Raffles𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 is elated to celebrate Raffles Creative Practitioner Çağıl Yurdakul Toker’s dedication to Design Education and her receiving the Design Educator of the Year award from Ms Indranee RAJAH, Minister in the Prime Minister Office at the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) Gala Dinner!
As a Raffles Creative Practitioner at Raffles𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯’s Interior Architecture Faculty, @cagilyurdakul received this award in recognition of her mentorship of her students and commitment to Interior Architecture and Design Education over the past years.
Çağıl is an exemplar of excellence at Raffles𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯, and we are privileged to have her.
How RafflesDesign (Singapore) Students Stepped Into the World of Luxury Fashion Production
When Chanel staged its Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show at the historic Raffles Hotel Singapore, the world’s fashion media turned its attention to the Little Red Dot. Vogue, Business of Fashion, and global luxury watchers described the event as a powerful statement: Singapore has become a serious fashion destination. But behind the runway, behind the shimmering lights, and behind the magic captured on Vogue‘s front page, something even more meaningful was happening.
RafflesDesign (Singapore) students were part of the show.
A team of dedicated Raffles Marketers and Designers supported the production under ACTIVATION GROUP, Chanel‘s appointed partner for the Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show in Singapore. ACTIVATION GROUP, an internationally recognised marketing agency headquartered in Shanghai, with offices in Beijing and Hong Kong, is one of the most established luxury activation agencies in Greater China and a preferred partner for leading global brands.
Under the guidance of ACTIVATION GROUP, the students dedicated themselves to every aspect of the show. From fittings to model stand-ins, and from pre- to post-show preparations, they gained a rare and authentic insight into the operational demands of staging a luxury fashion show. Their unwavering professionalism and strong work ethic were not only acknowledged but also celebrated by the production team. This reflects the robust training at RafflesDesign (Singapore) as well as the students’ unwavering commitment to excellence. Their involvement in the Chanel Repeat Show was more than just a school assignment; it was a transformative, career-shaping experience that showcased the power of real-world, industry-integrated learning in preparing future leaders of fashion.
The Backstage Reality: Where Fashion Education Meets Fashion Execution
Bo Lay Nwe, Raffles Fashion Marketer:
“Hard work, precision, collaboration.”
Being selected as one of the four student volunteers from RafflesDesign was more than exciting for Bo; it was a personal dream, as Chanel has always been one of her favourite fashion houses. She understood immediately that the experience would be demanding, but she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, for this journey of growth and learning was an inspiration to her and her peers.
“The hours were long, but the experience was enriching,” she shares.
She actively participated in all stages of show preparation:
Unpacking the Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show collection
Supporting fittings and rehearsals
Coordinating backstage preparations
Post-show garment care and organisation
What struck her most was Chanel’s precision – every thread, movement, and minute was meticulously engineered.
“Working so closely with Chanel’s team showed me how many layers of coordination go into luxury presentation,” she adds. For Bo, the experience reaffirmed her passion for fashion marketing and strengthened her understanding of:
Organisation
Adaptability
Communication
Immediate problem-solving
In her words:
“We had to think on our feet, solve challenges quickly, and stay composed. It was inspiring watching different teams, from stylists to dressers, come together so seamlessly.”
Glaron Saviola Aditya, Raffles Fashion Marketer:
“Professionalism, teamwork, and communication.”
For Glaron, the Chanel Cruise show was a defining moment in her growth as a fashion marketer.
“It was such an amazing experience. Being behind the scenes of a prestigious brand like Chanel was surreal,” she recalls. One of her biggest realisations was the difference between the professional environment and what she had previously experienced in Jakarta. The exposure and learning reached new heights. The experience was not just enriching, but also a source of immense pride and a defining moment in her growth as a fashion marketer.
“There, we don’t usually get opportunities like this; here, the exposure is on a whole different level.”
She learned firsthand how fast-paced a luxury fashion show truly is, with:
Constant movement
Rapid decision-making
Perfect team communication
Absolute care in handling luxury garments
She witnessed how every detail, from fabric movement to backstage timing, becomes part of the brand story.
“I now really understand what it means to work in a professional environment,” she says.
“RafflesDesign Singapore made this possible.”
