By Carissa Chiu
And then there were three... Thartchaieni Singam from Malaysia, Vietnamese-Australian Tung Vu, and Jack Leeson from Australia, have outlasted the 6 other designers from across the globe vying for the distinction of becoming the next Design Genius.
For four weeks, 9 up and coming designers from UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, have been competing for a chance to win $20,000 cash prize and the title of 'Design Genius.' They have made fabulous outfits and accessories made from baby bottles, to garden hoses, and even edible items from the movie concession stand, staying true to the nature of the competition in 'making the unimaginable, fashionable.' With crippling time constraints, obscure materials and unpredictable inspirations, designers have battled it out leaving three of the best fashion prodigies to compete for the final spot.
Before the battle begins and the ammunitions come out, let us get a chance to know more about this fantastic trio who have outshined, outlasted and outsmarted 6 outstanding young fashion designers.
Thartchaieni Singam (Malaysia)
"I love art. I chose fashion because you can express your art in it. I'm motivated. This is a great opportunity for me to create something different and unique." - Thartchaieni Singam
To say 'Chaieni is intriguing' is a gross understatement. She speaks 6 different languages. She holds a business degree from a Taiwanese University, a fashion degree from a Malaysian Institute and a haute couture degree from a Parisian Academy. She has worked with textiles in Germany, accessories in Italy, designs in France and has even interned for the great Lebanese designer, Elie Saab's label. Her giggly personality will surely disarm the other designers; and her intellect will outlast them.
Tung Vu (Australia)
"The fashion industry is either win or lose. There's nothing in between." - Tung Vu
Tung Vu is an Australian fashion designer with a Vietnamese migratory family background. He has always wanted to become a high-end fashion designer. Where he is today, compared to his humble beginnings in Vietnam is a testament to Tung's 'do or die' determination to make a name for himself in the fashion world. Tung is the person to watch out for. He's not here to make friends; he's here to win.
Jack Leeson (Australia)
"To be a design genius, you really need to think on your feet. Think outside the box, not doing the thing that you'll expect to do." - Jack Leeson
Fashion Design runs in Jack's blood. His mother started a children's-wear label before he was born. With his recent degree in fashion from RMIT University in Melbourne, Jack is taking his legacy to the next level. This Aussie's high-concept designs have already been shown on the runway at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and highlighted at the Spring Racing Carnival. Jack admits he struggles with nailing down just one design since he has so many ideas, but his natural ability to sew quickly always saves him.
There's no doubt that these three young fashion designers have what it takes to be called a Design Genius, but in the end, there can only be ONE. Will it be the smart well-travelled girl from Malaysia who has worked with some of the best designers in Paris? Or how about the determined Vietnamese migrant from Australia who would stop at nothing to win the competition? Could it be our youngest contestant from Australia wherein fashion runs in his blood continuing his mother's legacy? Who's your bet?
Design Genius Season 2, airing exclusively on Fashion One, FO and Fashion First. Check your cable operators for your local TV channel listing.
