watercolor textures.

 booties - zara

pants - h&m

clutch - c/o katja tamara

top - tout a coup c/o i.t.

watch - c/o juicy couture

I'll be back in Singapore next weekend and I couldn't be more excited to be greeted at the airport with a gust of humid, gloriously hot air, the smiling faces of my parents and the Christmas spirit in the air. I've never spent Christmas away from Asia, so I oddly associate Christmas a lot more with the heat than with the cold in which I now spend most of the year in! I picked up these watercolor-streaked pants for £5 (yes that is five pounds everyone) at H&M; they're probably the best bargain I've ever gotten at a high street store and I love them to death for their thigh-slimming properties and exciting colors. I paired them with a super soft knit top with gorgeous sheer detailing from Tout A Coup (available at i.t. concept store in Wisma Atria), which I raved about in this blogpost after attending the opening of i.t. and being gifted a generous $100 to spend in-store on the night of the event. My stunning Zara booties have finally gotten the chance to be featured on my blog; I love them so so so much even though they cause me a lot of pain. The sleek black heel, the silver zip, the nude suede and the magenta platform - what's not to love? Yet another texture is introduced into the picture in the form of a stunning python clutch, handmade in Bali, courtesy of Katja Tamara. It's luxurious and raw to the touch with a soft, flexible shape, a discreet magnetic closure and a size that is just perfect. Last but probably most important of all is my new favorite piece of wrist-candy: the Juicy Couture watch I won in the lucky draw at their opening event at MBS! I've never won a lucky draw (or anything of the sort) so I was particularly chuffed to walk away with the Swarovski-encrusted gold beauty on my wrist! 

So there you have it: gold stainless steel, python skin, suede, knit and denim. Textural mash-ups have never been so fun!

i.t preview party!

If you're ever in Wisma Atria, there is no excuse not to pop into i.t, a luxuriously spacious multi-label concept store that's landed on our shores with a boom and isn't leaving anytime soon. i.t is, quite simply, a breath of fresh air; boasting nine exciting labels previously unavailable in Singapore. i.t is the ultimate destination for younger fashionistas to discover distinctive new labels to inspire or expand their personal style, with everything from apparel, denim, basics, outerwear, footwear, accessories and bags - for both men and women. The bright, open interiors of the store provide a canvas for each of these eclectic labels to differentiate themselves in a style similar to a department store; each brand's section is either against a wall, on a free-standing platform, in various nooks and crannies of the store, or a combination of these. Seriously though, I've never been so unbelievably excited for a new store in a long time. With 9 labels worth of hidden gems to uncover, you can't possibly get bored in i.t!

 The opening event for i.t saw a multitude of celebrities from around Asia, as well as local bloggers and style influencers. Models strutted down the corridor runway flaunting the latest collections from i.t labels to the beat of Linda Hao's DJ expertise (DJ Twoface, that is!), cameras flashed, delicious finger food was served and the atmosphere was bursting with chatter and laughs. It was one of those great events where the perfect mix of people were invited, allowing you to catch up with old friends and identify old faces, as well as meet a crop of new people. Local Radio DJ Rozz hosted the event and spoke to Helen Khoo, the Executive Director of Wing Tai Retail, who said "our i.t store inspires the ideas of fashion trend and accessibility to address the fashion needs of today's shoppers." 

dress: tally weijl via fashfix

perspex clutch: mno.logie c/o style.in.kind

belt: c/o oasap

heels: (not pictured) mango

Dressing up for events is definitely one of my favorite parts of being a blogger; it's so exciting to put together new ensembles for press events/meetings! I love the color of this tiered dress which fits like a dream and is so comfortable. I accentuated the waistline with a statement gold belt from Oasap, and kept the rest of my outfit simple with nude heels and my favorite perspex clutch.

