10qq with saloni.

 Launched in 2010 through the Parco Next NEXT Project here in Singapore, Saloni Rathor is a label that celebrates bold and expressive women and has a firm grasp of unique tailoring for the feminine form. The pictures above are from Saloni's latest collection (SS13) entitled "Elements," clearly inspired by all that Mother Nature has to offer: warm earthy textures, vibrant blooms, rushing rivers and forest foliage. Decadent yet never excessive, Saloni Rathor's brilliant designs are a must-have for the fashion-conscious woman. Here, Saloni opens up about her life as a designer, both in and out of the studio.

1. Favorite fashion week: PFW was the best. I love the level to which the Paris shows perceive fashion and possibly how the human mind works too. They definitely aid me in being limitless when it comes to being creative. It also shows me the dreams and imaginations of many coming to life in the shows through how the presentations are put together.

2. Beauty trend you dislike the most: I think as long as the person carries off the trend well, people can look good and different in the craziest of trends. That being said, something that ticks me off are fake, long curved nails!

3. What you do to wind down on the weekend: I spend time with my husband and friends - catching up with debates, movies and fun time. Of course work is always a part of my weekend, but it's more of observing and watching new things to inspire me.

4. Favorite movie: The Notebook and the Motorcycle Diaries. 

5. 2 things you always have in your bag: An eye pencil and a notebook.

6. A childhood dream of yours: To be a dance choreographer; it's still a dream of mine so maybe in my next life!

7. Where do you find yourself on a typical Saturday night? Saturday nights I'll be out catching up with friends who are busy during weekdays. Good music in the company of my husband and friends are the best remedy to recuperate my mind. They are a strong source of support for me and help me balance leisure with work. 

8. A place you've always wanted to travel to: Paris. I would love to see the architecture, culture and fashion especially since it's been talked about so much and said to inspire so many. I have to see it in person and experience what it does to me!

9. Something you think is overrated: Experience in any work field is overrated, even new borns can create magic!

10. A band you've recently taken a liking to: Angus and Julia Stone, their songs are light and can swing you into a romantic mood.

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Check out Saloni Rathor on Facebook. 

+ Charlotte from The Style Obsessed Cookie interviewed me! Check it out here.

fide #2 - gustavo lins & alexis mabille.

Gustavo Lins

From elbow length gloves to metallic outerwear; black on black (on black on black on black) to awkward puffy blue fur (sorry Gustavo), this collection was certainly a thought-provoking one with both strong and weak aspects. While I most certainly enjoyed the fabric choices, I felt that there was a lack of "wow-factor," despite significant technical proficiency on the designer's part. The color scheme was a little confusing (lime green to gold to black, and then every color in between?), but it was clean-cut and well put-together nonetheless. Favorites have to be the assymmetrical neckline dresses pictured with gloves, as well as all the black ensembles - call me a sucker for black, but seriously, those pieces were SO well done.

Black is one of the most challenging colors to work with, simply because it leaves such a huge margin for criticism. It's a color that can be outstandingly effective when utilized in appropriate doses, but when a couturier starts OD'ing on it, critics go wild with insults. I have something of a sympathy when it comes to black though; I think it's an elegant understatement which can be emphasized or amplified with the use of things like metallic accents and tailoring, both of which Gustavo has fulfilled to great excess. There's nothing more chic than a LBD with a gold cuff, so the statement necklaces which punctuate an otherwise "flat" ensemble bring up the "chic" factor by a couple notches. The swishy dress with a daring neckline (second from right) was another simplistic beauty, and the general mash-up of fabrics was executed brilliantly.

To be perfectly honest, the infusion of bright blue fur/terrycloth accents (as pictured above) into an otherwise refined collection was a huge disappointment and deterrent to the success of the runway presentation. I loved everything else Gustavo showed, but this just didn't make the cut. It was far too avant-garde for a subdued, chic collection, and the texture screamed "blanket" more than "haute couture" to me.

I couldn't help myself - I simply had to group these pieces together to achieve a somewhat Christmassy color scheme! Although I don't particularly agree on the erratic black splotches (second to the left), the leather lining (left) looked SO classy, as did the "cut and paste" nature of the dress furthest to the right. I've always been skeptical about dresses made entirely of leather (the only person I know who can always pull off leather is Rumi Neely), but the daring slit and v-neck (second from right) made the dress a no-brainer of a winner. On a side note, how beautiful is the model on the extreme left?! She's such a stunner. 

Probably one of the strongest points of the collection, the seamless intertwining of - yes, male models into the presentation. There's nothing more refreshing than seeing a slick-haired beau march down the catwalk after dozens of gaunt females have strutted their stuff (after a while they all begin to look the same, not gonna lie). Gustavo kept the menswear to a tight-lipped minimum, with lusciously dark hues and masculine proportions. While the shredded leather look (furthest to the right) doesn't quite hit the spot, the slouchy cape look (second to the right) definitely does.

