Singapore Fashion Week 2015

Mark the date on your calendar Singapore fashion lovers, May 13-17 is Singapore Fashion Week. In its 8th year of celebrating Asian and global fashion design talent, Singapore Fashion Week or #SGFW puts the spotlight on current trends and innovative designs.

Carolina Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, Hussein Chalayan, Prabal Gurung, Zac Posen, Peter Pilotto, Erdem, Angela Missoni, Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared and Roland Mouret are some of the names that have graced the catwalk of Singapore Fashion Week, a testament to their great partnership with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America ). Yes, this is a prestigious event that is a must-attend for anyone and everyone that loves fashion and style. You simply cannot beat the proximity and access to world-class talent and exciting fashion you can get from this event.

This season, Diane Von Furstenberg will be kicking off the fashion festivities for Singapore Fashion Week. Victoria Beckham will be the closing show during this 5-day fashion extravaganza. Aside from these prominent designers, you should also expect a lot of Asian talents sending their creative visions down the runway. Australian designer Dion Lee and established Singapore labels like Dzojchen, Ong Shunmugam, Elohim, Exhibit, ALT by Curated Editions, and Collate The Label are the other illustrious names that will grace the runway. Other noteworthy events to watch out for are: Harper’s Bazaar Asia New Generation Fashion Designer Award 2015, La Salle Graduate Fashion Show 2015,  and the Star Creation Capsule Collection. These last 3 events that I mentioned will showcase up-and-coming talent that is sure to make a mark in the Singapore fashion scene.

Check out the full Singapore Fashion Week Schedule here. 

To check out some of my photos from last years event click here.

Be sure to include the hashtag #SGFW when uploading your fashion week snaps to social media. This will make you a part of the fashion fun! See you there!

The Classics

There are some pieces that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe, a classic white button-down shirt is one of them. Crisp, clean, and timeless, this top is a must-have for any chic closet. I love its versatility and the elegance it conveys in its simplicity. You can either opt to wear it to the office, to cocktail hour, a coffee date with your best friend, or even to a casual day out. That is precisely the beauty of plain white button-down tops, you have the freedom to dress it up or dress it down as you wish. The styling options are infinite! It is only your imagination and creativity that will limit the ways you can wear this classic shirt.

Take a look at how I styled this style staple in two different ways, and perhaps you can gain some inspiration on how to wear it yourself.

Look #1

Cinching your waist in with another classic, a slim leather belt, upgrades this white shirt even further and makes the silhouette more feminine and ladylike. This waist detail perfectly matches the traditionally girly silhouette of the brocade full knee-length skirt.

To make this feminine ensemble look even more graphic and modern, add black accents like these patent black pointed pumps. Another contemporary sartorial classic to add to your wardrobe.

Don’t forget to finish off your look with statement accessories that pack some major wow factor, a stunning quilted leather Chanel bag and a striking pearl ring ought to do the trick nicely.

This first look is simply made to go from office to post-work drinks. It is polished and glamorous with the right hint of trends to tie it all together.

Look #2

For my second look with this crisp white shirt, I chose to clinch my waist once again and highlight my shape. This time around though, I used a bright pink color, which is ideal to match this beautiful and summery Singapore weather.

The white top acts as the perfect contrast to all the bright colored pieces I chose to coordinate with this outfit. The white is the ideal color to balance these brights and make them work together harmoniously. 

The subtle yet on trend pink printed skirt adds visual depth to this ensemble and matches to the pink belt and handbag to a T. I also love the sophisticated pencil skirt silhouette!

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and these add-ons simply make the skirt stand out even more. The yellow flats acts as a brilliant color contrast to all the pink, while the mini YSL satchel gives it a shot of trendy style.

Look #2 is made for weekend dates, but can just as easily be adapted to more formal occasions.

So, which look do you prefer? I love them both so much! It is so hard to choose!

 

Top 10 Fashion Bloggers

Blogging might have started out as a hobby for some of these girls, but now they have permanent seats in fashion week front rows.

