I didn't think I'd ever live to see the day when an international Haute Couture designer collaborated with an immensely successful online retailer, but it happened this Fashion Season and I'm sure as hell happy it did. Love, Bonito is the mother of all fashion e-retailers in Singapore and in Asia; the site which dresses thousands of women and has inspired hundreds to begin their own online fashion retail ventures. Easily Singapore's most established "blogshop," (I don't even think the term "blogshop" fits it anymore) Love, Bonito has an impressive reputation of happy customers, helpful customer service, quality apparels and more. Julien Fournie, on the other hand, worked in several of fashion's greatest design houses (Celine, Givenchy and Dior, anyone?) before opening his eponymous Haute Couture label in the summer of 2009. A FIDé favorite, Fournie has sent a total of three collections down Singapore runways, including his latest collaborative venture with Love, Bonito. So, what happens when young, fast-fashion savvy business trio Viola, Rachel and Velda join forces with a French Haute Couture designer? Nothing less than a match made in heaven. We chat with Viola and Rachel about music, previous career dreams and Love, Bonito's smashing latest collaboration.
Viola: My source of inspiration comes from my travels.
Rachel: I gain inspiration from fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle UK.
2. What motivates you to continue maintaining Love, Bonito as one of the country's most successful online stores?
It is definitely the affirmation from our customers and seeing them wear our pieces on the streets. That is our constant motivation to work hard to deliver exceptional apparels and excellent customer service.
3. What are your favorite trends as of late?
Viola: I am a big fan of Mary Katrantzou’s prints. I also think red lips is timeless and classic, it instantly brightens the face and can make any woman feel more confident.
Rachel: Cropped tops, landscape prints and skirts with slits.
4. What were your career aspirations when you were a teenager?
Viola: I have always wanted to be a lawyer or a novel writer.
Rachel: A teacher or a tour guide because I love interacting with people!
5. If you had to wear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Viola: Without a doubt, confidence.
Rachel: A printed mini skirt. It is so versatile, you can glam it up with high heels for a girls’ night out or pair it with sneakers for a casual look.
6. Tell us a little more about your collaboration with Julien Fournie.
We attended Julien’s show last year at FIDe Fashion Weeks and we were intrigued and astonished by his work and style. We casually spoke to Dr Frank Cintamani, Chairman of FIDe Fashion Weeks, about the idea of Love, Bonito collaborating with a haute couturier, specifically Julien Fournié. He believed in our brand, heard our wishes and linked us up with Julien. The magic of haute couture meets fast fashion happened. We owe it to Dr Frank for making this beautiful partnership happen.
7. What's the best thing about your job?
Viola: Affirmation from our customers and meeting like-minded people who believe in us and are supportive of what we do, they give us the strength to do even better.
Rachel: I get to decide the designs Love, Bonito will launch; down to the colours, fabrics, textures and embellishments!
8. What three foods can't you stand?
Viola: Parsley, garlic and onions
Rachel: Kimchi, clams and ginger
9. Current favorite singer/music artist:
Viola: Coldplay
Rachel: Coldplay and Justin Timberlake
10. Plans for the future of Love, Bonito:
We are very honoured to be the first online retailer in Asia to showcase a marriage of haute couture and fast fashion. Our doors are now open for future collaborations like this to come. With this partnership, Love, Bonito will work towards penetrating into the international fashion market online.
Check out this awesome video for a further peek into the foundations of this collaboration!
What do you think of the Julien Fournie for Love, Bonito collaboration?
The models look fantastic, such an interesting post to read :)
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