 

One of my favorite labels featured in i.t has got to be Tout A Coup. Established in 2007 to target young women, this nostalgic European-style label offers the best selection of smart casual wear with a feminine, eclectic twist. Their summer collection is based on the themes of "Transparent Tailoring" and "Neon Retro," so lightweight materials like lace, mesh and organza evoke the understated, sensual appeal of French women. Tailoring is taken to a new level with hexagon cut-outs, and slashed prints in summery pastel hues lend a burst of color to any ensemble. On the "Neon Retro" front, we're greeted with the most exciting juxtapositions of fluorescents and richer colors like violet and sapphire blue. Layering various semi-translucent fabrics of different colors add depth and dimension, and patchworks, high waisted and cape silhouettes reign supreme this season. What's not to love?

There was also a great badge-making station where custom-drawn designs by a small crew of talented doodlers were pressed into pin badges. Props to Jansen and his Word of Mouth Communications team for organizing and facilitating the smooth running of a very memorable event! 

(images courtesy of WOM Comm)

future fashion now ss13 | part 2.

{read part 1 here}
From eclectic neon florals at Jonathan Liang to wild watercolors at Juma; edgy metallics from Saturday and simple feminine dresses by Saena - The 7.30pm Future Fashion Now show at Wisma Atria's "Workshop Element" show-space really packed a punch, and left the entire audience exhilarated, refreshed, and ready for more. With such a vast range of beautifully crafted clothing from some of the world's most promising talents, watching such carefully curated aesthetics and strong thematic flavors come to life on the runway certainly fueled my enthusiasm for fashion.

 Jonathan Liang

{view/shop the whole collection here}

Eye catching florals? Check. Modern neon accents? Check. A range of beautifully combined fabrics in a whole host of styles to fit all sorts of body shapes and preferences? Check check check. Jonathan Liang's SS13 collection was certainly not for the faint hearted; with playful elements that gave a nod towards the designer's light-hearted side, these sophisticated separates are perfect for the child in all of us. Pleated skirts, fluorescent hems and 3D flower appliques (I KNOW!!!!!) formed the basis for this succulently floral collection, while sharply tailored basics such as crisp white blouses and black pencil skirts brought it back down to earth. Furthermore, Liang's show was the only one that didn't have Also, extra points go to those cheeky bralets - I normally despise these, but Jonathan Liang has succeeded in turning these provocative, slightly distasteful articles of clothing into works of art, the same way he succeeds with the rest of his collection: with volume, color, and a little grin.

 Juma

{view/shop the whole collection here}
I don't know how else to put this, so I'll just say it: this collection looks like the designer has had too much to drink and too many colors to choose from. And of course, I mean that in the best way possible. So many designers, emerging ones in particular, play it safe for SS13 with generic brights and monotonous prints, and Juma's daring leap into the neon aisle (a leap that caused a number of paints to fall off the shelves, splatter everywhere, and thus caused the explosion that is Juma SS13. My creativity is too abundant) made everyone sit up straighter in their seats. In fact, I could practically hear the cameras clicking faster and faster, lapping up each meticulously crafted piece. Loud statement prints and summer hues are injected with a superfluous dose of electricity to create the marvelously eye-catching collection, and the humble floral print is given a whole new update in eclectic, unexpected hues. After the show, I overheard some people talking about Juma's presentation, saying: "I loved the bright colors!" Honestly, "bright" is a total and utter understatement.

 Saena

{view/shop the whole collection here}

Simple, sultry and effortlessly chic, this summery collection is brimming with versatile monochrome dresses punctuated with simple, girly accents. Filled with staple pieces for the warmer months, these day-to-night frocks are littered with subdued details and each have a relaxed, "resort" silhouette. A winning color scheme, yes, but a little too one-dimensional and narrow in terms of variety of texture, cut, style and "wow-factor."

