ALL THE BUZZ IN FASHION

Burberry's groundbreaking announcement that it will collapse its men’s and women’s runway shows to align them with the respective seasons is a reaction to consumers’ heightened need for immediacy.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Burberry's groundbreaking announcement that it will collapse its men’s and women’s runway shows to align them with the respective seasons is a reaction to consumers’ heightened need for immediacy.

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FOCUS POINT

Christopher Bailey isn’t the only one who’s answered the call with a solution-Michael Kors, Tom Ford and Tommy Hilfi ger have each taken steps to capitalise on the see-now, buy-now trend that’s becoming prevalent in designer fashion. More importantly, Burberry’s big shake-up draws attention to digital media’s continual influence on the fashion industry. Together with social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, the online realm has broken down traditional barriers of shows for buyers and editors, and lifted fashion’s veil of exclusivity to a mobile world. Now, anyone with a smartphone is allowed a voice in fashion’s ongoing conversation-and nothing speaks louder or clearer than cold hard cash.

Diorever is available in
Diorever is available in
DIOREVER AND EVER

If a name is but an expression of an aspirational desire, then there’s no doubting Dior’s intent for Diorever to be the handbag du jour for a long time to come. Bearing the familiar crest-shaped clasp as found on the Diorama bag, the Diorever features clean rigid lines for a classic silhouette that is made irresistibly modern through a play of textures and hues: Not only is it available in a mélange of exotic skins, including crinkled metallic lamb, alligator and crocodile, but a colourful, and sometimes contrasting, inner lining also greets you when it’s opened. To be hand carried or worn as a cross-body, this bag even comes with a reversible flap that can be tucked in for greater versatility.

Expect a variety of precious skins
Expect a variety of precious skins
These metallic numbers make a powerful visual impact.
These metallic numbers make a powerful visual impact.
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SPOTON

With only 500 pieces available worldwide, Bottega Veneta’s Felis sunglasses is a collector’s dream. The limited edition eyewear is rooted in the brand’s well-established aesthetic of understated sophistication: Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato motif, for example, is reinterpreted on the cat-eye frames as an acetate detail. Quality is emphasised by utilising the world’s thinnest polarised mineral lenses, while a hand-woven leather case further adds to the elegant allure of the sunglasses.

1 Jacket, $119, Puma, 2 American athlete Jenna Prandini tests the outfi t’s limits, 3 Sports bra, $59, Puma, 4 Tights, $99, Puma.
1 Jacket, $119, Puma, 2 American athlete Jenna Prandini tests the outfi t’s limits, 3 Sports bra, $59, Puma, 4 Tights, $99, Puma.
POWER PLAY

For the woman who’s serious about workout, Puma released a high performance gear that’s designed to up with her lifestyle. The sleek exercise wear are technological feats on their own too, made from cutting-edge materials that meld precision, functionality and style. From running shoes that’ll go the extra distance, to sports bras that off er unrestricted support during intense sessions, working up a sweat never looked better.

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Chanel Airlines has landed at Pedder on Scotts! The French fashion juggernaut will showcase its spring/summer 2016 ready-to-wear and accessories collection via an installation at the multi-label boutique until 3 April. The pop-up exhibition-a first for Chanel here- is inspired by the travel-themed show held in Paris last October, which saw the Grand Palais transformed into a make-believe airport, replete with check-in counters, baggage belts and giant departure boards.

Versace spring/ summer 2016, Bag, $3,200, Fendi, Bracelet, agnès b. Swimsuit, about $756, Eres from Net-A-Porter, Sunglasses, Tommy Hilfiger, Heel, 1,550 Céline.
Versace spring/ summer 2016, Bag, $3,200, Fendi, Bracelet, agnès b. Swimsuit, about $756, Eres from Net-A-Porter, Sunglasses, Tommy Hilfiger, Heel, 1,550 Céline.
FIELD DAY

Thanks to astute designers who’ve tended to this tawny shade of green, there are more ways than one to extend an olive branch.

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UNION SQUARE

Marks & Spencer is partnering with It-Girl Alexa Chung on a unique collaboration that revisits the British high street label’s heritage. “There was something very touching about looking back through the British fashion and social history for which Marks & Spencer is synonymous with,” Chung explained. Aptly named Archive by Alexa, Chung puts her eye for style to use by renewing 31 handpicked pieces from the label’s past collections with modern fabrications and a fresh colour palette.

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Chung was heavily involved from start to finish
Chung was heavily involved from start to finish
Sneakers, $160, Sandro x Superga
Sneakers, $160, Sandro x Superga
AN EASY FEET

Considering how sneakers make such great off -duty staples, one can never have too many pairs. Next to add to your to-buy list? A pair birthed from the collaboration between Parisian fashion house Sandro and Italian footwear label Superga. An interpretation of Superga’s iconic 2750 sneaker style, the minimalist-looking trainer-available in three colour ways-is perfect for zipping across the city.

 From top: Ada sandal; Begga wedge; Opium Zula wedge, Castañer
From top: Ada sandal; Begga wedge; Opium Zula wedge, Castañer
FREE SPIRIT

Castañer’s newest collection is proof that the ’70s still has a firm grip on fashion. The Spanish footwear label is the latest to reference the era as inspiration for its popular canvas-and-jute wedges. The collection is packed to the brim with hits, and the range’s summery sense of bohemia is further underscored by feather fringes, piped bands and printed cork bursting with retro appeal. Exotic snakeskin also finds its way to laced-up sandals, instantly upping the opulent factor of the comfy shoes.

