art forms,
including fashion, music, culinary art, folk art, and film.
F8 Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum provided a platform for fashion
designers from across the ASEAN region to showcase their unique styles and talents.
Attendees were treated to a breathtaking display of creativity and innovation as AFDS
designers showcased their latest collections. The fashion segment of the event was one of
the highlights of the event, as designers presented their work on the runway, providing an
up-close look at the intricate details and techniques behind their creations. In addition to
fashion, the event also featured a range of other art forms, including music, culinary art,
folk art, and film. Visitors were able to sample delicious regional cuisine, enjoy traditional
music and dance performances, and explore the cultural heritage of the region through
a range of exhibits and displays. The event was a celebration of the rich diversity and
creativity of the ASEAN region, and an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Hayden Ng - Premier Founder of AFDS and representing Singapore, showcased his
collection Boho Luxe. “The city of Singapore boasts a rich cultural diversity, where distinct
ethnic neighbourhoods coexist and celebrate their unique traditions while also
integrating with one another. Growing up in this vibrant city-state during the 1970s, I was
deeply influenced by its dynamic scene, which now resonates in my modern-day 2023
capsule collection. Drawing inspiration from my own childhood memories, I have crafted
designs that capture the essence of Singapore's multicultural heritage and its evolving
urban landscape. By blending nostalgia with innovation, my collection pays homage to
Singapore's rich fashion history while presenting a fresh and stylish vision for the future.
It encapsulates the spirit of a multicultural city that embraces its heritage while
constantly evolving. With each piece, I invite others to embark on a journey through time,
celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultures that influenced my childhood and continue to
inspire my creativity today. Makassar International Eight Festival & Forum (F8) as a
vibrant and diverse event in eastern Indonesia. Combining eight creative sub-sectors into
a single festival showcases the rich cultural and artistic landscape of the region. The
inclusion of Fashion, Folks, Fusion Music, Film, Food Fruit, Fiction Writer, Flora; Fauna,
and Fine Arts segments offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for both
participants and attendees. This approach truly makes it a holistic and immersive event
that appeals to a wide range of interests. This sort of comprehensive offering is likely to
attract both local residents and tourists from around the world, contributing to the
growth of cultural exchange and tourism in the region. Looking forward to the F8
Makassar 2024 edition. Attending such events can provide memorable experiences and
opportunities to explore diverse forms of art and culture. It's clear that F8 Makassar plays
an important role in promoting and celebrating the artistic and cultural achievements of
the region” says Hayden Ng.
Bandid Lasavong - Menfolder representing Laos, showcased Lao Gentlemens
international groomsmen tuxedo. “This collection was an inspiration of what the Lao man
wears daily, the Lao silk that we call “ Pha bieng” top of the tuxedo, we wear it for special
occasions during visits to the temple, for traditional celebrations and weddings for
grooms to wear as it creates a combination of Lao and western groom look. I would like
to thank Hayden Ng our premier founder who always works hard for all of our AFDS
family members also to F8 Makassar and AFDS for having me, to showcase my creative
collection to let people know about Laos as a country and the F8 International Festival &
Forum 2023 is an amazing event. It is not just a fashion showcase, there's music, food,
dancing performances and singing and all kinds of entertainment during this festival. We
don’t just showcase our creations but we also exchange culture and make new friends
from around the region and this is very important. People here are so nice and give a
warm welcome to all visitors. In the future I think there will be more designers and more
interesting entertainment and showcases I foresee in the future. I am extremely excited to
be back again and promise to do my best collection” says Bandid.
Pitnapat Yotinraratanachai - Pitnapat representing Thailand, showcased a collection of
new exotic bright Pink and futuristic fashion. “This collection was designed in pink fabric
and used the brand's unique fabric printing technique. It's a mix of fun, bright and
progressive fashion that creates eye-catching and bright designs exclusively designed
for F8 Makassar. The inspiration comes from pink color and futuristic chic , fun , fashion
brings mix together and presents something new to the world of fashion and make it all
pink to make this world bright and I want everyone who sees this collection to have fun
and like my collection. Thank you to the team at F8 Makassar for inviting Thailand to be a
part of this event. I feel very honoured. .They took good care of me, the people in
Makassar were very nice and it's a beautiful place. If I do come back next year, I will
certainly bring the best collection of PITNAPAT to show at F8 Makassar. I would like to say
thank you to F8 and AFDS for giving this opportunity to fashion designers , and I will
bring my best collection for everyone to see again next year” says Pitnapat.
