When East meets West: My top 5 picks from ‘I Love Designer’

When I met I Love Designer founder G. Bond on my last trip in London, she was on a mission. As a product of Eastern and Western upbringing herself, she wanted to create a platform where East meets West specifically when it comes to creative and emerging talents.

Her recently launched e-boutique - which specializes in luxury accessories - is certainly one to stand out, as it carefully selects beautiful products from various parts of the world.

And while big brand names from both sides of the worlds are ever so expanding nowadays, smaller, independent boutique brands are much harder to get hold of unless you live in that specific city or part of the world where they happen to exist.

This is exactly where I Love Designer comes as an exciting new place where all these cool brands have become available regardless which part of the world you live in.

Rocking this Queen of Hearts bangle certainly takes some attitude!! I'm in love
with this piece from Manish Arora for Amrapali collection available on the site!

Bonjour Beirut: Johnny Farah's fabulous bags!

My husband has always joked that no matter where he went in the world, there would be four things – Chinese, Indians, a Lebanese businessman and an Irish pub!

While it is understandable why people from the two most populated nations on earth would exist everywhere, the Lebanese one has always puzzled him. That was until he met me and came with me back home to understand more of our unique culture.

Most of my co-nationals will write prose about the natural beauty, the weather, the food and the party scene which Lebanon enjoys but for me, nothing makes me more proud than seeing some truly unique people making it everywhere in the world while keeping a distinct character about them.

Johnny Farah is one of those people. And although I only found about him on my latest visit back home, believe it or not, he’s been around in the industry at least a decade before Elie Saab and enjoyed the company of greats such as Andy Warhol while living in NY in the 70s!

Johnny Farah's collaboration with artist Ranya Srakbi has produced some to-die-for bags
which live up to the label's chic identity but adds on a stunning twist!

Bonjour Beirut: Sarah's Bag 2013 collection

If you're a regular reader of this blog then you probably know by now that if I'm a big fan of one designer or label, I'm not shy to shout out loud about it. Not just once, but twice and a dozen times if I feel it deserves to.

And this is specifically why I'm posting again about my favourite Lebanese label Sarah's Bag who not just only makes gorgeous clutches and accessories but does that for a good cause as well.

I think I've already said enough about how much I admire Sarah's Bag and its founder and creative director Sarah Beydoun so you can read all about her mission and how she started the label in this previous post.

But today, I just wanted to share with you some of the snaps I took in the label's gorgeous Beirut showroom housed in a French colonial building in the city's historic Rue du Liban (Lebanon street).

I'm in love with this stunning leather clutch and its zips details! Amazing how Sarah's Bag
has been evolving its designs to come up with such creative and chic pieces as well as
crafty ones.

Bonjour Bali: Namu's handbag and clutch heaven

When in Bali, it’s usually the beaches and spas which take priority on most people’s itinerary forcing them to have just enough time to shop for souvenirs to take back home.

But if you’re not a souvenir person, have a great taste and style and only one hour to spend shopping in Bali, then there is only one place you should really be heading to - Namu.

Located in Seminyak, this place is a fashionista’s heaven and it stocks some unusual and unique pieces which you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else on the island.

During my first visit to Bali, I went there twice in two days because I had a dilemma choosing one of their stunning bags which blew me away. I wondered what the secret of their style success was, until I met the owner of the boutique and it all fell into place. 

Stunning wooden clutches which I've not seen anywhere else.
This is what Namu is all about: unique and chic!

My obsession with Stingray clutches never ends... these are superb
quality and to-die-for! No to mention, gorgeous?

Stingray arm candy from Malaysian label KLutched

If you thought my penchant for eel skin bags was a tad unusual, wait until you know my ultimate leather of choice when it comes to bags… drum roll… Stingray skin!

Yup, again it’s a marine creature that produces the toughest and most durable leather you can ever find which also happens to be so chic, understated and probably the least underrated of all kinds.

Ever since my first encounter with this beautiful textured leather, I fell in love and was curious if I could find any Asian designer using it in their products. On my first visit to Bali I did at one of the coolest boutiques on the island (will be blogging about it after my second visit in a couple of weeks!) but sadly the clutches I wanted were all sold out and I ended up buying my husband a stingray wallet instead.

But I kept looking and finally my search is over! Malaysian handbag label KLutched seems to have read my mind and I think I finally found my perfect stingray leather bags, just across the border!

No kind of leather, in my opinion, comes close to how chic yet understated
Stingray skin is. This KLucthed miniaudiere and iphone cover demonstrate that!

Roccoco Kent: Another great addition to the Singapore vintage fashion scene

The key to great vintage shopping is to never stop searching, as the best bargain of your life could be hanging on the next rail.

I didn’t know it until now, but the same rule obviously applies to vintage shops in Singapore.

Just when I thought I had the best old school shopping experiences in the little red dot covered (recording my finds for posterity in Time Out Singapore), I stumbled over yet another little gem which definitely deserves a place on my list: Roccoco Kent.

Stepping into this tiny cubbyhole of a place in a non-descript shop house in the Kampong Glam area is like being transported to another era, with rails of clothes juxtaposed against a backdrop oddities and curiosities (think typewriters, tennis raquets and side-tables) from a bygone era.

It is like you walked into the set of a retro movie, except its real and practically everything on show is actually for sale.

The small narrow Roccoco Kent oozes with charm...

Vintage jewellery anyone?

Designer Vintage Sale (DVS14): Bargain hunting at its best!

If you follow my blog then you know that I hardly ever post about upcoming events unless they are totally unmissable. But this week’s Designer Vintage Sale event is probably one of the best in town and I’m sure you will thank me later for this very short post.

I rarely wake up early (I stay up working late though!) but today as soon as my alarm ticked at 9am, I was out of the bed, headed to the shower and ready for a quick breakfast before heading to Tiong Bahru with a few enthusiastic friends to pack up the best bargains at the preview of the sale.

And by bargains I mean a pair of Python skin Louboutins for S$290, an Hermes canvas bag for S$500, and a Chloe Paddington for S$400! You have to see it to believe it. They are all pre-loved but in great condition.

Too bad I was too busy browsing to take photos of some great finds at the preview today but again what’s the point when between me and my friends, 7 pair of to-die-for designer shoes and a few handbags were snapped in 20 minutes?

But fear not, a lot is still available including a gorgeous pair of Lanvin flats which were sadly one size too big for me :-(, some cool dresses which I barely had time to look at, some great men’s stuff  in addition to great designer bags for a fraction of their retail price.

So if you like your designer bargains as much as I do, head down to the best event of the year at Glamour Inc showroom on 59 Eng Hoon street, #01-55. Apart from today and tomorrow’s exclusive previews, The 14^th edition of this Designer Vintage Sale will be open to public on the 27^th July, 2012 until 5^th August, 2012.

Trust me, this is one event you don’t want to miss. But if you do or you don’t find your size this time round, keep posted on future news and events on facebook and twitter.

P.S. For this event, only cash payment is accepted.  

Hayley Kiel eel skin bags: Korea's best export (after K-POP of course!)

Ever since I moved to Asia, I’ve seen so many python skin handbags that I’ve lost count.

I admit. They look beautiful and exotic especially compared to your average leather bag. And what’s better is that you can get them much cheaper around this region. I even picked up a few myself on a recent trip to Bali!

But apart from Python, there are other interesting types of leather which remain a little underrated and are sought out by the true fashionistas.

My favourites are sting ray and eel skin. Who’d have thought you could get beautiful things from water creatures? But because they are truly individual animals, the look and texture is very unique – and for someone with a water sign like me – more appealing :-)

Elegant, unique and classic: Nothing beats an eel skin arm candy!

The best thing about Hayley Kiel's designs is that they come
in amazing shades of bright colours...

The 30 Singapore designers you need to know about: Part 2

My 30th birthday (or 29A as one of my friends would call it) celebrations went very well for those of you who are interested.

But onto the more serious business of part 2 of my 30 at 30. That's my list of the 30 singaporean labels you really should know.

You can see part one of the 30 Singapore designers you need to know about here but below you'll find 10 more of the hottest labels from the little red dot. I will post the final part on Friday so you all have something to digest over the weekend :-).

Enjoy. And don't forget to let me know which labels you love the most in the comments section.

UPDATE: Here is a link to part three of the 30 Singapore designers you need to know about.

I was delighted to be the first to get my hands on these KAE HANA
pixel floral leggings before they officially went on sale!
 (Photo by Franz from lilreddotfolks.com)

The 30 Singapore designers you need to know about: Part 1

Today is a huge (and depressing day) for me.

It’s my 30^th 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.

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!)

Bonjour Beirut: Sarah’s Bag combines cool with a cause

Every fashion brand longs to have at least three things. A coveted line that achieves cult status quickly, celebrity endorsement and a back story that gives people a reason to talk about the brand.

So when you hit all three effortlessly, you know you’re doing something right.

And that’s where Sarah’s Bag comes in. This is an accessories label that is little known outside of the Middle East, but something of a phenomena inside it.

I personally love them, and whenever I go out in Singapore sporting a Sarah’s Bag I get asked about it. So while they might be anonymous over in Asia, it’s going to become my mission to change that.

