Miuccia Prada has been showing Prada’s cruise offerings as part of the men’s runway productions, but it was just a matter of time before she took it solo. She staged Prada’s first cruise show at the Fondazione Prada Osservatorio exhibition space, atop Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. On a floor high above the shopping crowd, she presented a collection teeming with Prada tropes. The same black nylon synonymous with its bags was used to create sculptural jackets, while embellishments were gorgeously arranged on pastel blouses and pleated skirts. Knee-high socks were matched with every look and completed with either kitten pumps, strappy sandals or hybrid Velcro sneakers. Those familiar with Prada’s history will also recognise the whimsical illustrations by James Jean that danced across shift dresses, clutches and cuffs—the Taiwanese-American artist provided the “Trembled Blossom” drawings from the iconic spring/summer 2008 collection.
GREATEST HITS
Miuccia Prada has been showing Prada’s cruise offerings as part of the men’s runway productions, but it was just a matter of time before she took it solo. She staged Prada’s first cruise show at the Fondazione Prada Osservatorio exhibition space, atop Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. On a floor high above the shopping crowd, she presented a collection teeming with Prada tropes. The same black nylon synonymous with its bags was used to create sculptural jackets, while embellishments were gorgeously arranged on pastel blouses and pleated skirts. Knee-high socks were matched with every look and completed with either kitten pumps, strappy sandals or hybrid Velcro sneakers. Those familiar with Prada’s history will also recognise the whimsical illustrations by James Jean that danced across shift dresses, clutches and cuffs—the Taiwanese-American artist provided the “Trembled Blossom” drawings from the iconic spring/summer 2008 collection.
UNIQUELY YOURS
Jimmy Choo extends its Made-To-Order line by introducing two new designs into the mix of lust-worthy styles that you can craft to your liking. The brand has also thrown in a handful of new fabrications, including suede, satin, leather, glitter and velvet, as well as lavish options like crocodile and snakeskin. Jimmy Choo’s clutches were not overlooked as well for this MTO service—the brand has added the Chandra and Celeste designs to the list for creations you can call your own.
EYES ON THE PRIZE
South Korean cult eyewear brand Gentle Monster first made waves internationally when its designs were spotted on the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Now, fans of the brand no longer have to head to Seoul, or its outposts in Beijing, New York or Tokyo, to get their hands on the full range of avant-garde designs—including the exclusive collaboration with award-winning actress Tilda Swinton. Visit the brand’s new boutique at ION Orchard to discover how it has amassed a loyal following thanks to its conceptual visual merchandising displays.
ALL THAT SPARKLES
Coach 1941 is where the all-American dream has become a reality, thanks to the brand’s high level of craftsmanship, quality materials and rich heritage. For the new season, Stuart Vevers has elevated that dream and furnished the pre-spring collection with an excess of shine. Ready-to-wear pieces are infused with sparkling details, while leather goods such as satchel bags are amped up with embellishments, turning its fans into sartorial stars.
MAD FOR MADELEINE
Charmed by the eccentric energy of the La Madeleine district, Longchamp’s Artistic Director Sophie Delafontaine couldn’t help but create a bag inspired by the elegant Parisian enclave. Employing immaculate artistry to saddle-stitch a structured bag from supple taurillion calfskin, and finishing the timeless design with the brand’s signature Roseau clasp, the La Madeline bag is a quality must-have that can elevate day and night looks effortlessly.
BLANK SPACE
A crisp white shirt is just as essential as a little black dress. To help your search for that perfect piece, CH Carolina Herrera has released a slew of reinterpreted white shirts. It couldn’t have been more appropriate—the doyenne of American fashion has made white shirts a cornerstone of her brand since 1981. Besides exemplifying Herrera’s ethos of timeless elegance, the shirts are extremely versatile too. “You can wear it with or without jewellery, with jeans or with a long or short skirt. It can be worn for special occasions or even for work,” Herrera said.
TRUNKSHOW
BAZAAR speaks to heritage trunk maker Moynat’s Artistic Director, Ramesh Nair, about heritage, reinvention, and working with Martin Margiela
When did you first know about Moynat?
In 2010, when I met Mr. [Bernard] Arnault and Delphine, his daughter. Moynat had disappeared since the ’80s; the few who knew a bit about it were vintage automobile collectors. I’d gone in with my work, which was basically clothing. I had no clue it was for a bag-making company.
You worked with Martin Margiela at Hermès before joining Moynat. What did you learn in your time there?
Martin Margiela is, for me, one of the most underrated designers ever. I was very frustrated in the beginning, I’d propose colours and he would say no. It was camel, beige, grey, black… navy blue, maximum. I had to work with a very slim frame, and that trains you to push yourself to the limit. When you’re a young designer, you think you are God’s gift to mankind. But sometimes you are humbled by somebody, and it influences you for the rest of your life. Martin taught me how to think in an abstract way, and no school teaches you that.
How do you reinvent such a storied brand for today?
In my first few days at Moynat, I would stare at the trunks and have no ideas, so I wrote words to see what a trunk describes; clichéd ones like travel, voyage. I decided to think of the finer points, to see what makes a Moynat trunk a Moynat trunk. I went backwards and discovered these details that made so much sense. If you see some of the closures I’ve done, it always relates back to these little things.
What is the strategy behind Moynat’s emphasis on discreet luxury?
The thing about noise is that it hurts your ears after a certain time. It’s very short-lived. I’ve never seen a brand that is loud and vulgar survive the times. Addition is easy; simplifying is extremely complicated.
What are your plans for Moynat’s future?
