Bulgari Bulgari Whispers With Silent Class

Whether or not you were a nineties child, what you should know about the decade is that it was when less became a lot more. Coming from the 1980s where big and bold was beautiful, from hair to exaggerated shoulders aided by shoulder pads, the trend of the 90s was by far more muted. The focus shifted drastically from the rash expression of individuality to being about being subtly chic.

It was also during the mid-90s that jewellery giant Bulgari launched its legendary Bulgari Bulgari jewellery collection, sealing its status as the go-to jeweller for the moneyed class. Cue 2012, Bulgari has unearthed its archives to present a series of reinterpretations of the pieces. The resulting collection presented is both nostalgically reminiscent of the era, and ultra-modern.

The key component of Bulgari pieces is its characteristic circular ‘BVLGARI BVLGARI’ engraving that is instantly recognizable. This time, it has been updated with a lozenge of mother-of-pearl, onyx or diamonds in the centre. Pieces in the collection include necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all similar yet different, to offer numerous possible combinations. The Bulgari Bulgari collection might not be the kind of statement pieces that scream for attention, but it whispers with silent class to those with an eye for it.

The collection goes on sale at Bulgari stores in Takashimaya, Marina Bay Sands and Hilton from June 2012.

Amanda Mok

Images: Bulgari

Shoulders & Structure: Mugler Fall Winter 2012 at Audi Fashion Festival

The Mugler Fall Winter 2012 fashion show which opened Audi Fashion Festival was THE show fashion insiders flock to, be it the newest hip bloggers, the renowned photographers, the makeup mavens, the influential editors/journalists, the stylish tais tais, the distinguished tycoons or the show stopping celebrities from the media, you could say that the whole fashion industry were all out in full force that day as it was the place to see and be seen!

And the excitement just doesn’t stop there! It was Nicola Formichetti’s first Mugler showcase out of Paris and everybody including me was as excited as a kid waiting to enter into an exclusive candy store opening!

On the show collection itself, my first impressions was of course the futuristic edge which was evident right before the show even started during the final rehearsal with the music by Ryuichi Sakamoto and remixed by Michel Gaubert blasting from within the tent.

Mixing fringe with fur, strong shoulders with structure and exotic leather with luxurious fabric, the Mugler girl is one who is rare, wild, exotic, powerful, wierdly sophisticated, classy as well as (in the words of Justin Timberlake) future sexy! She is not afraid to experiment with colour, texture, ground breaking cutting, sheer fabric and cutouts, teasing the Mugler audience through the show of skin. And YES!!! This obsession with Pandas, meant that Nicola also known affectionately as Nicopanda has spilled over into the design of the collection with the stark contrast of black on white and white on black including references to bone with the use of white python leather.

That said, I do hope that through this show, through Audi Fashion Festival 2012, that Singapore would be inspired enough to want to think differently when it comes to fashion, be motivated to breakout of the mold just so to have fun with life through the evolution of our personal style and to grow and mature as a prosperous fashion nation. After all, fashion is all about the future as much as it is about the past and I certainly do think that there is a form of future sexiness in all of us, Timberlake or not!

Stanley Lui

Images: Mugler, Audi Fashion Festival

Transformer Cases by Dror for TUMI

In collaboration with luxury travel brand TUMI, renowned designer Dror Benshetrit has engineered an 11-piece collection of dynamic hard cases and soft bags which will literally ‘suit’ your every need. Every piece has been designed to be adapted easily to varying baggage requirements, oras I like to say, become “different totes for different folks”.

Having established his inter-disciplinary practice in 2002, Benshetrit has worked with notable partners like Bentley, The Guggenheim Museum and Bombay Sapphire. Together with his widely acclaimed creations, the Tron and Peacock chairs commissioned by Capellini, Dror’s works exude a well-balanced design philosophy- marrying aesthetic form and versatile function.The coolest of the transformer luggage is the deceptive 9-inch hardside case dubbed “The International Carry-On”,which can be conveniently switched to its 14-inch mode with an increased capacity of 45%. And it does so without incorporating an off-putting external zipper, which leads me to predict that it will be particularly popular with women on their sabbatical shopping trips.

