Model, TV host and emcee Daphne Iking has collaborated with local fashion label eclipse (which is featured in their campaign with Xandria Ooi) and  is debuting her capsule collection with eclipse. Wrapping up the ‘designed for eclipse’ series, the ‘Daphne Iking for eclipse’ collection promises to put the sex appeal back into classics pieces.

Says the petite beauty of her collection: “I’ve always been a fan of eclipse, whether I’m attending events or shooting. Recently, I was jokingly commenting on how I would love to toy with fashion. Fast forward a week and imagine my surprise when I received a call from eclipse, almost as if they read my mind! Two brief meetings later and here I am. Extremely honored, proud and excited!”

eclipse designer Sonny San echoes her sentiments, saying, “Her style is independent, uncomplicated and easy, and it was that exact spirit that I wanted reflected in her capsule collection. The thing about her that speaks eclipse is her sexy yet endearing femininity. Plus, I have always admired Daphne for her stunning beauty, attitude and personality. So I thought it would be fun if she did a small collection for us.”

Following in the footsteps of the capsule collection series, Iking clearly envisioned the kind of collection she wanted and quickly presented eclipse with an inspiration montage of styles and style icons to give a visual story of Daphne Iking’s personality and style.

For Daphne, she claims to be a casual person who gets up and goes in minutes. “I am an “on-the-go” sort of person. My normal mornings are like this: Wake up, mandi, lip gloss, mascara, deodorant and pakai baju (put on clothes), a glass of juice, slice of bread, and I am off; all within half an hour! I try not to spend more than 5 minutes choosing my outfit for the day, so I am always most comfortable in a casual dress, a jumpsuit or just a white tee and jeans, nude shoes or ballet flats, a watch, and my pearl earrings. No frills, no fuss, and I wanted to make sure that it was portrayed in my capsule collection,” she says.

With her natural flair for fashion, it was a rather simple process for Daphne when it came to designing the clothes she wanted. “She was quick in coming back with her ideas and vision on how the design direction. She was a natural in the process. I just guided her mostly on the fabric choice she has to select for her designs. I really think she has a strong potential to become a designer.  All she will need to learn is fit, cut and material knowledge. We have a new designer in our midst!” exclaims Sonny.

To Sonny, this capsule collection was a fun and inspiring project to explore, but for Daphne, dabbling in design was not only an introduction to a possible future, but also a very personal project. “It has been a trying time of late. Being a single mother is not easy. My priority right now is my little girl. She is my inspiration and motivation to be a better person - to be a good mother and to give her the best I can offer in terms of love, instilling good values and to show her that being a single mother brings no social stigma, but strength, love and patience. Me working on this new project (fashion and design) has open another avenue to my career and kept my mind off delicate matters. I have found new strength in the designs. I never thought I could be a designer. And here I am venturing into this world, dabbling with my creativity and working with a bunch of extremely wonderfully creative eccentric folks who have only made me laugh and be more focused. What a blessing. Knowing the blessings in my life makes me stronger. Invincible,” she reveals.

If one is on the look out for easy-to-match pieces that are feminine and elegant, check out Daphne’s collection which is available this November at eclipse stores in Pavilion, KLCC, and Sunway Pyramid.

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A demure dress in white that can be a wedding gown (for those who are after simplicity and are on a budget). It can be customised according to your liking simply by adding beading, crystals or bows if you take it to your tailor.

A pretty cocktail dress with tiered ruffles in a modest blush hue. Best dressedup with pearls and strappy metallic heels, or if you want to opt for a punkier route, match with a black gem necklace, bracelets and gladiator heels.

A classic gown that is timeless. Ladies, you know where to look for a wedding dress. Just remember to take to your tailor to customise for a personal touch.

Here’s a piece that can be worn for work. The three quarter sleeves keep your arms covered and make it office-friendly while the plunging neckline can be covered up with a camisole underneath. Then when you’re all set to party, you can remove the camisole and wear a jewelled bib necklace that’s all the rage.

A black jumpsuit has got to be one of the easiest pieces to dress up or down. Add a belt, chandelier earrings and a snakeskin clutch for night, and for day, throw on a denim jacket and a pair of bright strappy flats.

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