When blogging started becoming big, the fashion industry questioned the credibility of this platform. But now there is no mistaking that fashion bloggers have major clout and major influence within the fashion industry and beyond. Far from following trends, these movers and shakers use their respective social media accounts and their personal blog, of course, to start trends. Each blogger has their own unique style and voice, which is why they attract a large and dedicated online following. Bloggers are such an important part of the fashion industry now, and it is amazing to see how one’s individuality can take off as a legitimate and thriving career in fashion.

I personally always look to these bloggers for inspiration. Here’s the list of my top 10 fashion bloggers:

Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast 

Rumi Neely’s style is a very interesting cross-section of maximalism and minimalism. Sounds like a paradox, but when you think about it, it really isn’t. Rumi doesn’t use too many accessories in her looks. However, each piece that she chooses packs a major pow and creates so much drama. Known for her love of short hemlines and chunky heeled footwear, Rumi also has enviable hair that seems perfectly beach tousled every single time.

Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet 

Karla Deras has an undeniable penchant for vintage luxury wear. She is often photographed in her blog in something from her favorite vintage store in her hometown L.A., Shareen Vintage. Her style is always tailored to fit, or closely cut to her amazing body. Karla takes her natural elegance and mixes it with fashion risks that are just a little bit on the risque side. Her love for edgy jewelry has led to her own line of bling for online retailer, E-luxe.

Aimee Song of Song of Style

Collaborations with industry big names like Piperlime and 7 for All Mankind, interior designer turned blogger extraodinaire Aimee Song has cemented her place in fashion. She takes such a democratic approach to dressing up, but still adds her own brand of eclecticism to her outfits that she simply fascinates the imagination of fashion fans worldwide. Her style is so effortless, yet each one of her looks read sartorial royalty.

Ashley Madekwe of Ring My Bell

Ashley Madekwe is more commonly known as Ashley Davenport on Revenge or as Tituba on Salem. Both her TV shows are certified hits, and her fashion blog is a certified hit too. Ashley certainly takes fashion seriously. Her blog, Ring My Bell, is filled with ensembles that seamlessly combine her interpretation of current trends and her British roots since every single look has traces of the irreverence of British street style.

Jamie Chung of What The Chung

Another actress/blogger on the list. It is simply hard to make a top blogger list without including Jamie Chung. She makes me fall in love with her feminine looks. It is hard not to want all the matching skirt and crop top sets she wears as well as her killer sunglasses too. Her bubbly personality can be glimpsed with her vibrant choice of colors and her preference for cheeky tropical prints.

Elin Kling of The Wall

One of the originals, Elin Kling’s minimalist and predominantly monochromatic style is just so reflective of Swedish fashion. She has done collaborations with H&M and Guess, and is now a bona fide fashion powerhouse. Her original blog, Style by Kling, has now transformed into The Wall an online curated magazine /journal where she shares what she loves in fashion. She also has her own line of clothing as well.

Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad

The first blogger ever to be on the cover of Vogue (she was on the April 2015 of Vogue Espana), Chiara Ferragni is a permanent presence in street style blogs and fashion websites. Her style is unapologetically trendy, she’s always seen in the latest designer threads sporting the hottest “it” accessory of the moment. Her wildly successful footwear line is just as exuberant as her style. She basically can’t go wrong, every one of her #OOTD is golden.

Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl

Nicole Warne simply loves vintage, and it shows. Whether she’s sporting a treasured find or a hot-off-the-runway frock, the effect is still the same. Her looks always have a dreamy and ladylike quality to them that has become her style signature. This creative soul started her blog as an extension of her online vintage store. She has certainly come a long way from that. Managed by the prestigious IMG agency, and counting Louise Vuitton and Vogue as her past collaborators, Nicole Warne is proof of the relevance and power of bloggers today.

Leandra Medine of Man Repeller

One of the funniest and most playful bloggers out there, Leandra Medine, has made man repelling her brand. Man repelling in this case means wearing trends and styles that women simply love, but men hate. Don’t mistake her humorous take on fashion as a sign that she takes fashion lightly, Medine is a major player. Unique is not enough to describe the way she puts together her looks. It is man-repelling, and boy do we love it.

Kelly Framel of The Glamourai

Creative director and editor of her online webzine called The Glamourai, Kelly Framel is an accomplished stylist that puts together her stylish inspirations, travel snapshots into this online part-blog part-magazine hybrid. Her style is sophisticated. With a definite love of details that pop, Kelly’s appeal lies in her uncanny ability to mix high and low, vintage and modern.

There you have it fashion folks. Now, who’s on your list of blogger faves? Let the bookmarking begin!

Style Icon: Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is proof that your style improves and gets better with age. This 40-something triple threat is showing no signs of slowing down, despite adding mother of twins to her resume. Oh, let’s not forget her American Idol judge stint too. This actress-singer-dancer can include style icon to her long list of credentials too. Her recent Oscars dress, that low cut nude glittering gown from Elie Saab, is a far cry from her now infamous Versace jungle dress.

Her style evolution is one to watch and here I give you a rundown of my favorite looks from J. Lo.

Fur has always been in J.Lo’s repertoire. It is right up her alley since fur has always been the perfect representation of glam, whether it is in a casual or formal setting. The fur-lined collar of her gray coat and her black and glittery silver pumps is the epitome of fall style with a glitzy upgrade, of course.

Jennifer Lopez certainly knows how to play up her assets, one of which is her incredible bronzed complexion. The dusty pink hue of this look complements her amazing tan and it shows that you don’t have to reveal a lot of skin to exude sex appeal. That little bit of decolletage goes a long way.

J. Lo breaks a fashion rule and establishes herself as a fashion renegade as she matches her eyeshadow with her rust-colored full shantung skirt. What would normall be a fashion no-no becomes a surprisingly chic element in this look. Perhaps because the rest of this outfit, from the classic black pumps, snakeskin box clutch, and white halter crop top are all understated.

Red is the go-to color for fashion vamps. It is the color that instantly grabs attention, oozes with mega confidence, and convey the maximum amount of sexy. This is exactly the formula for Lopez’s standout style. This red chiffon double slit number is one of her most memorable red carpet moments. Classic Hollywood glamour personified. 

Although sexy style is her bread and butter, Jennifer Lopez turns heads in this ladylike style. This outfit certainly speaks to how her style has evolved over the years, and has taken a more sophisticated turn. I personally love that peplum skirt detail and that delicate gold anklet adorning her right foot, such a charming little accessory.

In a monochromatic blush/nude look, this athleisure look is Jenny from the block all grown up. The urban style that J. Lo started out in the industry with, became a lot more refined as the years passed. The result? This ensemble that is equal parts casual, polished, and alluring.

Wow! Look at those toned gams! Lopez certainly isn’t one to shy away from short hemlines and a whole lot of snakeskin. She makes this head-to-toe snakeskin look work, by keeping things straightforward and letting the print be the focus. I am loving the 60s vibe of this look too.

Making a romper look glamorous is a tall order, Jennifer Lopez is certainly up to the task. She instantly ups the chicness of this navy romper with nude pumps, leather studded cuffs, and her signature aviators. This look certainly spells superstar.

 All Images from InStyle and WhoWhatWear

Aren’t you just envious of her killer legs and tan? Oh how I love J. Lo. She is undoubtedly an inspiration and living proof that you can do it all–career, family, and style. A modern icon indeed.

MOISELLE SS15

Photos courtesy of MOISELLE Singapore with special thanks to Jasmine from Moiselle Paragon (unit #03-01). For a full review of the collection and more photos check out this post. To find out more about MOISELLE brand click here.

Harpers Bazaar New Gen

When it comes to deciding what to do on a Monday night, I don’t usually get too excited. Monday night comes with low expectations, lots of emails to sort through and a feeling of weekend being very far away…

Well not this week!

I had spent my Monday night with an SG50 sign in one hand and a champagne flute in the other meeting the winners of the Harper’s BAZAAR Asia new Generation Fashion Designer Award and celebrating Singapore’s 50th Anniversary. 

Here are some shots of the winner collections, which you can still view right now with our own eyes in Scotts Square. So head down to Scotts Square before the 3rd of May to check it out!

Lionel Low

Monochrome has never been so complex and daring: mesh, huge cut outs, pleats and more come together in Lionel’s collection.

Benjamin Neo

It is all about the shape and graphics in Benjamin’s collection. Those glasses Benjamin wears must be 4 dimensional 🙂

Silvia Teh

And the Winner of Harper’s BAZAAR Asia new Generation Fashion Designer Awards – Silvia Teh. Silvia gives you very flattering shapes with awesome graphics. 

Our winners with Bazaar Singapore Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Goh(on the left)

 

Many thanks to Harpers Bazaar Singapore, Scotts Square, Kenneth Goh, Joelyn Ho and Grace Chua for organising and hosting this wonderful event!

To read what Harpers Bazaar Singapore has to say about this event click here.

#Fashion Steps Out 2015 Part 2

Can’t get enough of Singapore fashion? Here’s part two of my Fashion Steps out 2015 experience.

As the night went by, the runway show just kept getting better and better. The creative genius and innovation of the designers involved in this show is simply astounding, and what’s great about it too is that each designer has such a unique perspective adding even further to the thrill of this annual event.  Whether your personal style is decidedly more feminine or if you’re maybe more of an edgy chic with modern sartorial sensibilities, Fashion Steps Out 2015 has you covered. Orchard Road was filled with infectious love for fashion and amazing energy that night! If you were lucky enough to be there, you’d know what I’m talking about. If not, here are more images from Fashion Steps Out 2015

Francis Cheong

Capturing high glamour to a T, each dress that designer Francis Cheong sent down the streets as a red carpet winner. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next formal event, look no further. Cheong’s collection marries Hollywood glam with ladylike silhouettes and details for gowns that are sure to land you on the best dressed list. I especially love the tulle ball gown with floral embellishments, that dusty pale pink color is to die for.

Moiselle

Check out my previous post on Moiselle’s Spring/Summer fashion show, and you’ll understand why I simply love this brand. Each design is made to flatter a woman’s shape and the silhouettes are both traditionally feminine while conveying a definite modern vibe at the same time. This collection that walked down on Orchard Road has that same magic. Vibrant prints and a predominantly pink collection makes this an easy pick for your summer wardrobe.

Germain

Huge balloons carried by statuesque models down the runway/street exude a playful mood that offsets the crisp and clean tailoring of Germain’s collection. Strategically placed cut-outs, sheer peek-a-boo panels, and contrast pockets and lapels take Germain’s designs a step further. Classic with a twist, Germain is for a woman who is going places wants to look chic while doing so.

Mary Katrantzou

Famed designer Mary Katrantzou is known worldwide and lauded throughout the fashion industry for her signature flair for flamboyant and extraordinary prints and her ability to make them wearable and covetable. Her penchant for colorful prints is highlighted and shown off to its best yet again in her collection for Fashion Steps Out 2015. Her prints are perfect for the tropical weather here in Singapore and can be styled in a multitude of ways.

Click here to shop this look.

When fashion takes it to the streets and closer to the people, the results are completely awe-inspiring.

Fashion Steps Out 2015 stopped traffic for talent, design, and keen eye for color and style. 

For even more photos of the event check out this gallery.

Fashion steps out party

 

PHOTO BY: ROYSTON NEO

For more pics form this event click here.

My review and photos of this glorious event are coming soon!

Style Icon: Elena Perminova

Siberian-born model Elena Perminova has been a permanent front row fixture as well as a fervent supporter and wearer of haute couture. Perminova is a member of the ubiquitous ‘Russian Pack’ along with Ulyana Sergeenko and Vika Gazinskaya, both couture designers; and Miroslava Duma, a fashion journalist and style blogger. More than putting Russian fashion on the map, Perminova adds a distinct charm and playfulness to her looks that makes her style so exciting to observe. Wife to media mogul, Alexander Lebedev, and mother of three, Elena Perminova’s jet set lifestyle and taste for the finer things in fashion betrays her down-to-earth charm and youthful sartorial individuality.

Here are some of my favorite street style and Fashion Week looks from Elena Perminova:

A straw hat with a metallic platinum dress is simply put, a stroke of style genius. Perminova has always proven herself to be the master of unexpected fashion combinations, and this look is a testament to her fashion savvy. Notice how her casual flats balance then ultra short hemline and evening appeal of her high shine frock? Definitely a styling tip to take note of.

