High & Mighty High street!

Well many high street brands have great collaboration with designers & it girls. These brands come up with capsule collections coveted by all fashionistas..as they are deemed to be designer ware at a fraction of the cost! This fall, H&M will up its game with a tie up with Versace. Previous collabs with other designers like Lanvin and Stella Mccartney were already a sell out worldwide, and this time, high street will go plus haute, plus luxe with such a well known couturier. Judging from the pictures available, Versace's signature embellishment, beads and flowy pieces will not be missing in this commercial spin. Apart from menswear & womenswear, Versace will design some homeware pieces as well.

The reason I'm blogging about this exclusive collection is not because H&M is coming to Singapore, but more on the fact that many Singaporeans are hoping this collection will come to the new store here this September! and considering that I got an email from the press from H&M sg regarding this collection, I really hope they will bring the gorgeous couture worthy pieces to our sunny shores.

Heart: Donatella Versace

all pictures are from H&M

Accessoires

Many fashion magazines advise fashionistas to buy accessories, as simple accessories can jazz up any look, from a basic shift dress to a casual bf shirt and jeans ensemble. No doubt my sister and I have been investing some $$ into accessories, especially belts and necklaces. (although I still can't bear to splurge on statement pieces as I do have a decently modest budget)

One of our favourite shop includes Aussie's DIVA. It's array of sparkling accessories sorted out by colours and patterns adorn the walls and shelves of its pristine interiors. Knowing that its the Great Singapore Sales now, DIVA's offerings are not to be missed. The sales for past seasons accessories start at $3, but I will say most necklaces and ea

rrings are 7 bucks and up. I bought a gorgeous ring for 9 bucks. It may not be the best steal in the shop, but this ring was really unique and it looked expensive.

For those who prefer unique accessories, several online shops offer such handmade treasures. Here are some of my recommendations. They do have different price ranges, but above all, the jewellery in there are gorgeous!

Indiesin
Recommended for the rock chic and those on a budget.

Mode.ulation loves: The moulin rouge necklace & all the chunky chains including the Troy coin necklace.

Ocha Cream
The trinkets and charms used in the wide myriad of earrings and charm bracelets are worth the splurge!

Mode.ulation loves: Everything from the Masak Masak (childhood toys) collection! The charms really remind me of my childhood toys!

AmeVi
Very unique charm necklaces and accessories made with love. I spotted this shop at Orchard Central's weekend flea market, Open Doors.

Mode.ulation loves: The watering can necklace!

Hope you guys do check out these websites!

Images courtesy of DIVA, indiesin, ochacream, and AmeVi.

Spotlight: benWU

Flight SS 2010

Structurally sound and intricately constructed, let your imagination take flight with Ben Wu's newest collection. Recently unveiled at Mandarin Gallery's new mall, the local designer's second line benWU is more classic and individualistic than Tian.

Choosing a safely daring palette of neutrals for spring, benWU tinkered with different fabrics and contrasting structures that held true to his aesthetics.

My personal favourite is the toga frock below. The revealing of a tinge of green in a mainly monochromatic collection is daring yet refreshing. This dress appears beautifully constructed, yet soft and sinuous at the same time.

source: benwu@ Mandarin Gallery on facebook

Heels for a great cause

The fashion community (or rather killer heels lovers) have come together to support a great cause. Jimmy Choo and Elton John AIDS Foundation have launched a photo competition to support the launch of Project PEP, a charity collection that donates 25% of sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.

The theme of the photo competition is ‘You, Your Shoes and 72’ and the entries have been really fresh and fashion-forward.

Black hells, mirror ball and leopard prints, an oddly beautiful combination

One of my favourite entry, a vivid sketch of a graffiti heel.

Vivid spiked pink shoes

Jimmy Choos... a gorgeous timepiece.

Do view more interesting entries at www.jimmychoo72.com, the entries are really diverse and unique. Collaboration of high fashion labels with welfare organizations has been fashionable of late, yet I really hope it will never go out of trend.

Let the Ad out of the Bag: Fall 09/10

There is no time to lose in fashion. Before I knew it, the Spring 2010 Fashion week has commenced when I was just about to blog about the array of fall 09 ad campaigns that greeted me in my latest magazine purchases!

My favourite is definitely MIU MIU.As compared to the previous seasons, this fall 09 ad has definitely toned down in colour, but definitely not in terms of impact. To me, this is the quintessence of timelessness -- a quality which merchandisers should seek to exude in their ads in the gloomy times of recession.

I really love how simplicity is luxury in here.On the other hand, Prada, evidently aiming to simplify and employ the same tactic, pales in comparison for me. I really loved the collection and expected an austere, perhaps medieval and silently impactful ad campaign. However, I do not quite relate to the water and models' expressions. Stronger, more uniform expressions would have definitely helped.

Sadly, I prefer Prada's previous campaign where many outfits are displayed in a single ad. This season's would have been more impactful if the colours were tweaked in the direction of Miu Miu's monochromatic palette.

And Fendi's monochromatic palette of stonegreys spells sublime! Rich furs and lush bags toted by stunning Stam and cold stone walls, this Fendi campaign is, no doubt, leaving smoke in my eyes.