The bag I was drawn to was the “Expandable Messenger”, which can go from sleek to sweet in no time at all, rolling out space for a small laptop or iPad when needed. This is a practical, masculine bag which you won’t be ashamed to carry with you from the work day toa night out with your friends. I personally find this series a refreshing takeon the travel luggage segment. Proving that brown is the new black, this stylish range replaces the dull baggage lugged around by travelers and business executives alike.

The signature, multi-faceted panel on the frontof each piece also stands out as a testament to the architectural language imbedded in the collection, forming a common visual identity across all the cases and bags.

Encompassing artistic sophistication and intuitive functionality that TUMI has become known for, the Dror for TUMI collection shines with an air of decorum and poise for that almost futuristic look and feel.

James Lin

Images: Tumi

The Fashionide’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This is the day to celebrate, a day to remember and to look back at the sacrifices our mothers have made for us. Be it if you’ve only got a budget of $5 or $5000, we’ve got that perfect gift guide if you are looking to do some last minute shopping for that little gift to reward the special women of our lives.

Clockwise from top left, we have a polka dot Charline brooch from Anne Fontaine, price upon request, red tortoise shell Summerset 1 sunglasses from Dior, price upon request, Magnum Temptation ice-cream with fruit bonbons, S$4.90, chrysanthemum ipad case in cherry, S$265 from Shanghai Tang, “Lily” bag in suede with gemstones patches, S$3,690 from Mulberry, satin wrapped shell evening bag with metal chain, S$1,890 from Lanvin and last but not least a Marguerite Flat Tote, S$920 from Oroton.

Now go forth and make her day! And do check out the special Magnum Pop Up Dessert Bar located at ION Square too from now to the 23rd May 2012! :)

Stanley Lui

Images: Anne Fontaine, Dior, Magnum, Shanghai Tang, Mulberry, Lanvin, Oroton, Club21

The Fashionide Goes SOHO

The Fashionide was proud to be the official photography partner of the Société SOHO charity event, held on 3rd May 2012.

Celebrating the glory days of the 30’s shophouse culture that Harlem is known for, more than 30 guests enjoyed a night of great soul jazz, food and cocktails at SOHO Coffee along Armenian Street while doing their bit for charity.

This quaint event was organised by The Experience Architect The experiencearchitect, in benefit of CARE Singapore. A silent auction of 3 artworks by budding artist Megan Lim En, a holder of the prestigious Ngee Ann Kongsi Scholarship and first year SOTA student, was held to empower children at risk.

We had the honour of interviewing Miss Rashmi, a fashion-forward management consultant in the IT and Telecomms industry. Usually dressed in a power suit for work, she had on a trendy chic get-up with a pastel green tanktop and white designers jeans, matched with a rainbow coloured Coach Poppy handbag.

For more photos of the event in our Facebook album!

James Lin

J.Lindeberg Flagship Store Opens at Mandarin Gallery

From the country best known for furniture giant IKEA comes a fashion brand oozing classic Scandinavian pizzazz!

Sleek Swedish label J.Lindeberg has opened its first menswear flagship store in Southeast Asia, situated at luxury retail space Mandarin Gallery. A modern lifestyle brand specializing in casual and sports wear, J.Lindeberg is best known for its progressive golf and ski collections which have garnered a following among the sports’ leading athletes.

Endorsed by charismatic LPGA star Anna Rawson, the brand has gained fans like PGA contender Jesper Parnevik, who received quite a bit of attention when he swept the Byron Nelson Classic, donned in pink J.Lindeberg chinos. The label is also a red carpet staple, worn by Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, U2’s Bono, Justin Timberlake, Ashton Kutcher and The Killers.

