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.
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| Love this look from Jovian's 'Femme' collection! |
Known in South East Asia as the
young couturier - who have managed to have clientele such as former Raja Permaisuri Agong and H.R.H. D.Y.M.M.
Tuanku Nur Zahirah as well as other stars and
royals from the region, the 26-year-old designer has just launched his
affordable ready-to wear collection (Jovian Femme) inspired by his couture
creations on Zalora.sg.
And by affordable I don’t mean
the H&M collaboration prices which are still hefty at an average S$300 and
S$400. It is expensive-looking and gorgeous designs which each surprisingly
cost less than S$200 a pop!
Not to sound snobbish but I’m
always skeptic about evening wear quality because to me, luxury and cheap don’t
mix. I’d rather be dressed down in a simple silk dress than have an elaborate
cheap-looking gown which screams look at me. And that’s exactly why I’m very
impressed by Jovian’s collection. It looks really well-fit and expensive but
costs not more than what you’d pay for a dress of lower quality and generic
design at a high street shop.
But that’s not it. The designs struck
me as being very elegant, wearable with a young feel to them which was the aim
of the designer as to reach a wider and younger audience.
From cocktail frocks to fitted jacket and
kaftans, every piece looks gorgeous with enough details to make it interesting
yet classic enough to not look dated in a couple of years time. I’m especially
impressed by the fit and cutting which judging by the photo looks quite impeccable
– something hard to get at this price tag.
So why
would someone who understands luxury and has had a successful career as
couturier, launch into a ready-to-wear affordable market ? According to Jovian,
it has always been his dream to see everyone wear a piece of his creation.
‘I
understood that not everyone can afford couture pieces. Although it took me a
while, but I finally found the right time and the perfect designs for my Ready-to-Wear
line,’ he said adding that his experience designing dresses for the VIPs
between 45-60 years old ‘has educated me on the taste and preference of that
age group. The launch of my RTW line has definitely broadened my reach
tremendously and I'm happy to say that I am able to cater to all women now.’
I definitely
respect that and coming from a young Asian designer - who is famous for re-interpreting the kabaya and working on modernizing Malaysian batik - it actually holds much more
sincerity and ambition to build a career rather than a big designer labels whose
aim from an ‘affordable’ line is usually no more than making profit.
Going back
to the clothes, I really like the elegance, simplicity and modesty in most of
the pieces. I especially love the jacket with lightly embellished shoulders and
sleeves which makes a great piece to pair with a cocktail dress on a cooler
evening or more modest environment.
I also
like the purple crepe mini-dress which looks sexy yet not too skimpy due to the
tailoring effect and the front details which are great to hide any small belly
like mine ;-)
All in
all, while Jovian’s collection is not really couture, it definitely embodies
some elements which only a couturier can appreciate. And the fact that it comes
at such a price can only be a good thing and hopefully encourage people to buy
more Asian designers without compromising quality or their budgets.
Jovian Femme collection is available at
Zalora.
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| My favourite two pieces from Jovian's collection. Just love how they work so well together! |
