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, 2010 Spring/Summer, DIY, Design, OMGWTFBBQ, Runway Reviews | Tags: Fashion, Runway, Spring 2010, Style, Viktor & Rolf
I’ve been lazy to blog about fashion month, especially since I haven’t got much to say… Nobody really seems to be on a roll roll, or maybe I haven’t combed through all the collections hehe.
But OMGWTFBBQ!
VIKTOR & ROLF!
Kindly proceed to the kitchen to arm yourselves with a pair of scissors, take the dress to the sewing room, and start sculpting holes into the layered tulle.
When in doubt, turn to a block of cheese.
(Don’t bother about how the lower part holds up, it kind just magically stays in place. Or when all else fails, hurriedly supergloo.)
Will anyone wear this on the red carpet?
The other non-takeover-the-world-tulle pieces were great too, but these deserve special mention, even from a lazy blogger.
My favourite is the super-swing tulle jacket/top/thing on Roisin Murphy when she performed during the show.
1) Can you tell that she’s preggers?
2) How much fun is it swishing that amount of tulle around?
ZARA, please put this into production.
All images from style.com
Filed under: - Sarah, 2010 Spring/Summer, Design, Desirables, Inspirables, OMGWTFBBQ, Runway Reviews, Shoes | Tags: Alexander McQueen, Shoes, Woah!, Worship
I haven’t really been following Spring/Summer 09 RTW
but by golly! Is Alexander McQueen trying to kill us?! hahas.
These shoes are so weird and intriguing and INSANELY high (therefore near impossible to walk in) and I think are BEEUUTIFUL! (:
I’m quite curious to see how this translates down into more affordable variations. Variations that I might actually be able to afford 
!
It kinda feels like you are on pointe shoes without really being on pointe. Plus i love the cascading ‘nuts’ (the hardware sort) and embellishments!
I’m sooo tempted to stick random shiny objects to my shoes now. I sound like a crow!!! hahas
If I had a pair, I might just put them on display permanently. On a rotating platform. Spotlights and all. And just spend my day oogling, awe-striken and worshiping. O_O!
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: - 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, - Sarah, 2009 Spring/Summer, Art, Design, Inspirables, OMGWTFBBQ, Outfit Photos, Photography, Runway Reviews | Tags: Derby Fashion, Emirates Singapore Derby 2009, hats, Heng Nam Nam, Milliner, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Jo: OMG I love this dress! It’s so cute. It has a full skirt, it’s so brightly coloured… and I love it. It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland!
Sarah: Buy it!
Jo: Bbbbut it’s not me! I don’t wear stuff like that… and how and where on earth am I going to wear this to?
Sarah: We’ll have a party in celebration of the dress!
This is how we sound when we’re mid-decision.
A party in celebration of the dress! That’s such an awesome idea isn’t it? But we haven’t go around to buying the dress… or planning the party. But maybe that was how racing fashion came about.
Carmelita: (animatedly) Oh Margie dear, I procured this lovely, lovely dress about a week ago, and I do not have the slightest idea about where to wear it to! It is a darling confection of fluff and puff, layers of can-can and lace and ooohhhh, it came with a matching hat that the kind dressmaker picked out!
Margaret: Oh Carmie, I do wish that I could help you with that… (pause) It is such a pain to have beautiful dresses lying around, unworn and unloved! I think they would feel a tad bit like me… (whimpering) untouched and unloved by my husband… (sobs)
Carmelita: (taken aback) Don’t say that! Oh my heart bleeds (!) to see you like this… We need something of a perk-me-up.
(paces around to think)
Carmelita: A party! A race! All built into one! Them men are crazy about horses and all that equestrian sport they haven’t even cast a glance at poor ol’ wifey us! This will give us a chance to better those horses and steal a glance from our husbands… and others!
Margaret: Oh Carmie you could not have come up with a better idea! (gradually more voluble) Once that old hubby sees someone else set eyes on me he will be enraged and all fired up! And you… oh you in that beauuuuuuuutiful dress. Yes! Let us!
Okay but alas, that is not how racing fashion came about, and we have yet to find out.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Derby will be held on 12 July 2009, and it is the 14th year that the Singapore Turf Club and Emirates have collaborated for this event.
They got the dressmakers from Heng Nam Nam boutique and milliner, Shai Tabassi to design dresses and head dresses for the event.
Cream and gold were put to use in more casual outfits, which were kinda like just wife-beaters with upholstery fabric. Nice but… not enough.
The outfits towards the end were much more decadent… in terms of material and drapery and details.
But what we felt was more amazing were the head dresses that Shai Tabassi made. She conceptualised and lovingly created each of them within a month, without even seeing the pieces in person.
With all that love put into each hat, its no wonder that they are all one-off pieces.
Some hats are made with pretty exotic material… like horse tail hair and stuff that I cannot pronounce or attempt to spell, haha.
Emirates also unveiled their new uniform. The red accents and pinstripes added a sophisticated touch.