Fashion Education at RafflesDesign: Creating the Next Generation of Global Fashion Leaders
RafflesDesign (Singapore) has long been recognised for its close ties with the global fashion industry. What sets RafflesDesign apart is not just its academic programmes, but also its ability to offer real exposure to fashion ecosystems. RafflesDesign students gain:
Industry experiences with global fashion houses
Backstage access to fashion shows, productions, and brand activations
Hands-on learning with top creatives and luxury teams
A multicultural learning environment rooted in Asia
Career pathways across fashion capitals
From Singapore to Milan, Shanghai to Mumbai, Jakarta to Malaysia, RafflesDesign students have access to a global network that supports their growth into designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators. Opportunities like volunteering at the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show demonstrates how RafflesDesign prepares our students not just for the future, but for the front row of the fashion world.
Turning Education Into a Global Opportunity
Fashion is not built on textbooks; it is built on experience. When RafflesDesign students stepped behind the scenes at Chanel‘s Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show, they stepped into the heart of the global luxury industry.
They learned precision.
They learned creativity.
They learned teamwork.
They learned what it means to operate at the level of Chanel.
But more importantly, they learned what they are capable of.
At RafflesDesign, students don’t just study fashion; they live it.
Fashion weeks have traditionally been exclusive events intended for editors, buyers, and industry professionals. Today, they have evolved into significant cultural events, comprehensive marketing systems that shape trends, consumer behavior, digital narratives, and brand strategies on an unprecedented scale. From the esteemed maisons of Paris and Milan to the innovative spirit of London and New York, and the emerging talents from new creative hubs across Asia, fashion weeks have evolved into international platforms where artistry converges with business.
Image Credit: JFW, 2025.
In 2025, a fashion show is no longer just a presentation of garments; it is a strategic communication tool. Every model walk, every backstage conversation, every TikTok clip, and every AR-enhanced livestream becomes part of a broader narrative shaping how brands position themselves in culture.
Fashion Weeks as Global Marketing Engines
Modern fashion weeks operate as integrated communication platforms. They drive:
Brand Strategy: Designers use the runway to reset brand identity, unveil collaborations, or introduce new creative directions that ripple across media, retail, and pop culture.
Digital Amplification: With TikTok fashion creators, AI-driven styling tools, and real-time livestreaming, fashion week moments now reach millions, far beyond the front row.
Instant Retail Activation: Runway-to-retail cycles have shortened dramatically, with pre-orders, interactive lookbooks, and limited drops launched immediately after shows.
Cultural Narrative Building: Runways now serve as storytelling stages where designers address sustainability, craftsmanship, identity, politics, and technology, mirroring the concerns and aspirations of modern consumers.
Whether it is haute couture or streetwear, brands recognize that fashion week has evolved beyond a mere seasonal event. The marketing landscape is continuously active, driven by the dynamics of digital culture.
Raffles: A Global Creative Force Across Fashion Weeks
As fashion weeks continue to evolve, they have become crucial platforms for aspiring creative leaders, and Raffles has consistently been at the forefront of this initiative. Across our global campuses, including Milan, Jakarta, Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, and beyond, Raffles students and alums consistently showcase their talents on esteemed platforms, in competitions, and at professional runway events. Raffles’ global reach for its educational programs inspires and motivates students to aim for international recognition.
Raffles Global
Since establishing its first college in Singapore in 1990, Raffles has grown to operate 16 educational institutions across nine countries in the Asia-Pacific and Europe. Our flexible inter-school transfer scheme allows students to study at any of Raffles’ network of colleges, immerse themselves in different cultures, and experience living overseas. Students enrolled in Raffles benefit from a quality education and well-rounded hands-on experience relevant to the industry. This enables them to improve their career opportunities. Studying in a multinational environment allows our students to expand their personal networks, gain exposure to international perspectives, and greatly enhance their career opportunities beyond their home country.
Spotlight on Global Achievements From the Raffles Network
These achievements reflect a unified message: Raffles prepares global designers, regardless of campus, to compete, excel, and influence the international fashion landscape.
Jakarta Fashion Week: A Growing Creative Power in Southeast Asia
While Milan leads Europe’s luxury narrative, Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) is increasingly recognized as Southeast Asia’s creative powerhouse. Its commitment to culture, storytelling, sustainability, and digital innovation makes it a global reference point for emerging markets.
