Say hello to IN GOOD COMPANY's first flagship store at ION Orchard!

'One day you're in, the next day you're out' is the famous quote repeated by Heidi Klum on every episode on Project Runway as she gives the hopeful contestants a dose of reality when it comes to the business of fashion.

That same sentence proves especially true in Singapore where over the past few years, so many home-grown labels have come and gone, mainly for not being able to turn their brand into a viable business.

So when two young and talented Singaporean designers come together and build a success story over the span of just two years, they must have been doing something right.

The duo - namely Sven Tan and Kane Tan - who were previously the designers behind the beloved local label AllDressedUp, have decided to continue their journey independently after the later closed down and lunched their brand IN GOOD COMPANY (IGC) which is now one of the most celebrated and successful local labels around.

Last week marked another milestone in their journey: the launch of their first flagship store - at ION Orchard nonetheless. Obviously, I couldn't be happier!!!

SG50: Here's why I love Singapore

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

No, I'm not going to recite Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnet in this post - but this is the first line that came to my mind as I started thinking about paying my tribute to Singapore on its 50th birthday (or SG50 if you want).

Today is undoubtedly a big day here in the red dot and as I'm writing this, I'm putting on my red and white attire and getting ready to brave the crowds and join in the celebrations all over the island.

But before I leave, I just wanted to say a few things, who knows maybe next year I won't be around here to say them.

How awesome is Google's page today celebrating SG50? It was drawn by an 8-year-old imagining the next 50 years. Love it!

Digital Fashion Week 2013: Dressing the Screen exhibition

Yes, Digital Fashion Week (DFW) is returning this year. And yes once again I will be hosting it alongside my dear friend and gorgeous host Yvette from Tanjong Bazaar. 

But the thing I’m so excited about in this second edition is the amount of local Singaporean talent it is showcasing as well as its fringe event which combines two of my favourite things: fashion and film.

Prepare yourself as there will be more coverage coming up about DFW closer to the date and some AMAZING SURPRISES you never guessed (wink wink I cannot tell you yet!!!) but this particular post is about the event which is happening with the support of the British Council and starts end of this week.

I am taking about the ‘Dressing the Screen: The Rise of Fashion Film’ exhibition which will showcase works by some of the world’s best fashion designers and film-makers from varying angles and perspectives – all through a series of films put together by respected British curator Katheryn Ferguson.

Chic Stash: Pre-loved fashion revolution in Singapore

Singapore fashionistas rejoice! There is finally a place to get your hands on some serious vintage designer treasures. 

It’s so convenient in fact that you don’t even have to step outside your home to score some enviable arm candy or a timeless pair of shoes. 

That's right, one of the best new places to shop in the little red dot is online - at the newly launched vintage lovers heaven, Chic Stash.

The brainchild of two style-savvy New York fashionistas, Chic Stash is a representation of what these ladies love about fashion. If you’ve ever been to NYC then you’ve probably seen the amazing vintage shops lining the city’s streets. Well this is kind of the same vibe, brought to life online and focused on Singapore.

The Art of Shoes: Are you Singapore's next big thing?

Isn’t it about time that Singapore had its own Jimmy Choo?

And by that I’m not calling for more outlets on the little red dot, but for someone to step out of the shadows and make a name for themselves in the cordwaining world (that’s the real name for luxury shoemakers)

Well if you ever fancied yourself as the next big thing but didn’t have the funding or training to make a difference then you HAVE to be interested in this new contest - The Art of Shoes - being run by Singapore’s Textile and Fashion Training Council (TaF.tc)

Those who register and take part stand a chance of winning a cash prize, a trip to a prestigious shoe event in Milan, a sponsored diploma course in shoemaking and a work placement with Charles and Keith.

Not bad eh? So the next obvious question is, what do you have to do?

Mode in Asia: Curated and eclectic online shopping from Shanghai

A while back it was entirely down to Singapore to hold up the reputation of Asian designers online.

But that’s starting to change, as other parts of the region start to get their online act together.

And nowhere is the fashion e-tailing concept growing faster than in bustling and busy Shanghai.

The business city of China has embraced online in a big way, with the likes of the super curated Bundshop making waves in the West.