My dream is to open a bigger retail space. I think what is missing in the market is audacity. We’ve built this tunnel vision where everyone believes retail has to be in a particular area. Brands like Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market are one of the few companies with the audacity to develop a space somewhere else, and it’s a much better environment. That’s what can make things grow. Hopefully, that will be the next level.
BAZAAR SPECIAL
AT A GLANCE
Miuccia Prada once said: “Fashion is instant language”; encapsulating, in four simple words, the intent behind every woman’s morning ritual of deciding what to wear. It’s a process that has less to do with vanity than how she presents herself. It lets the world know all they need to know about her without a need for a single word. Which explains why nothing sends out the right signals better than a Richard Mille strapped on one’s wrist. Designed for women of distinction, the RM 037 TZP Black Ceramic’s bold, modern-chic look is completed with a movement (and patented stem-crown construction) that’s befitting any thoroughbred horologist. Instantly recognisable and liberally admired, it’s a watch that lends prestige and respect at a single glance, setting its wearer apart from the rest of the crowd. Life’s too short to be ordinary so live by the wise words of yet another fashion designer and make them your motto: “Don’t be like the rest of them, darling.” A Richard Mille timepiece ensures that that never happens.
IN FULL BLOOM
Malaysian-born Paris-based designer, Jonathan Liang reveals the story behind his eponymous label and more
I got into designing…
After my degree in Fine Arts. I’ve been drawing a lot since I was about three but one day, I just decided I was going to do something other than draw.
The Jonathan Liang girl…
Dresses very well and has an amazing career. But at the same time, she’s super-funny and carefree.
Growing up, I was…
Surrounded by a lot of flowers—my mum and grandma love flowers, so I guess that’s why the floral theme stuck with me. But practically, it gives Jonathan Liang an identity so people who come here to shop will know what to expect.
This season’s florals are different because…
The colours are a bit more sombre. The flowers were also reinterpreted as ruffles. This was inspired by British artist, Chris Labrooy, who does 3D models of intertwining cars, which reminded me of ruffles.
I’m mostly inspired by…
My friends and family because I value what they tell me—it really helps the brand. And because they’re real people, I get to know what they would and wouldn’t wear.
As a young Asian designer based in Paris…
There is a lot of pressure competing with mega-brands. But I enjoy my work, and I’ve found my independence, learnt from my own mistakes; and I will continue evolving as a person and as a designer.
I always live by…
Alber Elbaz’s quote: “Be big in your work, but be small in your person”. No matter how big you go, you have to stay true to yourself and be humble.
Success is when…
I’m able to make an impact in other people’s lives. When I’m able to help a cause like cancer or HIV someday, then I would say I’m successful.
With my brand, I aim to…
Be able to reach a wider audience of women and make them feel great about themselves. This whole body issue thing needs to go. Everyone should be really comfortable with who they want to be.
LUXE FOR LIFE
It all boils down to the finishing touches when you want to complete your look. If you’re unsure about where to start, Michael Kors’ latest Bancroft collection will get the job done. “I always say a great bag is like a pair of jeans—it only gets better with time,” Kors explained. Taking cues from a market basket that Kors spotted while on vacation in Corsica, the chic Italian-crafted bag comes in a variety of leathers, including pebbled and smooth calfskin, as well as exotic skin. Immaculately stitched by craftsmen in Florence, Italy, you will be toting the Bancroft bag around for a long time to come.
PORTAL TO COUTURE
In her capacity as Givenchy’s newest Creative Director, one of Clare Waight Keller’s foremost tasks was to transform the look of its website. Working together with digital innovation agency R/GA London, the website is now an omni-channel platform that lets its customers shop online. There are plenty of cool details: Besides a geo-localisation feature, wish list creation and immediate connection to a Givenchy representative to offer boutique level-worthy customer service, exclusive-to-online products will also ensure that shoppers get the best out of Givenchy’s online experience.
Tumi has been addressing the travelling needs of globetrotters with well-appointed luggage, bags and accessories that make clearing customs a breeze since 1975. Highlights of the luxury luggage maker’s latest collection include the Larkin, Tumi’s signature nylon series now remade in pebbled leather and finished off with gold hardware, plus the Voyageur range of cabin bags and backpacks. The latter series is especially noteworthy: They come decorated with a floral print that is sure to lift spirits after a long flight.
THE HIGH LIFE
Italian luxury house Loro Piana has finally opened its doors in Singapore at ION Orchard. The brand was founded in 1924, and in the years since, it has gained a following among the well-heeled for its sublime cashmere products. Spread over 12,572sqft, the new boutique will carry Loro Piana’s timeless designs amid plush yet understated furnishings that show off its subtle approach to comfort and luxury.
NEED FOR SPEED
Race to the finish line with circuit-ready gear
Clockwise from top: Earrings, Louis Vuitton. Sweater, about $1,011, The Elder Statesman at Net-a-Porter. Pants, $1,245, Wanda Nylon at Matchesfashion.com. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban. Brooch, Bimba Y Lola. Shoe, Dior
HOME, TRULY
Following the success of her eponymous handbag label, local designer Ling Wu has opened the doors to Le Salon, a tastefully curated space that takes the form of an “apartmentique” (an amalgamation of an apartment and a boutique). “The way we shop is changing—people are buying less and better. They are more emotionally invested in their purchases, and Le Salon provides a platform for me to connect personally with shoppers and share the stories and craft behind the brands,” the designer said. Located in Chip Bee Gardens, expect to find treasures like fine jewellery from Alexandra Alberta, ethical luxury cashmere scarves from Trebene and niche home fragrances from A Dose of Something Good.
By Annabelle Fernandez, Gerald Tan and Syed Zulfadhli
