Asian Couture Federation

[[File:Asian Couture Federation Logo.jpg]]

{{Infobox company

| name = Asian Couture Federation

| logo =
[[File:Asian Couture Federation Logo.jpg|200px|frameless|center|Asian Couture Federation Logo]]
| foundation = 2013

| area_served = [[Singapore]], [[China]], [[South Korea]], [[Indonesia]], [[Philippines]], [[Thailand]] & [[Vietnam]]

| founder = Frank Cintamani

| key_people = Frank Cintamani, Founding President, <br> [[Kenzo Takada]], [[Honorary President]], Emily Hwang, [[Vice-President]],

| industry = [[Fashion]]

| type = [[Non Profit Corporation]]

| homepage = http://www.AsianCoutureFederation.com

}}

'''The Asian Couture Federation''' (ACF), founded in 2013 by Frank Cintamani, is a non-profit public company which is the first organisation in Asia to recognise, support and promote Asian Couturiers who have exhibited exceptional artistry in fashion design. Currently [[Kenzo Takada]] serves alongside Frank Cintamani as the Federation's Honorary President. The Federation's mission is "to inspire, support and promote the highest levels of Asia-based fashion design artistry to the Asian and global markets."<ref>{{cite web|title=AbOUT|url=http://asiancouturefederation.com/about-the-acf/|website=AsianCoutureFederation.com|publisher=The Asian Couture Federation|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref>

==History==

The Asian Couture Federation was inaugurated in October 2013<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lilyth Compostella|first1=Lilyth|title=The Asian Couture Federation is born!|url=http://www.mariefranceasia.com/fashion/asia-style/the-asian-couture-federation-is-born-3536.html|website=Marie France Asia|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> in Singapore. Its formation was the result of recognition of a need for an industry recognised body to oversee, promote and protect the interests of Asian couture level designers. Prior to this, designers may have been members of, or represented by fashion organisations or federations at a national level. The Asian Couture Federation was the first in Asia to provide a regional body that specifically recognised fashion designers whose work and collections represented a couture level in terms of creativity, technique, and workmanship, and have achieved commercial success, and for whom couture was a large or significant proportion of their work.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Robb|title=A Couture Stage Beyond Paris: Destiny, Dream or Delusion?|url=http://www.businessoffashion.com/2014/02/couture-stage-beyond-paris-destiny-dream-delusion.html|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=Business of Fashion|publisher=The Business of Fashion|date=February 3, 2014}}</ref>

==Objectives <ref>{{cite web|title=Objectives|url=http://asiancouturefederation.com/about-the-acf/activities/|website=Asian Couture Federation|publisher=Asian Couture Federation|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>==

*Establish relationships with ACF counterparts in major fashion markets (Alta Roma, Council of Fashion Designers of America, CNMI and la Chambre Syndicale) to promote federated designers abroad

*Collaborate with fashion show and fashion event organisers and promoters to present member designers in Asian markets outside of their home country

*Create and implement programs with corporate sponsors to support and promote ACF members' design talents and products to a global market

*Work with the top international fashion schools to organise annual design competitions to identify and support the next generation of top Asia-based couturiers

*Organise fundraising campaigns to finance and sustain the ACF and its activities from now and into the future

==The Organisation <ref>{{cite web|last1=Hong|first1=Xinying|title=Kenzo Takada: Asian fashion designers can become the next trendsetters|url=http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/updates/kenzo-takada-asian-fashion-designers-can-become-next-trendsetters#.U8NuZI2SzGZ|website=Her World Plus|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>==

The organisation of the Asian Couture Federation is divided into three distinct structures – The Executive Board, The Governors Committee, and Designer Members. The Executive Board led by Founding President, Frank Cintamani, Vice President, Emily Hwang, and its Honorary President, Kenzo Takada, regulates the day-to-day governance of the ACF and the implementation of its programs and activities. This in turn is supported by the Board of Governors, which is made up of Asia’s top fashion creative and business luminaries. The Governors' role is to create and direct major policy decisions to guide the ACF’s mission and its activities. Finally, the Designer Members are the collective grouping of individual designers who the Federation supports. The Designer Members fall into two categories - those that are established senior designers who are inducted as an ‘Asian Couturier Extraordinaire’ and designers who exhibit exceptional potential and who are federated as an ‘Invited Member.'

