INTO THE MATRIX

Demna Gvasalia ascended the throne at Balenciaga on the crest of the Vetements wave. Having co-founded the radical Parisian label famous for its counter-culture, anti-fashion clothes, he is the designer on everyone’s lips. Gvasalia also extended Vetements’ discourse on the relationship between clothing and attitude to his debut at Balenciaga. The difference? He spun that discussion around the body with a precise, tailored finesse. Determined to translate Cristóbal Balenciaga’s architectural leanings for this millennium, Gvasalia conceived a passage of skirtsuits that moulded the wearer’s silhouette into a gentle, undulating curve, much like how the master couturier’s elegant bell or cocoon-shaped creations gave women their regal posture during the ’50s. Gvasalia then opened up utilitarian anoraks, puffer jackets and oversized shirts at the shoulders, elevating their street-smart sensibilities through the graceful lens of couture.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Demna Gvasalia ascended the throne at Balenciaga on the crest of the Vetements wave. Having co-founded the radical Parisian label famous for its counter-culture, anti-fashion clothes, he is the designer on everyone’s lips. Gvasalia also extended Vetements’ discourse on the relationship between clothing and attitude to his debut at Balenciaga. The difference? He spun that discussion around the body with a precise, tailored finesse. Determined to translate Cristóbal Balenciaga’s architectural leanings for this millennium, Gvasalia conceived a passage of skirtsuits that moulded the wearer’s silhouette into a gentle, undulating curve, much like how the master couturier’s elegant bell or cocoon-shaped creations gave women their regal posture during the ’50s. Gvasalia then opened up utilitarian anoraks, puffer jackets and oversized shirts at the shoulders, elevating their street-smart sensibilities through the graceful lens of couture.

MARK OF DISTINCTION

Stone chain bracelet, Monica Vinader & Ring, Monica Vinader
Stone chain bracelet, Monica Vinader & Ring, Monica Vinader
Bangle, Monica Vinader
Bangle, Monica Vinader

Growing up, Monica Vinader’s parents ran an antique business. Being surrounded by objets d’art all her life has helped define her vision, where she masterfully creates jewellery that add elegance to any outfit. This season, Vinader worked vibrant semi-precious stones such as agate and amazonite into inlays for rings and bracelets as a nod to the South Asian craft of pietra dura. And as with all her jewellery, each piece is handcrafted and available in yellow gold, rose gold or sterling silver.

BIG BEN

My Reading Room

Mention Etro and a sultry bohemian spirit infused with a seductive Italian sprezzatura comes to mind. For her latest outing, Veronica Etro journeyed to London; the city where she trained to be a fashion designer. The 42-yearold harnessed the English capital’s energy into an intense collection that has everything a cool girl wants: distressed knits, velvet dresses, smart coats and ultra long scarves, to name a few. Paisley, the brand’s signature, is mixed alongside bookish checks and delicate florals for a spirited update.

YOUNG & RESTLESS

Christian Dada fall/ winter 2016
Christian Dada fall/ winter 2016
Black features predominantly in the Christian Dada store
Black features predominantly in the Christian Dada store
A youthful energy courses through the collection this season
A youthful energy courses through the collection this season

Christian Dada has opened its first flagship store in Singapore. The six-year-old Japanese label is founded by Masanori Morikawa, whose aesthetic is best characterised by a rebellious, street-smart attitude. Fans of the cult label can now head down to 268 Orchard Road, where origami-style rocks interspersed throughout the interior of the boutique amplify the deviant vibe of the clothes.

PARIS JE T’AIME

Le Pliage Cocarde bags, from $335, Longchamp
Le Pliage Cocarde bags, from $335, Longchamp

If you’re thinking of jazzing up your outfit with some French flair, Longchamp’s Le Pliage Cocarde will ace the job. Constructed from sturdy wool-felt, the latest Le Pliage style looks patriotic too, dipped in the country’s national colours of blue, red and white. Finishing off this display of Parisian heritage is a leather rosette with the sleek motif of a jockey on his horse, underscoring the bag with a chic equestrian slant.