Tea with Gilda
Local fashion designer Gilda Su of Revasseur talks about her creations for Disney
What was your reaction when Disney approached you for this collaboration?
When the Disney team introduced themselves, I think I totally gushed and fangirl-ed, going: "Oh my God, I love Disney! I'm such a fan!"
It must have gone on for a while - I'm surprised they didn't run away from me.
What was the process of making this capsule collection like?
There was a lot of research to do before I started designing. For this capsule, it began with my team and I re-watching the original 1951 Disney cartoon, followed by the first Alice In Wonderland movie (2010) by Tim Burton.
The chance to access Disney's media centre was like falling into a treasure trove. From there, we got ourselves screen shots or costumes that inspired us, and the sketching began.
I remember watching Alice Through The Looking Glass in an IMAX theatre, and holding a sketchbook and scribbling in the dark.
An Alice In Wonderland collection is something I had dreamt of doing since I started my fashion design journey as a student in Tokyo.
It was a dream to work for Disney, and how many people can say that dreams do come true?
What challenges did you face?
Racing against time.
Even though I've studied fashion design, and Revasseur has existed for four years, there are things I've never been taught, such as working with wires. There was this dress with huge bows, where wires were sewed.
It drove me nuts and I was frustrated it didn't turn out how I wanted it to. I am glad it was well received (in the end).
Who would you invite for tea?
I would invite guests who have always inspired me with their creativity, such as Rei Kawakubo, designer for Commes Des Garcons. I would also love to have my favourite author, Enid Blyton, to tea as well.
I grew up with her books and I have so many questions about how she came up with some of my favourite stories or characters.
PHOTOGRAPHY: KENNETH CHOO STYLIST: KOVIT ANG HAIR & MAKE-UP: JOANNE ONG USING COLOURS FROM BURBERRY MODELS: ALICJA B. & JAMES F. (DIVA MODELS) ALL WARDROBES AND CAPS FEATURED ARE FROM REVASSEUR BY GILDA SU @ SUPERSPACE. THE POCKET WATCH PENDANT IS FROM CARRIE K AND THE ALICE IN WONDERLAND TEAPOT HEELS ARE FROM IRREGULAR CHOICE.
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