All the buzz in fashion.
All the buzz in fashion.
Girls just wanna have sun
There was the gentle lapping of waves and the crush of sand beneath the feet. The sea stretched into the distance for as far as the eye could see. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was some uncharted beach paradise, but in fact it was Chanel’s epic set-up for its spring/summer 2019 show. Far away from an actual coastline and smack in the middle of Paris’ historic city centre, the late Karl Lagerfeld had meticulously reconstructed a tropical hideaway to whisk show-goers into another world as he rolled out yet another collection that gave fashion its feel-good moment. Models strolled leisurely down the faux beachfront in vacation-ready clothes injected with a dose of French chic: Pastel-hued tweed jackets, summer-ready dresses and pool-side knits brought the glorious, carefree spirit of summer vacations right into our closets, as did the assortment of straw hats, logo rattan bags and pretty sandals.
From top: A clean aesthetic defines the store. Manifesto's founder, Walid Zaazaa. Camera bag, $1,700, Lemaire
HOME GROUND
When Manifesto opened four years ago, it quickly became the go-to retail destination for discerning shoppers looking to get their hands on pieces from cult brands such as Lemaire and Axel Arigato. The multi-label concept store has since moved into a space inside Mandarin Gallery. Exuding nomadic vibes inspired by founder Walid Zaazaa’s French-Algerian heritage, the modern-minimalist atmosphere of the new store highlights the most-loved aspects of Manifesto—its bold fusion of art, architecture and intelligent fashion in one ever-evolving space.
Tote bags from the Rajah range, Gucci
HEAR ME ROAR
If there’s an animal that features prominently in Alessandro Michele’s remake of Gucci, it is the tiger. Whether as a bold illustration on denim jackets or a graphic print on sneakers, the big cat lends an air of power and majesty to the Italian designer’s works. It is now the star of the Rajah, a range of magnificent bags that certainly lives up to its regal-sounding name. Distinguished by a metal tiger head crafted with coloured enamel and sparkling crystals, the bags also boast Gucci signatures such as the Web stripes, the horsebit and the interlocking G monogram. This constant juxtaposition of tradition and boldness at the Italian marque ensures an eclecticism for the contemporary magpie who always wants more bite in her bags.
(From top, left to right) Sandal: Dior, Chloé, Valentino Garavani, Dries Van Noten, Platform sandal Jil Sander; Bag: Hermès spring/summer 2019
FOOTING THE BILL
From feather accents to outdoorsy rope details, the humble sandal has been given a high-fashion makeover this season.
From top: Bag strap, $475; backpack, $750; bag charm, $240; tote bag, $940, Anya Hindmarch
FINE WEAVE
Anya Hindmarch’s reinvention of the classic woven tote bag has resulted in a version that is lightweight, colourful and versatile. As if that wasn’t enough to spark joy, the British label has also introduced a new service that allows you to have fun customising your bag. Aptly titled Bespoke Graffiti, the service gives you the opportunity to let your individuality shine through—add hand-woven initials, words or symbols to turn this handy tote into the ultimate summer essential.
The range of clothes complement a city slicker’s lifestyle perfectly. Parka and skirt, Timberland
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
Timberland may be known for its hardy boots, but it’s also a purveyor of clothes that are made for urban living. For its spring/summer 2019 collection, the brand has proposed an eclectic combination of military-inspired references and a soft pastel palette that also marries functionality with understated style. Utilitarian parkas, hoodies and jogger pants have been designed to combat unpredictable weather while you navigate the city in comfort and with confidence.
A cool austerity defines Teh’s latest collection
5 QUESTIONS WITH…
SILVIATEH
After winning the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Fashion Award in 2015, Silvia Teh launched her eponymous clothing line the following year with the goal of empowering ambitious women to celebrate both their boldness and femininity. BAZAAR speaks to the designer about her second and latest trans-seasonal collection, and how it brings the designs she has been dreaming up from her teenage years into full and glorious life.
What was the core inspiration behind the Unbreakable collection?
The collection is inspired by strong, empowered women of all ages who are not afraid to relentlessly pursue their dreams. These are the women who motivate me to keep going in tough situations. I see my designs as “armour” for warriors, helping to instil confidence and self-assurance and preparing them for the battles that lie ahead in pursuit of their dreams.
The collection is monochromatic in its entirety. What was the motivation behind that?
I wanted to hit restart on my brand by creating designs that reflect the image of masculine femininity, a concept that is very close to my heart. I was unable to express that for a long while, and finally decided on a monochromatic colour scheme, representative of a clean slate.
Sensuality is given extra edge through tailoring
What does masculine femininity mean to you, and how did you meld the two concepts?
Masculine femininity is a state where women can celebrate power and independence without losing the poise and grace of a woman. Instead of having to dress like a man to strike a balance between their femininity and masculinity, I meld both concepts by using fabrics that are commonly used for menswear and infusing subtle menswear touches into features like shirt sleeves and cuffs.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my day-to-day style as sophisticated. I love the combination of a blazer with padded shoulders, skinny black jeans and stilettos.
How did winning the 2015’s edition of BAZAAR NewGen impact your life?
The competition opened up many doors and opportunities for me right from the get-go. I would say my biggest takeaway was the valuable advice I got from the judges because they helped me to find my voice and shape the identity of my brand today.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHOWBIT
