Inspired by butterflies

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FASCINATED by the metamorphosis of butterflies, a 21-year-old graduate got creative and created four pieces which wowed the crowd at the Equator Academy of Art Magnifique Fashion Show 2011.

Chris Yee Yen Ting said she based her clothes’ designs on the metamorphosis concept which represented a young lady turning into an adult.

Although born with a disabled left arm, she did not allow her disability to stop her from fulfilling her dream.

She is passionate about being a successful fashion designer, and has been hired to work at a men’s wear company in Butterworth.

Yee, a recipient of The Star Education Fund scholarship, gra-duated with a diploma in Fashion Design Technology and received the Best Student Award for her course.

Haute couture dreams: Yee (seated) posing with models dressed in her outfits themed 'Meta Morphe during the Equator Academy of Art fashion show

She said her interest in high couture helped her to ace all her subjects.

“I wish to be a household name in the fashion industry,” said the Kedah lass whose fashion idols included big names like Christian Dior and John Galliano.

Yee was among 24 students from Equator Academy of Art who showcased their garments during the fashion show at Traders Hotel recently.

Fifty-four outfits were presented on the runway to more than 100 guests from schools, associations and companies.

The outfits were the work of the second and third year students, and the 2011 graduates.

The academy’s principal Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong highlighted that the college was graded a four-star cluster based-rating under the Malaysian Quality Evaluation Sys-tems for Private Colleges.

“The ratings were under Arts and Humanities, Engineering, and Manufacturing and Construction,” he said.

Also present was Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai.

Earlier in the day, 179 gra- duates in various arts fields re- ceived their diploma and certifi-cates during the academy’s 20th convocation ceremony, also held at the hotel.

Seven students received best and outstanding student awards in diploma courses, namely Graphic and Multimedia Design, Fashion Design and Technology, Fine Arts, Interior Design and Architectural Technology, and certificate in Art and Design.

Gary Ch’ng Wei Ming, 21, who received the Outstanding Student Award in Graphic and Multimedia Design, said that passion and determination contributed to his achievement.

“I never treated studying as studying, as I’ve always been interested in graphics and multimedia design since young.

“I’m glad to have made my parents proud of me,” said Ch’ng, who has since started working at a graphics design firm in Pe-nang.

Ch’ng, who sported an afro-like hairstyle, was the most popular graduate of the day as evidenced by the loud cheers when he stepped onto the stage to receive his diploma, and when he received his award from Tanjung MP and Pa-dang Kota assemblyman Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow officiated at the ceremony and gave away the best and outstanding student awards.

Principal Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong said that the academy prided itself on being one of the most established and renowned art, media and design colleges in Malaysia.

It offers students well-structured courses, up-to-date curriculum and comprehensive training in art, media and design industry to enable them to pursue a successful career in art and design.