Filed under: - Sarah, 2010 Spring/Summer, Beauty/Make-Up, Models, Runway Reviews | Tags: 2010, Hair, Shunji Matsuo
Warning: Photo-heavy post.
(And by the way, I am in dire need of a new camera. 3.2megapixels and a battery that doesn’t even hold up for an afternoon event after charging it fully the night before is getting very annoying)
Anyway, the Shunji Matsuo unveiled his 2010 Collection at an intimate show for no more than 25 guests at Goodwood Park Hotel’s Presidential Marie Suite.
The suite setting added a lot of grandeur to the affair, with corinthian pillars, high-ceiling arches and large crystal chandeliers. In addition, the Shunji Matsuo team got two very talented young pianists to provide show music.
Models showed off his latest creations from Casual, to Colourful to Avant Garde Series.
It was a day before my International Economics paper, but I have no regrets attending (: I felt geeky though, cos I brought my Economics mindmaps to read while waiting for the event to start… Plus I did have some time to kill because I was slightly early for the event.
But smart me, arrives early and chooses the only seat that was blocked by the photographer. But I still managed to get some nice photos so I wasn’t too bothered by him. If you see his sleeve/arm blocking part of the photo.. oops! hahas. (:
Models were all wearing G2000 to complement the hairstyles.
And it wasn’t like the usual hair show (or at least my impression of one, since this is the first I’ve attended) whereby there are live demonstrations after demonstrations of model’s hair being cut in outlandish/this-will-be-the-look-that-everyone-will-supposedly-have-next-year styles.
Mr. Shunji Matsuo did do two short demonstrations to show how the hairstyles could be re-styled to create different looks.
Later on, I got a chance to meet his assistant, Comb. (I kid you not, he introduced himself as Comb) Who very proudly claimed credit for his DIY feathered headpiece to sit atop his fedora.
Check out more photos from the event!
And if you notice that some of the models look strangely familiar but are sporting completely different hair, that’s because they are!
It was only as the show started that we were all told that this Shunji Matsuo collection would feature Wigs (!), a new addition to the range of services already available by the Shunjo Matsuo team.
Prices of the wigs range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the length. I got to try one of them (I’ll post about that later!) And although my initial reaction is that its not very practical and applicable to us, Singaporeans (we always seem to have a ‘practical’ excuse to not be adventurous eh?!), the wig didn’t feel weird or eery to the touch (since it is made of natural hair) and when wearing it, felt very secure, tight even. And could possibly be fun for cool parties or nights out with friends when you want something a bit different or when you are having bad hair days! hahas.
The stylists were also giving advice and answering our questions about maintenance and all. According to them, wigs are very easy to wash and maintain. And are very light and travel-friendly. Furthermore, you can always bring your wig back to restyle if you get sick of the look, granted longer styles would have more options than shorter do.
As part of the gift pack, I’ve a got two-week free ‘trial’. I’m still contemplating if I should use it during the holidays. Hahas. Any suggestions on what look I should/could sport?!
Filed under: - Jo, - Sarah, 2009 Autumn/Winter, 2009 Spring/Summer, Events, Models, Shopping | Tags: Bershka, Event, ION Orchard, Launch
According to Wikipedia:
“Bershka is a company belonging to the Spanish Inditex group (owner of Zara), that was created in April 1998 as a new store and fashion concept, aimed at a young target market. It now has 508 stores in 36 countries, including Spain, France, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Russia, Croatia, Montenegro, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Belgium, Colombia, Portugal, Poland, Guatemala, Ireland, Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Romania, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, El Salvador, Latvia, Venezuela, Estonia, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.“
Where is Singapore? *pouts* ))):
Ok, not like it really bothers me much.
Jo and I attended the Launch Party, held on a Thursday evening. I got a bit (very!) lost trying to find the place in the abyss of ION Orchard’s basementzzz! They should make it a rule that all stores indicate their unit number, regardless of how atas the store is! grr!
Anyway…
[Disclaimer: the following photos were taken using my mobile phone camera... so if the quality sucks, sorry!]
There were people aplenty packed into the plush psychedelic place. There was a DJ spinning music, live. The place felt like a club, with clothes…
And not forgetting happy foods! 
Cottoncandy, Oreos, Pocky (<3!), mentos, potato chips, Lollipops, M&Ms, water, Coke, Sprite, Snapple (which got snapped up real quick)… all for us guests to munch on as we combed the store.
Not forgetting,
Bershka Ramly Burgers, which were right next to…
Alcohol.
Muslim food next to alcohol. Subtle.