Now it’s the turn of Mode In Asia to shine the spotlight on the pan-Asian fashion scene. This newly-launched site is both curated AND eclectic. Two of my favourite words!

It stocks emerging designers from across the region – from Thailand’s LaLaLove London (keep reading to find out how you can win a LaLaLove London top through Bonjour Singapore), to Singapore’s Aijek and Stolen (check out my previous post about this amazing label!).

From quirky party frocks to elegant evening numbers: Mode In Asia offers many choices for the eclectic ladies. Best of all, they are all unique pieces from independent Asian designers!

Say Bonjour to… Marie France Asia!

I haven't been updating this space for longer than usual so you must guess by now that I’ve been up to something ;-)

This time, it’s not London, nor Beirut – but right here in Singapore!

To all my supportive readers, let me introduce you to my new project – Marie France Asia!

Well, to be specific it’s not mine only. I’m just the Editor in Chief for this newly launched regional magazine but the name and brand Marie France (not related to the regional beauty centre with the same name) has existed since even before I was born.

In case you are not in tune with the Francophone culture, Marie France is one of the top fashion and lifestyle magazines in France and has recently launched its online regional branch Marie France Asia (based in Singapore), which aims to bring a ‘French flaire’ to South East Asia-based style-savvy audience.

Audi Star Creation 2012 Winners: Q&A with Roderic Wong from China, one year on...

As someone who's very interested in the emerging designers scene, I often wonder about these young talents I encounter and what it is like to have been on their journey so far - regardless how short it may seem to be.

Last year, one of the most enjoyable things I followed on this blog was the Audi Star Creation competition where I interviewed all 12 finalists and got to see their final showdown on the runway at Audi Fashion Festival (AFF).

The three designers who eventually won were Roderic Wong from China, Ko Youngji from South Korea and Soravit Kaewkamon from Thailand whom each got a one-year internship at F J Benjamin in Singapore to get a valuable experience in the industry and a cash prize to kick-start their careers.

Fast forward one year, and here are the three designers preparing for their second show at the upcoming AFF this month and I have to say, I can't wait for time round too!

But before I get to see their new collection, I had some questions for each of the winners and was intrigued to know how was the past year like for them.

I will post these short interviews over 3 days starting today, and will also be giving away 5 pairs of tickets to watch their show at AFF (check the facebook page for details).

Today, I'll start with the designer whose work truely wowed me for he uses unconventional techniques and has a keen eye on details. This is Roderic Wong who no doubt has a great future ahead of him in fashion. Check out what he has to say regarding his internship, evolution as a designer and future plans!

A look from Roderic Wong's winning collection of 2012, 'tissue of being'!
Looking forward to see his new collection at AFF this year too.

Uniqlo UT pop up shop: Giving a little something back to the Singapore creative scene

I very rarely attend international brands events in Singapore.

With my niche focus on independent designers, and the fact these brands have massive marketing machines and the whole blogosphere to promote them – I’m going to struggle to add anything of value if I cover them on this blog.

However, last Friday I decided to break the rule and go to the UNIQLO UT pop up launch party which is part of a global pop up series by the brand, stopping in Tokyo, Taiwan, London and NYC among other cities around the world. The UTs are a collection of t-shirts which are ‘used as media for modern expression inspired by pop culture and collaborations with companies worldwide’ which UNIQLO as started producing and will be running and changing on seasonal basis.

Apart from this interesting concept for UTs (who wouldn’t like the funky take on regular t-shirts?), the reason I was interested was the fact they have collaborated with Noise Singapore - the local platform for emerging creative artists - to produce a range of t-shirts specifically for the local market.  Moreover, the proceedings from these sales go to Transmission, an experimental incubatory platform organised by PHUNK - one of Singapore's leading creative collaboratives to mentor young people from various creative disciplines.

Loved the display of flying tees at the event!!!

Bonjour Giveaway: Win ONE of THREE stunning items (I selected) from Inverted edge

Whenever another platform – a boutique or an online store – promoting independent Asian designers pops us, I’m always excited and intrigued to know more about it.