Even Ong - Even Ong Design representing Malaysia, showcased a collection called The
New Past, the latest runway collection from Even Ong Design. “The New Past is extracted
from the natural woman within modern culture. In this collection I had brought back some
fashion elements from the 18th-19th century like the silhouette, fabric texture, etc.
Although the inspiration and elements are from the past, I still try to interpret these in a
more modern way. Like instead of the traditional bustle,, I used volume to make the
silhouettes and made it more comfortable. It’s all about the balance between oversized
and small silhouettes. To reflect the difference in women's personalities and styles, I’ve also used different details like hand made flowers and ribbons to represent elements of the feminine and also some fun and interesting silhouettes to show the charm of a
woman. .I always think that women have a natural sensitivity to what they wear and what
they want to wear. So I hope every woman will wear something that makes them feel great nor matter if it's cute or cool. This is how I look to the past, and gain inspiration and
translate it into Even Ong Design. I would like to thank ASEAN Fashion Designers
Showcase and F8 Makassar for inviting me to this event and for giving me the
opportunity to showcase my collection. F8 Makassar stands for Fashion, Fiction Writer
and Food and Fruit, Flora and Fauna, Film, Folk , Fiction Music, Fine Arts. I think this is a
great platform and festival to share your talent, interests and skills. The convergence
between these eight creative sub-sectors, will increase interest of visitors and locals in
cultural and creative experiences and emerged as a potential form of alternative tourism
among both international tourists as well. I am looking forward to the F8 Makassar 2024
and I feel blessed to have been working with the energetic team from F8 Makassar and
I'm sure next year we will have more talented artist or designer to showcase their
creations. I will be ready to showcase my special collection for F8 Makassar 2024” says Even.
Nicky Vu - DeTheia representing Vietnam, presented DeTHEIA’s cruise 2023 collection,
titled O Estío Dela, meaning “Her Summer” in Spanish-Portuguese. “The main inspiration
from the collection comes from Carmen Miranda and her Latin heritage. I was very
fascinated with Carmen’s beauty, charm and showmanship and wanted to reimagine her
costumes and fashion in a contemporary way, following DeTHEIA’ssignature ethereal and
feminine aesthetic. The collection consists of versatile dresses and sets that can easily be
worn together or separately, in any time of the day, and on many different occasions.
Made in light and airy summer fabrics, the pieces still bring a touch of glamour through
the use of handcrafted details such as macramé, lacing and beadings. F8 Makassar was
a very entertaining event, professionally produced and highly cultural. My experience
showing our collection at F8 was great and memorable. The hospitality and the
appreciation for international fashion and culture exchange was profound. I was very
happy and honoured to be a part of it all and can’t wait for our future plans with F8. Now
that I have had the experience of the event and what to expect, I would love to come back
with even more preparation and intention to create a better show for next year that
reflects both the contemporary fashion and the cultural aspects” says Nicky.
Christina Lasasimma - Miss Universe Laos AFDS ambassador. “ It was my first time
experiencing this amazing festival and city. Everyone welcomed me so warmly, I got to
know a lot of new people and forged great relationships with the Makassar team. The
festival is so huge and the stage too. I would like to thank AFDS for giving me a great
opportunity to be here as an AFDS ambassador. I feel like we are a great family that helps
each other no matter what we protect and support each other in every single situation.
And it’s my pleasure to be an AFDS ambassador, thank you for all the beautiful moments
and experience that I gained in this journey with the AFDS family. F8 Makassar 2023 is one
of the biggest festivals of the year for Makassar city. I was excited to be part of the show
for 5 days and experience great culture, food, fashion and people. I experienced how
people in Makassar prepared for the show to make it perfect. They have a unique shape
stage, it was in the shape of the number eight and the venue is beside the river with a
view of the Masjid 99 Kubah, an important place of worship. I’m happy to have seen heaps
of happy people who enjoyed the festival and show as i enjoyed all of them as well. In the
near future, I do hope I can be a part of this wonderful event again as an AFDS
ambassador . My best memory of this journey includes the people of Makassar and how
the whole event organising team welcomed me on stage when I performed for the
runway show. They were very supportive and cheerful. I will remember this journey as one
of my best runway shows” says Christina.
