Hey! Since you’re online now, why don’t you upload a presentation video onto www.pullandbear.com and convince other internet users that YOUR idea deserves to be turned into something real? Here’s the deal: Pull & Bear is launching ‘The Pull & Bear World Project, a competition aimed at young people all over the world, with ideas that can surprise and contribute something new to the society! The projects have to be related in music, cinema, photography, the environment, sport, art or social commitment. The jury is composed of some big timers too: Lizzy Jagger, Steve Aoki, Mala Rodriguez and Brando de Sica! Winners will be able to show the evolution of their project from start to finish using photographs and videos that they produce themselves! To learn more about this competition, log onto www.pullandbear.com.

Photos by Yang Mei Ling, Beauty Editor and courtesy of Audi Fashion Festival 2009

I love soaking in the exciting buzz that comes with fashion events, and thanks to the good people at Mercury Marketing & Communications, I managed to score a seat for all the shows at the Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore recently. Held for five consecutive nights to much delight and fanfare (and mostly to a full house), here are the highlights of the larger-than-life affair with all things fashionable and chic:

1. People watching

Nothing is more intriguing than watching people from all walks of life rub shoulders with one another at the cocktail reception and after parties. In the main hall, seats are fairly allocated, so you could end up sitting next to a renowned stylist, a prominent editor or even a celebrity.

2. Bright, new talent

The Innovator 2009 show that was brought to life by Celton Manx & Designaré Magazine, in support of Go Red For Women and presented by Mastercard, featured rising talents from the region (including our very own Nurita Harith) – with 10 stylish red dresses auctioned off for charity at the end of the show. At another show, Blueprint 2009 featuring Blackmarket saw five of Asia’s new generation of talents; namely Elohim (Malaysia), Gian Romano (Philippines), Nikicio (Indonesia), Reckless Erica (Singapore) and Stella RIssa (Indonesia) bringing down the house with their creativity and designs. Clearly, it was one of the best shows that brimmed with energy, fresh twists and unusual cuts.

3. Colour blast

Four shows featured an outburst of colours; at Christian Lacroix’s Couture Spring/Summer 2009 Opening Gala, Marc by Marc Jacobs, MANGO’s A Playground of Dreams and Vivienne Westwood’s Autumn/Winter 09/10 Anglomania Collection. Playful, girly frocks with upbeat music and happy models – what’s not to love?

4. Fashion with a cause

Going the extra mile, two shows; Innovator 2009 and Action Hair Salon presenting ‘Reflections’ by Vinn Wong, aimed to raise (lots of) dollars through their charity fundraising shows. It wasn’t surprising to see big shots name their prices at the bidding session for the 10 red dresses and pop out their checkbooks at the Action Hair Salon Charity show. Proceeds from Innovator 2009 will go to the Singapore Heart Foundation and those from Reflections will benefit the National Cancer Centre Research Fund.

5. Lead, not follow

Gareth Pugh’s Autumn/Winter 2009 collection may have been more risque than RAOUL’s sophisticated Fall/Winter 2009 lineup, but that didn’t stop the spunky British designer from releasing his creativity in the form of cutting-edge outfits that were (surprise, surprise!) mostly in dark hues. At another show, Private Lives presented by Baker featuring renowned Singaporean doctor and fashion darling Dr. Georgia Lee, the crowd was left thrilled upon seeing male models pillow-fighting merrily on stage! Really, how often does something like that happen?

I love my new dress from Le Ann Maxima! I had wandered into the store a half hour before the official launch event began and immediately spotted this cute, black&white summer dress in a corner by the accessories. I tried it on, it looked great and told the shopgirl to save it for me until after the event. At the event, I saw my dress on the emcee! But no matter, I wanted it anyway and rushed in after the ceremonies were done and bought it for a mere RM198! Love it! Check Le Ann Maxima out at Jaya One in Petaling Jaya for visit www.leannmaxima.com.

I ran into a friend recently who told me about Ignes bags, a brand of handbags from Uruguay. What\'s so different about these bags are that they\'re made from the leather that\'s a by-product of the cattle farming industry there and that no cows were killed for the sole purpose of making the bags. So I got on www.ignesbags.com and found out more. They have a bespoke bag making service which allows you to choose your colour, leather, lining, hardware and even the engraving that goes inside your bag! You can have them make anything from hobos to clutches and the price range starts from around RM1,000. Check it out.