Zardoze: Dress to impress for those Singapore F1 parties

Finally the F1 weekend is in town!

And while hubby will be swooning over those ‘gorgeous cars' and revelling in high octane action and big boys toys, the whole weekend for me will be about the glitz which accompanies the most glamorous sport in the world.

There’s no denial that this is the ultimate party weekend in Singapore, and parties to me mean one thing – dressing up!

So whether you're swanning around at the Fashion TV party, sashaying at the Ferrari Red Party or heading to the super exclusive Amber Lounge, there is sure to be more than one outfit making an appearance. But what do you do if you look in your wardrobe and look in horror at the bare space staring back at you.

Who could help you out in such a 'nothing to wear' crisis at the start of the most glamorous weekend in Singapore?

Ready for the F1 parties? With this Zardoze jumpsuit, I would :-)

Bonjour Bali: Namu's handbag and clutch heaven

When in Bali, it’s usually the beaches and spas which take priority on most people’s itinerary forcing them to have just enough time to shop for souvenirs to take back home.

But if you’re not a souvenir person, have a great taste and style and only one hour to spend shopping in Bali, then there is only one place you should really be heading to - Namu.

Located in Seminyak, this place is a fashionista’s heaven and it stocks some unusual and unique pieces which you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else on the island.

During my first visit to Bali, I went there twice in two days because I had a dilemma choosing one of their stunning bags which blew me away. I wondered what the secret of their style success was, until I met the owner of the boutique and it all fell into place. 

Stunning wooden clutches which I've not seen anywhere else.
This is what Namu is all about: unique and chic!

My obsession with Stingray clutches never ends... these are superb
quality and to-die-for! No to mention, gorgeous?

Isetan: Bringing Jakarta Fashion Week to Singapore!

Ever since getting to know and blogging about  Indonesian labels like Toton and Nikicio, Jakarta has been put firmly on my to-go to list for Bonjour on Tour! It seems wherever you go, Asia is a hotbed of fashion creativity.

But until I finally get on that plane (hopefully around the beginning of November for Jakarta Fashion Week), I have to settle for a rare taste of these talents thanks to Isetan Singapore which has organized a Designers’ Week’ event in collaboration with JFW.

Isetan is one of the big department stores in Singapore which I really like, because they stock a variety of local designers, especially emerging ones and thus expose them to a more mainstream crowd. It is something I respect them for.

So when I heard about their Designers’ Week event – which is running until September 25 and is held at Re-Style section on Scotts which stocks the local designers’ labels - I went to check it out only to discover some amazing labels which I previously didn’t know about.

How can you not love these colourful necklaces from Indonesian
label Antyk Butyk?

Something quirky and unique! I'm sooo in love with this
Frej necklace made of pencils!!!

Bonjour Bangkok: The end of the world at Nisa and Friends

One of the greatest joys I get from this blog is getting to discover kick ass new designers from Singapore and across south-east Asia.

There’s so much talent out there and nothing gives me greater pleasure than doing a tiny bit to help expose them to a slightly wider audience.

So it’s is no surprise that the highlight of my recent trip to Bangkok was stumbling over a humble genius, whose label and shop was launched just over a month ago.

Walking through one of the alleys of Siam Square, a tiny shop space crammed to bursting point with a rainbow of colourful printed scarves called out to me, beckoning me over by standing out from the rows of generic identikit clothes on offer.

The shop was called Nisa – and it was my immense fortune that one of the designers, Namwan (Sirintra), was inside and only too happy talk about her new baby.

This Ocean Symphony dress was my first pick... love it!!!

Bonjour Bangkok: 4 stalls not to miss at the weekend market – Chatuchak (Jatujak)

There is no doubt that one of the must do's on any trip to Bangkok is to spend the day losing yourself in the labyrinth that is the massive sprawl of Chatuchak Market.

But unless you love t-shirts and blogshops, the thousands of stalls in the massive weekend market could mean frustration rather than fashion heaven.

It takes patience, but amongst the rows and rows of cheap and cheerful are some genuinely talented young (and even established) Thai labels which sell really original and high quality items for you to wow your friends with.

Forget the tacky t-shirts and knick-knacks and use your time at
the massive weekend market to get your hands on these stingray beauties!!

Also head to Guate for some high quality and affordable leather
accessories, where you also get to watch the artisans handcrafting them!

Carrie K Keepers IV: Showcasing amazing artisans in Singapore

I think everyone knows about my love of Singapore based jewelry label Carrie K – but it’s not just the amazing craftsmanship that makes them a standout brand for me.

