Today
is a huge (and depressing day) for me.
It’s
my 30th birthday, and to help me officially mourn the passing
of my youth I thought I’d do some shameless promotion of my favourite Singaporean
labels and designers.
So
here it is. 30 at 30 if you like. My guide to 30 labels from Singapore that you
really should be paying attention to. I’ve added links to those who have
websites so you can find out more about each one.
I
hope this little birthday gift from me to you gives you as much joy as
discovering these talented designers has (and if anyone wants to buy me a birthday
gift, they can find some hints in there haha).
But as 30 is a bit much to digest in one
go (not to mention very tiring to post!!), I’ll split it into three posts over days. Here
is part one of three - in no particular order. Enjoy!
PS
– I have avoided putting in the Singapore fashion giants like Charles and
Keith, so don’t email me asking where they are :-)
PPS - Here is a link to part two of the 30 Singapore designers you need to know about, and this link will take you to the final 10 in the list.
PPS - Here is a link to part two of the 30 Singapore designers you need to know about, and this link will take you to the final 10 in the list.
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| Yes I'm 30! and can't get enough of the awesome Singapore labels like this MAE PANG top which I love! (Thx again to John Tan for the pic!) |
Lion
Earl: To
say I love these guys is an understatement. Labels like Lion Earl are the
future of Singapore fashion. Super stylish and elegant, slightly eccentric but
using more sophisticated tailoring techniques. The brainchild of designer
Lionel and architect Hariz, the brand is one of the big hits from the latest
round of designers at the Parco next NEXT incubation programme but are destined
to break-out sooner rather than later.
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| My birthday dress had to be from LION EARL! You'll be seeing me in the shorter version of this amazing dress soon :-) |
Carrie
K:
The art of making things is dying out all over the world, so it’s great that
some labels are determined to revive things. From the fabulous handmade
statement jewelry to the artisan trunk shows that highlight fellow craftsmen,
Carrie K is really flying the flag for the old school arts in Singapore.
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| From Carrie K's latest collection. This Heavy Mettle necklace is just stunning! |
Emblem: One of the first times I
realized the power of blogging was when a friend bought a gorgeous Emblem purse
for his wife after reading about it on my blog. Sadly, I wasn’t so lucky (hint,
hint) but if you love stylish purses then look no further.
Mash-up: Anyone who has read
my blog for more than 30 seconds knows one thing. I love colour! And this new
Singapore based streetwear label has it by the bucket load. It’s like an
artist’s palate exploded in the factory and gave rise to a glorious erm…mash-up
of styles. The fact they asked me walk a catwalk show for them has nothing to
do with their inclusion :-)
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| Fun never ends at Mash Up! |
Depression: Obviously as I’m
turning 30 this Singapore based left-field label is an ideal choice. Except
their clothes are anything but depressing. Andrew Loh and Kenny Lim manage to
create collections that contain both the dramatic and the fun, that are both
daring and playful in equal measure
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| I love Depression's latest collection especially the accessories and this necklace which was part of my birthday treat to myself :-) Can't wait to rock it! |
NoelCaleb: I do some freelance styling work for this
Singapore label but they are included on merit. Of course their shoots look
great (as I was involved haha) and I had a small hand in the direction of their
latest collection, but it’s the overall look that I love. It was actually one
of the first labels that turned me onto Singapore designers, and their mullet
skirt is still one of my favourites.
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| A photo from Noel Caleb's Teddy Girls collection which I helped do the styling for. |
Hansel: Ok, this is a bit of an
easy one but it still has to be said that there is a reason why Jo Soh’s label
sits near the top of the Singapore fashion tree. Quirky, light and well made,
Hansel’s clothes are both expressive and joyful. Definitely in the fashion
should be fun camp, Hansel is one of the few local labels that truly looks
international.
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| I overdosed on Singaporean designers this birthday and grabbed the strapless version of this dress on GSS sale last week!! |
Mae
Pang: I
was so happy to be able to get my hands on one of Mae Pang’s beautiful pieces
during Blueprint! This is a designer who does what she loves, be it mixing neon
colours, geometric shapes and interesting mix materials. Luckily instead of
shying away, people seem to love it – and so do I!
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| Awesome edgy cuts from MAE PANG! |
Shito: Shoes are a particular
passion of mine and I’m very picky about fit, colour and quality. Which is why
I was blown away that a local brand could be producing foot candy of this
standard, for reasonable prices too. Everything from outrageous to elegant can
be found here. And for prices closer to Zara than Louboutin.
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| Shoes, shoes and more shoes... Love Shito's designs! |
Mils: Jumpsuits for men anyone? One of the new Parco next NEXT labels that is making waves locally and beyond, Mils is another example of how the men are starting to get a foothold over here. experimental, bold and original. Everything fashion should be.
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| I'm no menswear expert but love MIL's inventive designs |