Parco next NEXT and its designers need no further introduction on this blog. The fact that I even have a designated section for them here says it all: I believe in these young designers’ talents so much and I’m always ready to support them whether by writing or shopping ;-)
But the most interesting thing was to see these designers’ work evolving over time. Comparing their first collections to the one presented at the launch, I could definitely see a more mature approach in their designs and concepts which looked more focused now. The quality of materials used, attention to texture and details has been a big progress for some of these designers in particular.
Last week was the re-opening of this fashion incubator space with a new look – yet no new designers. In fact, it was rather a celebration of 20 of current and previous labels which made it to the ‘The Best of the Best’ list.
The list included some of my favourite designers to come out of Parco in addition to ones I was slightly familiar with before. It was an eclectic mix of ‘commercial’ designs which have proved popular with the public for a few years now and other more directional ones which keep pushing the boundaries and stuck to their ethos. So there was definitely something for everyone.
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| My only photo from the launch with the talented MASH UP trio whose label I was wearing. I love this dress! Perfect combination of quirky and chic! |
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| One of the winners was menswear label WSDM whose colourful cardigans would brighten any dull outfit! Love! |
Apart from the usual labels I’m a big fan of, one of the highlights for me this season included menswear label WSDM who started with more conservative approach and have now managed to strike a perfect balance between wearability and creativity. I especially loved their cardigans which showed a beautiful combination of textures and colours without going overboard. I was also impressed by Foon Foono’s new collection which featured a to-die-for textured turquoise leather tote that looked classy and fun at the same time.
WSDM
FOON FOONO
Other highlights were FOREWORD whose on-trend tassle necklaces with a twist are surely to be a big hit like their previous collections, LION EARL’s gorgeous digital prints on figure-hugging dresses, leggings and unisex t-shirts, KAE HANA’s sexy cropped tops and fun mixture of prints and of course MASH UP’s eclectic collection from which I was wearing a neon dress for the launch party! :-)
FOREWORD
LION EARL
KAE HANA
MASH UP
That is just to name a few! But I also loved the work of Saloni Rathor who continues to pay attention to quality fabrics and come up with fun and elegant dresses, Episene’s oversized circle tops which featured deconstructed prints with hints of colour, 20:TWOTHREE monochrome androgynous pieces and Revasseur’s quirky ‘Ship Ahoy’ collection.
SALONI RATHOR
EPISENE
20:TWOTHREE
REVASSEUR
But even if you’re looking for something more subtle and perhaps work-friendly, pieces like Wil.liam Atelier and Angelia’s sleek dresses, OwnMuse’s gorgeous slouchy chic separates, Alexandria Chen’s structural dresses and Quainthood’s brocade skirts and knit sweaters are easy to wear, comfy and stylish at the same time.
WIL.LIAM ATELIER
ANGELIA
OWNMUSE
ALEXANDRIA CHEN
QUAINTHOOD
For guys, apart from WSDM, labels like Coupé-cousu, Evenodd and Sundays offer menswear from the subtle to the edgy. I especially love Evenodd’s explosion of prints and polka dots – not for the faint-hearted though!
So next time you’re going shopping, before hitting the highstreet – try popping by Parco next NEXT and you’ll definitely find something more unique and most importantly support a young Singaporean designer by doing so.
COUPE COUSU
EVENODD
SUNDAYS
