Mandarin Gallery Blog

Every woman who is in touch with her femininity will understand the intense allure of sky-high heels. They can certainly look daunting and sometimes, even monstrously unwearable, but that is part of the thrill of putting them on – they are irresistible challenges from the fashion gods themselves. They have the mythical power of allowing you to stand taller, straighter and bestow you with a more attractive walk. Women’s shoes have never been about practicalities. They are statement accessories, works of art, and objects of wild desire. Here are three especially fine specimens from the fierce shoes department to make you go weak at the knees.

Lara Bohinc
Jewellery is accessories designer, Lara Bohinc’s first love. But that has not stopped her from churning out heart-stopping, gorgeous shoes. Her signature modern, sculptural art deco style can be seen in every single pair of her shoes, which are uncompromisingly strong and bold in their details. For her Seventh Seal collection, which is inspired by armour, crusades and the middle ages, she has incorporated tough elements like chainmail. These Morgana heels are perfect for a present day Princess Xena.

Lara Bohinc is available at TriBeCa, #02-05-08, Mandarin Gallery and retails from SGD1212

Raphael Young
I know that the future is supposed to be bright, but I didn’t know that it would be as well-heeled as shoesmaker Raphael Young has made it out to be with his collection of shoes, which looks like they are made for (female) storm-troopers in their inter-galactic travels. The sculptural heels are almost literally to die for. If you care about tradition and craftsmanship, you will be pleased to know that Young learned his trade from an uncle who interned under YSL. Each pair of shoes is also hand-made from stitch to finish.

Acrobats Of God
With a wonderfully ingenious name like Acrobats of God, you know that you will be in for quite a bit of fun with these shoes. These strappy Italian masterpieces feature sturdy elastic bands that have been criss-crossed and weaved into intricate designs. These ‘bandages’ then sit atop raw wood heels of varying heights. Summer styles are light and airy and come in pretty warm hues like taupe, yellow and chocolate.

You can find both Raphael Young (from SGD1450) and Acrobats of God (SGD628 to SGD678) from SGD at Ashley Isham, #02-15, Mandarin Gallery

It is a shame that most Singaporeans are more familiar with high profile international brands than with their own home-grown design talents. To set this right, get to know the designers behind three successful local labels. Each with his or her own winning signature style, they will make a fan of you in no time!

Ashley Isham
Although a native Singaporean, Ashley Isham’s fashion sensitivity was shaped during his education in cosmopolitan London. Bringing together influences from both cities, his signature style of dramatic draping and strong tailoring was established right away and became an instant hit in the entertainment and fashion circles. Countless celebrities, including the formidable Lady Gaga, have been seen in his clothes.

Who is the Ashley Isham girl?
Fiercely feminine with a penchant for drama, the Ashley Isham girl loves dressing up and is not afraid to stand out from the crowd. Her style is sleek and modern – even her daywear has the dazzling effect typical of eveningwear.

The Ashley Isham store and that of its sister line, A.I by Ashley Isham, are located respectively at #02-21 and #02-15, Mandarin Gallery

Jo Soh (hansel)
The Central St. Martins 1st Class Honours graduate burst onto the scene during the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in 2003 with her signature modern take on retro-inspired style and has been going from strength to strength ever since. Jo Soh gained valuable experience from her days freelancing as a stylist and an illustrator, which is reflected in her work as designer of her fashion label hansel.

Who is the hansel girl?
The words ‘quirky’ and ‘playful’ come to mind when one thinks of the hansel girl, but she is also modern and confident. Often colourful and always wearable, hansel’s creations blend a girlie charm and clever cheekiness with an understated elegance.

hansel is located at #02-14, Mandarin Gallery

Liu Wei Ling (Trioon)
The unusual name of her label is derived from the title of a memorable tune by Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto. As with the tune, which fuses piano melody with electronic beats, Liu Wei Ling’s designs for Trioon are tailored thoughtfully to bring out the best of the classic and contemporary. With flattering cuts and intricate details, these are versatile clothes that will stand the test of time.

Who is the Trioon girl?
Believing that fashion fades and style is eternal, the Trioon girl likes to fill her wardrobe with understated, classic pieces. Her clean, minimalist style brings her from day to night.

Trioon is located at #03-28, Mandarin Gallery

Singapore is eager to lay claim on Ashley Isham and to declare that he is a ‘native Singaporean’. As one of the few local designers to have broken onto the international fashion scene, he serves as a beacon of hope for budding young designers on this little red dot. Armed with a fashion education in London, Isham launched his debut collection in 2000 and has not looked back since. Driven by his love for the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, he makes beautiful dresses (often featuring his signature draping) that are elaborate, dramatic and made for grand red carpet entrances. As such, it is hardly surprising that his clientele includes high profile personalities from television, film, music and even British royalty.
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