Willy Vilayvanh - celebrity artist AFDS ambassador. “First of all thanks to Hayden and all
the AFDS team for giving me the opportunity to be a Brand ambassador for AFDS and
giving me the opportunity to join F8 Makassar. The F8 team was very welcoming and took
care of us very well. I'm glad to be a part of this event . I was very happy to be able to work
with F8 and I sincerely hope that next year I will have the opportunity to work with them
again. It was my first time walking on a catwalk with the shape of the number eight. I
appreciate the team for designing the stage, it came out beautiful, magnificent and
unique. This event is not only a fashion show, there are also cultural performances
communicated through dance, folk songs in beautiful melodies, music and delicious
local food. If possible, next year I will definitely join this event again. On the opening day
of the event, I was working with famous designers both national and international,
forging new friendships at Makassar. The most special memory I had experienced was
savouring delicious local cuisines every day. Finally, I would like to thank all the F8 team
for taking good care of us. Thank you so much and hope to see you guys next year” says
Willy.
AFDS was developed to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique style and
diversity in the Asean region while promoting greater cross-cultural and creative
collaboration. Growing mainstream regional awareness for fashion designers and models
while nurturing up-and-coming, local fashion designers and models. AFDS will continue to
collaborate with Indonesia Fashion Chamber for more upcoming fashion festivals and
fashion weeks in Indonesia this year.
Photography credit: Iksancolly Photography
For further information, imagery, photo shoots, interviews or media enquiries
Neva Weber of Dressed AU PR, International PR & Media Director for AFDS &
AIFW
On August 23rd-27th, ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase was invited to collaborate with
the F8 Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum 2023 in Makassar, Indonesia to
be part of the fashion presentation during the event to showcase the artistic and
creative talents of the region. This exciting event celebrates a range of art forms,
including fashion, music, culinary art, folk art, and film.
F8 Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum provided a platform for fashion
designers from across the ASEAN region to showcase their unique styles and talents.
Attendees were treated to a breathtaking display of creativity and innovation as AFDS
designers showcased their latest collections. The fashion segment of the event was one of
the highlights of the event, as designers presented their work on the runway, providing an
up-close look at the intricate details and techniques behind their creations. In addition to
fashion, the event also featured a range of other art forms, including music, culinary art,
folk art, and film. Visitors were able to sample delicious regional cuisine, enjoy traditional
music and dance performances, and explore the cultural heritage of the region through
a range of exhibits and displays. The event was a celebration of the rich diversity and
creativity of the ASEAN region, and an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Hayden Ng - Premier Founder of AFDS and representing Singapore, showcased his
collection Boho Luxe. “The city of Singapore boasts a rich cultural diversity, where distinct
ethnic neighbourhoods coexist and celebrate their unique traditions while also
integrating with one another. Growing up in this vibrant city-state during the 1970s, I was
deeply influenced by its dynamic scene, which now resonates in my modern-day 2023
capsule collection. Drawing inspiration from my own childhood memories, I have crafted
designs that capture the essence of Singapore's multicultural heritage and its evolving
urban landscape. By blending nostalgia with innovation, my collection pays homage to
Singapore's rich fashion history while presenting a fresh and stylish vision for the future.
It encapsulates the spirit of a multicultural city that embraces its heritage while
constantly evolving. With each piece, I invite others to embark on a journey through time,
celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultures that influenced my childhood and continue to
inspire my creativity today. Makassar International Eight Festival & Forum (F8) as a
vibrant and diverse event in eastern Indonesia. Combining eight creative sub-sectors into
a single festival showcases the rich cultural and artistic landscape of the region. The
inclusion of Fashion, Folks, Fusion Music, Film, Food Fruit, Fiction Writer, Flora; Fauna,
and Fine Arts segments offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for both
participants and attendees. This approach truly makes it a holistic and immersive event
that appeals to a wide range of interests. This sort of comprehensive offering is likely to
attract both local residents and tourists from around the world, contributing to the
growth of cultural exchange and tourism in the region. Looking forward to the F8
Makassar 2024 edition. Attending such events can provide memorable experiences and
opportunities to explore diverse forms of art and culture. It's clear that F8 Makassar plays
an important role in promoting and celebrating the artistic and cultural achievements of
the region” says Hayden Ng.
