Better together: Join us behind the scenes, as we find out how they navigate life as spouses and working partners.
Better together: Join us behind the scenes, as we find out how they navigate life as spouses and working partners.
01 YOUR STAMP ON IT
Off ering both customers and retailers a way to stand out, customisable luxury items continue to be on the rise.
With the growing number of luxury consumers worldwide, designer products that once seemed pretty special can start feeling a little, well, ordinary. This might explain why we have been seeing a good number of high-end brands offering customisation services for readyto- wear items in recent years. Clearly, it’s a strategy that works, considering that brands are offering their clients more items to make their own.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its men’s driving shoes, Louis Vuitton is making them available for customisation, adding to services like its Mon Monogram handbag and luggage customisation programme. Available at Louis Vuitton’s Marina Bay Sands and Ngee Ann City stores, the service lets fans put their own touches on the comfy driving loafers.
Customers can choose from 13 colours of caiman leather (the only leather option for this service) and three buckle finishings, and have their initials hot stamped on the lining of the shoes.
Recently, Gucci also launched an extension of its “DIY” personalisation service at its flagship boutique in Milan. Following the introduction of customisation options for its Dionysus handbag, the Italian luxury label now extends the service to a selection of menswear and shoes. No word yet on whether or when this service will arrive on our shores – but here’s hoping.
02 FITTING FINALE
The Fall/Winter 2016/17 Ermenegildo Zegna Couture collection is designer Stefano Pilati’s last for the brand, and this farewell collection sums up the qualities that he brought to Zegna over the last three years: innovation, wit – and even a sense of social responsibility. Comprising looks that are easy to wear and yet unmistakeably well-made, the collection interprets the notion of embellishment in elaborate but unfussy ways. Think three-dimensional hand-embroidered motifs, dark jacquards and fabrics ranging from superfine wools to recycled polyester. #01-34/35/36 Paragon.
FICTION’S IN FASHION
After half of his library fetched 11.7 million euros (S$17.5 million) at auction last year, Pierre Berge – co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent – will be putting up the other half of his literature collection for auction this November.
03 SPIRIT OF THINGS
When Montblanc creative director Zaim Kamal started out at the brand, he had his team members define the archetypal Montblanc client. The fictional customer they came up with was the “urban-contemporary professional”, who is highly mobile and needs accessories that complement this lifestyle. The new Urban Spirit collection certainly fits the bill. Made of a soft Italian leather with a matte finish but feels slightly waxy to the touch, the 22 pieces that make up the series range from small leather goods to luggage. To take users from play to work and back, several pieces are multifunctional, such as a backpack that can be transformed into a document case. #01-34 Takashimaya Shopping Centre.
04 FOR ALL JOURNEYS
The staying power of trends is directly proportional to how practical they are to everyday life, which is why we are firm believers that the formal/casual mix that defines athleisure is here for the long haul. Hermes’ footwear for autumn continues to bring together high-end materials with daily practicality. One standout example: its sneakers that comprise suede goatskin, technical canvas and calfskin, with a substantial sole finished with a layer of rubber for non-slip striding. Another all-occasions pair are lightweight moccasins, dressed up in silk printed with Hermes’ jungle-themed “Equateur tattoo” motif. #01-02A Liat Towers.