Alexis Mabille

Ornate, embellished and absolutely breathtaking - I don't really know how else to translate the beauty of Mabille's collection into words without sounding like I'm having an affair with one of his dresses. But seriously, this man is an artistic, conceptual genius. There is something so pure about his work, something so cohesive and secure about the way he put this collection together. There's an undoubted sense of flow, yet each magnificent ensemble retains a glittering uniqueness unlike any other piece in the collection. Decorated generously with jewels - be it on headpieces or trimmings, the sheer radiance of the designs set the runway alight with the flame of fantasy as Mabille shared with us his escapades into the realm of the surreal.

Perhaps one of the greatest things about this collection is Mabille's fluency at honing all aspects of the female form. Androgyny has taken the world by storm in the last few years, and it's so rare to see a collection so abundantly filled with girly silhouettes and delicate structural choices. Mabille didn't do anything to dilute his authentic flavor with a dose of masculinity - he chose v-necks over boxy shoulders, and pieces that emphasized the bust and waist in true female fashion. Masculinity has been terribly overused and abused in the female fashion sector, that it came almost as a shock to see clothing that wholeheartedly embraces a woman's form. From sweeping lace to dramatic tails, simply looking at these stunning ensembles makes me feel so in touch with my feminine side. These clothes aren't provocative, edgy or attempting to make some sort of revolutionary statement, yet they still retain a fierce quality worthy of a double-take.

+ All photo-credits to Fide Fashion Weeks.

+ Check out my first Fide Fashion Week post here!

+ [sponsored link] Melrose Medley, your one-stop destination for trendy, stylish apparel! Check out their Facebook, Twitter and Website.

fide #1 - silvian imberg & anne fontaine.

Silvian Imberg's substantial presentation was everything a swimwear collection should be; luxurious, exuberant and sexy. From sheer poolside kaftans to bikinis accentuated with frills, tassels and the like, Imberg showcased a medley of looks that communicated one essential message that is often forgotten in the low-cal hype of the industry; every woman, regardless of their body shape, has the potential to be absolutely beautiful. Seeing smiley models donning Imberg's exotic creations was a touching change from the sullen, rail-thin skeletons that dominate runways worldwide. There was a prevalent geometric emphasis, which was continually reincarnated and reinvented as the show progressed. Watercolor pieces were accentuated with metallic rings, futuristic monochrome bikinis were held together by weaves of fabric, and the magnificent flowing kaftans brought the runway to life with it's bold hues and recurring patterns. The only piece of criticism I had for this show was the lack of cohesion in the pieces. Although I appreciated the long show (talk about value for money!), seeing so many polar opposites depicted on the runway suggested that the inspiration for the designs was blurry and lacked solidarity. Innovation, glamor and sex appeal? Definitely. But a concrete aesthetic and a defined source of inspiration? Not so much.

Anne Fontaine

Anne Fontaine: the curator of chic, the queen of quintessential French design, the master of monochrome, and so much more. It's not often a designer can pull off a collection fashioned entirely from grayscale, yet Fontaine seems to have accomplished this feat with startling ease and immense delicateness. By infusing refined, McQueen-inspired accents of a theatrical nature (see the cloud-like shoulder puffs in the image above) into her otherwise simplistic designs, Fontaine was able to bring what is often perceived as office-only fashion to a refreshing new level. Black blouses were doused with texture, volume and effective tailoring, and white pieces became not-so-angelic as transparent fabrics were introduced. Standouts from this ready-to-wear collection have got to be the strapless black dress with a ruched skirt and gold detailing, as well as the beautifully simple white dress (which I got an action shot of in the first picture!).

Apologies for the great delay, but there are more Fide Fashion Week posts to come, and that's a promise!

+ Check out Singapore blogshop Melrose Medley's newest collection here! [sponsored link]

burma | photo diary by sid.

 If there's one thing I love alongside my obvious obsessions with fashion and writing, it's definitely traveling. Seeing new places and breathing new air energizes me in a way I can't even describe. During my fifteen short years of life, I've been lucky enough to experience both coasts of the United States, ski down snow-carpeted mountains in Japan, bike alongside the tree-lined Lake Geneva, lounge on the golden beaches of Thailand, hike through untouched valleys in the Himalayas, dance in some of the best studios in London and drive a campervan across New Zealand's South Island. My parents share the belief that money is best spent on experiences as opposed to material things, as experiences can never be taken away from you and foster memories that'll last you a lifetime. While "experiences over material things" might not be the greatest thing for a clothing-obsessed girl to deal with, it's actually something I completely agree with. All the times I have been abroad have marked some of the happiest periods of my existence, for there's really nothing more refreshing than to break away from the daily routine you're trapped in and trust that your subsequent ventures will challenge your mind, sharpen your perspective and open your heart.