Moving on…
Their clothes walls are quite nicely arranged.
Although not everything was within reach. :/
The clothing has a lot of mass market appeal. Graphic tees, Pseudo-already-worn-by-someone-for-two-years ‘new’ jeans, dresses, short skirts, vests etc.
There were two drop-crotch pants that were interesting. Jeans with lace imprint/spray-paint(?) detail. And sequinned short skirt.
(excuse Jo’s candid face )
My only (sorry!) photo of some of the other bloggers..
Hello Carlos, Ridwan, Dinie, Nina, X-wen, Nicole and Qin. (:
We were all chilling and rubbing shoulders with the shoes when Analog Girl started her shiz..
It took awhile for everyone to sort of gravitate towards her… and after oogling at her create beats/sounds with her passe of electronic gadgets (which was cool yet perplexing)
The models joined her shortly after.
And it wasn’t your traditional show… Rather than have the models, tall and visible above all our short heads, but far from the audience on the elevated stage…
The models weaved through the crowds to stand on small platforms scattered throughout the store, allowing an up-close-and-personal view of the clothes… (makes ‘em models sound like animals at the zoo eh? hahas)
The finale was also quite fun and energetic with the models eating some of the snacks as they walked and danced around the store. (so the do eat!!!)
After the fashion show, they also had a beatboxer do his thang. Kudos to the professionalism shown despite the crappy mike that died twice. :/
with vouchers in hand, I went around hunting for something…
And i thought these shoes were really lovely. Psuedo suede, flats with perfurations nonetheless. But at $129 before discount… The stars didn’t align for this purchase. *sigh…
Filed under: - Jo, DIY, Design, Inspirables, Models, OMGWTFBBQ, Our Style, Outfit Photos, Runway Reviews | Tags: DIY, Fashion, Fashion Design, fashion show, Runway show, Sewing, Style, union week
Yes, I have a perfect reason for my irresponsible absence in these few months, and this is it!
Er yea, two dresses… Project Runway participants can churn out almost-couture in a day or two, but yes I needed a few months to draw, plan, decide and (attempt to) sew a raglan sweater dress with ginormous sleeves and a maxi dress with a corset belt thing. Very simple shapes cos as it is, I cannot sew. I didn’t know how to operate a sewing machine. And when I got to learning, it was on one of those huge table-like vintage ones with pedals, which is probably older than I am.
So how did all this come about? The student union decided that in order to promote their active, wholesome, holistic, all-rounded student body, a fashion show would do the trick, heh.
They posted an annoucement looking for student fashion designers who would design two outfits. The theme was “bright colours” and my first thought was, uh-oh. But my friend and I decided to join anyway!
I don’t have much to say about the runway show itself, but I’m glad I joined because I completed two dresses, which I wouldn’t have done so otherwise because nothing can get my lazy self movin’.
Pictures from the rehearsal.
I tried to copy Ungaro’s SS08 two-tone lips on my models. I think I lurve it. They were making lipstick prints on Kleenex with their lip colours cos it looked so kewl.
Boizzzz, would you kiss a girl with lips coloured like that?
Unlike many people (like etsy sellers) who proclaim that their clothes are professionally serged with love, I can only assure you of the most noob or sewing in my dresses. (Except for the long dark grey one because my aunt did it for me )
Zuper tall and leggy Lynette with Sharmaine.
Basically, I did not have any grand idea whatsoever. I only knew that I had a bright colours theme and I wanted to use neon.
Then there came bits of Susie Bubble’s heather grey+neon confections, recalling my horrors of seeing neon yarn, cross stitch string and netting in my childhood, and a bad attempt at embroidery for a cheesy something for my boyfriend 
I actually told the hosts that ooohhh I was inspired by sportswear and all that jazz, but seriously, it’s as random as random gets.
I quite like the texture that I got from weaving the yarn and netting. Haven’t got a chance to get a proper close up.
The hat was from Accessorize and I paid no more than $12 for it. It was on a 70% discount. I say the above in past tense not only because the deed was already done, but because IT IS MISSING!!!!!!!
I couldn’t find it the night before the show and I was totally phreaking out (doesn’t freaky sound more emphatic with ‘ph’ instead? lol).
Anyway I did without it.
(Please ignore the tumourous/intestinal-looking thing around Kelly’s waist. It was a belt work-in-progress.)
You know what, looking at Michelle’s dresses makes me feel colour-impaired. I lurve the colours she used in her dresses! Yes we all know the thing about complimentary colours, but I wouldn’t have come up with something like that.
Btw, she designs very lovely jewellry too
Pictures from the actual day.
Makeup on the actual day done by one of my best friends, Praveena
Sorry their faces look kinda skewed. That’s what wide angle lenses do to you.
Happy faces after the show. This is actually the least tired-looking ones out of the lot!
More to come!
Filed under: - Sarah, Beauty/Make-Up, DIY, Desirables, Inspirables, Models, OMGWTFBBQ, Photography, Random, Street/Scene Style | Tags: Bobby Pins, Bun Hair, Hair, Hairspray
A classmate of mine once said, “Messy is sexy”.
And she was referring to the state of our ponytails as we were fussing over them after a usual un-glam P.E. session.
Since then, it kinda stuck as a catchphrase for our messy hair.
Our own little excuse.
Then, at a recent event, I came across this lady with her hair tied as such…
I am so amazed by how neat it is.
I bet that all the hairspray and bobby pins in the world could not make my hair remotely that neat.
*kowtows!!!
Neat, ain’t that bad too eh?
Filed under: - Jo, - Sarah, Design, Events, Models, Photography, Runway Reviews | Tags: Singapore Designers, Wardrobe, Wardroblings, Zouk
Wardrobe is an annual fashion show organized by Zouk featuring new and upcoming talents in the realm of fashion design.
Wardroblings is a sister to big brother event Wardrobe.
Organized by The Fashion Fraternity, Wardroblings focuses on showcasing the works of oozing-with-potential fresh graduates from the Fashion Design schools in Singapore.
Models stomped down the runway with oversize animal heads and carrying signs of protest.
It took me awhile to pull my attention away from the props to focus on the clothes.
I have to admit, though, there are definite challenges in attempting to achieve seamless flow and effortless cohesiveness to the collections of seven talented emerging designers with their varying influences and philosophies.
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Kite Fight by Indy Mantik
With a bright palate and playful juxtaposition of the geometric and the fluid, Indy Mantik’s collection sought inspiration from Indian fighting kites – their colour, shapes and movement.
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Stage Beauty by Daisy Fabrina
Daisy’s romantic interpretation of ‘Swan Lake’ ballet shows clearly in the muted colour palette and soft fabrics (which must have been a pain to sew!!!).
The details of the pant (see first picture of Daisy) and the sequin top caught my eye.
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Natalie Cheah
Bitten by the fashion bug after catching an episode of Project Runway, the lustre of a normal desk job simply lost its appeal to designer, Natalie Cheah.
I liked how the collection was made up of separates. And some of the shapes, proportions and textural combinations were definitely intriguing. Wasn’t completely won over by the styling or colour palate though.
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Ugly.Beautiful by Foo Jia Wen
Ugly.Beautiful draws inspiration from unconventional forms of beauty, from everyday objects that we often overlook.
The collection is raw and rugged. The colours, textures and fabric experimentations reflect that.
Images of nomads are conjured in my mind, and I’d become a nomad to wear awesome clothes like these!
The combination of knits, chained accessories, draping and shredded fabric looked effortlessly cohesive.
Jia Wen originals will soon be stocked at Black Market (if I’m not mistaken) in limited quantities with prices starting from about $100 for a dress. I can’t wait!
Can you tell I’m a fan!?!
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Turning Point by Elvin Ooi
Inspired by Santiago Calatrava’s Turning Torso (below),
(Source)
The inspiration was most obvious in the single-spiral-seam leggings on the models.
PVC was also used throughout the collection. And according to the model, the jacket was quite comfortable. (:
Pushing boundaries with new silhouettes, shapes and unorthodox materials without being over-the-top. I was definitely impressed.
Especially impressive was the workmanship of the pieces. Anyone who can sew panels like that deserves special mention!
And if he made a girl version of this jumpsuit, I’d wear it!
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Erika Szczepkowski Shralai
Highly influenced by her Asian background, Erika sought inspiration from her life in Thailand, its culture and religion – Buddhism.
From the textures and styling, the references are obvious and seemingly too literal. BUT! I love the fact that its a whole bunch of separates layered one on top of another. I think as separates, each piece is a real statement of its own.
Doubt I could layer and toss this many colours and fabrics together and make it look any cooler or more cohesive.
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Jennifer Choi
Set in Alice in Wonderland’s garden tea party, Jennifer’s collection exudes romanticism and whimsy.
The tulle was a nice touch.
Although I can’t quite say I was falling head over heels..
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So there you go. The seven rising designers to note in the near future. I’ve got my favourites… do you?
(hope you enjoyed the photo-filled post)
<3!
Filed under: - Jo, 2009 Spring/Summer, Magazines, Models, OMGWTFBBQ, Random | Tags: Fashion, L'Officiel, L'officiel Singapore, Models, Runway, Runway Shows, Style
Here’s L’Officiel Singapore glamourizing THE runway boo-boo of late – models falling over themselves – in “Balancing Act” of their March 2009 issue.
I guess.. contorted bodies = interesting visuals? I wish there were frontal ones though!
Any more boo-boos to make their rounds around mags?
From Pedestrian
Filed under: - Sarah, Design, Events, Models | Tags: Fashion, fashion show, Marina Square, Nicholas
Tonight.
nicholas.
Marina Square Atrium.
Fashion Show.
‘My Favourite Shirt’ Collection.
Catch it if you can!
(show should start at approximately 7pm. But exact time not known)
Filed under: - Jo, Events, Models, OMGWTFBBQ, Singapore Fashion Festival '08
OMGWTFBBQ? TGTBT!
Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood, and Gareth Pugh are hitting town come May for the Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore!
But if you’re itching to set your sights on some deliriously luxurious works by Christian Lacroix, head down to the National Museum come 20 March, up to 7 June for “Christian Lacroix the Costumier“ Exhibition.
More about Audi Fashion Festival from Fash-E!
Exclamation! Marks!
Filed under: - Jo, Models, Street/Scene Style | Tags: Fashion, Fashion Week, Models, Street Style, Style
So… as long as you’re tall and leggy, you can get away with wearing rotations of oversized tee, tapered pants, some expensive and/or easily recognizable shoe and/or bag.
Better if people know your name, they wouldn’t even care what you’re wearing! Instant cool.
Is it the tapered pants… leather something? oversized top… black jacket..
These pictures appeared within one photo of each other, all in the same page on AltaMiraNYC’s contribution to Teen Vogue. (O! or maybe it’s Teen Vogue)
Not saying that AltaMiraNYC doesn’t have a good eye for fashion. I follow the blog religiously.
All I wanted to say was: Look there are clones around fashion week too!
Filed under: - Jo, Inspirables, Magazines, Models, Trends | Tags: Cosmopolitan, Fashion, Goong, Korea, Korean Dramas, Korean Wave, Magazines, Princess Hours, Style, Vogue
About a decade or so ago, say “Korea” and people think of kimchi.
Say the same thing now, and chances are, housewives and schoolgirls will spew a myriad of names of Korean musicians, TV personnalities, movie stars, drama serials, and the like. (This of course, disregarding the disparity of North and South Korea – fans don’t have time for this.)
Korea has set foot in many industries like steel producing, automaking, consumer electronics, shipbuilding, robotics, and needless to say, entertainment.
So it’s interesting to see popular Korean personalities do the same – dabble in a domain other than their own.
I can’t say that I’ve caught the Korean wave myself, but I was, and still am deeply obsessed with one particular drama serial – Princess Hours (Goong).
If you watch it, you’ll be absolutely smitten with Chae Kyeong and Shin. I was.
I recall one episode when there was a scene whereby Shin (played by Joo Ji Hoon) was bathing, and the audience was treated to frames of him half nekkid. (Doesn’t nekkid sound more naked than… naked?) I was having a simultaneous conversation over MSN with my friend who was equally obsessed. And we launched into a fury of wanting to be random toilet objects like the carpet and towel because they got to see Joo Ji Hoon in his full glory.
Ooh. That’s part embarassing and part exciting to tell. I WANT JOO JI HOON!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway. The great part about this is that these actors go into other areas like singing… and modelling. And most of the time they do a pretty good job of it.
Vogue Korea – March 2009
Who knew she could work it like that?
Cosmopolitan Korea – December 2008
I think if you’re an actress in Korea, it’s inevitable that you fall into a big hole along with the other new artistes called “cute trap”. Luckily, this isn’t as irksomely and irritably cute as what you’ll see on TV.
Vogue Korea – December 2007
What I think was her best shoot (and most uncharacteristic of her) to date..
Strange… but it gets more surreal when a celebrity stops becoming a celebrity in a photoshoot.
I have to add that her fans did not appreciate this photoshoot one bit.
“sometimes i just don’t understand haute couture…why (do) they (have to) make her (look) so ugly?”
“Sigh… same here.
And what’s with the tutu anyway???”
And here I am thinking it’s pushing boundaries for her
From qinatthedisco, AF, crunchyroll, k-popped, kimshey