As an avid fan of online fashion retailer ASOS, a stockist of the label, I was pleased to learn that J.Lindeberg had finally opened a physical store in Singapore. I managed to pop by the store for a visit and really liked the rustic and threadbare décor – untreated concrete floor tastefully furnished with redesigned ashwood vintage shelves for that rugged touch and feel.

What I particularly admire about the label is its juxtaposition of sportswear with chic casual wear, marrying the two formats seamlessly. Though it pays attention to comfort, durability and hi-tech materials like other sportswear brands, J.Lindeberg manages to incorporate contemporary style into its design aesthetics.

Instead of a lineup of gaudy, striped polo tees which are valued only for the brand’s logo, the label gives you a good range to play with, on and off the green. What you can expect are jersey shirts, merino cardigans and twill shorts in neutral shades for the active sportsman with a penchant for comfort, function and style.

So do visit the store at Mandarin Gallery #02-17 if you’re in the area; we promise you won’t be disappointed!

James Lin

Images: J.Lindeberg

Hermès Leather Forever

For all you Londoners out there, Hermès will be launching “Leather Forever”, a major exhibition set to take place within the heart of England celebrating the luxury bag maker’s 175 years of relationship and history with leather.

Visitors to this exhibition will be treated to a poetic journey exploring Hermès’ love for fine materials as well as Hermès’ past, like the historical bags commissioned by the Duke of Windsor for his Duchess and some of the latest leather creations.

Craftsmen from the Parisian Hermès workshops will also be present at the exhibition to demonstrate the art of leather working through the recreation some of the brand’s more iconic bags. In addition, to mark the opening, four very unique Hermès bags will be sold during the exhibition period with all proceeds going to the Royal Academy of Arts.

Specific details of the exhibition are as follow:

Location: 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1.
Date: 8th May - 27th May 2012 
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 am - 6pm, Fridays until 10pm.
Admission is free for all visitors.

Stanley Lui

Images: Hermès

Raoul Pre-Fall 2012

Raoul’s Pre-Fall collection grew out of an Equestrian inspiration of the rich textures of a saddle and the bold colours of a Jockey rider. For someone who’s never quite ridden before, I was more drawn to the 20s silhouette than anything else, although I did appreciate the subtle touches like the brown tweed dress trimmed with donkey suede at the shoulder and waist.

Partly referencing the decade in which fashion entered the modern era signaling the end of the formal code, Raoul focused on the easy grace of a breezy silhouette.  As women abandoned their formerly restricted garments for more comfortable ones, so does Pre-Fall free up the Raoul woman to pursue a fashion sensibility in which she wears the clothes, not the other way round. It’s focus is not so much the physicality of a woman, as much as who she actually IS. With the options of slightly slouchy drawstring trousers that still manage to remain sharp, smart A-line shift dresses and drop-waisted pleated skirts and dresses, I’d say this woman knows how to strike a good balance.

My favourites from this collection have got to be the selection of gowns, maxi and midi dresses. Keeping in mind that the era of the 20s fashion was still relatively conservative, Pre-Fall went straight for floor-grazing, pleated chiffon and jersey that will go the distance in any wardrobe. Where choices reflect the personality of the wearer, I appreciated the sensibility of this one.

Amanda Mok

Images: Raoul

A Summer with Bottega Veneta

At this start of the summer, if there is a collection I were to put my finger on that I think would clearly embody the spirit of the tropics, it would surely have to be the SS2012 Men’s collection for Bottega Veneta.

Browsing through the pictures, I can’t help but notice that very relaxed, summer vacation almost resort feel to the collection. The clever use of colours brought to mind a resplendent jungle accented with hints of yellowing trees mixed with the light blues of an Amazonian waterfall to the deep blues of the pacific ocean on a bright cloudy day and the full on blush of orange, pink and red Heliconias. 