All these brilliant photographs were taken by my talented friend Sid during his recent trip to Burma. I've never been to the less-developed parts of Asia such as Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam, but my lack of experience in those places only fuels my thirst to visit them; to witness a medley of new cultures, taste their weird and wonderful delicacies, meet the faces and the souls that shape the country and hear the authentic beat of a new nation. In fact, looking at these photographic masterpieces brings my mind to a good place; I feel myself piecing together fragments of inspiration and forming a moodboard in my mind!

 ~

What do you think of these pictures? Have you ever been to Burma?

green poppies.

Subtle, loving message to all my darling readers: Before you scroll down, please note that as this was a submission to a magazine, it's an incredibly long, full-length article. If you have fifteen minutes on your hands and are keen to read this from start to finish, I would advise a quick trip to the bathroom and a comfy seat before commencing, to ensure maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss. 

I was wearing a dress from Zara, thrifted lace tights, Doc Martens and a Sisley handbag.

Photos by Max.

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Decked out in a fresh white embroidered summer dress (whipped out especially for Diwali*, she says), embellished wedges and a skinny belt, Hazel Lam is absolutely radiant. She sparkles with natural beauty, and unlike some Singaporean women who swear by slashings of liquid liner, her makeup is tastefully applied and brings out her cute-as-a-button features. A soft-spoken sari collector, Hazel Lam is the proud owner of an artsy boutique in Singapore’s famous Haji Lane; “Green Poppies.” After studying in Korea for a few years, she fell in love with the “street style and the vibrant, unique culture”, and upon her return to Singapore, she decided to bring in stock from her favourite labels in Korea. Although Green Poppies imports most clothing from Korea, it does manufacture its own line of simple laptop cases that are always in high demand. Aside from shopping overseas, Hazel enjoys shopping at River Island and Zara, which she instantly names her favourites. She recalls with a wistful smile her youthful hopes of working in the performing arts industry, and I’m convinced that Hazel might just be the most lovely, adorable person ever. Green Poppies celebrates its 4^th year as an online store and it’s first year as a boutique next year, and it is clear that the brand is definitely on its way to even greener pastures.

*Diwali = an Indian Festival/Holiday which is also a public holiday in Singapore

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.She eagerly shows me to the second floor after we both chatted for a while and downed our drinks, where she unveils her newest collection. Pleated maxi skirts, floaty chiffon tops and intricate summer dresses are everywhere, and a sombre rack of black and white seperates is also part of the mix. A stunning array of wooden-handle clutches and various other art-deco style bags are on display, and at my feet are a magnificent line of mock-suede moccasins in rich tones (think Topshop-style shoes, a few notches down). Hazel shows me the new collection of heels as well, in particular a smouldering platform shoe with an electric red sole, and she insists they’re as comfortable as anything. “They have a platform that’s underneath the ball of your foot, so they’re a lot more comfortable than normal heels,” she says.

She pulls out a sleek black dress, cinched at the waist, pleated at the skirt and wonderfully voluptuous at the sleeves and instantly names it one of her favourites. As she roams the color coded shelves for more of the best of her newest collection, I can’t help but notice something that lured me to the store in the first place; the unflinching variety it promised. In all honesty, while I was roaming the racks of beautiful clothing, I couldn’t think of anything Hazel had missed. She had ticked all the boxes with her handpicked seperates, from girly to edgy to metallic to eveningwear. From sleek pencil skirts to dreamy ruffled pieces, the cozy, woody attic of her store was a delight to both my visual palate and my fingertips. I wondered how anyone could compress such a vast range of styles into such a compact place, but clearly Hazel could do it, and with an effortless grace, too.

She says that she doesn’t take inspiration from trends, as she says personal style is a lot more important. She chooses her collections based on her own eye, and she always likes to have a little bit of everything in the store so she can please a wide range of people.  This is obviously essential to a country like Singapore, which has an extremely limited fashion industry. If there’s one thing that anyone can notice about our country, it’s the humiliating lack of effort people put into dressing themselves well. Trends are entirely irrelevant to one’s style, and that’s only if they HAVE style. The vast majority of people you see in central Singapore dress according to one style rule: If it’s hot outside, wear flip flops. That’s all you ever really see here, sadly. T-shirts, shorts and flip flops.

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But Hazel is determined to change that. Her greatest pet peeve? “Local girls who dress well ruin it by wearing flip flops. They’re convenient and comfortable, but they just don’t look good!” she laughs. “At least wear sandals or wedges or something!”

What I love about this store is how much pride the owner takes in it. While corporate billionaires are leafing through their millions, galaxies away from the heart and soul of their brand, Hazel is buried right in the centre of it, taking charge of every decision, both big and small (she’s only got 4 staff members who are all part-timers, making this a one-woman mission). With the tireless effort she puts into maintaining the store, it’s safe to say that Green Poppies really is her little baby. She takes pride in not the store’s achievements and finances, but the happiness it brings her as a person and as an owner. Green Poppies isn’t only there to put money in her pocket, it’s to feed her passion. And as a fashionista, who could ask for more?

If you actually got to the bottom of this and read every single word in between; respect, bro.

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