Probably because I’m the only Asian fashion writer, and my editors are all huge racists, I was given the job of pimping SynesthASIA, a charity fashion show that aims at promoting Asian-Canadian culture. Running for its fifth consecutive year, SynthesASIA has been always been a huge hit in the past, and this one looks just as promising. Jessica Sternberg and Ana-Maria Iancu, 4th year McGill students and directors of the show, were kind enough to grant me an interview. Wanna know why you should fork over money and go to SynthesASIA? Read on! (Spoilers: it’s for a good cause and it’s going to be kickass fun)
What is SynesthASIA?
SynesthASIA is an annual charity fashion show that fuses Asian with Montreal cultures. More literally, “synesthasia” is a medical condition that cross-wires the senses, resulting in “seeing” sound and “tasting” color. The fashion show takes this concept and lends it to the cross wiring of multiple art forms, such as fashion, dance, music into one diverse show. We’ve raised almost $25 000 for three different charities to date, and this year we have a very ambitious goal of $10 000 to raise of Right To Play – the China chapter.
Where and when is the event taking place?
February 11th 2012 at Arena Nightclub (2313 Sainte Catherines Ouest). Doors open at 9:00pm, show begins at 10:00pm, after party begins at 11:30pm.
How can the public get tickets?
We will be selling tickets January 30th and February 3rd in Leacock lobby & January 31st-February 2nd in Bronfman basement & February 6th – 10th in SSMU lobby. General seating is $20, while a VIP table that includes 12 tickets and two 40s of vodka runs at $600 ($50 per person). Check out website (synesthasia.ca) or blog (synesthasia.wordpress.com) or facebook (SynesthASIA 2012) or Twitter (@Synesthasia) for more information!
Right To Play was an obvious choice for this year’s charity because the McGill Chapter plays such an active and important role around campus. The charity uses the unique power of sport and play to build essential skills in disadvantaged children, thereby driving social change in communities affected by war, poverty and disease. We believe that by supporting children affected by HIV and AIDS, street children, former children combats and refugees and children with disabilities through play, we can support and encourage change in a positive way.
What are the themes to this year’s show?
This year, SynesthASIA incorporates two themes into the show. Montreal’s influential electronic music scene serves as the basis for SynesthASIA’s artistic vision. DJ’s Royce&Tan created the mix that seamlessly connects various scenes. Travel is also a congruent part of the show. Each scene takes the audience through a tour of Asia’s distinct landmarks and festivals, creating awareness of the beauty and diversity of the continent.
Are students involved in as models or designers?
While it is not a prerequisite, the majority of our 60+ models are students at both Concordia and McGill. Of our 9 design scenes, one showcases 4 student designers’ works. The other 8 scenes each focus on one Montreal-based designer, of which two are students! ModaSuite is also revealing their new line “Frank & Oak” for the first time at SynesthASIA.
Each year SynesthASIA is committed to incorporating various art forms into the show, such as singing and dancing. This year we have 4 incredible and diverse dance groups participating: 1) McGill’s contemporary dance group, Inertia 2) McGill’s Urban Groove 3) Raw Kingz 4) Super Squad. We are also proud to present two A Cappella groups both from McGill: Solstice and Effusion. We incorporate the singing and dancing aspects of the show into the fashion through transitioning and theme.
Tell us more about the singing and dancing aspect of the show.
Each year SynesthASIA is committed to incorporating various art forms into the show, such as singing and dancing. This year we have 4 incredible and diverse dance groups participating: 1) McGill’s contemporary dance group, Inertia 2) McGill’s Urban Groove 3) Raw Kingz 4) Super Squad. We are also proud to present two A Cappella groups both from McGill: Solstice and Effusion. We incorporate the singing and dancing aspects of the show into the fashion through transitioning and theme.
Tell us more about the music and choreography in the show.
Our incredible choreographers, dance groups and us chose the music for the show which Montreal-based DJ’s Royce&Tan – resident DJ at Time Supper Club – expertly mixed. Royce&Tan are also presenting the music for the after party, which is sure to be a rager! All together the music reflects the high energy themes of SynesthASIA. The Raw Kingz and the Super Squad will be our breakdancing and authentic Indian dance groups respectively.