The Straits Times
Thursday, December 22, 1994

Brides of Frankenstein
When the sun goes down and the moon rises, step out into the night in the garb of ghouls, ghosts and vampires. If you dare.
By CAT ONG

For the moment, fashion is big on re-working classical notions. Knee-length is now not dowdy but reflects the new sophistication. Shimmer and shine fabrics have become the ultimate in work-a-day wear. Seams holding a garment together do not have to be hidden inside a dress anymore. The inside-out look can even be considered arty than the finished front of apparel. Hence, evening wear no longer means just ballgowns or the usual pretty fashion. Singapore designer Daniel Yam is among the young braves around the world ushering in a new era in gothic gowns for nights out. Long an advocate of tie-dye for dramatic dressing, he takes the traditional skill one step further by creating cobweb materials for a layered look. The effect is a mildewed opulence, not unlike something from the current hit movie, Interview With A Vampire. The key to this kind of costume-dressing lies in the accessories. Avoid gold unless it is antique-looking, but wear flowers or pile on the charm necklaces and chokers, converted into headbands for the hair. Also skip high heels for mules or boots. Followers of ghostly fashion cannot be clickety-clacking down the hall, but must appear to float around in their gowns.