Walking the Runway for HIV/AIDS

HPB leverages on fashion to raise HIV/AIDS awareness

The visibility of fashion has prompted the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to use it as a platform to raise HIV/AIDS awareness with the support of industry partners. On Saturday, 13 October 2007, efforts to engage the public through fashion will culminate in two fashion events The Centrepoint's Fashion Design Competition and Fashion Shares at VivoCity.

The Centrepoint's Fashion Design Competition

The Centrepoint's Fashion Design Competition is a culmination of HPB's Youth Health Division collaboration with Raffles Design Institute (RDI) to develop a project, themed "Red Ribbon". The project was part of the curriculum of the class of 2007 Fashion BA Honours Programme. The 21 graduating students were tasked to create original pieces of clothes and accessories, taking inspiration from the HIV/AIDS Red Ribbon and what it stands for: care, concern and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, their families and friends; hope for a cure/vaccine for HIV/AIDS; and dispelling stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS.
The Centrepoint has lent its support to the project by taking it a step further, into the public arena. The result - the Fashion Design Competition, part of The Centrepoint s "Fashion Magnet" festivities. The students' creations are on display from 8 12 October 2007 at The Centrepoint atrium. HPB hopes that the students' thoughts on HIV/AIDS, expressed through their one-of-a-kind designs, will reach out, especially to the youth community, and raise awareness of the disease.
Shoppers are also invited to vote for their favourite design which will be part of the judging criteria for the best design at The Centrepoint's Fashion Design Competition Runway Show on 13 October 2007, 2.00pm, to mark the end of the display.

Two students with the winning designs from both the judges' and shoppers' choice will receive $1,500 worth of The Centrepoint vouchers each. Two shoppers who have voted for the winning designs will also walk away with $1,000 worth of vouchers each. These prizes are sponsored by The Centrepoint.

Fashion Shares

The Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf), with the support of HPB's Adult Health Division, has organised Fashion Shares - a showcase of more than 50 specially designed tee-shirts by prominent local personalities from diverse backgrounds ranging from artists to local politicians.

Each designer was given the freedom to design a tee-shirt to voice his/her views on the theme "Raising awareness and dispelling discrimination against HIV/AIDS". By designing the tee-shirt, the designer was able to use his/her creativity to express his/her views on HIV/AIDS and dispel the discrimination and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

The tee-shirts are showcased at VivoCity from 12- 28 October 2007 as part of the Singapore Fashion Week activities, with 13 October being the date of the launch to officially unveil these tee-shirts.

There is a need to break down barriers and instil a sense of understanding towards HIV/AIDS among Singaporeans. " By adopting fashion as a way to reach out to both the youth and the adult population, HPB hopes that it will spur the public to find out more HIV/AIDS. It is important to change social attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and create a positive environment for people to learn about HIV/AIDS and how to protect themselves. By removing the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, we can encourage those who might be infected to go for testing early, so that they can go for treatment if tested positive. These days, with early detection and treatment, a person living with the infection can prolong their lives and continue to actively contribute to society." says Mr Lam Pin Woon, Chief Executive Officer, HPB.
Mr Lam continues, "RDI, TaFf, The Centrepoint and VivoCity have been very forthcoming with their support. HPB would like to urge companies to follow their lead and be open to conducting programmes or hosting events to raise the public's awareness of HIV/AIDS in Singapore."
Excerpts of what inspired RDI Students in the creation of their designs for The Centrepoint's Fashion Design Competition Name Inspiration for Design

Dewi Asthari
I was inspired by the late Klaus Nomi. He was one of the earliest celebrity victims of the AIDS epidemic. I used his signature bowtie as a detail on my garment and dedicate my work to his awe-inspiring performances and career.

AIDS awareness amongst youths today is very important. We need to protect ourselves and be faithful to our loved ones. Be cautious and aware of the dangers of AIDS and practise safe sex.

Chong Chin Fei, Karen
The inspiration for my garment came from the Red Ribbon symbol itself. I created a braided version of the Red Ribbon. I was also inspired by the celebrities who contribute actively towards AIDS awareness campaigns. So I used a silver fabric on a red mesh jersey, creating a glamorous and shiny appearance.

