Victorian times resonated at the first-ever Lester Yim couture fashion show in Ipoh on Sunday, November 8 with the runway saturated with high necklines, ruffles aplenty and one-sided shoulder pieces resembling the era’s fascinator.
Under the shade of the pure white tent illuminated with the warm glow of hanging chandeliers and strings of lights, five Ipoh-born models took to the aisle in sleek low ponytails or side braid with curls. From playful, ruffled mini to maxi pieces with a high-low hem, the dresses were strewn with constellations of bling and sequin for a delicate shimmer.
The colour palette presented on the runway changes from fierce red, greyish silver, fair nude, to the classic black and white, perfect for the upcoming festive season. In terms of material used, the lace elevates the dresses from ordinary to ornate while the mesh creates a floaty ethereal effect.
The masterpiece of the collection is a black avant-garde gown which comes with a picture-perfect trailing hemline and embroidery, exuding that sense of old-world royalty perfectly. I especially love the attention-grabbing back slit which breaks away from the conservative period.
Clad in a quirky shirt with a padlock motif, the 38-year-old Ipoh-born Lester told Ipoh Echo, “For this first major fashion show of mine which commemorates the third anniversary of the boutique, I was inspired by the movie ‘The Lord of the Ring’. It took me over three months to finish.”
Initially, he was interested in interior design. However, satisfaction and happiness radiating from his clientele motivated the founder of the Dressense Boutique, who established the brand back in 2012, to switch his career direction.
“Fashion is an art, a way for me to express myself,” Lester, who now has 14 years of experience in fashion design, added.
And the following is his advice for all beginner fashion designers out there: “Be hardworking, humble and well-informed on the ever-evolving fashion trends.”
Thanks to Lester, the multi-ethnic crowd of over 150 had fallen head over heels for all things Victoriana.
All forty-one limited edition evening dresses and bridal gowns showcased would be made available in the middle of November at the Dressense Boutique located at No. 8, Tingkat Taman Ipoh 12, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. It is priced at RM500 and above.
Dressense Boutique opens every day from 10am to 7pm except on Monday.
Mei Kuan
