Lee Yoke Meng

It may not be the main highlight of the show, but the Retail Village, with its coterie of booths displaying and retailing just about every Asian Aerospace souvenir - and more - certainly has immense drawing power.

This popular side attraction offers not only variety in the kind of souvenirs delegates can take home with them but, most of all, exclusivity as many of the items are one of a kind or catering exclusively to Asian Aerospace participants.

At this year's show, for example, there are many exciting and unique items - from being suited in "a million dollar look" to adding the latest Eurofighter model to your collection. The following is just a selection of what you can expect.

The Million Dollar Look

Participating for the first time at the show, Christian Armani Ladies and Gents Tailoring believes in giving everyone a special look for the new millennium. It is providing a special tailoring package for delegates called the "Million Dollar Millennium Look" which includes a suit, a blazer, a pair of trousers, two shirts and two ties at a cost of S$699 ($450) onwards.

The package can also be adapted for ladies, says Prem Khiatani of Christian Armani.

Based on the overwhelming response to a similar offer made at last year's Rotary International Convention in Singapore, they advise you to place orders early.

Designs Alive

This American-based firm, formerly known as Dirt Shirts, is no newcomer. It has been participating since the first Asian Aerospace but debuts this year under its new name, Designs Alive USA.

The company features apparel for the airshow, with all of the goods coming from Florida. What distinguishes its brand of apparel - like screen-printed t-shirts and embroidered items - are the designs created by the company's president and chief executive, Chuck Adams, and its excellent quality. Proof of this is certainly in the wearing - as you will see from the many delegates who can be found sporting previous years' apparel.

Designs Alive operates a worldwide business, merchandising not only for air shows but major racing events as well.

Model Fighters

Collectible models are a favourite at the Orchard Store, one of Singapore's leading hobby and scale model specialists since 1953. For this year's show, the company is offering a wide selection of miniatures, from commercial to fighter aircraft as well as weaponry and 12in (305mm) figurines.

Francis Fong of the Orchard Store expects a lot of interest for his latest collection, the Eurofighter (EF2000) and Rafale. Another new attraction is the range of the 12in figurines which can be dressed in different operational outfits and accessorised with various types of weapons.

Pins and Badges

Pins and badges are a staple of serious air show memorabilia. Thousands of these are available at Aqua and Leisure Marketing, which is also the official souvenir supplier for this year's show, and the sole agent for Victorinox, "the original Swiss Army knives".

"We've made more than 40,000 pins with the Asian Aerospace logo to give away at the show," says Ambrose Ong of Aqua and Leisure Marketing.

Other than the wide array of 3D pewter and brass pins, keychains and badges, the company also has many model airplanes and helicopters.

Orchid Favourites

First-time participant Ms Joaquim Singapore Gifts and Souvenirs offers a characteristically Singaporean gift idea: Orchid souvenirs in the form of stationery, table linen, carry bags and casual wear for men, ladies and children. Orchids are featured on all of the items, with the fashionwear specially designed by the company's designers.

Fashionwear items to look for include shawls, sarongs and blouses with orchid and batik motifs. Also available are a host of scarves and ties from Italy.

Delegates can also benefit from the special price offers given exclusively to them at the show, says Staphnie Tang of Ms Joaquim Singapore.

Be Jewelled

The main tagline at the Jewel Box is "Be jewelled...", a theme that aptly typifies the host of extensive designer jewellery it creates.

"We've been in the business for 15 years," says Sangeeta More of the Jewel Box, "and we're a fully-integrated group involved in all facets of the gem and jewellery trade, from loose coloured stones, diamond and pearls to jewellery designing and manufacturing."

Participating for the first time at Asian Aerospace, the company is exhibiting its finest selection and most intricate designs. The prices, More says, are genuine wholesale prices, even to individual buyers. In addition, many items are available at or even below cost at the show, starting from $100.

The jewellery designs are created by the Jewel Box's main designer, an Italian, and three other designers based in Asia.

Source: Flight Daily News