 Saturday

{view/shop the whole collection here}

Cute, floral musings and washed out pastel? Nah, more like androgynous tailoring, minimalistic metallics and sophisticated sex appeal. Saturday gave S/S collections a whole new meaning, and filtered out anything expected and generic. With a strong eye for tailoring and refined aesthetic taste, Saturday's take on Spring/Summer isn't for the faint at heart. The show opened with a wonderful array of metallic shift dresses, stripped of all accessories and embellishments to a gorgeously minimalist state. Following that were urban-chic separates for the introverted city-dweller (or the comfort seeking individual!), which introduced a medley of new textures to the collection: each draped and cut to immaculate perfection. Woven throughout the entire show was a number of remarkable tailored sleeveless "jackets," which could be worn over a fitted pair of pants, unbutton and thrown on over a slinky dress, or (yikes!) even alone, as shown in the images above. If that doesn't scream versatile, understated and utterly chic, I don't know what does.

~

Which collection did you guys like the best and why?
 Credits to Studio 719 for all the spectacular runway images!

future fashion now ss13 | part 1.

 With the whole world moving at the speed of light, having to wait a whole season to get your paws on that gooooorgeous Tory Burch bag isn't only fashion torture, but it's impractical, inefficient, and is probably one of the greatest drawbacks of the industry, although no one ever says so. That's why Future Fashion Now might just be the next greatest thing ever - it empowers consumers to order custom-made looks straight off the runway in real time. Debuting at Singapore's Audi Fashion Festival in May 2012, FFN hopes to lift up emerging designers and bring fashionistas closer to their clothes - thus bridging the gap between customer and designer. FFN made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week this year, and on Wednesday night, they did the whole thing all over again for their supporters on their home turf - all 11 designers packed into three absolutely electric shows:

Show 1: Khoon Hooi (Kuala Lumpur), Esther Perbandt (Berlin), Ong Shunmugam (Singapore) and Elohim by Sabrina Goh (Singapore).

Show 2: Saena (Berlin), Saturday (Singapore), Juma (New York), Jonathan Liang (Paris).

Show 3: Dzojchen (Singapore), Mae Pang (Singapore), Evenodd (Singapore). 

 With beautiful models, fast-paced turnovers, deafening beats and the brightest lights, every single audience member remained thoroughly intrigued for the duration of all three shows. I'd be typing until tomorrow morning if I were to tell you exactly what I thought of every aspect of the event, so I'll split my FFN roundup into three parts - one for each show. 

Khoon Hooi 
 {view the whole collection here}
A vibrant celebration of youthfulness, color and luxury, Khoon Hooi's SS13 ensembles were saturated with texture, femininity and delectable candy-colored embellishments. It struck the perfect balance between demureness and sensuality and effortlessly flattered the female form. By mixing summery prints such as lace and retro florals and layering them with the likes of neutral chiffon and mesh, the collection satisfied a wide array of style preferences and trends. While hemlines were short and mesh overlays were provocative, the neutral backdrop upon which the glitzy sequins resided provided a classy complexion for the more risque aspects of Hooi's imagination to take flight. I especially enjoyed his innovative take on the much overdue peplum trend; by "lacing" the fabric in the same way you lace a shoe (see this lacing on the blue minidress above), he injected a classic, long-term trend with a refreshing update. He manipulated silhouettes with the unique use of ornamental organza flowers, usually in a muted, matte gold color. These twirly floral additions were placed at the waist, hips and occasionally the shoulders, and succeeded as the perfect summery touch for a very modern collection. Each of the zips were decorated with a thick bunch of black tassels, serving as a subtle defining feature of Hooi's work - tres cute, if you ask me! Streamlined mustard pantsuits, T-strap dresses and brocade motifs created by coral-colored sequins were definite standouts, and although the sex appeal was another bonus, the low cut dresses and barely-there backs could've easily resulted in a nip-slip or two. Or four. Nevertheless, from sequin-smothered shift dresses to luxuriously shapeless maxis, Hooi's creations ticked all the boxes of what a successful Spring/Summer collection should be.

Esther Perbandt 
 {view the whole collection here}
(apologies for the lack of runway pictures, Camilla and I were undergoing some technical difficulties with the camera during Esther Perbandt's show!)