Gorgeous hand-made creations from Sarah's Bag...

Shoes versus bags – who is the winner? You of course!

While shoes and bags don’t always co-exist peacefully (remember the shoeholic /bagaholic war?), it turns out all they need is some balance whether in a shop or put together for an outfit.

I’ve recently visited Sole2Sole which despite the name, is actually a boutique that stocks as many awesome bags as it does shoes, and would win any bagaholic’s heart too.

And even I, a self-confessed shoeholic, couldn’t help but love the variety of unique handbags at Sole2Sole. The reason? Well they’re so much fun and interesting and couldn’t be more far from generic!

How much fun is this dress-up dolly handbag from LuLu Guinness? I'd be playing with it all day!!!

Weekend want(s): HOT picks from Parco next NEXT's 18 new labels – launching tomorrow the 14th of April!

In some places I've lived, supporting local fashion is an act of charity, cheering for uninspired rich kids playing at being designer.
But make no mistake. The scene in Singapore is more like London than Dubai. These new kids on the block have got the talent by the bucket!
From funky streetwear to perfectly-tailored work attire, original prints, and glamorous sharp cut frocks, the third batch of new designers at Parco next NEXT have got it all covered in their maiden collections which launch officially tomorrow, Saturday.
Despite having seen – and shopped – some of the collections this week, I’m looking forward to the launch party which will be the second Parco launch I go to since moving to Singapore (see here my first launch review).

One of my first purchases from the new designers at Parco next NEXT
is this cute t-shirt dress from MASH UP. Totally my style, Love it!!!

Weekend Want: Tezzo’s colourful and exotic iPad cases and envelope clutches

If you ask me about the big designer whose work I dislike the most, it has to be Roberto Cavalli (Sorry Donatella!)

Apart from the fact that the OTT $1million crystal chandaliers in his Cavalli Club in Dubai almost blinded me, I find most his designs to be more over the top than a drag queen beauty contest.

I especially dislike the excessive use of animal print and exotic skin in his designs, urrrrrghhhhh.  

But while I’m no fan of exotic skin in dresses a la Cavalli, I still love the feel of it in small doses such as shoes and bags.

And to this end, I have recently stumbled over some cool purses from a new Singapore-based label Tezzo.

These pretty evelope clutches are a far cry from the OTT exotic skin designs of Cavalli!

Playing Dress Up at Nostalgia Queen Vintage

I’m always happy to hear feedback on my blog and people seem to notice that I do put a lot of work into it i.e. it is not one of those lazy press release publishing blogs, and I do chase content instead of waiting for it to drop in my lately overflowing inbox.

But looking for interesting and fun content is not always easy especially that I’ve been working non-stop these days! So I decided to use my very little free time this week to… just have fun and get inspired!

And what a better place to do that than booking an appointment at my next-door neighbor vintage shop Nostalgia Queen Vintage to try on her newest attainable from Paris and treat myself impulsively to something unique :-)  It’s very cozy  and charming and its owner Michelle is very friendly and welcoming! Plus the price range makes it excellent value for money.

I never know what to expect while vintage shopping... this outfit looks more
avant-garde than vintage! Just love some healthy impulse buys from time to time... 

Weekend want: Singapore label EMBLEM clutch from Asia Fashion Inc

With my current busy schedule, I’ve been finding very little time to physically trawl the streets looking for inspirations and items to fall in love with.

Luckily, there is online shopping! And no I’m not talking about Net-a-porter and ASOS, it is e-commerce sites which stock Singaporean and Asian labels that are keeping me up to date with the hottest brands in the region and in awe for the coolest clothes and accessories!

One of these sites is AsiaFashionInc.com, which is true to its name and where stocks vary widely in styles and prices, that there is definitely something for everyone!

From experience, I know that the best thing to buy online is handbags. Reason being that sizing is never an issue.

This Singapore label EMBLEM clutch is just gorgeous!

All I want for Christmas is… A cheery statement handbag from Fabulous Fads, Haji Lane

If you’re planning on keeping it simple when it comes to your dress this Christmas (I will for once), there is still one way to make you stand out from the crowd: a cute handbag!

Forget the monogram totes and bejeweled clutches and opt for something original, unique and a conversation-starter pieces like those stocked at Fabulous Fads on Haji Lane.

When I recently visited this quirky boutique, a lot of handbags and clutches caught my eye especially these 3 in particular.

First are the eccentric and pop-art inspired arm candy (literally) from British designer Helen Rochfort. My favourite is the Wonka Bar (S$145), partly because it makes me feel young again and everytime I see it, I can’t help but hope for a golden ticket inside :-)

Love these Helen Rochfort bags especially the Wonka Bar one!!