Icons of fashion: Robinsons Singapore collaborated with Daniel Boey and former supermodels for a fashion show

Did you know: Robinsons Singapore was the first department store in Singapore to sign in-house models?

In the 1970s when advertising options were limited, these models were used to stage intimate cabin shows to showcase clothing and products the department store had to offer as a method of generating hype and sales. Another first they claim - they were the first department store in Singapore to host fashion shows.

Photo: A photo of a past runway show

As the brand prepares for the future, what’s a better way to take stock of its accomplishments and celebrate its 160th birthday by bringing back this past tradition?

Curated by the “Godfather of Singapore fashion,” as Daniel Boey is also known as, Robinsons re-staged a by-invite-only salon style runway show at the Ange Cafe. Not only was the show to celebrate the anniversary, it also marked the coming of the Christmas festive season. And of course, the models were styled with pieces that could be bought now.

From left to right: Benjamin Barker, Marian Nicole Teo, Arase VT, Nora Tien, Jacquei May, Jean Yong, Sha Shamsi and Anita Akhbar

The celebration was also made extra special with model guest appearances. These models shot above (with the exception of HW’s cover girl Jean Yong), were not only successful in their time, they also modelled for Robinsons before.

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Take Nora Tien for example. A beauty trainer now, she was crowned Ford Supermodel of the World Singapore in 1988 and was the first in-house model to be signed by Robinsons. She was also the cover model on a few Her World magazines.

And in a passing-of-baton fashion, up-and-coming models joined these seasoned pros on the runway, including our February cover model Jean Yong who opened the show.

Happy birthday Robinsons, we can’t wait to see what other “firsts” you’ll create and have in store for the next 160 years.

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