Accessories made for getting away – even if it’s just to explore your backyard.
01
During a recent interview, we asked the head of a watch brand about the relevance of one of its campaigns that focused on the great outdoors, at a time when many people are spending their time indoors as a result of the pandemic. He replied that it was precisely because of global movement restrictions that people would, now more than ever, seek to get out and explore nature. And if heading away from home wasn’t an option, then at least in their backyards.
Exploration – whether near or further afield – is what Hermes’ latest accessories are designed for. This season, there’s a playful ruggedness to the luxury house’s footwear. Water-resistant (all the better for stepping in puddles) and characterised by their stompy appeal, the chunky rubber lug soles feature on a variety of its autumn/winter footwear. These range from tan suede hiking-style boots with a removable strap and coloured laces to black calfskin derbies.
The men’s silks continue the theme of getting away. Those still lamenting the cancellation of the Singapore Formula One night race can console themselves with a double-faced scarf by French artist Dimitri Rybaltchenko on which the driver’s view of a vintage car becomes that of a Formula One race car when you turn it over. Alternatively, select your preferred mode of escape from the motifs found on the back of silk ties – a race car, motorbike or rocket (we like the third).
02 FIRM IMPRINT
While most of the chunky-sneaker fervour may have petered out last year, Moncler’s latest versions of its Leave No Trace high-tops show that the style is still relevant when done tastefully. Inspired by mountain hiking shoes but destined for city streets, the sneakers, featuring a knit insert with a large M, come in three new colour options. The highlight is a pair with a mix of blues punctuated by details in orange, red, yellow and green that is surprisingly easy on the eye. The other colours are pink lemonade and, perhaps more apt for sneakers named Leave No Trace, black.
03 EASY DOES IT
Givenchy’s new Antigona Soft range proves that a bag does not have to resemble a briefcase to look masculine. Roomy with a charming floppiness, the Antigona Soft first appeared in Givenchy’s women’s pre-fall 2020 lookbook. Now, the style has been upsized (large and maxi models are available) and comes in coloured woven leather, black calfskin or wool printed with a Givenchy chain motif.
04 SUPPORT LOCAL
Hardly a news flash, but times are tough for fashion retail right now, especially if you’re an independent designer. To give local talents – such as veteran cheongsam designer Goh Lai Chan, jewellery brand Carrie K and womenswear label Ginlee Studio (pictured) – an online platform from which to sell their wares, the Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore has launched a new multi-brand e-commerce website, One Orchard Store. There’s a pretty good list of womenswear, accessories and even children’s clothing brands right now, with more to come. www.oneorchard.store
Text Lynette Koh