The highlight every year is the outdoor fashion show
The highlight every year is the outdoor fashion show
BLOCK PARTY

From 25 March to 8 May, Orchard Road will be transformed into one massive runway spectacle, what with the return of Fashion Steps Out, an annual event that showcases the best of spring/summer fashion from around the globe. Besides boasting Singapore’s longest catwalk show, the island’s premium shopping belt will also play host to countless fringe events and activities such as fashion-related workshops and exhibitions to keep legions of shopaholics happy.

Singapore designers also get the chance to shine at the event.
Singapore designers also get the chance to shine at the event.
Gemma Metheringham
Gemma Metheringham
5 MINUTES WITH GEMMA METHERINGHAM

Karen Millen’s Chief Creative Offi cer reveals her love for the brand she’s helmed since 2006, her fashion heroines and the wondrous possibilities of social media.

Tell us more about the new collection.

We call it the new pretty: There is a sense of lightness and femininity; the collection is strewn with lace, fl orals and a hint of vintage. There is also a nod to the bohemian traveller, and we’ve contrasted that with new tailoring proportions, relaxed silhouettes and graphic stripes alongside bold pops of neon.

How has the past decade at the helm been like for you?

I’ve learnt an incredible amount by being part of an international business that’s also inspirational. I think design constantly evolves-but the fundamental commitment to crafting beautiful fashion investment pieces remain the same every day.

What do you think of social media’s impact on fashion?

I think it’s really interesting on both a personal and professional level! I’m a fan of watching how people style themselves. I love the MYKM social community we’ve created for Karen Millen; and I love the way it makes fashion more instant, accessible and shareable.

What’s your first memory of fashion?

I think I was five and lying on the bed watching my mother and aunt try on crochet knit dresses and fabulous patent buckle boots. I thought they were so glamorous!

And who are some of your style influences?

I’m particularly drawn to strong women confident in their own style: Lauren Hutton, Annie Lennox, Katherine Hepburn, Angelica Houston... The designer I admire most is Miuccia Prada-she’s constantly changing, moving forward and challenging the boundaries of fashion while being committed to the artistry and craftsmanship of fashion.

Style star Caroline de Maigret appears in Karen Millen’s campaign.
Style star Caroline de Maigret appears in Karen Millen’s campaign.
Workmanship is a core component at Karen Millen.
Workmanship is a core component at Karen Millen.
Inside the Karen Millen atelier
Inside the Karen Millen atelier
Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne
Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne
PUBLIC ORDER

As DKNY’s new Creative Directors, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne instill a cool school of thought at the American fashion institution.

Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, founders of Public School and two-time CFDA award winners, are the new stars of New York’s fashion scene. Redefi ning the look of American sportswear, Chow and Osborne are also the city’s new arbiters of cool as the Creative Directors of DKNY. On paper, the duo’s partnership with DKNY seems destined to work like a dream. In the last eight years, heading Public School has allowed Chow and Osborne to hone a street-infl uenced aesthetic that’s defi nitive of the Big Apple. The designers, both bona-fide New Yorkers, are also familiar with the frenetic cityscape that has provided the backdrop for every DKNY collection since its inception in 1989. “Growing up in New York, everyone felt connected to DKNY because it was all about the city. It captured the energy and hustle like no other brand,” the designers told Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore. “It was authentic and wasn’t trying to be something else.” 

Donna Karan’s move to start the brand was rooted in the idea of “designing practical clothes for the New York woman.” “But how to make that desirable again is the mission for us now,” Chow and Osborne said. And in a season when Riccardo Tisci made the surprise move to show Givenchy’s spring/ summer 2016 collection in New York, and Alexander Wang, his much hyped-about 10th anniversary collection, Chow and Osborne’s debut for DKNY-all 41 outfi ts parading up and down a pared-back set-held its own against the big players of New York Fashion Week. “We were really inspired by this image of Madonna from her “Blonde Ambition” tour. She was wearing this Jean Paul Gaultier double-breasted, pinstriped suit with strategic cut-outs to perform,” the pair recalled. More than a timely nod to a musical icon whose powerful artistry is intricately tied to American popular culture, the duo’s symbolic move to cut a masculine, loose-fi t blazer as the opening look for the show referenced yet another Donna Karan emblem and brand signature: The pinstriped suit. From there, Chow and Osborne focused on the fashions of the late ’80s and the supermodel movement that swiftly followed in the next decade. Besides crisp t-shirts tucked into faultless skirts, tailored rompers and oversized coats, the collection transitioned into monochromatic slip dresses that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a 20-year-old Kate Moss. In a thinly veiled throwback to the brand’s beginnings, an emotive black-and-white photograph lensed by Peter Lindbergh for DKNY’s 1994 advertising campaign was used as a print on a shirt-dress. Chow and Osborne have described their vision of the new DKNY woman as a go-getter who’s multidimensional and on the cusp of something great. “She never really stops, always progressing,” they said. In response, their work for a refreshed brand is also “evolving.” And judging from their measured first showing, Chow and Osborne are on track to empower the DKNY woman with a bold outlook for 21st-century living. 

The collection also featured wrap-around skirts
The collection also featured wrap-around skirts
The collection featured deconstructed suits, T-shirt dresses embodied New York’s sportswearinspired style.
The collection featured deconstructed suits, T-shirt dresses embodied New York’s sportswearinspired style.