Bandid Lasavong - Menfolder representing Laos, showcased Lao Gentlemens
international groomsmen tuxedo. “This collection was an inspiration of what the Lao man
wears daily, the Lao silk that we call “ Pha bieng” top of the tuxedo, we wear it for special
occasions during visits to the temple, for traditional celebrations and weddings for
grooms to wear as it creates a combination of Lao and western groom look. I would like
to thank Hayden Ng our premier founder who always works hard for all of our AFDS
family members also to F8 Makassar and AFDS for having me, to showcase my creative
collection to let people know about Laos as a country and the F8 International Festival &
Forum 2023 is an amazing event. It is not just a fashion showcase, there's music, food,
dancing performances and singing and all kinds of entertainment during this festival. We
don’t just showcase our creations but we also exchange culture and make new friends
from around the region and this is very important. People here are so nice and give a
warm welcome to all visitors. In the future I think there will be more designers and more
interesting entertainment and showcases I foresee in the future. I am extremely excited to
be back again and promise to do my best collection” says Bandid.
Pitnapat Yotinraratanachai - Pitnapat representing Thailand, showcased a collection of
new exotic bright Pink and futuristic fashion. “This collection was designed in pink fabric
and used the brand's unique fabric printing technique. It's a mix of fun, bright and
progressive fashion that creates eye-catching and bright designs exclusively designed
for F8 Makassar. The inspiration comes from pink color and futuristic chic , fun , fashion
brings mix together and presents something new to the world of fashion and make it all
pink to make this world bright and I want everyone who sees this collection to have fun
and like my collection. Thank you to the team at F8 Makassar for inviting Thailand to be a
part of this event. I feel very honoured. .They took good care of me, the people in
Makassar were very nice and it's a beautiful place. If I do come back next year, I will
certainly bring the best collection of PITNAPAT to show at F8 Makassar. I would like to say
thank you to F8 and AFDS for giving this opportunity to fashion designers , and I will
bring my best collection for everyone to see again next year” says Pitnapat.
Even Ong - Even Ong Design representing Malaysia, showcased a collection called The
New Past, the latest runway collection from Even Ong Design. “The New Past is extracted
from the natural woman within modern culture. In this collection I had brought back some
fashion elements from the 18th-19th century like the silhouette, fabric texture, etc.
Although the inspiration and elements are from the past, I still try to interpret these in a
more modern way. Like instead of the traditional bustle,, I used volume to make the
silhouettes and made it more comfortable. It’s all about the balance between oversized
and small silhouettes. To reflect the difference in women's personalities and styles, I’ve also used different details like hand made flowers and ribbons to represent elements of the feminine and also some fun and interesting silhouettes to show the charm of a
woman. .I always think that women have a natural sensitivity to what they wear and what
they want to wear. So I hope every woman will wear something that makes them feel great nor matter if it's cute or cool. This is how I look to the past, and gain inspiration and
translate it into Even Ong Design. I would like to thank ASEAN Fashion Designers
Showcase and F8 Makassar for inviting me to this event and for giving me the
opportunity to showcase my collection. F8 Makassar stands for Fashion, Fiction Writer
and Food and Fruit, Flora and Fauna, Film, Folk , Fiction Music, Fine Arts. I think this is a
great platform and festival to share your talent, interests and skills. The convergence
between these eight creative sub-sectors, will increase interest of visitors and locals in
cultural and creative experiences and emerged as a potential form of alternative tourism
among both international tourists as well. I am looking forward to the F8 Makassar 2024
and I feel blessed to have been working with the energetic team from F8 Makassar and
I'm sure next year we will have more talented artist or designer to showcase their
creations. I will be ready to showcase my special collection for F8 Makassar 2024” says Even.
