Old Hollywood Glam.

Glittering in a sequined deep v gown, Charlotte Olympia Dellal embodies old glamour H-to-T (head to toe). Her Marilyn Monroe-esque retro curls accompanied by bold ruby pouts (not to mention her spiderweb earrings) beautifully portrays her footwear label, Charlotte Olympia's aesthetics - 1940s glamour. 

The winner of 2011 British Fashion Awards Accessory Designer made a special appearance at On Pedder Scotts Square last week to present her 1950s Miami glamour-inspired Spring Summer 2012 Collection, Sirens. 

What caught my eye was the Pandora Box Clutch. Simplicity and versatility at its best, the clutch can be decorated with all kinds of colours, textures and prints - all depending on whatever you want to behind its transparent body. Adding a touch of quirk is Dellal's signature, the curious spider of Charlotte's Web. 

Swiss Heritage British Roots.

My first time stepping into the Bally boutique at Ion Orchard was almost five months ago, when I was returning samples from an editorial photo shoot. Instead of two arms full of bags filled with samples, this time round, I was freed of everything but a curiosity to find out more about the Swiss and its more than 160 years of history.

Reaching two years of designing Bally's menswear and womenswear this fall season, creative directors Gareme Fidler and Michael Herz (both British) have successfully re-invented the brand's signature aesthetics with more streamlined silhouettes, interesting detailing and fresh textures.

Looks from Resort 2012 Collection.

Looking at press images from Style.com is never enough to get to know about a collection. Despite the ever-growing online industry, nothing beats getting up close and being able to feel the materials of the designs. The Swiss house is known for their use of leather in their clothing - from tiny details such as collars, belts and detailing to coats, jackets and dresses. This spring 2012 saw a laser-cut air-soft leather with a bright colour palette of green, pink, blue and yellow. (View the complete collection here)

Here's something red carpet worthy - evening clutch embroidered with cracked Plexiglas. Looking at the craftsmanship, I was indeed surprised by how light it weighs. Every cracked glass piece is polished and smoothed to perfection. This is certainly one irresistible bag lust!

I'm sure we all have seen bow pumps or flats everywhere, but most bows either look too tacky or out of place. Fans of classic staples, this pair of understated black bow heels is certainly highly coveted.

Yes! I'm saving the best for last. Sophisticated vertical bow, embossed snakeskin texture, super sleek and clean cut (and solid!) platform wedge, who can ever say no to this? 

Bally is located at: 

01-12 Ion Orchard, Tel 62382077.

Go Fly Kite.

While everyone is glued onto the livestreaming sites (which means waking up at odd hours, Singapore's GMT+8 is no joke!) or latest runway photos of Fall 2012 fashion week, let me talk about what is actually available in stores now - 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring Summer 2012 Collection.

This season, the Cambodian-American creative director, Phillip Lim ambled along the memory lane with an ensemble of pastel brights and black - a palette reminiscence of his childhood in the 90s, and a reference to kites. The geometrical shape of kites saw streamlined silhouettes and clean designs (with only one print), "tops and dresses sewn from rectangular panels", and trails of cloth extended at the end just like the kite tails.

Known for his sportswear aesthetic, Phillip Lim included denim this time round and the end result? A transformation jacket-to-duffle bag wonder. Indeed, versatility brings fashion designs up a notch! The vest can be worn two ways, the normal way or by hanging it on your shoulders. And with a quick play of the zippers, it is turned into a bag. I would use it either way for sure since the thickness of the denim is thankfully suitable for Singapore's weather. 

I have to admit, I have a thing for all-white accessories be it bags, belts, shoes and the everything else. But sadly, I hardly own any mainly because they are really hard to maintain. Once there's a stain, there's always the stain. Before I find out the magical ways to keep them clean and oh so pretty, I'll stick to admiring the white-out version of the 31 Hour bag. For somebody who needs a day bag to store literally everything you own (it is super spacious), suits every occasion and enables you to throw them anywhere (not literally), the 31 Hour bag collection (in both polished leather and denim selections) is absolutely perfect. 

3.1 Phillip Lim is available at: 

02-05 Hilton Hotel, Tel: 6304 1350

First And Forever.

