By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The stunning Andre Kim charity fashion show, held Tuesday in Incheon as part of the Mr World 2010 contest underway in Korea, showcased the hallmarks of masculine glamour and style.

Moreover, in spirit of the contest's humanitarian ideals, all proceeds from the event go to the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). The United Nations research center based in Seoul will use the fund to help North Korean children.

''I'm pleased it's (the event) in honor of something useful,'' said Julia Morley, chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, which is co-organizing the contest with The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group. ''This will be a heartwarming experience for the contestants,'' Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo said in a congratulatory statement.

Some 250 VIP guests were invited to attend the fourth and final of round of the preliminaries to find ''the world's most desirable man.'' Miss World 2007 Zhang Zilin of China, Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar, Miss Korea 2009 Kim Joo-ri and Mr World 1996 Tom Nuyens of Belgium were in attendance.

''Wow, how fantastic,'' onlookers muttered as the 74 contestants walked down the runway.

Brazil's Jonas Sulzbach topped the ranking and will automatically be one of the 15 finalists at the finale. The Czech Republic's Josef Caras and the Netherland's Honza Jan Filipi were second and third, respectively.

The show opened with a retinue of men led by Sulzbach. They seized the stage wearing colorfully striped track suits, designed in the spirit of the 2018 Winter Olympics, for which PyeongChang, Korea is a bidder.

The second part was dedicated to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Crystal-studded black velour track suits were paired with boots rather than sneakers for a more classic look.

Also shown were black-and-white jackets and pinstriped pants evoking an equestrian look. ''The clothes are really wonderful and different,'' said Tarek Mohammed Nagiub Abdel Gawad, who has experience as a model back home in Egypt.

The atmosphere slowly transitioned into a black dress code. The third phase was inspired by European royal wedding costumes -- outfits that Napoleon may well have worn marrying Josephine. The silky attire featured a sash draped across the shoulder and sparkly brooches and medallions adorning the chest. The palette ranged from pale icy blue to deep grayish green to black and white, but all equally boasting pomp and circumstance.

Tuxedos followed. ''Tuxedos are a must when it comes to special occasions,'' said Kim. The models du jour showed off dark tailcoats against pure white designs embellished with golden embroidery.

The show culminated with the fifth and final exposition, ''The Legend of Ancient Korea.'' Kim explained that the designs were modern reinterpretations of court clothing from the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C.), Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) kingdoms.

The puffy, heavily draped creations featured fantastic golden dragon embroidery and invited awe from the audience. The collection ranged from pleated charcoal gray pieces to tangerine gold, purple, deep navy, white and electric blue.

''It's big and flashy, and makes me feel imperial,'' said Venezuela's Jose Manuel Flores Sanchez.

''I wish to promote Korean aesthetics through the Mr World participants. For most of them it's probably their first time in our country, and I hope they go back home with fond memories, and spread the word about the beauty and technological assets of Korea,'' said Kim.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr