Best of British trunk show: the London Fashion Week experience in Singapore

If I were to choose one of the main fashion weeks to attend, it would be London Fashion Week for sure. Reason is, I find it more exciting and unpredictable, and every season you’re guaranteed to be wowed by one of the lesser known designers (remember Mary Katrantzou in 2008?)

So when I was told that some selected samples from these designers who showed at LFW just two weeks ago (AW2012/2013) have landed here in Singapore and will be previewed at the BOB (Best of British) trunk show in Tiong Bahru I couldn’t wait to see it for myself; and it’s safe to say that the experience was not far behind being in the front row at the LFW show itself- only more exclusive and sans the celebrities.

With models parading and changing from one stunning piece to another, the showroom was stocked with some great fashion that is luxurious and stylish and doesn’t involve a single logo to show its value.

BOB showcased some stunning couture creations from British label
BOUDICCA. The orange dress is on my wishlist already!

HERMIONE DE PAULA's designs are delicate yet bold... love all the
colourful and distinctive floral prints of her pieces.

HOT labels Aijek and Ila Handbags come to Singapore at nana & bird

It seems impossible to step into nana & bird in Tiong Bharu and not have a crush on at least one (or in my case 5!) beautiful things at this unique and cosy boutique which only stocks the crème de la crème of worldwide independent and up-and-coming designers.

Whether it’s accessories, handbags or truly individual pieces of clothing, best friends ‘nana’ and ‘bird’ made it their mission to do the globetrotting for you and bring back the things which they personally loved. This policy is what keeps the boutique’s distinctive character which you either fall in love with or if you’re the mainstream type, simply not see the point of it.

I definitely feel in love. From last month’s visit, with Natalie B Coleman’s dazzling dress to this week’s new Singaporean label Aijek’s black lace number which just got launched last Saturday during a girly tea party at the boutique.

Black is not usually my colour but I couldn't resist this beautiful lace LBD
from Aijek label. It feels and fits great!

Dazzled by a gem in Tiong Bahru

OK. I think I have a new obsession now. This time it’s jewellery!

Not the ‘real’ jewellery but the ones on Natalie B Coleman’s dresses!

The moment I set my eyes on this gorgeous print while walking down the trendy Tiong Bahru, I fell in love with it. And this dress in particular.

Literally Drenched in Gems: A perfect addition to my already
over-crowded wardrobe

Why? It’s simple. Think about when you were a little girl looking in your mother’s drawers and admiring her jewellery like I always did, you literally get to wear them all at once. Hence the name of the print ‘All the Jewellery I Never Got’ (Although I recently did get mine :-) Thanks mom!)

Just looking at the picture of the dress again has my heart aflutter. The photo really does do this unique conversation-starting dress a disservice, as it doesn’t come close to catching the sense of fun contained in this special silk number.

The obvious beauty is in the print which the UK-based designer illustrates and executes herself, but the subtle slim cut with a slightly edgy sleeves and back gives the vintage style of the print a more Avant-garde appeal which creates a beautiful contrast while staying understated.

I would wear it for a semi-dressy evening out, to a cocktail party, gallery opening and even at home with my favourite heels if I feel like it :-) But for SG$650, I think I will need a big occasion (and a well-paid job!) to justify buying it.

Another creation from Natalie B Coleman's 'All the Jewels
I Never Got' collection

Where to find it: In Singapore, Natalie B Coleman is exclusively stocked at nana & bird, in Tiong Bahru (a cool boutique I’ll be featuring in a later post.)