Happenings at UP YOUR IMAGE QUOTIENT (UYIQ1)

“OK, you turn around first, let me check what body shape are you!” Jo looked enthusiastically at her partner, Sue, who turned around to let her do the body profiling. Sheila just spent the last 1 hour on the topic Cut & Style at the opening of the 2-day “UP YOUR IQ (Image Quotient)” workshop at Berjaya Times Square Convention Hall.

Jo put her fingers over the edge of Sue’s shoulder and measured her silhouette. She tried to figure out whether Sue is a spoon or a figure 8. Finally, she decided to tell Sue that her body shape is a spoon. Jo now turned around and let Sue diagnose her in return.

The exercise of identifying each body shape was the first criteria to choosing the right dress or shirt cutting for the right body shape, for both men and women. The 220+ audience at the workshop was made to do their own body shape diagnosis in groups of 10. Each group was assigned an Image Professional from SWET. They will help to confirm the audience’s diagnosis on the spot.  There were hives of exciting exclamations as the groups discovered to their delights, their very own body shape. Now they know how to work with their bodyline to accentuate their silhouette and style. Thus, giving them more empowerment when they dress up to work, at social gathering or just simply, shopping.

Sheila emphasized, “Each of us has a body. Whether you like it or not, or what shape it is, it is going to be with you for a long time. So, why not work with it to look beautiful and handsome all the time.”

With that, she weaved her magic on stage picking up the various body shape for men and women, changing their attire and gave them a look that wowed the audience. While the men adorned tie, jacket and some casual wear, the ladies had a makeover with some make-up and accessories. The moment they walked on stage, there were woos and wows, approvals and applause when they saw the transformation. It was a simple change of clothing, from a tight-fitted belted trench coat to a long mermaid skirt for a figure 8. A tie and jacket for a ruler-shape man, a low-waist silver belt for a cone-shape lady and a black fitting shirt for a cone-shape man to enhance his toned shoulder. The change was not significant neither was the cost of the new attire, but the effect was worth a million.

Over the 2 days workshop, Sheila covered many topics : cut & style, colors, business etiquette and body language. There were group activities and role-play where the audience was guided through a series of games where they put to practice what they have learned.

For the Platinum VIPs, they were treated to a tea reception with Sheila going through in details the various body shapes for men and women. The models showcased a new clothing range that fit each body shape, namely cone, figure 8, ruler, spoon and hour glass. They were attired by an up and coming fashion designer, Sally, from Macgo Creation, whose merchandise are displayed and available from Isetan. For men’s clothing, they were from Charles Jourdan and Feraud, both available from Parkson Pavilion.  Their hair was styled by hairstylists from Osaka Salon. Accessories from Bellewery. Make-up by SWET Professionals.

It was really a surprise when we noticed the next day that many people in the audience took heed of the dressing sense and made some remarkable changes to their attire. Everyone looked smart and gorgeous on Sunday. As one participant put it, “It is a natural process, when you know who you are and feel good about it, you would want to look good as well.” The lady seated next to her, nodded in agreement, looking triumphant in her gray jacket with a shawl collar, smiling sweetly, “Yes, even for a grandmother like me.”