Within the last year, I’ve witnessed the springing of at least a handful of these places around Singapore alone and only last month, a new welcome edition has surfaced on the scene. This is Inverted Edge, a Singapore-based online fashion e-tailer selling some carefully curated items from a pool of Asia Pacific independent designers.

There are so many things on the site which are drool-worthy, from the now familiar local favourites like Carrie K. and Lion Earl (check out the stunning limited edition structured peplum vest!) to Indonesia’s Nina Nikicio and Major Minor, New Zealand's Stolen Girlfriends Club, Australia's Injury and much much more…

This limited edition LION EARL peplum vest is exclusive to Inverted Edge! Love it!

The Best of the Best Parco next NEXT designers: SS13 launch

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 ;-)

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.

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!

One of the winners was menswear label WSDM whose colourful cardigans
would brighten any dull outfit! Love!

Audi Star Creation 2013: Introducing the 12 Finalists – Part 2

Last week, I’ve introduced the first 6 of the 12 finalists of Asian fashion design competition, Audi Star Creation.

Today I follow up with the rest of them to give you a hint on these young aspiring designers’ ideas and inspirations – as well as sketches!

I’ll be looking forward to seeing their full collections on the runway at next month’s Audi Fashion Festival and find out who will eventually win the competition.

But despite the fact there can only be 3 winners, it is important to remember that these 12 designers were picked from 355 entries from around Asia and thus getting this far is an accomplishment in itself.

Here’s hoping that regardless of the results, all these talents would get eventually discovered and endorsed by someone who will be able to turn their dreams – and hard work – into reality.

An interesting and futuristic design by Vietnamese finalist Ngo Hoang Kha  

5 emerging Asian designers to look out for

For decades, Europe and America have been the centre of the fashion world. While that’s largely true – the four most important fashion weeks do happen in the West after all – but that doesn’t mean that it’s only Western designers who are shaping the future of fashion.

Take a look at the rise of the Asian designer in the states, and the increasing number of designers from that side of the world muscling their way into London and Paris.

Even back in the day the likes of John Rocha (Hong Kong) and Jimmy Choo (Malaysia) were making sure the world was aware of Asia as a creative hub as well as a manufacturing base.

Over the past few years you have the more established lines of Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Vera Wang, Richard Chai or Alexander Wang all flaunting their Asian heritage all across the major fashion weeks.

Now the question has to be, where is the next generation of Asian designers coming from? Who is going to be the next big thing to hit the catwalks of London, Paris, New York and Milan?

Read on to have a look at my pick of five Asian designers to look out for and remember you saw it here first!

Yeashin Kim (S. Korea), Haizhen Wang (China) and Lionel Low (Singapore) are some
of the rising Asian designers to look out for!

Chinese New Year: an updated take on Jade jewellery

One of the (many!!!!) things I love about living in Asia is how traditions are carried on from one generation to another.

Take Chinese New Year for example. Despite a largely westernized lifestyle in a city like Singapore, people still celebrate it massively and families gather for a traditional meals and exchange of Ang Pows on the night.

It’s the same with fashion. Instead of starting from scratch, a lot of the upcoming designers have been re-interpreting traditional clothes and jewellery to make them more relevant to their generation and lifestyle without losing their charm and identity.

While in clothes it is mainly cheongsams, in jewellery it has to be jade! Specifically Choo Yilin, a Singaporean designer who is updating staples like the solid jade bangle, ring and Bi (jade disc) to fit into our modern wardrobes.

From Couture to Read-to-Wear: Malaysian designer Jovian Mandagie for Zalora.sg

My Lebanese genes must have something to do with it but I just love couture!

In fact, there’s nothing that gets my heart pulsing quite as much as slipping into a custom-made couture creation which I have been lucky to have had on a few occasions.

But while couture can be the most sumptuous thing you could ever wear, sadly it almost always comes at a hefty price tag which not many people can afford, especially the young fashionistas.

However someone seems to be doing something about it, namely up-and-coming Malaysian designer Jovian Mandagie.

Love this look from Jovian's 'Femme' collection!

Emblem: Stylish and comfortable skyhigh heels from Singapore?