The event was held at the Shangri-La Hotel over lunch (which was delish!) and provided the lovely backdrops for our Twigs and Trunks entry.
After the show though, I’ve got an itch to throw a Hat Party. And Xiao Wen from Fash-E did mention something about a bloggers’ picnic… Maybe we could combine the two?
Stay tuned!
Filed under: - Jo, 2009 Autumn/Winter, 2009 Spring/Summer, Design, Desirables, Inspirables, Runway Reviews | Tags: Central Saint Martins, Elena Martin, Fall 2009, Fashion, Martin Lamothe, Runway, Spring 2009, Style
Whenever I see a new collection, thought bubbles magically surface, letters dissolve-appear (ala cheesy powerpoint slides animation), unscramble and words form in the air.
Martin Lamothe Spring 2009
Pantone, pastel, pyjamas, kimono, boating, lofty, OMG-I-want-to-wear-these, oversized long bloomers?, go fly kite, :O (yawn face – not because it’s boring but it looks comfy and sleepable-in)
Martin Lamothe Fall 2009
Wispy hair, wispy fringe, wispy legs (are those temporary tattoos, make-up or tights?), varicose veins (HAHAH), mean masculine loafers, why no heels? (hooray!), dinosaurs (see the flappy fins in the first two looks)
Here’s something more coherent about the designer, Elena Martin, for you ponder over.
What is fashion for?
Fashion makes you fell as you want to feel, it embodies who you are if you need to express it in any way. Fashion responds to the need for aesthetics in every layer of yourself.
If you were not a fashion designer, what would you be?
Difficult to say, I have wanted want to be this since I can remember. I have studied art history and I am very fond of history also. Music is my dream, but my way of expressing it is fashion.
What are you proud of ?
Of the colours and the textiles, of searching for something else.
What are you ashamed of ?
Almost everything in every collection I have made, Everything can be better and that drives you crazy.
If you could keep just one garment or accessory, which one would you pick?
Yes , of coures, my capes, that are the pantone range of the collection and my inspiration.
What do you no longer believe in?
I am still believing everything is possible ! and I believe in everything and everyone.
What do you still believe in?
As I said, in everything. But amongst everything I believe In the inspiration, in the idea or history to develop in the collection.
Interview by Jean Paul Cauvin from Fashion Reporters
Filed under: - Jo, 2009 Autumn/Winter, Design, Desirables, Inspirables, Runway Reviews | Tags: Fall 2009, Fashion, Fashion Week, Knitwear, Milan, Missoni, Style
Missoni’s Fall 2009 presentation in Milan makes me wanna take multiple double takes.
The overall formula for styling each look? Layer. Everything. Maybe two of some pieces in a different print and fabric. Just. Spam. The. Layers.
It’s nice to see them look so snugly swaddled in knits, probably feeling toasty and warm! I hope you have fine weather to go with this collection. I, for one, am already feeling warm in nothing but an old phy ed tee and shorts in my room. Crazy Singapore weather.
I like the chunky cold gold, long, layered necklaces that double up as belts.
Gangstaa in da hoood.
Again! Another collection which wants me to get a complete wardrobe overhaul. Throw out all the black and replace it with happy hues!
Not digging the mule-heel in the middle.
Knit, has of course a long standing attachment with Missoni. But has it ever been so in-your-face? Knit over knit over knit over knit over knit and OVER knit again on model, after model, after model?
I’m savouring every bit of it anyway! Are you?
Pictures from style.com
Filed under: - Jo, 2009 Autumn/Winter, Desirables, Inspirables, Runway Reviews
Despite the blistering heat, suffocating humidity and dizzying haze in sunny Singapore, Koi Suwannagate won my heart over and left me wanting to be draped in wholesome thick knits and cashmere.
Subtle hints at deconstruction under the arms and at the sleeves, complete with perfectly pruned clutters of rosettes at the shoulders and shoe straps!
Lots of panelled bottoms, like pants and skirts to elongate the whole silhouette, and according to Koi herself,
I love the beige ensemble below. The sheer inside, the rosettes on the vest, contrast buttons, beaded fingerless gloves, pearl cigarette pants – ooooooohhhhh.
She plucks the usual colours from autumn but births them into gorgeous pieces like it’s spring.
How can a colour like rust – RUST! look so good on legs?!?!
The almost mandatory black and whites in all collections. Nice cape though!
There’s something familiar about her collection, not in a bad copycatty kinda way. It just makes me feel really comfy.
Thoughts?
All pictures from style.com
Filed under: - Jo, 2009 Spring/Summer, Couture, Runway Reviews | Tags: Couture, Fashion, Givenchy, Models, Runway, Spring 2009, Style
I love how the dress mirrors the runway in that there are petals all over. Or at least I think that’s what they are!
Givenchy Spring 2009 Couture
Couture in close-ups. I wouldn’t have it any other way this season – somewhat short of spectacularly staggering. You think?
Pictures via style.com
