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!

Naomi Campbell to walk for Singaporean designer at Digital Fashion Week 2013!!!

Yup... the secret that I've been keeping from you for a few month now, is finally revealed: This year's Digital Fashion Week's guest model is none other than the One and Only British supermodel Naomi Campbell!

Controversial? Maybe. Legendary and simply un-matched as a model? Definitely! My heart almost skipped a beat when for the first time I was told that she might be coming to Singapore for DFW - especially that I will be co-hosting the event like last year! (Check out my involvment and coverage of last year's event here).

And while I got to interview the awesome Andrej Pejic last year, I'm now terrified at the prospect of meeting her backstage, let alone talking to her in front of the camera.

I cannot wait! And what I'm mostly happy about is that to have such a legendary model not just show up at the event but also walk for a Singaporean designer! Yes, she won’t be there just to show her ‘super’ pretty face and bod, she will actually be walking for one of the local designers who is opening DFW. Such a move will definitely guarantee that the world will be watching what’s going on the Singaporean fashion scene.

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.

Adam Lambert rocks Singapore's Depression shoes at the VMAs!

Last week, I found myself admiring Adam Lambert's studded Louboutin heels (yes they were heels!) but I never thought that this week I'd be blogging about the American pop star's choice of yet another killer footwear.

So how is it he managed to top those red-soled killers and send my heart all aflutter? Well, he stepped out wearing a pair of fabulous shoes from Singapore label Depression!

The flamboyant singer - who probably picked up the shoes when he was in the little red dot recently to play a concert - caused a bit of a media sensation at the MTV Video Music Awards with his eye catching grey platforms.

Adam Lambert rocking those Depression platforms! Great to see
international celebrities supporting Singapore independent labels!

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!

Bonjour Malaysia: 5 places to shop in Penang

With its rich history, vibrant cultural and artistic scene, and arguable the best street food in South East Asia, you would hardly need any more reasons to pack your bags and head to Penang for the weekend. But if you are as shopaholic as I am, you’d be glad to know that Georgetown is also home to some cool and unexpected shopping spots.

From local flea markets to antique shops and swanky boutiques, I was thrilled to find some hidden gems on my brief trip to this island city - especially that I had no expectations whatsoever. Not even a map in my hand!

What I mostly loved about it is that the experience itself was extremely random and eclectic – definitely one of the most unique shopping trips I’ve had.

So whether you have 5, 50 or 500 dollars to spend – here’s where you should be heading to burn off the extra calories from all the yummy Penang street food! Remember to leave some room in your suitcase :-)

Stolen: Bringing sexy back to Singapore!

My love for colour is documented all over this blog, but just like any other fashionista, I have bagged myself more than the odd LBD throughout the last decade.

Yet the older I get (yup, only last week I turned 31!) the more I appreciate what a classic well-made understated dress can do. That’s where Singapore label Stolen comes into the picture; creating elegance that has tempted me to part with my hard-earned cash – and won me over as a lifelong fan!

Treading the line between elegant, sexy and edgy – Stolen makes some of the most timeless and well-made clothes I’ve seen on the little red dot. With material like twill, crepe, shantung silk and chiffon – the dresses look and feel luxurious.

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.

Helen Lee: From Shanghai with love…

There can be no doubt about the serious fashion talent emerging from Asia – after all I manage to run a blog focusing only on labels from this side of the world.

But rarely have I seen a designer who has perfected everything about their craft and can be compared to some of the polished gems you see in places like London or Paris.

Although the talent is there, a lot of these young designers seemed to lack the one thing which I consider very important in garments: quality.

However, one designer whom I had the pleasure to meet recently has climbed right onto the top of my must buy list of Asian designers. Ladies and gentlemen, meet China's very own Helen Lee.

From her choice of top-notch fabrics to the original prints, immaculate cutting and finishing and superb details – Helen had me at hello.

My two absolute favourite looks from Helen Lee: A lace rain coat
from the SS13 collection...

And a stunning combination of knitted sweater, moon-printed skirt
and gorgeous accessories from the AW13 collection.

Fashion Forward Dubai: 5 Middle East designers to look out for

I’ll admit. It’s probably the only time I miss being in Dubai, even though I lived there for many years before moving to Singapore, I've never really had any feel for the place.

That was before the Fashion Forward event, which took place recently and could be the first step towards nurturing a real fashion scene in the desert

When people complain to me about the ‘lack’ of a proper fashion scene in Singapore, I always tell them to compare it to Dubai, where there is hardly anything interesting fashion-wise. The first vintage shop in the country opened only a couple of  years back while the concept of ‘local’ and ‘independent’ designers was non-existent bar for a handful of individuals who introduced this idea not too long ago.

But when I learned about Fashion Forward happening in Dubai, I breathed a sigh of relief that perhaps the city has finally started celebrating the young talent and giving them a proper platform and the exposure they deserve.

A beautiful dress from Lebanese designer Dina JSR at Dubai FF

And as usual, Michael Cinco brings the drama to the catwalk...

And oh how I wanted to be there for the Starch Foundation show! I'm
especially in love with the work of Celine Der Torrosian of AZADE like
this cool outfit which I want to get my hands on!!!

Audi Star Creation 2012 Winners: Q&A with Thailand's Soravit Kaewlamon, one year on!

The last interview of the three part series with Audi Star Creation 2012 winners (the other two are here and here) is with the boldest of all three: Soravit Kaewkamon from Thailand.

If you're familiar with the Bangkok fashion scene then you'd know that it is probably the most colourful and fun of all Asia. From prints to cuts and daring designs the Thai designers love to experiment and Soravit is no different.

After seeing her menswear winning collection, I'm looking forward to see the designer's complimentary womenswear collection which she will be showing at AFF next week!

So why did she switch to womenswear? Will it be as bold as the first one and what are her future plans? Find out this talented designer's answers below!

(P.S. I've giving away 5 pairs of tickets to watch the ASC winners show at AFF. Find out more on facebook).

Audi Star Creation 2012 Winners: Q&A with South Korea's Ko Young Ji, one year on!

Just a week before their show at Audi Fashion Festival this year, I'm running short interviews with last year's 3 winners of the Audi Star Creation (ASC)  fashion design competition, to find out where they are one year on after winning.

Today's Q&A is with S. Korean designer Ko Young Ji whose feminine collection last year stood out especially in contrast with some of the more directional collections of the other participants.

Find out more about the designer, who is launching her own label very soon and reflecting back on the past eventful year of her journey.

You can also read the other winners' interviews here and here.

(P.S. I'm also giving away tickets for the ASC winners show at AFF, find out more about it on facebook.)

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 Beirut: Falamank does vintage, modern and antique jewellery like no one else…

As someone with eclectic taste in fashion, I rarely make big definitive statements about my style. But here is one which I’m sure will be true for a long long time to come: if I had to choose only one jeweller to wear their pieces for the rest of my life, it has to be fellow Lebanese designer Tarfa Itani of Falamank.

I hear you ask what about my love for antique jewellery? Well, the best part is that Tarfa makes her own designs AND picks some amazing antique jewellery from around the world to sell or even transform into statement pieces without undermining or ruining their appeal.

I was first introduced to Tarfa’s work just over two years ago on my wedding day, when my fashionista extraordinaire cousin gifted me a delicate gold and diamond bracelet, featuring a flying dove. I instantly fell in love with it as it was something I would pick for myself and naturally I decided to find out more about this Beirut-based label and catch up with the designer for this blog.

An exceptional pendant from Falamank's Mosaic collection...  

'Omri' ring: Arabic for 'My life' as in 'sweetheart', how sweet is that?

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!