Yes! Tomas Maier has achieved all of that whilst maintaining that structured urban look in terms of fit and design. The collection’s rich summery hues definitely gives it a very fashionable edge. This is especially so for their colour sprayed jeans! I mean the models looked like they had just stepped out from fashion forest!!!

The green-yellow colour spray on blue japanese denim jeans matched with a green accented brown shirt and knitted pattern cardigan just screams masculinity and trendiness at the same time! And that unsprayed band surrounding the jeans??? That’s an interesting way to frame the legs and I reckon the green-yellow on blue piece to be worn during the day while the full on pink-orange on blue to be worn during your boy’s nightout at the club!

Personally, I really adore the checkered brown on brown striped shirt as it reminded me of the rustic canings of vintage rattan chairs layed out under the sunny veranda. Doesn’t that looks just like the perfect shirt for a stylish getaway in the Maldives no?

That said, if casual luxury isn’t really part of your fashion vocabulary, the suits are nice options to brighten up your wardrobe! I like how chic it is with the all buttoned up look that is all so vogue now and there is that nice contrast between the deep blues of the blazer with the bright blue sky on the shirt and the green horizon played on by the belt. I can’t help but notice all these subtle references to nature really.

All in all, a contrast between surface and silhouette intertwined with a good play on colour, print and pattern, Tomas Maier has created yet a sophisticated summer collection that holds up to Bottega Veneta’s philosophy of understated design.

More images from the SS2012 media presentation held in Singapore on Facebook.

Stanley Lui

Images: Bottega Veneta

Fashion Steps Out With The Next Face of Asia

The buzz and excitement of surrounding Fashion Steps Out (FSO) 2012 which started right at the heart of Orchard Road where fashion literally stopped traffic culminated into a spectacular finale held at the Shaw Theatres Lido on the 30th April 2012. 

The lovely models paraded in Ashley Isham’s Spring Summer 2012 collection and Paula V, the 1.82m tall, 25-year-old contestant from Indonesia was eventually named the winner. Besides walking away with more than $15,000 worth of prizes, she will be the Next Face of Asia for FSO 2013.

Watching the whole competition, it is of no surprise to me at all for Paula to win. She clearly deserves the title as she exuded every bit the confidence and finesse needed of a model on the runway. In fact, she was so so comfortable striking those poses, it was as if the theatre was simply an extension of her home! Her poise and stature did gave her quite the boost though and she didn’t look the bit lost wearing her Ashley Isham gown unlike some of the other contestants. 

That said, I remembered seeing her walking the runway for the Gucci Spring Summer 2012 show held at the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) earlier this year, so maybe her prior modelling experiences played a part in her win too. No?

Stanley Lui

Images: Fashion Steps Out 2012 / Milton Tan Photography

REDValentino Spring Summer 2012

The REDValentino Spring Summer 2012 presented by SPH’s Female and Nuyou magazines was all abuzz with excitement and curiosity when the invites were sent out, informing us that it was going to be held at the now-defunct Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

When the Fashionide team arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the railway station looked nothing like the dilapidated shell that it looks like in the day. Instead, it had been transformed into a mirage of soft lights and beautiful people, with the promise of a good show.

The REDValentino collection showed didn’t disappoint either. Introduced in 2004, RED shares the same feminine aesthetic as its main brand, but aims to be more casual and contemporary. Spring Summer was all about light, romantic dresses, ladylike jackets, REDValentino’s signature floral prints and embroidered detailing. What I appreciate about REDValentino is its ability to do fun and girly, without forgetting that their pieces have got to be well-fitting and well-made, in all seriousness. After all, the REDValentino girl will eventually don Valentino, when she comes of age.