Seems like I'm feeling biased towards reduced colours this season, but no, I really do love the burst of colours in the ad campaigns of Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Marc Jacobs!
Marc Jacobs is intriguing and I'm really drawn into its ads and having the confidence that its campaigns would only get better in the seasons to come.

On the flip side of the coin, a few ad campaigns were definitely a letdown.One of them would be YSL. I applaud its courage to encapture the inspiration of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian MAn. Surely, this drawing is revolutionary but it needn't be so explicit in the ad campaign. The naked man makes the ad look cheap. Perhaps the rationale behind the use of the Vitrutian Man idea is to boast the exquisite proportions and workmanship of Yves Saint Laurent's craft, but the representation is simply not apt.

Gucci was also quite a letdown. The juxtaposition of models with awfully hip poses made it look tacky. It does no justice to the clothes. I wish more energy was put into the ad, with a portrayal of motions frozen in time instead of still cliched poses that kill the energy of the clothes. The fall 08 campaign of models prancing in the fields was much better.

How about you, which are your favourite ads?

source: www.thefashionspot.com

Spotlight on Israel: FOX

Many may not have heard of FOX fashion, but it is already spreading its wings of fame in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. One glance at these pictures of Bar Rafaeli and you may think it is just another European fashion retail chain. What you may not know is that FOX is a brainchild of Israel. It may not be the first store to jump on the trendy bandwagon, instead clothes at FOX are more snug than trendy, and more fun than sophisticated. Happy clothes I would call it - with Disney hoodies, hiphop-worthy cargo pants and bright-coloured sweaters. FOX's signature style include bold patterned tanks and tube tops, and pieces with bold embellishment such as a sequinned clown and camisoles with ruffles and laces.

This Fall, FOX presents their collection in 3 key ranges- Active, Urban and Limited Edition. The Urban Fusion collection will feature vintage-syle tees ready to bring all fashion lovers into a world of nostalgic and funfilled childhood. Whereas "Limited edition" will satisfy the needs of the youthful, with quirky use of plastic prints in bright colors, shiny plastic buttons and pins, prints of cartoons and graphics. Memorable pieces include a cute flippy skirt with black heart buttons.

Be sure to check out the newest collection in stores.

source: www.foxfashion.com.sg

Spotlight on Brit: Topshop fall 09

Topshop has brought in fresh new ideas this fall, with clothing separated into 4 themes.




Manhattan Dolls

Think looks ideal for razzle-dazzle cocktail parties and discoes. Inspired by 80s power-dressing and cocktail party glamour, Manhattan Dolls emphasizes exaggerated shapes and show-stopping colours. Body con dresses are ignited by shoulder-padded glittery tuxedos, the dressy will love their sparkling minis and sequined separates.

Marianne
The collection takes inspiration from 70s groupies and has a vintage glamour feel. Luxurious fabrics are given an antique finish; together with heavily sequinned and knitted embellishment. Sequined dresses, harem trousers and high waist knickers are made high street with oversized cardigans, Extravagant mink boleros and lush velvet jackets are made a staple for winter too.

Highland Fling

As the theme explains, the clothes boost a traditional Scottish vibe and English eccentric; classic tartans, antique fleurs and oversized checks. Luxurious knitwear has an heirloom quality, ready to be thrown on for any tea party in the jardin. There are also military-inspired coats with cute accents such as gold brass buttons. Tough leather boots top off the entire lookbook, together with bright knitted hats and scarves.

Horror Girl

Everything here comes ragged, ripped or highly distressed. The looks make the models appear as though they just emerged from a horror mansion infested with cobwebs in a haute manner. The recurring motif of bloody red font is printed on blazers and woolly jumpers. Interesting touches include cobweb-like lace and lattice panels. Victorian nightwear is reworked and appears in ivory colored blouses, bed jackets and corsets. There are delicate pieces alongside tough denim jackets, and jeans are slashed or bleached while leather is distressed. Studs and eyelets toughen the look further adorning jeans and fitted jackets, and knits appear moth-eaten.

source: www.topshop.com

Spotlight on spain III: Bershka

Bershka is knocking on the doorstep of sunny South East Asia, with its first store at no where else but sunny Singapore! I first heard about Bershka on lookbook.nu, where nearly all the wonderful Spaniard's outfits had something Bershka in it. Not much info on Bershka's fall 09/10 collection is released on the web, and here are some sneak peeks of the catalog.




Everyone loves plaid. I don't think it is a trend, it is a style.





source: http://juicy.mashkulture.net

Spotlight on spain II: MANGO

Mango chose a cast of curvy models this season, with Scarlett Johansson taking over Penelope Cruz as the brand's new face.

The ad campaign under the lenses of Mario Sorrenti.

Leigh Lezark

I must admit Daisy Lowe looks so different here under the strong spotlight. I love the styling of all these looks that are classic and edgy at the same time. This winter's collection shows that black remains as the new black, accessorized by studs, ruffles and glitter!

Love the vest and straight cut black pants.

Cute fliry tiered skirt.

Jump on the new shimmer trend with this red-carpet worthy bustier dress.

Channeling Martin Margiela/Christopher Kane, with a classic black coat and leopard-faced tunic.

source: www.nitrolicious.com