It's amazing how a pair of shoes can actually empower somebody and change the person's life forever. How a lady can own 10,000 pairs of heels and counting, how a gentlemen can keep buying the same pair of shoes when the previous one can't be worn anymore. It sort of happened to me when I was travelling Europe. I bought this pair of flats from a thrift store and wore it till the soles came off. I threw them away and bought another new pair and the cycle continued for five months. Actually, it didn't happen to me. I bought another design. So yes, I'm still searching for my first shoe love. 

Dr. Martens' latest Spring Summer 2012 #FIRSTANDFOREVER campaign portrays a similar version of passion - the classic account of a couple's first love. Having a quiet moment by the beach, enjoying each other's company on a vast grassland and sharing a meal together (featuring models Agyness Deyn and Ash Stymest), don't you feel a sense of nostalgia? Somehow, all the first experiences in your relationship just seem to stick and will always remain as fond memories, regardless of what happened next. Am I right?

With more than 50 years of shoe-making history, Dr. Martens prove that they aren't slowing down in catering to the new generation. Floral prints, unique cut-out designs, refreshing chalky shades and leather (Croco and Fishskin) certainly keep us wanting for more.

Dr. Martens is located at:

#02-17A Wheelock Place, Tel: 6737 6278

& 

#03-05 Orchard Central, Tel: 6884 7578

Beach Fun with Mulberry.

Fifty metres away from Club 21's headquarters at COMO House, I spotted a bouquet of inflated carousel animals: zebras, leopards, panthers and giraffes, and knew I was in for a treat! Mulberry's Spring Summer 2012 Collection transported me straight into the British summertime by the beach, with all the seaside fun including sweet ice cream treats (nobody says no to that!). 

The classic Alexa and Lily bags went for a teddy face lift (like the pier-side soft toy prizes) with teddy rivets and twist-locks in the adorable Teddy Collection. Also in the collection, the Teddy Bag (below), made of pebbled beige shiny lambskin, is adorably chic.   

Here's what the past-meets-present is all about - Mulberry's debut Travel Collection. Heritage satchel shapes are updated with fresh hardware detailing (metal corners and front luggage tag), textures and colours, including the eclectic nightshade blue and green lizard print. 

Fashion is indeed a lot of fun and Mulberry's presentation once again, reminded us just that. Time to head to the beach!

Mulberry is located at:

02-05 Hilton Hotel, Tel: 6304 1350

& 

B1-03 Takashimaya S.C., Tel: 6304 1374

Valentino's Poetic Grace.

 

With more than 50 years of history (established in 1960), the house of Valentino has taken a lighter and softer (yet keeping a sense of romance) approach this Spring Summer 2012. Creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli used clean silouettes as canvases to showcase the different types of textures, embroidery, weaves, motifs and embellishments.

My eyes were drawn to the details rightaway. Models, including our local favourite, Sheila Sim, looked as though they've just stepped out of a fairytale wonderland - all sweet, elegant and romantic.

The hottest colour trend of Spring Summer 2012 yet - pastels (in shades of pink, yellow and blue) - are combined with fine fabrics to create the subtle sexiness of lace, sheer and cut-outs. Then again, a collection will never be completed without the Valentino signature red. I find it fascinating how much difference in appeal the use of colours actually has on the overall designs; looking all pretty in pastels while turning up the sexy volume in bold red.

Elongated and slim silhouettes defined the gowns with a balanced mix of crystal embroidery and flower appliqués. A muted palette of champagne beige and almond green, the evening ensembles are absolutely dreamy and gorgeous.

Fancy a touch of punk? Studs adorned the accessories from totes, handbags to wedges and pumps. It's amazing how the studs are placed strategically so they are not overdone while keeping the designs feminine and sophisticated. The geometrical studded tote (below) has officially scored a significant place on my wishlist. Whether is it the punk rock chic look or ultra ladylike class you're going for, it's perfect for both!

If you are thinking that Valentino has turned to denim designs, stop right there! They are actually made of plain weave, a material that is hardy and durable.

Shop Valentino Spring Summer 2012 Collection at #01-03, Ion Orchard or online.