From junk to WEARABLE ART
Adeline Ong, The New Paper 16 Dec 08;
WHEN you marvel at the colourful costumes in next year's Chingay Parade, take a closer look.
You may then notice that the costumes are made of fruit wrappers, bottle caps, soft toys and even film negatives.
Working on the 'Wonderland' theme, the Chingay, an annual street parade held during Chinese New Year, will feature a contingent parading wearable art made from recycled material.
The parade will take place on 30 and 31 Jan next year.
But yesterday, participants in the wearable art public contingent were already preparing for it, attending a dance workshop at the People's Association auditorium because dancing is part of their act in the parade.
The participants also spared no effort in giving their self-designed outfits a creative touch.
Madam Kiaw Ai, 57, was dressed elegantly in a cheongsam handsewn with fruit wrappers. She took five days to make the outfit with the help of two friends.
She said: 'We would visit different fruit stalls each day to collect the wrappers, and had to take extra care in sewing the outfit as the wrappers would tear easily.
'I feel quite accomplished, and happy,' she added.
Another participant, Madam Tan Leng Har, 61, used bottle caps as buttons for her dress.
Yet another, Ms Lee Hon Moi was out to spread some joy to children with her striking outfit made of soft toys.
Ms Lee said: 'It was a 'eureka' moment for me. My sister was moving house and had some unwanted soft toys, so I took them and used them for an outfit.'
'I like soft toys, and thought that kids would find the outfits interesting.'
For others, it was a big family affair.
Nur Farhana Ilyan, 18, a student, was with her mother, brother, aunties and cousins at the rehearsal.
She said: 'Our outfits were inspired by the butterfly gardens in Alice in Wonderland. I am dressed as the queen of butterflies, while my cousins are the little butterfly fairies and toy soldiers.'
Her mother, Madam Latifah Hassan, 42, a teacher, said the family had shortened a holiday trip to attend the rehearsal.
'I think it's worth it because we are excited about Chingay, and it's a good time for some family bonding too,' she said.