Image credit: Jakarta Fashion Week, 2025
The rise of JFW demonstrates a global reality: creative excellence can emerge from anywhere, Milan, Jakarta, Shanghai, or beyond.
And Raffles, with campuses in both established and emerging fashion capitals, plays a pivotal role in shaping this interconnected global talent ecosystem.
The Raffles Experience: Where Education Meets Industry
Regardless of whether a student studies in Milan, Jakarta, or any other Raffles campus, the learning experience is grounded in industry relevance. Across the Raffles network:
Fashion Design students learn advanced craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and innovation-led design.
Fashion Marketing students are trained to manage fashion weeks, brand communication, digital campaigns, event management, and trend forecasting.
Students collaborate with brands, participate in shows, and build portfolios aligned with global professional standards.
At Raffles, classrooms are not just learning spaces; they are incubators for ideas that are ready for the runway.
Fashion Weeks and the Future: From Runways to Digital Ecosystems
The future of fashion weeks is shaped by technology, sustainability, and global storytelling:
AI-powered design tools
Virtual and augmented reality presentations
Digital fashion and metaverse runways
Sustainable material innovation
Instant shoppable livestreams
Data-driven brand storytelling
Fashion weeks have evolved into an open dialogue between brands and global audiences, a space where culture, identity, technology, and creativity converge. And the new generation of designers, including those from Raffles, will define what comes next.
Start Your Fashion Journey With Raffles
Whether your dream runway is in Milan, Singapore, or anywhere in the world, Raffles gives you the global foundation to get there.
Elisa’s creative vision and design excellence have earned her this recognition from 111 Somerset (@111somersetsg). Her design will be featured in the mall’s inaugural Christmas wrapping paper design initiative, giving shoppers a chance to wrap their gifts in a truly unique 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 creation.
This achievement reflects not only Elisa’s talent and dedication, but also the real-world design experience that the college provides. Our designers pitch their ideas to industry partners, receive constructive feedback, and learn to turn creativity into business.
At 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣, our designers don’t just design aesthetics. They captivate your attention.
RAFFLES INTERIOR DESIGNERS WIN AT SIDA YOUTH AWARDS 2025
What an inspiring evening as Raffles Interior Designers took the spotlight at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) 2025 Youth Awards Presentation, graced by Mr. Melvin YONG, Member of Parliament for Radin Mas SMC and Guest of Honour.
The ceremony celebrated emerging talents shaping the future of interior design through creativity, innovation, and purposeful thinking. Our very own Raffles Interior Designers were among the honourees, recognised for their visionary works and strong design sensibilities.
Best in Public Space Design – Gold Award
HSU Lawoon
Project – LOOM Retreat
Best in Hospitality Design – Gold Award
HSU Lawoon
Project – LOOM Retreat
Best in Academia Design – Gold Award
Karyn Reine Widjaja
Project – Borneo Terra
Best in Public Space Design – Silver Award
Liviani Wongso
Project – Sakana Fisheries Hub
Best in Workplace and Best in F&B – Honorary Mention
MU Zhouxing
Project – Coral Reef
Congratulations to all our award-winning Raffles Interior Designers for their remarkable achievements at SIDA 2025.
DESIGN FOR INCLUSIVITY: RAFFLES DESIGN INSTITUTE AND DARE FESTIVAL 2025
(Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Law & Ministry of Social and Family Development, Eric Chua, with all the performers at the DAREFestival 2025.)
At Raffles Design Institute, learning goes beyond the classroom — it’s about hands-on, real-world experiences that both challenge and inspire. Our partnership with DARE Festival 2025 is a perfect example, aligning with the festival’s celebration of creativity, courage, and the transformative power of inclusivity.
Students from Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication Design programme participated in this design challenge to conceptualise the festival campaign, and Raffles Graphic Designer CAI Zirou’s concept was selected, and she further developed the key visuals for the festival. She collaborates closely with the organisers to capture and bring to life the festival’s bold, uplifting, and inclusive spirit through her design.
DARE Festival uniquely unites artists of diverse abilities and backgrounds alongside mainstream performers across music, dance, theatre, and comedy to create a truly inspiring showcase. This year’s edition will be held on Sunday, 16 November, 7 PM at Gateway Theatre, promising an evening filled with artistic collaboration and celebration.
