Beijing Midnight Magic Gala
By Diane Benedetti
The Jing Yuan Art Center in the trendy Image Base Complex in Beijing was the venue for NAFA’s annual media event held on September 20th. The invitation invited guests to “Midnight Magic” and the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery of the latest designer fur collections for 2011/2012.
As the many media groups of fashion editors, television crews, newspaper photographers descended upon the show site, they stopped short of entering to capture the images and ambiance of this night that promised to be magical.
Upon entering the hall, the wonderment of the evening began to unfold. A starlight effect captivated the crowd and a there was a buzz about the how fashionable fur was and NAFA’s leading position in China. Fashion TV was on the spot for interviews and paparazzi cameras flashed incessantly.
Following the cocktail reception and sumptuous buffet, Diane Benedetti, NAFA’s VP of Advertising & Promotion, officially welcomed the many VIP guests including Gregg Dolinsky, Sr. VP of NAFA and a delegation of US and Canadian mink ranchers as well as Ms. Josiene Simon, Sr. Trade Commissioner from the Canadian Embassy. Also present were Zhang Zhi Feng and David Ubl who had highlights of their collections featured in the show.
Twelve clock chimes marked the start of the show. The collection of David Ubl exploded on to the catwalk in combinations of NAFA Northern Raccoon, Beaver and Otter. Zac Posen showed oversize jackets and capes in dyed NAFA Mink and NAFA Fox whilst Bibhu Mohapatra crafted reptile print leathers with his choices of NAFA Northern wild furs.
Dyed and feathered NAFA Northern Raccoon in ultra light jackets and vests was the theme of Sherry Cassin’s latest collection. Guy Laroche also opted for trendy new looks in the same technique and went on to highlight very Parisian looks in natural shades of NAFA Mink.
Michael Kors offered an intricately tailored collection in NAFA Mink and NAFA Northern Fisher in deep rich colors. Prabal Gurung took color to another degree with brightly dyed silver fox.
Beijing Gala short edit from NAFA on Vimeo.
From the collection of Gianfranco Ferre were chic designs in Black NAFA with accents of soft shades of NAFA Mink. The Cadano presentation featured natural, dyed and printed NAFA Mink in a range of silhouettes that captured a feeling of youthful femininity.
Also captivating in shades of NAFA mink were the glamorous fur coats that Dennis Basso is so very famous for. Equally alluring were the lace-trimmed designs of NE Tiger in Black NAFA Mink.
The finale left everyone in awe as models paraded down the catwalk in haute couture designs in Black NAFA. The 2011/12 NAFA signature piece created by NE Tiger served as a fitting close for the show. The stunning embroidery adorning a floor-sweeping gown of Black NAFA depicted a fable in Chinese mythology bestowing a mystical touch.
As guests departed they expressed their admiration of the beauty NAFA furs and their enjoyment of what truly was a magical event.