Budiey
Parkson and Guests Toast Parkson’s New Style Ambassador Nadine Ann Thomas
Local department store giant, Parkson and over 350 guests got fabulously glammed-up for the Parkson Fabulously Stylish Party to toast the newly crowned Miss Universe/ Malaysia 2010 Nadine Ann Thomas.
The Style Party saw members of the media, celebrities, business partners and guests party the night away with Nadine who is now Parkson’s Style Ambassador, while also being introduced to the new brands in Parkson – Up-front, Cacac and Accessorize.
Champagne-sipping guests were treated to an audio-video story of Nadine’s journey from the girl-next-door to beauty queen and fashion icon in the making, a journey peppered with great shoes and dresses from Parkson.
Emceed by Will Quah, Parkson who was the Official Department Store for the Miss Universe Pageant took the opportunity to thank sponsor brands who dressed all the Miss Universe finalist and Nadine – from Rockin’ Reptile and Fiorucci for shoes, Park Avenue Accessories for accessories, to Better Vision for sunglasses, Arena for swimwear and even John Master & KENT for the menswear used. Parkson also expressed their heartfelt thanks to Secret Collection for a particular memorable gown worn by Pageant Director, Andrea Fonseka in all the ad campaigns and local couture designer Melinda Looi for all her wonderful gowns worn in the Malaysian finale.
The programme continued with memento and gifts exchanged between Nadine and Parkson COO, Raymond Teo. Nadine was also presented with a beautiful fragrance hamper courtesy of Chloe.
Will Quah then announced the winners of the most Fabulously Dressed Male and Female of the night who were both presented with a Marc Jacobs fragrance hamper worth RM1,000 each.
The finale was a parade of celebrities and Miss Universe finalists in outfits from sponsors of the night – Annef, Warehouse, Desigual, Bread & Butter and Monsoon, with accessories from Accessorize. Will himself was dressed by Sisley. With that, the evening came to a close and the party began as wine, champagne and beer flowed and the guests danced the night away.
New Brands in Parkson:
UpFront: Positioned as affordable luxury, it’s inspired by the Chic-zine in the trade of fast fashion and showcase the designers’ latest edited version of the runway trend to enable woman of today to own a wardrobe that is ever-changing yet very much current
Cacac: A brand by Ms Lee Sinje, a well-known Malaysian-born international singer-cum-actress. The brand name CACAC is derived from Bahasa Malaysia ‘KAKAK’, which means sisters or sisterhood. The essence of the brand CACAC is about the spirit of sisterhood and also an image of a modern woman in the 21st century – tough, independent with dreams and careers of their own.
Accessorize: In the early 1980’s Monsoon started to sell a small collection of accessories which became so popular that the idea for the innovative new store format Accessorize was born. With its own in-house design team, Accessorize holds a unique position on the high street with its inspirational, globally source, well-priced and good quality collection of fashion accessories. Displayed in an original and impactful colour-bay design, the constantly changing range includes every kind of accessory imaginable; bags, purses, jewellery, belts, hats, scarves, flip flops, gloves and hair accessories.
Nadine’s Speech:
“When I sat down to write this speech, my aim was to express, to somehow encapsulate, the changes brought by my journey over the last four months. During this process I was struck particularly by the realisation the changes in form are often more apparent than the changes in substance.
Certainly, the pageant has honed my presentation skills remarkably. I now understand how to angle myself for a photograph depending on the lighting… how to write a speech, and a million other little things that allow me to present myself to the best effect.
The fact is that whilst the Miss Universe Pageant forces contestants to consider the way that they present themselves, it also forces them to consider what they represent. What they believe in. How they see the world and their place within it.
The pageant has been a remarkable opportunity for me. It has given me the confidence to pursue those things I believe in and made me even more passionate about women’s rights. Every woman should be given the opportunity I’ve been given, to develop to the best of her capabilities and not be prevented from achieving her full potential by virtue of gender.
Of all the workshops organised by Andrea and Beyond Entity (and there were many) the motivation and self-empowering workshop was perhaps the most valuable. Of course Andrea was always there with advice and support and nothing was too much trouble. I would like to thank Andrea, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation, Beyond Entity – namely Mr. Heah, Mr. Chan and Dato’ Gan, for all their guidance and support.
Without that support, I never would have been ready for what awaited me at the Miss Universe Pageant in Vegas. After my win in Malaysia Andrea had said to me, “the hard work begins now”.
When we left for Vegas, I thought what Andrea may have been referring to the difficulties of transporting over a 100 kgs of Parkson clothes, shoes and bags through the airport. Whilst I can’t thank Parkson enough for their incredible support, I’m pretty sure the bell-boys at our Vegas Hotel didn’t share my enthusiasm. : )
Once in Vegas, I realised exactly what Andrea was saying. I was immediately thrown into the gruelling Miss Universe training schedule, and with it, a confrontation of my fears and insecurities. The women at Miss Universe were, every one of them, beautiful, graceful and articulate. Here I was, this girl, from Subang Jaya who likes nasi-lamak and good hip-hop beats.
What allowed me to overcome those fears, and to perform at an international level, was the support I received from my friends, family, the media, sponsors, Andrea and Beyond Entity.
And that really is the reason why you’re all here tonight, so I can thank everyone for their overwhelming support.
Parkson actually understood the duality of fashion encouraging both form and substance required of a Miss Malaysia. Clothes maketh the Fabulously Stylish woman – in the sense that it doesn’t make a woman, but it can complete her. Parkson, thank you for completing my Miss Universe Experience.
Mum and dad, who put aside their work commitments to be with me in Vegas. Your love and support was invaluable.
My fans, the press and the whole publicity machinery, everything and everyone contributed in one way or another. I thank you.
Well, that about wraps up the thank-yous. I am only in the first quarter of my reign as Miss Universe Malaysia right now, there is so much more to do. And I can’t wait to begin – first and foremost as Parkson Style Ambassador!”