==Accolades==

The Asian Couture Federation has had its efforts endorsed by Heads of State such as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan<ref>{{cite web|title=Japan PM Extends Congratulations|url=http://fidefashionweeks.com/japan-pm-extends-congratulations/|website=FIDé Fashion Weeks|publisher=FIDé Fashion Weeks|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kohut-Cole|first1=Alexandra|title=A New Day for Asia|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/fashion/Organization-Formed-To-Promote-Asian-Design.html|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=The New York Times Company|publisher=The New York Times|date=November 21, 2013}}</ref> Additionally, the ACF has partnered with notable fashion design schools such as Atelier Chardon Savard<ref>{{cite web|title=Atelier Chardon Savard 25th Anniversary|url=http://asiancouturefederation.com/2014/05/14/atelier-chardon-savard-25th-anniversary/|website=Asian Couture Federation|publisher=Asian Couture Federation|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> in Paris and the Bunka Fashion College in Japan. Designer members’ work have been showcased across the globe on prestigious platforms, and are frequently seen on celebrities such as Lady Gaga,<ref>{{cite web|title=Lie Sang Bong: Fashion, Art and Korean Culture|url=http://www.koreasociety.org/special-events/membership-events/lie_sang_bong_fashion_art_and_korean_culture.html|website=The Korea Society|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> Beyoncé<ref>{{cite web|title=Beyoncé's photos and all her looks|url=http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/oddities/2013/12/beyonce-all-videos-looks|website=Vogue Italia|publisher=Vogue Italia|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> and Li Bingbing<ref>{{cite web|last1=Choi|first1=Mina|title=Creating Chinese Couture|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2013/04/25/creating-chinese-couture/|website=Wall Street Journal|publisher=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> amongst countless others. Although only one year of age the Federation has already received support and recognition from the world’s most influential media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Additionally, fashion editors such as Suzy Menkes, the Vogue International Editor have expressed support of the Federation. Whilst still in it’s early days the Asian Couture Federation has already been elevated onto the world fashion stage.

==Executive Board <ref>{{cite web|title=Executive Board|url=http://asiancouturefederation.com/about-the-acf/executive-board/|website=Asian Couture Federation|publisher=Asian Couture Federation|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>==

*'''[[Kenzo Takada]]''': World renowned designer and founder of Kenzo Paris

*'''Frank Cintamani''': Chairman and Founder of FIDé Fashion Weeks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inytconferences.com/luxury-2013/speakers/frank-cintamani.aspx|website=International New York Times|title=International New York Times S.E.A of Luxury - Frank Cintamani|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> Chevalier (Knight) de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kohut-Cole|first1=Alexandra|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/fashion/Organization-Formed-To-Promote-Asian-Design.html?_r=0|title=A New Day for Asia |website=New York Times|publisher=New York Times}}</ref> Doctor Honoris Causa - Atelier Chardon Savard,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fashion Show 2014 - Atelier Chardon Savard - Nomination "Docteur Honoris Causa"|url=http://vimeo.com/96204916|website=Vimeo|publisher=Atelier Chardon Savard|accessdate=20 July 2014}}</ref> President of the Jury Atelier Chardon Savard 2013, President of the Singapore Magazine Publishers Association 2010/2011/2012 <ref>{{cite web|last1=Sundralingam|first1=Kavitha|title=Raymond Wong of Ten Alps Elected New MPAS President|url=http://www.mpas.org.sg/index.php/news/28-raymond-wong-of-ten-alps-elected-new-mpas-president|website=Media Publishers Association Singapore|publisher=Media Publishers Association Singapore|accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref>

*'''Emily Hwang''': COO of Uncharted Group,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unchartedgroup.com/management/|website=Uncharted Group |title=Uncharted Group Management|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> Vice Chairman of FIDé Fashion Weeks & Director of eNow<ref>{{cite web|title=Emily Hwang|url=http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/emily-hwang/29/b2a/36b|website=LinkedIN|accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Serena Teo''': Executive Director of the Asian Couture Federation

*'''James Tulley''': COO of FIDé Fashion Weeks

*'''Benedict Goh''': Deputy COO of FIDé Fashion Weeks

==Governors==

*'''[[Kim Sung-joo (entrepreneur)]]''': Founder of the Sungjoo Group, Chairwoman and CEO of MCM Holding AG,<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen|url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/2012/13/power-women-asia-12_Kim-Sung-Joo_BI0Y.html|website=Forbes|publisher=Forbes|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> who has been selected as one of the "Top 50 Women To Watch" by the [[Wall Street Journal]] and recognized as one of the "New Century Leaders" by [[CNN]]

*'''Dr. Satoshi Onuma:''' Former President of Bunka Fashion College, President of Bunka Institute of Challenge, Chairman of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes and Vice-Chairman of Bunka Gakuen Educational Foundation<ref>{{cite web|title='The Future of Fashion Education' by Dr. Satoshi Onuma|url=http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC/invite_bunka_2011.html|website=Japan Creative Centre|publisher=Japan Creative Centre|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Towako Kimijima:''' Creative Director of Felice Towako Cosme, Japanese Best Selling Author & renowned model<ref>{{cite web|last1=Teo|first1=Jia En|title=12 Minutes with Felice Towako Cosme|url=http://www.glamasia.com/2014/03/12/15-minutes-felice-towako-cosme/|website=Glam Asia|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Yuki Sakaguchi:''' Country Head of FIDé Fashion Weeks Japan,<ref>{{cite web|title=ACF Inauguration|url=http://fidefashionweeks.com/acf-inauguration/|website=Fide Fashion Weeks|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> President of the Japanese Womens Association of Singapore & Judge of the Japan Creative Centre Sustainable Fashion Content 2013