Each of us should contribute as much as we can by taking part in activities related to AIDS awareness. If the disease continues, it is a threat to society. Be informed about AIDS and get tested if you have put yourself at risk.

Siddarth Shashankan
People suffering from HIV/AIDS tend to distance themselves from society and live a life of solitude as a result of the associated stigma. The garment I have designed has red ribbons running all over the top portion to symbolise the fence which these people erect to distance themselves from society. The netted flower on the other hand symbolises hope. The message that I want to convey through my design is if you have less time to live, it is imperative to enjoy the moment by adopting a positive outlook and live life to the fullest.

Prevention and awareness are the only cures for the AIDS epidemic. Be responsible and aware. Life is precious, so know the facts about AIDS.

Yuan Ye
Love, support, acceptance and care these are what we should give to people who are infected by HIV/AIDS. These are also the inspirations for my garment. The fluctuant edge of the blouse represents perpetual love while the red ribbons on the top and skirt represent care and support respectively.

In my opinion, AIDS is public enemy number one. It continually claims the lives of many people. Be aware, be responsible and get tested if you have put yourself at risk!

Chalermpom Saelim, Alex
The outfit I have designed is a visual representation of a HIV patient. On the outside, a HIV patient may look healthy and beautiful, but on the inside, his/ her body is unable to fight infections. The use of colour gradation for the fabric signifies the gradual progression of the disease as the body becomes more and more susceptible to infections.

Through continual research, funding and raising awareness, we can fight the AIDS epidemic. Be aware, take responsibility and encourage those at risk to get tested!

Excerpts of what inspired celebrity and local personalities in the designs of their tee-shirts for Fashion Shares
Name Profile Inspirational Quote
Ivy Lee

Mediacorp Artiste

Multiple Partners = Multiple Puzzles?

I used a crossword puzzle in my design to show that having multiple partners can increase a person's risk of getting HIV/AIDS.

Jaclyn Fong

Student

Butterfly Blessings

A butterfly is a symbol of life, and of the woman. On 15 June 2007, The Straits Times reported that in 2006, 13 pregnant women were tested HIV positive. A common misconception is that all babies born from mothers with HIV/AIDS will contract the virus. This is untrue, because if the mother goes on treatment, this will dramatically lower the risk of the children getting HIV. Yet the stigma associated with the mothers is also passed on to their children.

A partial quote from the Dalai Lama states that, "The butterfly never meets its mother. It must survive independently and [it] remains a stranger to affection."

For many children with HIV, this is unfortunately true. With awareness, such stigma may change.

I created these 13 butterflies for them.

Or Beng Hua

Fashion Designer

Ignorance Fuels AIDS in You

Many people are ignorant about AIDS. As such, misconception and stigmatization arise.

My design is entitled, It could happen to you!?

No one wishes that anything bad would happen to them. Hence we adopt this ignorance-is-bliss mentality.

The first things that pop out when you look at my design are the red ribbon and words, AIDS and you . Upon close scrutiny, you see human silhouettes and the entire message.

I hope to remind others that ignorance is not bliss. It's time to get our act together. This is signified by the functional red zipper on the left side seam.

Toyo Ito

Japanese architect

The Celebration of Life

Our lives are continuous moments of unexpected encounters. We come across many people, things and places, whilst experiencing love, surprise, inspiration, anger and grief. And sometimes, a moment or an event can change our lives.

It is true that a single incident such as getting HIV/AIDS might fill your life with grief. However, life is bright even with the shadows that sadness casts. Let s celebrate life, let s cherish life.

Baey Yam Keng

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

AIDS is real

The red ribbon campaign has managed to raise the general awareness of AIDS tremendously. This has been helped by the support of many personalities, especially in the entertainment scene. For example, the red ribbon has now become a mandatory piece of accessory to the Oscars. However, this has also glamourised the red ribbon and AIDS. Through my design concept, I hope to make the point that beneath the surface of the sequined ribbon, AIDS is just as real, stark and basic as our blood.