Nicky Vu - DeTheia representing Vietnam, presented DeTHEIA’s cruise 2023 collection,
titled O Estío Dela, meaning “Her Summer” in Spanish-Portuguese. “The main inspiration
from the collection comes from Carmen Miranda and her Latin heritage. I was very
fascinated with Carmen’s beauty, charm and showmanship and wanted to reimagine her
costumes and fashion in a contemporary way, following DeTHEIA’ssignature ethereal and
feminine aesthetic. The collection consists of versatile dresses and sets that can easily be
worn together or separately, in any time of the day, and on many different occasions.
Made in light and airy summer fabrics, the pieces still bring a touch of glamour through
the use of handcrafted details such as macramé, lacing and beadings. F8 Makassar was
a very entertaining event, professionally produced and highly cultural. My experience
showing our collection at F8 was great and memorable. The hospitality and the
appreciation for international fashion and culture exchange was profound. I was very
happy and honoured to be a part of it all and can’t wait for our future plans with F8. Now
that I have had the experience of the event and what to expect, I would love to come back
with even more preparation and intention to create a better show for next year that
reflects both the contemporary fashion and the cultural aspects” says Nicky.
Christina Lasasimma - Miss Universe Laos AFDS ambassador. “ It was my first time
experiencing this amazing festival and city. Everyone welcomed me so warmly, I got to
know a lot of new people and forged great relationships with the Makassar team. The
festival is so huge and the stage too. I would like to thank AFDS for giving me a great
opportunity to be here as an AFDS ambassador. I feel like we are a great family that helps
each other no matter what we protect and support each other in every single situation.
And it’s my pleasure to be an AFDS ambassador, thank you for all the beautiful moments
and experience that I gained in this journey with the AFDS family. F8 Makassar 2023 is one
of the biggest festivals of the year for Makassar city. I was excited to be part of the show
for 5 days and experience great culture, food, fashion and people. I experienced how
people in Makassar prepared for the show to make it perfect. They have a unique shape
stage, it was in the shape of the number eight and the venue is beside the river with a
view of the Masjid 99 Kubah, an important place of worship. I’m happy to have seen heaps
of happy people who enjoyed the festival and show as i enjoyed all of them as well. In the
near future, I do hope I can be a part of this wonderful event again as an AFDS
ambassador . My best memory of this journey includes the people of Makassar and how
the whole event organising team welcomed me on stage when I performed for the
runway show. They were very supportive and cheerful. I will remember this journey as one
of my best runway shows” says Christina.
Willy Vilayvanh - celebrity artist AFDS ambassador. “First of all thanks to Hayden and all
the AFDS team for giving me the opportunity to be a Brand ambassador for AFDS and
giving me the opportunity to join F8 Makassar. The F8 team was very welcoming and took
care of us very well. I'm glad to be a part of this event . I was very happy to be able to work
with F8 and I sincerely hope that next year I will have the opportunity to work with them
again. It was my first time walking on a catwalk with the shape of the number eight. I
appreciate the team for designing the stage, it came out beautiful, magnificent and
unique. This event is not only a fashion show, there are also cultural performances
communicated through dance, folk songs in beautiful melodies, music and delicious
local food. If possible, next year I will definitely join this event again. On the opening day
of the event, I was working with famous designers both national and international,
forging new friendships at Makassar. The most special memory I had experienced was
savouring delicious local cuisines every day. Finally, I would like to thank all the F8 team
for taking good care of us. Thank you so much and hope to see you guys next year” says
Willy.
AFDS was developed to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique style and
diversity in the Asean region while promoting greater cross-cultural and creative
collaboration. Growing mainstream regional awareness for fashion designers and models
while nurturing up-and-coming, local fashion designers and models. AFDS will continue to
collaborate with Indonesia Fashion Chamber for more upcoming fashion festivals and
fashion weeks in Indonesia this year.
Photography credit: Iksancolly Photography
For further information, imagery, photo shoots, interviews or media enquiries
Neva Weber of Dressed AU PR, International PR & Media Director for AFDS &
AIFW