On the 19th March 2012, global fashion entrepreneur and model Jessica Minh Anh made history with the first ever fashion show on the SkyBridge of the world’s tallest twin structure, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, 175 metres above street level. The hotly anticipated red carpet event showcased collections from ten different countries, marking a new height in fashion and the latest triumph of rising star Jessica.
“The entire production was flawless and the collections were spectacular, but we were most amazed by the fact that Jessica Minh Anh managed to get the permission to host such a show on the landmark bridge, on which no one was even allowed to put a single chair before” said Allan Yap, CEO of Just Heavenly Malaysia. Tipped by the UK press as representing a new generation of fashion talent after a landmark event on London’s iconic Tower Bridge with the 2011 J Autumn Fashion Show, Jessica wowed guests with a colourful swimwear collection from New York Fashion Week luxurious brand and marketing leader Gottex - raising eyebrows and pulses in demure Malaysia. Ending the show with a bang, Jessica presented a dress made out of cake and sugar designed by Diana Sheybani on the 58-metre catwalk, in front of a string of VIPs including ambassadors, ministers, international designers and top press.
Shiatzy Chen
The grand show opened with Taiwanese fashion brand Shiatzy Chen, bringing a distinctive style combining the rich heritage of Eastern aesthetics with contemporary Western cuts.
Paul Costelloe
British fashion leader Paul Costelloe, who skipped London Fashion Week this year to focus on the Asian market, followed with his new vintage Parisian chic collection which celebrates strong feminine silhouettes: voluminous dresses and skirts with luxuriously layered fabrics in a neutral palette, punctuated with coral, pink and green.
Smriti Gupta
Indian sensation Smriti Gupta showcased a red, gold, and black collection which reflects the incredible culture, spectacular locations and celebrated rituals of India.
Gottex & Gideon Oberson
The market leader in swimwear business and New York Fashion Week brand Gottex & Gideon Oberson brought to the show a colourful combination of seduction and sophistication. The collection was the highlight of the grand show
Katelyn Aslett
Katelyn Aslett’s collection was cheeky, romantic and joyful. They are soft and feminine with fly away silks and subtle detail of beads and hand crafting. The wild flowers abundantly placed in the hair create a visual feast.
Maicco
Georgian brand Maicco focused on silk, cotton and satin fabrics, with each piece featuring innovative wing zippers.
Chula
Spanish fashion house Chula presented a collection which connects the colourful world of Spain with the hand sewing and embroidery techniques of Asia.
Susanna Bettencourt
The young Portuguese talent Susanna Bettencourt used bold jacquard and intricate webbed patterns which showed unique conceptual art for her knitwear aqua green collection.
Limkokwing
Limkokwing represented Malaysia with a special edition which combines Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences.
Addy van den Krommeker
Finally, Dutch celebrity designer Addy van den Krommeker returned to the J Model fashion scene with a glamorous couture collection using lace in its many forms: rebrodee, ricamato and macramee.
The show was supported by L’Oreal Professionnel, Shu Uemura, Citroën, Orange Events, Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Colourman, Celebrity Fitness, Umai-ya Japanese Restaurant, Shogun Saisaki, Beaubelle, Shoeville, Fashion One TV, Marie Claire, Icon, Glam, NTV7 and 8TV.
J Spring Fashion Show is part of a series of four high-end fashion shows at the world's most outstanding venues in 2012. Hosting the event, J Model founder and model Jessica Minh Anh declared this show to be a major step up. "Many people have asked me if bridges are my thing" smiled Jessica. "I say I'll host the show wherever my imagination takes me. You gotta dream big!"
By Simon Menashy