I loved the double-breasted cream-coloured trench with the cutest eyelets, which ended thigh-high with a scalloped hem. The fabric was light, but snug enough for the tail-end of winter going into spring. Another look that I found myself going back to was a jacket-and-skirt combination. What made the take so refreshing was that the jacket was constructed as if well… you were going to do some serious hiking in it; with all the practical trappings of a flap over the hidden zip, and hood. But then it stops at the waist, dangles with straps to be tied into simple ribbon knots, and is in in the prettiest, dreamy dusty-pink.

Another thing I got really excited about were their scalloped shorts! I know this scalloped shorts-knitted sweater and killer heels combination thing has been going on for ages now, but the fact is, we haven’t been able to move on from it since! Plus, the ones at REDValentino come in black sequinned lace, white knitted cotton and English-flower nylon print. Just one more in the wardrobe to work with won’t hurt! ;)

Amanda Mok

Images: Milton Tan Photography

Singapore Men’s Fashion Week 2012: MCM Autumn Winter 2012

German luxury brand, MODE CREATION MUNICH (MCM) made its South-East Asian debut with an eclectic runway show flaunting its Autumn Winter 2012 collection.

Themed “The Munich Wildlife”, MCM’s collection was a tongue-in-cheek play on the spirit of the Bavarian capital’s vibrant nightlife. Animal prints and studded leather were the main order of the night, establishing the exotic yet rustic identity of the brand.

The label also showcased its versatility with a large variety of looks ranging from the heritage pieces to the youthful tough-lux ones. I was pleasantly surprised when two models graced the runway on Segways customised in MCM’s signature monogramme print.

True to the spirit of the fashion week, the show was indeed a befitting homage to korean pop culture and fashion. My favourite men’s look was a studded leather jacket paired with python print pants and a studded leather backpack - which emanated that certain swagger and vibe of a classic rockstar.

All in all, the closing show for Singapore Men’s Fashion Week 2012 was a sweet icing on the cake summing up the brilliant presentations put up by other designers such as Alexis Mabille, Matthew Miller, Diet Butcher Slim Skin and D.GNAK, amongst others. That said, we cannot but wait with bated breath for the better things that are to come at the next Singapore Men’s Fashion Week 2013 as well as for Women’s Fashion Week 2012 which is happening near the end of the year.

James Lin

Images: Singapore Men’s Fashion Week 2012

MARGUERITE’S MENAGERIE - Hermione de Paula Fall Winter 2012

I’ve always loved a collection with a good story behind it. Clothes come alive for their wearers, when there is a context to them. More than just having a running theme or colour that binds each of the pieces presented together, a good story weaves an entire fantasy. It beckons, and then completely draws you into itself, taking you into its fantastical journey of imagination; far, far removed from reality.

I haven’t heard a story quite like Hermione de Paula’s ‘MARGUERITE’S MENAGERIE’ in a long, long time. Her Fall Winter ’12 collection tells the story of a twisted English flower - a dark Lolita. Menageries first appeared in seventeenth-century France, referring to a curious aristocratic penchant for keeping exotic animals and plants. As for Marguerite, she is both decadent and a daydreamer. In her fantastical world, where nothing is quite what it seems, her menageries come into having a life of their own. Flowers and their vines writhe and contort, snaking themselves up the body; animals shake off their feathers and fur, stretching to free themselves of the fabric. There is an animalistic twist in all of nature in Marguerite’s extraordinary universe.

As a result, the palette reflects the surreality of it all. Hues are reminiscent of wonders found in nature, like the Northern Lights and precious stones. Birds of paradise, flying fish, and bejeweled bees are painstakingly hand-painted and printed on silks, satins, and feather-light chiffons, giving us a glimpse of the dedication that Hermione de Paula has towards her craft.

Born from a first-class education at Central St. Martins, it comes as no surprise that Hermione de Paula cut her teeth at legendary labels like Christian Dior couture, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Giles Deacon before launching her own label in 2008. Definitely a British label to keep an eye on, as it charts its inevitable meteoric rise.

Amanda Mok

Images: Best of British | Glamour Inc.