Friday, 29 January 2010

venue: Metropolis

SynesthASIA was a one-of-a-kind spectacle that occurred at Metropolis, a trendy venue located in the heart of Montreal. SynesthASIA is a Montreal-based charity organization that orchestrates various fund-raiser events, including a benefit concert, silent art auction, model auction, and finally the main fashion show. This year 100% of the funds raised from SynesthASIA’s various events will go directly to the Medical Institute for Tamils (MIFT). MIFT is a national organization made up of over one hundred certified health professionals who partake in both local and international community projects. MIFT will use proceeds from SynesthASIA to partner with God’s Own Children, a Sri Lankan charity that aims to provide health care provision and shelter for orphaned, psychologically affected, and physically disabled children. The timing of the show could not have been better since the end of the civil war has recently victimized hundreds of children.

The main fashion show, SynesthASIA, was inspired by artistic movements based on a neurological condition of cross-wired senses, “synesthesia.” As Sylvia Kim, one of the event organizers, explained: “The name SynesthASIA is derived from synethaesia, a neurological [condition] in which senses become interconnected, leading to sensations of ‘seeing sounds,’ or ‘tasting colours.’ Artists used this [idea] to express their art in a very abstract, fantastical movements.” 

Thus the name of the organisation, “SynesthASIA,” is a play on the word “synesthesia” to describe the artistic vision of the paramount event; an original fashion show featuring local Montreal designers and talent, with a different contemporary Asian flavour colouring each scene. 

This year, the show appropriately began with a video aimed at describing to audience members where the money raised would go. It included a multitude of pictures of orphaned children arriving from internally displaced people’s camps to a centre, run by 'God’s Own Children' charity in Jaffna. The video also explained past work that MIFT had done; this includes sending medical professionals and supplies to aid tsunami and war victims in Sri Lanka. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpsiinGCIq4.

This year the theme of the shows was “Balance” because it is deeply entrenched in the cultures and religious beliefs of Asia. The show included ten main scenes; Balance, The Forbidden Dance, Layang-Layang, Crossroads, The Samurai Warrior, Lapsus Revelateur, Din and Duniya, Malaise of Modernity, Yin Yang, and the Finale. The Finale featured special guest, Paul Lizzi, a world-renowned drummer. The Finale included a walkout by all the models, followed by hair and makeup artists, then by SynesthASIA partner clubs – Concordia Canadian Asian Students, Tamil Association of McGill, Sri Lankan Association of McGill, McGill Association of North American Born Asians, South Asian Woman’s Aid, – the executive committee, and finally the four directors, Shazia Abji, Sylvia Kim, Vanessa Li, and Olivia Perdana. 

The diverse ethnic backgrounds of the male and female models of the show further exemplified the vision of SynesthASIA. The event also looked to both the traditional and modern-day elements of Asian culture. Crossroads was inspired by the “new” South Asian women that is emerging in today’s society- one that has to find a balance between work life and family life and between old traditions and new lifestyles. Empowered to achieve a high level of education, she is business savvy and has a strong drive for success in her career. However, deep roots in her rich heritage keeps her grounded as a loving mother and wife who manages the household and cares for her family. It was a scene that was depicted by a unique mix of contemporary clothing sponsored by 'Preloved'. paired with traditional bridal jewellery sponsored by Lakshmi Fashions.

Moreover, this is a show that transcended fashion in many regards, placing emphasis on theatrical components, which kept the audience transfixed. The Samurai Warrior scene sponsored by the Mighty Health, represented marital arts as a spiritual dance through which a warrior find the balance between not only life and death, but between him and his spiritual self. Layang-Layang was a beautifully choreographed scene including kites, traditional Indian footwork, and upbeat music by PNAU. It was a scene about striking a healthy balance between adult responsibilities and stress and embracing one’s inner child.

Every scene of SynesthASIA wowed the audience with intricate choreography and precise synchrony. In particular, the theatrical components really made SynesthASIA a fashion spectacle rather than simple fashion show. Following the main event, the catwalk turned into a club, and a jamming after party ensued with music provided by Tokyo Nightclub regulars DJ DeLeon, DJ Jemz, and DJ J-Fro.

Once again, SynesthASIA has lived up to its mission: to create an enchanting aesthetically enhanced presentation that embodies one’s individual idea of modern Asian themes in a constantly culturally evolving world. Above all, SynesthASIA visionaries, directors, executives, cast, sponsors, and audience members, have fulfilled their moral responsibility to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause and to give a voice to those who are disadvantaged.

Words: Mathura Thevarajah for Thamarai.com (c)