*'''Daniel Boey:''' Creative Director of FIDé Fashion Weeks<ref>{{cite web|last1=Salimat|first1=Shah|title=Two Fashion Weeks Are Happening In Singapore This October (And We Love It!)|url=http://popspoken.com/fashion/2013/07/two-fashion-weeks-are-happening-in-singapore-this-october-and-we-love-it/|website=Pop Spoken|accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> and is often referred to as the 'Godfather of Singapore Fashion'<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bruce|first1=Niki|title=Daniel Boey becomes Singapore ‘fashion ambassador’ for Luisaviaroma|url=http://www.mens-folio.com/features/110082/a-painter-named-song-songzio-|website=Her World|publisher=Her World|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Georgia Lee:''' CEO of DrGL an award winning skincare and haircare line<ref>{{cite web|title=About|url=http://www.drgl.com/index.php/main/about|website=Dr.GL|publisher=Dr.GL|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Kenny Kim:''' Key Business Advisor to the MCM Group<ref>{{cite web|title=Governors Committee|url=http://asiancouturefederation.com/governors-committee/kenny-kim/|website=Asian Couture Federation|publisher=Asian|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Zio Song''': Chairman, CEO & Creative Director of [[SONGZIO]] who is known as one of Korea's most prolific designers <ref>{{cite web|last1=Wong|first1=Bryan|title=A Painter Named Song|url=http://www.mens-folio.com/features/110082/a-painter-named-song-songzio-|website=Men's Folio|publisher=Men's Folio|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Cerrut Taveechaiwattana (Khun Kidd)''': Founder of Bangkok Powerhouse, and is one of Thailand's most recogniseable fashion figures<ref>{{cite web|title=Cerrut Thaweechaiwattana|url=http://www.thailandtatler.com/cerrut-thaweechaiwattana/|website=Thailand Tatler|publisher=Thailand Tatler|accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref>

*'''Kullawit Laosuksri (Khun Ford):''' Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Thailand and the only male editor of Vogue Magazine in the World<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moss|first1=Hilary|title=Vogue Lets Man Be in Charge of Thai Version|url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2013/01/vogue-lets-man-be-in-charge-of-thai-version.html|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=NY Mag|publisher=NY Mag|date=January 29, 2013}}</ref>

*'''Tinakorn Asvarak (Khun Kookie):''' Known as Thailand's event organiser extraordinare having hosted some of the most prestigious brands and celebrities in the world<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pichitmarn|first1=Parisa|title=Siam Centre Goes Forth|url=http://m.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/330298|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=The Bangkok Post|publisher=The Bangkok Post|date=11 January 2013}}</ref>

*'''Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang:''' CEO & Founder of Multimedia JSC and the Executive Director of both [[Vietnam's Next Top Model]] and [[Project Runway Vietnam]]

==Members<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kolesnikov-Jessop|first1=Sonia|title=Asian Couture Federation set up to support Asian Couturiers|url=http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/972160/asian-couture-federation-set-up-to-support-asian-couturiers|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=BLOUINARTINFO|publisher=BLOUINARTINFO|date=October 16, 2013}}</ref>==

{| class="wikitable" | align=right
|-
! Designer !! Web Page
|-
| Guo Pei || [http://www.GuoPei.fr www.GuoPei.fr]
|-
| Sebastian Gunawan || [http://www.SebastianGunawan.com www.SebastianGunawan.com]
|-
| Junko Koshino || [http://www.JunkoKoshino.com www.JunkoKoshino.com]
|-
| Yumi Katsura || [http://www.YumiKatsura.com www.YumiKatsura.com]
|-
| [[Michael Cinco]] || [http://www.MichaelCinco.com www.MichaelCinco.com]
|-
| Frederick Lee || [http://www.FrederickBridal.com www.FrederickBridal.com]
|-
| Lie Sang Bong || [http://www.LieSangBong.com www.LieSangBong.com]
|-
| Nguyen Cong Tri || [http://www.KinByCongTri.com www.KinByCongTri.com]
|-
| Keita Maruyama || [http://www.KeitaMaruyama.com www.KeitaMaruyama.com]
|-
| Yoshiki Hishinuma || [http://www.YoshikiHishinuma.co.jp www.YoshikiHishinuma.co.jp]
|-
| Vatit Itthi || In Construction
|}

'''Asian Couturier Extraordinaire'''

*'''Guo Pei:''' China

*'''[[Sebastian Gunawan]]:''' Indonesia

*'''Junko Koshino:''' Japan

*'''Yumi Katsura:''' Japan

*'''[[Michael Cinco]]:''' Philippines

*'''Frederick Lee:''' Singapore

*'''Lie Sang Bong:''' South Korea

*'''Nguyen Cong Tri:''' Vietnam <ref>{{cite news|last1=Giang|first1=Kieu|title=Vietnam International Fashion Week Slated For December|url=http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/35425/Vietnam-Int%E2%80%99l-Fashion-Week-slated-for-December.html|accessdate=14 July 2014|agency=The Saigon Times|publisher=The Saigon Times|date=July 8, 2014}}</ref>



'''Invited Members'''

*'''Keita Maruyama:''' Japan

*'''Yoshiki Hishinuma:''' Japan

*'''Vatit Itthi:''' Thailand

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Fashion organizations]]
[[Category:Asia]]