With the “it bag” of the upcoming spring season, the Chloe Drew bag, slung around her toned shoulders, she sashays effortlessly into another fashion show front row, no doubt. The bright blue hue of the bag stands out against her minimalist chic off-white sweater dress and thigh-high boots duo.

Showing off her penchant for color, Perminova puts her own spin on the classic trench dress as she dons it in a beautiful deep turquoise. With a trendy 70s silhouette, she teaches us a thing or two about statement dressing. Pick a maximum impact piece, and let it shine.

Displaying the one-of-a-kind blend of edgy elegance that she is known for, Perminova puts together a patent crocodile print with a prim navy blazer and tough gal chic Balenciaga cut-out boots for a look that is bursting with street style cred.

Want to dress up your denim? Take your style cues from Elena Perminova. A feminine ruffled blouse tucked into dark denim with a light stone wash is given the high fashion treatment with such choice add-ons such as a pair of sleek white pumps, an oversized tan leather clutch with zipper embellishments, and a pair of round sunnies.

If your LBD game needs a refresh, do like Elena and go matchy-matchy with your accessories. Her matching tweed Chanel 2.55 bag sneakers give a dose of urban cool to her plain black knee-length black dress.

A true style maven for high-low dressing, she exhibits her enviable fashion prowess and her treasure trove of designer and unique pieces in this memorable street style outfit.  A pale pink embellished lace dress is typically for the red carpet, but Perminova makes it street style friendly with the addition of lace-up boots, a black military style blazer, and a wide brim hat. Instant downtown chic.

Leave it to Elena Perminova to find a completely new way to wear your standard cognac leather tote. While most people would reserve this carryall for their denim-and-tee looks, she confidently rocks it with a floor-length gown with floral appliques on the hem. Bow down to the master of high-low, street meets couture dressing.

All Images from WhoWhatWear

#Fashion Steps Out 2015 Part 1

Taking street style to a whole new level, Fashion Steps Out 2015 took over Singapore’s famed Orchard Road and wowed the whole crowd by taking glamour and high fashion closer to the people. This annual event celebrates all the best in global trends and marries it with Singaporean fashion. I love how Fashion Steps Out gives fashionistas and style lovers a more exciting way to experience and see fashion in action by taking it to the streets, and Orchard Road is certainly the best venue for such an illustrious celebration of fashion.

Everybody knows that Orchard Road is the mecca for shopping as well as an amazing place to spot trends and to see fashionistas at their sartorial best. The road is shut down for the day, and it becomes all about fashion and high-watt glamour. Traffic stops and the sidewalks and roads become filled with models sashaying down this long runway while fashion fans watch from the sides and take social media snaps. How can you resist such an awesome event? I personally loved every minute of it! If you missed the event (make sure to catch it next year!), here are some of my personal snap shots of the event.

Max.Tan

Sharp lines and angles. Crisp and clean silhouettes. It was all about modernity, minimalism and geometry at ultra hip label’s Max.Tan’s show. If you love edgy fashion, you will certainly love this brand’s aesthetic. This all white collection is meant for those who walk on the more daring side of fashion, a capsule wardrobe perfect for doing the white on white trend.

DEPRESSION

Filled with youthful angst, Depression is about the historically inherent subversive and anarchic and rebellious side of fashion. Urban and provocative, this collection isn’t for the faint of heart.

Pleatation 

The name says it all. This collection from Pleatation takes a tailoring we all know and love, pleating, and transforms it into a full runway presentation where every single piece is fit for the most glitzy red carpet events. A fully pleated pantsuit and fully pleated gowns showed off the timeless elegance of pleating, especially when placed beside contemporary origami detailing and brocade foil prints. Whether done in sheer, flowing fabrics or with more structured material, Pleatation’s designs shine and look ever so stunning.

 

This is just the first part of the evening. Stay tuned and check out the blog for more photos and runways reviews from Fashion Steps Out 2015. If you count yourself a fashion lover, you’re gonna love what I still have in store! Any favorites thus far? All collections are jaw-dropping!