Zirou’s artwork is now prominently featured on the festival’s promotional materials, including the official listing on SISTIC, where tickets are now available. Prices range from S$25 to S$30, offering an opportunity to experience a powerful festival that highlights creativity and shared humanity.
RAFFLES DESIGN INSTITUTE RECEIVED BEST EDUCATION INSTITUTION AND BEST MENTOR AWARDS AT AYDA 2025
Great design begins with great education — and this year, Raffles Design Institute has been awarded the Best Education Institution and Best Mentor awards!
Raffles Creative Practitioner Cagil Yurdakul Toker was awarded the Best Mentor Award, a testament to her exemplary guidance and dedication to nurturing the next generation of design leaders while the College was recognised as the Best Education Institution, affirm our commitment to excellence and reinforce our value of preparing our students for the industry.
In addition, Raffles Interior Designers also made an outstanding mark in this year’s competition:
Dianne Madeleine L. Condecido received the:
Gold Award in the Architecture category, and
Best Green Innovation Award for her project, “The Green Terminal”.
Salakchay Thengkham received the:
Gold Award in Interior Design category, and
Best Colour Award for her project, “Lao Youth Edutainment Center”.
We are pleased to share that Raffles Fashion Designer ZHUYingwen (Ada) has been awarded national winner of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) International Design Competition 2024/25, joining past winners from Raffles Design, Vernia LIE in 2022/23 and SONPAVORAPONGSasipim in 2023/24.
(ZHU Yingwen (Ada) received her award from Mr. Dro of Matex, for SDC Design Competition 2024/25)
The SDC International Design Competition is an esteemed global initiative that invites students to respond to contemporary global challenges through colour-focused, sustainable design. This year’s theme, “Colour for Good: Creativity in Adversity,” called for entries that reflect the role of design in addressing ecological and social crises through innovation, empathy, and purpose.
Her entry, Developed in Light, impressed judges with its creative use of cyanotype printing and thoughtful response to global and emotional adversity. Ada will go on to represent Singapore on the global stage at the international finals this October.
A total of 14 students from Raffles Design submitted entries for this contest, each demonstrating thoughtful engagement with the brief and a commitment to responsible design. We extend our congratulations to all participants and wish Ada continued success as she carries our creative spirit to the international arena.
RAFFLES DESIGN BRINGS SUSTAINABILITY AND FUNCTIONAL AESTHETICS TO THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL!
We are proud to announce that Raffles Designer TANG Ke’s submission for the Mooncake Gift Box Design Project has been selected and will be produced by Hilton Orchard Singapore!
TANG Ke’s design integrates nature, heritage, and reusability, presenting a timeless piece that not only elevates the festive experience, but can be repurposed beyond the Mid-Autumn festival for everyday use as a stylish water-bottle holder.
Hilton Singapore Orchard’s tea-infused baked mooncakes will be available from 6 August 2025 onwards – order them for a refreshing taste of the Mid-Autumn festival, and to witness Success by Design!
A PROUD WIN FOR RAFFLES JEWELLERY DESIGNER CATHERINE SANTOSA AT SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY EXPO (SIJE) 2025
Congratulations to Raffles Jewellery Designer, Catherine SANTOSA, for winning Second Prize in the Fresh Facet category at the Singapore Jewellery Design Award 2025, held during the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2025.
(Catherine SANTOSA received her award from Ms. LOW Yen Ling and Mr. HO Nai Chuen)
Catherine’s winning collection, “Fantasia,” stood out for its creative concept, storytelling, and craftsmanship — earning her well-deserved recognition on a national platform. The award was presented by Ms. LOW Yen Ling, SeniorMinister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth alongside Mr. HO Nai Chuen, BBM, President of the Singapore Jewellers Association at the opening ceremony on 10 Jul 2025.
As part of SIJE 2025, Raffles Jewellery Designers also showcased their designs in collaboration with our industry partners, Caratell and Calenthy by Mr. Sudat BAJRACHARYA.
This achievement highlights the creativity, hard work, and professionalism of Raffles Jewellery Designers, and reflects the strong mentorship and industry collaboration that Raffles Singapore continues to foster.
Well done to Catherine, participating Raffles Jewellery Designers and Raffles Creative Practitioner Ms Sandra TJIA!
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Image Credit: JFW, 2025.