Apart from their always innovative accessories, Carrie K also happens to organize fantastic events that push my buttons on two fronts. Namely that they are trying hard to support fellow local artisans and that the ‘Keeper’ events are always a journey of discovery, the antidote to the cookie cutter mentality of a lot of the fashion world.

The latest Carrie K Keepers (That's number four in the series) takes place tomorrow on Saturday (August 25) at the atelier in Bukit Timah Road and as well as showcasing her new Mint capsule collection, also brings together a handful of unique artisans under the theme of Flights of Fancy.

Carrie K's new collection 'Mint' is a departure from the label's usual style
but as unexpected and inspiring nevertheless.

Dzojchen: Making Denim and Leather cool in steamy Singapore

If you ask any stylist worth their salt for the must have items in anyone’s closet, the list would most likely include a great pair of denims and a leather jacket.

The reason is that these two specific items have transcended seasonal trends, styles - and even gender - and proved to be just as classic and vital to any modern and stylish person as a great LBD for women and a perfect blazer for men.

But as an all-year round summer destination, Singapore may not exactly be the perfect place to don these usually heavy items so it was a surprise to stumble over a Singaporean label which focuses exclusively on denim and leatherwear.

Dzojchen first caught my eye during Audi Fashion Festival, where I fell in love with their super chic and effortless style which would look right at home in uber fashionable cities like NY and London.

Hansel A/W12: Perfect Puffins!

Perhaps you don’t know but my first piece ever from a Singaporean designer was a gorgeous blouse from Hansel. This was on my first visit to this little red dot and even before I moved here a few months later.

Even then, my mission was simple: To shop only from interesting local labels and boutiques which I could brag about when I went back to Dubai – a place with virtually no local design scene to speak of.

In fact, walking through Haji Lane and later on browsing at Hansel's store in Mandarin Gallery was when I realised this was going to be a great place to live. 

After moving here I had the opportunity to meet and get to know so many other great local labels which I absolutely fell in love with and continue to support and buy, but Hansel remains firmly on my list of favourites.

Cute puffins everywhere at Hansel this season!

Can you see the little puffin brooch on my dress? So adorable!!!

SUNDAY UPDATE - Max Tan at Copenhagen: Exclusive LIVE behind the scenes update

In case you don’t know yet, Singaporean designer Max Tan is taking part in Copenhagen Fashion Week for the coming few days and he’ll be sharing his behind the scenes experience from the VISION tradeshow and his solo fashion show through Bonjour Singapore.

This is going to be a constantly updated post (twice a day at 8pm and 1am Singapore time), where you can follow Max’s journey through his snapshots and words.

You can find out more about Max Tan in Copenhagen Fashion Week and an exclusive look at the SS13 collection he’s showing by reading this story.

Max Tan has arrived in Copenhagen! Check out what he's been up to below...

MAX.TAN Exclusive: SS13 max.tan collection and behind the scenes at fashion shows

Happy National Day!

While a lot of us (including non-Singaporean residents) are celebrating this day on the little red dot itself and enjoying a day off work, one Singaporean is being a busy bee – and all for a good reason.

One of the most known local designers outside Asia is Max Tan. Ever since he emerged on the fashion scene a few years ago, Max has been going from strength to strength and with 2 labels under his belt (max.tan and Liquid), it is safe to say that he’s established a name for himself outside of this island and his designs been shown on international runways (guess what, he’ll even be showing in New York next month!)

So what is Max doing today? Well he’s currently in Copenhagen, taking part in the VISION tradeshow for few days and the debuting his max.tan SS13 collection at his first Solo fashion show on the 12^th as part of the Copenhagen Fashion Week. That’s not all, straight after, Max is flying to Koh Samui  (Thailand) for the prestigious and highly exclusive Nikki Beach Fashion and Lifestyle Weekend where he’s doing another show – this time he’s showing Liquid and will be the opening show (on the 18^th).

With a lot of parties and preparations in between, Max must be a very busy and stressed man – but nonetheless he decided to share his experience with all his fans back home – exclusively through Bonjour Singapore (yay!).

max.tan SS13 collection images, released for the first time here :-)
Keep reading to see them all...

Bangkok Frocks: Five must see labels from Thailand

When it comes to travelling I admit I’m obsessed with planning. Despite the availability of tour guides and internet sources, I always insist on making an hour-by-hour plan which ensures I see everything I came to see on my holiday.

While most of my planning is about sightseeing, I also like to have some sort of plan for the shopping part. Just to save time and make sure I don’t get led by well-meaning taxi drivers to overpriced touristy shops.

