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Inside Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show Singapore

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.

 

 

Sidney CHING Rongda

Lecturer

Raffles Design Institute (Singapore)

 

 

References

Business of Fashion. (2025). Inside Chanel’s Cruise 2026 show in Asia. https://www.businessoffashion.com

Chan, M. (2025). Backstage culture: How luxury fashion shows are evolving. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com

Kaur, S. (2025). Why experiential learning is the future of fashion education. WWD. https://www.wwd.com

Lee, A. (2025). The rise of Singapore as a fashion capital. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com

Lim, D. (2025). Asia’s growing influence on global fashion weeks. Harper’s Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com

Nguyen, T. (2025). Luxury brands turn to Southeast Asia for talent & innovation. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com

O’Connor, N. (2025). Precision and performance: The unseen world of fashion show production. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com

Singh, K. (2025). The evolution of fashion marketing in the digital luxury age. The Economist. https://www.economist.com

Tan, J. (2025). Vogue’s role in shaping global fashion culture. Vogue Business. https://www.voguebusiness.com

Wong, P. (2025). How global fashion houses collaborate with regional design schools. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com

 

Uncover your potential. Enroll with Raffles today!

Fashion Weeks

How Global Runways Became Cultural Powerhouses

 

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

Our students and alumni across the Raffles community are regularly recognized on both international and national stages.One of the most significant achievements comes from Christabell BELLINI, the only finalist from Southeast Asia at Mittelmoda in Milan, Italy, one of the world’s most respected global competitions for emerging designers. Her collection showcased the level of craftsmanship, innovation, and conceptual depth that Raffles nurtures [Read More Here].

Another remarkable milestone is Carolin Valentina’s victory at Lomba Perancang Mode (LPM) 2025 at Jakarta Fashion Week, where she impressed the audience with her collection, “Luruh: The Molting Forest,” a powerful narrative about environmental change [Read More Here].

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.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Raffles Indonesia

 

References

Business of Fashion. (2025, October 12). The evolution of global fashion weeks in the digital era. https://www.businessoffashion.com

Jakarta Fashion Week. (2025). Official highlights and winners of JFW 2025. https://www.jakartafashionweek.co.id

Forbes. (2025, February 14). Why storytelling now defines the future of luxury fashion marketing. https://www.forbes.com

Vogue Business. (2025, March 2). Fashion weeks go hybrid: The rise of global fashion marketing ecosystems. https://www.voguebusiness.com

Raffles Indonesia. (2025, October 27). Raffles students continue to shape the future of global fashion. https://www.raffles-indonesia.co

 

Uncover your potential. Enroll with Raffles today!