Almost a year ago, I spotted a certain clutch on Asia Fashion Inc. which looked unique and set itself apart from all other exotic skin bags which flood the market in this part of the world. That was the Jacque from Singapore label Emblem.

Fast forward a year and the very same clutch which caught my eyes had proved to be a success story and the design has been reproduced by the designer in seasonal colours to suit every taste in addition to new designs.

And just recently, Mia, the young designer behind Emblem has started designing shoes – some of which fit right into my wardrobe: colourful and bold skyhigh heels. Needless to say I’m a big fan of!

Not only do they look good, but unlike most high heels, Emblem’s are actually comfortable – well as comfortable as you’d expect 6-inch pumps to be ;-)

Comfy as they are stylish? Read on as I test the new collection of
exotic skin heels from Singapore label Emblem.

The irresistible Jacque clutch which I fell for, is now available in more colours!

TSURA: Tribal chic jewellery

I donno if being a Middle Eastern or travelling a lot had to do with my fascination by tribal jewellery. So much so to an extent that in almost every city I’ve been to, I never left without a statement piece as a souvenir to later add to my ever expanding collection. For me, no piece of dainty diamond encrusted jewellery can match the charm these traditional pieces embody!

But as much as I love my OTT – sometime antique, decades old pieces - bought from rural parts of places like Yemen, Nepal, Iran, Syria and Jordan I do find it hard to pull off on daily basis and I’m always on the look for something slightly more chic and wearable yet still as interesting to go with my wardrobe.

My latest find, jewellery label TSURA takes inspiration from the travels of its HK-born Singapore-based designer Tara Thadani who grew up globe-trotting the world, and provides pieces with are tribal in their theme yet very wearable and chic.

TSURA's Daphne necklace is inspired by tribal potion bottle used in voodoo
practices. Who would have thought black magic could look so chic?

Bonjour giveaway: Win S$500 from Zardoze to glam up the new year

As someone who goes by the saying ‘You can NEVER be too dressed up’ - including wearing sequins in the middle of the day – I am certainly not one to shy away from makeovers.

That's especially true of makeovers that are more about dressing up than dressing down and which aim to uncover the best version of yourself rather than turn you into a fashion slave.

I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve decided that this year instead of following and reporting trends and fads, I’ll be focusing on further developing my own style and having fun with it while also helping my readers develop theirs through posts and styling tips.

But to kick start this initiative in the new year, I’m holding the biggest giveaway so far on Bonjour Singapore, and  it will see one of my readers winning a S$500 worth outfit from Singapore label Zardoze.

Want to win a S$500 makeover from Zardoze, styled by me? Read on for more...

Lionelow for MYthology: The start of something big?

One of the most talented young designers in Singapore is undoubtedly Lionel Low, one half of the amazing young label LION EARL.

So it gives me huge pleasure to see him making his debut at the higher end of the fashion scale with his first Lionelow capsule collection for Singapore boutique MYthology.

This is a collaboration steeped in all the things that my blog stands for. Because not only is Lionel a talented Singaporean designer, but the boutique in Club Street loved his work so much that they have backed him financially to help him create this collection.

One of Lionel Low's creations for MYthology

H&M x Maison Martin Margiela launch in Singapore + What to look for if you’re buying online

So just like I expected, H&M’s collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela (the emcee kept insisting it was re-edition of previous iconic pieces from various seasons) was not as commercially successful as the previous two (Versace and Marni) in Singapore. In fact, after a good few hours, it was nowhere near to sold out and except for the candy clutch (which was gone by 10:30), by 2pm all the styles were still available in most sizes and in big quantities.

The queue started overnight but this time it was not as big and even when I got to H&M at 10:15am, there was just one line of people waiting. So what happened to the Singaporean fashionable crowd?

Maybe it was the rain – although we got given umbrellas when it started raining – which discouraged people from turning up. But I think it more has to do with the fact that the clothes were mostly heavy and not suitable for Singapore’s tropical weather and that MMM is not as mainstream choice for the H&M usual customers.

At around 10am, the queue was significantly less than last H&M Marni collaboration.

Every item has a description plate indication which MMM season
it was a re-edition of.