My planning skills are about to come to the fore when I go to Bangkok later this month. I’ll be accompanying my husband on a business trip, but he’ll be busy during the days. And that means one thing – a three day long shopathon!

I’ve compiled a list of boutiques and shops which I’m looking forward to visit on my trip. While this is not the full list, it is a snippet of what I’m looking forward to most. And experience taught me that as good as it is to have a pre planned itinerary, it’s always good to leave some time for what I do best – wandering around and discovering even cooler places by accident.

Kloset is high on my list of Thai labels to see when in BKK! Just love the
whimsical details...

Roccoco Kent: Another great addition to the Singapore vintage fashion scene

The key to great vintage shopping is to never stop searching, as the best bargain of your life could be hanging on the next rail.

I didn’t know it until now, but the same rule obviously applies to vintage shops in Singapore.

Just when I thought I had the best old school shopping experiences in the little red dot covered (recording my finds for posterity in Time Out Singapore), I stumbled over yet another little gem which definitely deserves a place on my list: Roccoco Kent.

Stepping into this tiny cubbyhole of a place in a non-descript shop house in the Kampong Glam area is like being transported to another era, with rails of clothes juxtaposed against a backdrop oddities and curiosities (think typewriters, tennis raquets and side-tables) from a bygone era.

It is like you walked into the set of a retro movie, except its real and practically everything on show is actually for sale.

The small narrow Roccoco Kent oozes with charm...

Vintage jewellery anyone?

IEX Asian Heritage: Giving History a Fashionable Twist

Before I became a blogger, fashion played a big part of my life and was an essential component of any of my many travel itineraries. But believe it or not, there was one other thing which interested me (and still interests me) even more and constantly determines my next destinations. I’m talking about art and heritage.

As consumable as fashion might be, I’ve also always considered it to be an art form and a way of expression which has an esteemed place in the greatest museums in the world and has more to it than the surface value. Just one look at how fashion and culture intertwined in history is enough to show its cultural and even social value – from ancient times to modern day.

My idea couldn’t have been translated better than when I witnessed this marriage of heritage, culture and fashion in the shape of the IEX Asian Heritage project which launched this week at the Asian Civilisation Museum.

How cool is it to know that this PAULINE.NING dress was inspired
by a piece of artifact in the museum? And yes, you can even buy
it now! That's museum shopping taken to a different level!

Want more? Here is a scarf and necklace by Diana Tang, a talented young
Singaporean designer who also took inspiration from precious pieces
of Asian history

Cheap and chic: Thrift shopping for a cause at New2U

One of the things I’ve always loved and enjoyed is bargain hunting in thrift shops. And it just happens that I am quite good at it!

I think it’s something I took from my mother who always managed to score amazing finds on great discounts. No wonder that she has passed on me a great deal of her stunning vintage clothes.

Good thrift is not easy to find though and while ‘vintage’ tends to be more appealing - better quality and design - sometimes nothing beats the thrill of a great thrift find!

A lot of thrift is unfashionable cast offs and discarded clothes (think about it, why would they throw away something good?), but look deeper you’ll be surprised on how many amazing items you can score if you have the eye – and the time – for it.

Luckily I found an incredible place for second hand rummaging, right here in Singapore.

How much do you reckon this adorable polka dot jumpsuit cost me?
Read on to find out...

Some designer bargains at New2U thrift shop!!

Designer Vintage Sale (DVS14): Bargain hunting at its best!

If you follow my blog then you know that I hardly ever post about upcoming events unless they are totally unmissable. But this week’s Designer Vintage Sale event is probably one of the best in town and I’m sure you will thank me later for this very short post.

I rarely wake up early (I stay up working late though!) but today as soon as my alarm ticked at 9am, I was out of the bed, headed to the shower and ready for a quick breakfast before heading to Tiong Bahru with a few enthusiastic friends to pack up the best bargains at the preview of the sale.

And by bargains I mean a pair of Python skin Louboutins for S$290, an Hermes canvas bag for S$500, and a Chloe Paddington for S$400! You have to see it to believe it. They are all pre-loved but in great condition.

Too bad I was too busy browsing to take photos of some great finds at the preview today but again what’s the point when between me and my friends, 7 pair of to-die-for designer shoes and a few handbags were snapped in 20 minutes?

But fear not, a lot is still available including a gorgeous pair of Lanvin flats which were sadly one size too big for me :-(, some cool dresses which I barely had time to look at, some great men’s stuff  in addition to great designer bags for a fraction of their retail price.

So if you like your designer bargains as much as I do, head down to the best event of the year at Glamour Inc showroom on 59 Eng Hoon street, #01-55. Apart from today and tomorrow’s exclusive previews, The 14^th edition of this Designer Vintage Sale will be open to public on the 27^th July, 2012 until 5^th August, 2012.