With an evident penchant for fabric deconstruction and subsequent re-construction, Perbandt's belief in the power of fabric is evident through the lack of stand-out embellishments and kaleidoscopic color in her collection. Simple pleated shorts, alluring sheer blouses and unfinished pantsuits gave the feminine form a fresh new identity, punctuated by the recurring use of metallic chain-belts. These elegant belts ultimately determined the silhouette of any given ensemble, and were used to a variety of powerful effects. Hung loosely as a drop waist in one instance, and fastened firmly at the waist in another, they wove through the whole collection and suggested an industrial feel. Speaking of weaves, the sophisticated shift dress in stone-cold blue (the only evidence of color in this collection) sported a classic weave and a contrasting modern neckline, adding a refreshing new dimension to the presentation. Ultra-sheer swathes of black chiffon were sent down the runway, and appeared to have been massacred by the likes of a three year old with scissors and were covered with oddly placed zips. The same million-dollar aesthetic was brought down to earth in the form of an equally "zippy" grey cardigan, a slouchy grey tank emblazoned with a modern motif, and neutral harem pants, which, dare I say, looked comfy enough to be pajamas! With such strong androgynous tailoring and a beautifully silent aesthetic, the skillful manipulation of mere fabric without any fussy frills attached was more than enough to do justice to this designer's work.

Elohim by Sabrina Goh 
 {view the whole collection here}

Mint greens, electric blues and blazing reds, Goh's works of art exploded onto the runway and left behind a fluorescent, psychedelic trail which set the mood for the rest of the evening. Modern, sterile, and oh-so geometric, this collection played with only a few colors but did so to a marvelous extent. Each model was sent down the runway donning a pair of mirrored space-age glasses, which only emphasized the clean-cut power of what they were wearing. The show opened with a seamless, fluid asymmetrical side-slit dress in a shocking blue (pictured in black on the far left of the runway photos), which showed no evidence of hemline stitching, or for that matter, any form of stitching. This was followed by modern shift dresses (pictured on the far left of the lookbook photos) and preppy frocks updated for the 21st (or 22nd...) century. Sleeveless and full-skirted a la 1950s, but sensually thigh-skimming and adorned with peplum overlays (pictured on the far right of the runway photos) in less-than-demure colors. Goh subsequently began to showcase her explorations into volume and shape, and played with stripy boyfriend tees which were reincarnated later into office-ready tailored separates. Standouts from this collection would have to be the puzzle side-slit dress (pictured on the far right of the lookbook photos), an ingenious marriage between a soft gray skirt and an architectural blue shift, and the puzzle top (pictured in the center of the runway photos), a cut-and-paste confection of prints in a desirable slouchy cut. 

Ong Shunmugam 

{view the whole collection here}

Ong Shunmugam is on the "quest to craft beautiful clothes" and put "sartorial construction before fast fashion," and after sitting through a five minute runway presentation of their absolutely delectable Spring/Summer 2013 collection, I am completely and utterly taken with this brand. Created for the "thoughtful dresser," Ong Shunmugam ateliers across Asia look only as far as their oriental front lawns for inspiration, and combine sophisticated prints through the use of gentle geometric shapes to create multifaceted ensembles with a clear oriental heritage. Almost all the looks employed the same simple collar (I don't really know if it's Chinese or Japanese or whatever, but I know that it's Asian!), which served to elongate the neck and conceal the chest/cleavage in the manner of a conservative, classy woman. With a million dollar color palette, this pared-down collection sported everything from elegant olive pantsuits to caped floor length dresses, and plenty of lace-adorned shift dresses in between. I particularly enjoyed the shift dresses, which each displayed up to four different prints and a medley of colors. As the show progressed, the collection began to pull away from strict Asian influences, and explore general floral motifs. Powerful capes were the perfect way to end the show - and the translucency of the chiffon floral capes looked beautiful against the runway lights. Ong Shunmugam provided a dramatic sequence of pieces, but they weren't silly and theatrical. They were inspired by fantasy, yet were utterly in-tune with reality.  

~

Which collection did you guys like the best and why?