Mention Japanese designers, and Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Kenzo Takada immediately come to mind. These originals blazed a trail through Paris with their radical clothes in the ’80s. But in recent years, another crop of Japanese designers are proving that Nippon’s invasion on the runways didn’t stop with Kawakubo and gang. Sacai’s Chitose Abe the pack with column inches dedicated to her collections that meld textures, proportions and silhouettes. For pre-fall 2016, Abe revamped the utilitarian aesthetic with ingenuity: Her flare pants were cinched at the thighs with big buckled straps, while a top-and-skirt combo came patched from distressed denim that looked like it story to tell with every fray. A cornerstone of Abe’s works are her outerwear propositions: She lace to craft a crowd-pleasing officer coat and create a panel on a quilted bomber jacket.
EAST MEETS WEST
Mention Japanese designers, and Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Kenzo Takada immediately come to mind. These originals blazed a trail through Paris with their radical clothes in the ’80s. But in recent years, another crop of Japanese designers are proving that Nippon’s invasion on the runways didn’t stop with Kawakubo and gang. Sacai’s Chitose Abe the pack with column inches dedicated to her collections that meld textures, proportions and silhouettes. For pre-fall 2016, Abe revamped the utilitarian aesthetic with ingenuity: Her flare pants were cinched at the thighs with big buckled straps, while a top-and-skirt combo came patched from distressed denim that looked like it story to tell with every fray. A cornerstone of Abe’s works are her outerwear propositions: She lace to craft a crowd-pleasing officer coat and create a panel on a quilted bomber jacket.
MAGICAL MOMENTS
“We want it to be a space where anyone and everyone can come and take a step back and appreciate the little moments in life,” explained Adriana Lim Escaño, founder of Mimento, a multi-label boutique located within Capitol Piazza. The store packs a well-curated selection of brands such as jewellery label Les Néréides, best known for its exquisite handmade pieces, and Jimmy Crystal New York, a New York-based leading expert in crafting unique items from Swarovski crystals.
HEAR ME ROAR
Those who swear by aviators when it comes to their favourite sunglasses style are many. A sleek reinvention of classic aviators, the standout feature of the Panthère de Cartier sunglasses is the 3D sculpture of a panther’s head, crafted using Cartier's renowned expertise. Adorning both sides of the mirror-coated lenses, this wild and unexpected detail gives the sunglasses more bite— perfect for the fearless modern woman.
FRESH PRINCE
After pulling the plug on his eponymous label last year, it seems Jonathan Saunders has found new project to channel his creative juices— is now Chief Creative Officer at Diane von Furstenberg. In his newly created role, the Scottish designer will oversee the American label’s overall creative direction and he’ll no doubt enrich the universe with his fearless use of colours and The spirit with which this brand was founded incredibly relevant today,” said Saunders in a release. thrilled to be part of its next chapter.”
ARRIVEDERCI
Talk about fashion trends—it seems short-term designer-brand partnerships are du jour these days. Stefano Pilati left Ermenegildo Zegna after a three-year tenure where he turned the brand into a major talking point during Milan fashion week; so did Hedi Slimane, who parted ways with Saint Laurent four years after transforming the Parisian house into a red-hot brand again. The latest fashion alliance to bite the dust? Alessandra Facchinetti (above) and Tod’s. “I'll now focus on other projects that I’ve put aside in order to be able to achieve Tod’s strategies.” Facchinetti is noted for introducing runway shows that expanded the brand’s ready-to-wear offerings, plus accessories that played up the skills of Tod’s. A successor is yet to be announced.
SILVER LINING
Founded in 2012, Stelliyah is a homegrown label that draws inspiration from a variety of ethnic cultures. Now available at Gallery & Co., it has garnered a cult following for its well-made collection of jewellery that come to life under the hands of artisans skilled in traditional metalsmith techniques. Most noteworthy is Stelliyah’s Nomadic series. The range of delicate sterling silver rings, cuff s and bracelets is based on the migrant lifestyles and spiritual attitudes of various North African tribes.
MARK OF DISTINCTION
It’s true what they say—a woman can never have enough shoes. And if there’s a pair you should add to your shopping list, make it Gucci’s Ace sneakers. Extremely versatile, the sneakers are decorated with colourful patches and embroideries of lightning bolts, pineapples and bees set against Gucci’s signature red and green stripes. Move fast though—as with everything churned out by the Italian marque, we’re expecting the shoes to sell out really soon.
NOW TAG THIS
Can a hashtag bring about change? That remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: It helps brands create awareness. To capitalise on the power of social media, Ray-Ban has launched #ittakescourage, a campaign that aims to fight stigma and stereotypes. The series of eight shots not only showcases its muchloved eyewear styles, but also reiterates the brand’s efforts to empower.
RETRO RENEGADE
Pablo Coppola’s works for Bally have always taken on an Old World glamourmeets- contemporary living vibe. For pre-fall, he looked to the ’70s again and outfitted the Bally woman in a plethora of stunning options all drenched in colours straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. It was a mish-mash of textures and colours: A retro silk foulard print adorned everything from dresses to bags, while a patent leather biker jacket imbued classic checked pants with a rebellious attitude—in short, definitely not for the delicate wallflower.
PEACE OF MIND
For added ease of dressing this season, look no further than Beyond The Vines. The label’s pre-fall 2016 collection comprises an impressive number of reworked staples to suit every wardrobe need—think effortless two-piece pant combinations and crisp cocoon dresses. Better yet, they’re perfect for Singapore’s unforgiving heat, thanks to a refreshing colour palette and the studied use of lightweight fabrications such as linens and silks.