Trust me, this is one event you don’t want to miss. But if you do or you don’t find your size this time round, keep posted on future news and events on facebook and twitter.

P.S. For this event, only cash payment is accepted.  

Adding a Splash of Colour to Quainthood’s Post-Modern chic

While prints are all the hype this summer, there’s always one style which won’t go out of fashion. That is the plain basics.

Mixing and matching prints is certainly fun but sometimes they are not as versatile and can be hard to accessorize and pull off for people who are looking for style on the go. Something like interesting basics comes in handy as it can be dressed up or down, accessorized or left understated depending on the occasion and the person. They are definitely the easiest and most useful items any woman needs in her closet.

But plain doesn’t have to be boring especially not when you’re talking about Quainthood’s interesting cuts and twists on mundane items like a simple white shirt or an LBD.

Fashfix Singapore: A Fun and Stylish Way to Clean out Your Closet

The cover for my fashfix closet! Wonder who's gonna be my first buyer :-)!

Anyone who has visited Chez Bonjour will know that my apartment’s second bedroom basically doubles as a walk-in wardrobe. It basically houses a bed (which I’m lobbying to remove!) and the important stuff – mainly racks, rows and bags of clothes of which half I hardly wear anymore.

And in case you’re wondering, yes I do wake up most days and feel like I have nothing to wear! While donating boxes of unwanted clothes to charity is something I’m keen on doing (related story coming up next week!), there are some items which are too pretty to let go of and I’d rather see someone else wear them.

Having a stall in flea markets is one option (also helps to fund some more shopping ;-)) but why bother and sit in the sun all day when you can sell your stuff from home at the newly-launched fashion exchange site fashfix.sg?

Fashfix is the brainchild of Vivien Chia, a Singapore-based entrepreneur who has come to the rescue for like-minded (i.e shopaholic) people like myself who want to clean out their closet stylishly. And like they say, someone’s trash can be someone else’s treasure so I decided to try it for myself to start with.

Love this colourful skirt but time to let go...

Introducing Singapore's Hot Streetstyle Collaboration...

Forget Versace/H&M, Marni/H&M or whoever/H&M. The hottest collaboration of the year will be taking place next weekend in Singapore.

Of course I’m talking about the L’ILE AUX ASHBY Pop up store and showcase which is taking place in the painfully hip Tiong Bahru area on July 13 and 14.

What’s that I hear you cry? And why is it such a hot event? Well the number one reason is obvious. I’m in it :-)

In all seriousness though, I’m always very excited when cool local designers/artists do collaborations and events which show the extent of their talents. So when I was asked by Rayson Tan, the designer behind  L’ILE AUX ASHBY  to collaborate on a showcase, I was over the moon!

Q&A with Toton, Indonesia's hottest new label

I have a confession to make. I’ve got a new love in my life.

This new obsession occupies my every waking thought, I surf the internet just to gaze lovingly. I still remember the first time our lives came into contact.

It was love at first sight. As I browsed the stalls at Blueprint I couldn't help myself, we made eye contact across a crowded floor, I was instantly drawn in by the elegance and beauty he displayed.

That beauty was called Toton and I’m already turning into an addict!

The designer Toton Januar: Can't wait to see what this man will do next,
after his fresh and exquisite debut collection this year!

Classic with a (considerable) twist is what you can call Toton's
collection like this gorgeous jacket with a zip detail

The 30 Singapore designers you need to know about: Part 3

Here is it. The third and final part of the 30@30, where to celebrate my 30^th birthday I picked the 30 Singapore labels that you should be exploring if you want to go on a discovery mission in the little red dot.

The truth is – and this may surprise some people who don’t follow the fashion scene - I found it hard to compile a list of just 30 because more labels deserve the mention. It’s especially hard as this isn’t a competitive list, there is no particular order and there are far more than 30 talented designers plying their trade in Singapore.

In the end I included those which I think have found their identity and although everyone still has a room to grow, they’ve done so far so good. A lot more labels are doing great job and maybe all they need is a little push to get them there! Maybe in the next list 31@31 ;-)

Anyway, back to the point. Here are the final 10 brands that kick serious ass in Singapore and deserve much more success than they get in their home market. You can read part one of the 30 Singapore designers you need to know about here and the second 10 in the Singapore designers list here.

Use the comments section to let me know what you like in the list, who you think I missed out, and if you were inspired to go local by the talent on offer. 

Love the simplicity of Armoire's Engineered Dress series which come
in many beautiful shades and fits perfectly!