Mandarin Gallery Blog

If recent trends from the runway are anything to go by, sportswear-inspired fashion is going to be the next big thing. However, that is certainly nothing new to adidas SLVR, the sports brand’s casual chic line that has been churning out smart, sleek and effortlessly elegant sports-chic collections from the start. Creating innovative pieces fit for 21st-century living is at the very core of adidas SLVR so it is hardly surprising that for Autumn/Winter 2011, inspiration was found in space travel, which has lead to tailored clothes with a distinct futuristic vibe.

Under the creative direction of new designer Dirk Schönberger, this stylish yet utilitarian collection combines sports and fashion in intriguing new ways with bold details, a striking colour palette and form-fitting, sculpted silhouettes. Comfort, technology and luxury continue to be the mainstay qualities one can expect from adidas SLVR.

This season, the ladies can look forward to handsome military-style outerwear adorned with details like asymmetrical zippers, metallic accents and meshing. Versatility and innovation are also well represented in convertible jackets that come with customisable details (e.g. detachable sleeves) and the use of shimmery breakthrough fabrics.

For men, adidas SLVR pieces will bring you from outdoors to indoors with its offerings of functional coated canvas commando jackets and chic suits. Melding the rugged and the refined, one will find ribbon-trimmed shirts and sweaters alongside fishtail parkas, trench coats and quilted blouson jackets that are capable of enduring the elements. A classic palette of neutrals is interspersed with exciting pops of acid-bright colours, including a quirky electric blue known as Surf The Web.

On the footwear front, a new lean silhouette has been introduced via ultra-narrow, soft-soled sneakers in both low-tops and high-tops.

adidas SLVR is available at adidas, Mandarin Gallery, #03-13. Prices range from SGD159 to SGD309 for footwear, SGD79 to SGD599 for bags and accessories, SGD89 to SGD859 for apparel

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

The idea of the concept store is an exciting one. You never know quite what to expect when anything and everything can possibly be part of the inventory – but that is precisely where its allure lies. Local lifestyle concept store Egg3 understands the modern consumer’s desire to be surprised and is hence designed to be a retail treasure trove of wonderfully eclectic wares where shoppers can experience the thrill of the hunt. From imported apparel and local labels to accessories, shoes, bags and fragrances, you are invited to browse the great mix of merchandise at Egg3. And here are our top picks.

Zkin Camera Bags
If you always have a camera with you to capture life’s moments, carrying it around in the unfashionable black pouch that came free with it is not an option. Zkin’s camera bags are the antithesis of that black pouch – stylish, functional and well made, they project an elusive, effortless preppy cool that manages to be at once trendy and classic. The Ropen E (SGD337) bag is sturdy and roomy enough for a DSLR and its accompanying accessories while the Rods case is perfect for a small pro-sumer (SGD187).

Etat Libre d’Orange Fragrances
Driven by the ambitious goal of revolutionising contemporary perfumery, Etat Libre d’Orange is an avant garde range of fragrances that strives to push the boundaries of olfactory conventions. There are no taboos or rules, just freedom of expression, raw sexuality and creativity, so if you enjoy the unique and are fiercely individualistic, they will be right up your alley. With names like Don’t Get Me Wrong Baby (I Don’t Swallow) and Jasmine Et Cigarette (SGD129), each bottle comes with its own saucy little tale that will have you enthralled.

Charity Robocards
Shopping need not only be a pursuit of self-gratification. Pick up a quirky Robocard (SGD200) designed by local artists and all proceeds will go directly to World Vision Singapore where they will be used to help less fortunate children all over the world. Not only will you get to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art, you will also be doing your part for charity. Two birds with one stone, so why not?

Egg3 is located at #04-26, Mandarin Gallery

Local label hansel has launched a casual womenswear line, hello hansel! Its debut capsule collection is entitled The Geometric Swan. Other than lovely apparel featuring the swan motif, hansel has also collaborated with jewellery designer Inez Tan of Inez Designs to create eight one-of-a-kind necklaces that are inspired by the collection. We caught hold of Inez for a little chat and this is what she has to say.

Q: Hello, Inez. We love your handmade statement jewellery. Is jewellery design something you have always wanted to do or something you stumbled into?

A: Thank you! When I was a kid, I was always looking for things to create on my own, such as stringing beads and making friendship bands. I went on to study fashion and majored in Product Design and Development in Melbourne, Australia. My background in fashion gave me an eye for design. A year ago, I needed an accessory to go with my outfit and I decided to make something from the vintage buttons and scrap fabrics I had. Since then, I have never looked back.

Q: When designing a collection, how do you get yourself fired up and inspired?

A: I get really fired up when I see, taste or feel colours and textures. My travels, films, flea markets, art, music, popular culture and so forth also give me ideas. Inspiration can even come in the form of fluffy clouds in the skies or beautiful and whimsical creatures!

Q: Your jewellery is always bold and extravagant. Do you think you will ever go the other way and do a minimalist collection?

A: Who knows? Maybe one day I will go to the extreme and design something really minimal! Meanwhile, I will still stick to what I love and push myself beyond the conventional.

Q: You first collaborated with hansel last year. In terms of design aesthetics, how do you think the two brands complement each other?

A: hansel is a quirky label with an edge. It is a good marriage as the label has signature bold prints that Inez Designs can complement with one of its statement necklaces. Inez pieces can also go well with a simple dress or top from hansel. It just works! I think what is important is to understand your client’s point of view and work closely with them.

Q: You created eight unique pieces to go with hansel’s Geometric Swan collection. They are all really quirky and fun! Can you tell us more about the collection from your perspective?

A: I had a lot of fun working with hansel. I like the idea of using the swan as the central motif for an accessory collection as they are delicate, graceful and slender. From there, I started sketching swans in different shapes and experimented with different designs. I wanted the necklaces to be part of the outfit and also make a statement. I hand-sewed the details with glass beads, sequins and some rhinestones overlayed with lace and net. We are happy with the final results.

Q: If you can collaborate with anyone in the world, who will it be?

A: It will definitely be Christopher Kane – I love his bold graphic prints and silhouettes!

Q: As a designer, what are some of the challenges that you have encountered or are still facing?

A: One of my key challenges is that I have no jewellery-making skills. I have to draw based on my fashion design skills. Also, I handmake every piece myself and I often spend more than 3 hours on a single necklace. However, the final outcome can be very satisfying.

Q: So, do you have any grand plans brewing on the horizon? What can we expect from Inez Designs in the coming months?

A: I am in the process of making 30 pieces of jewellery by the end of March. There will be about six capsule collections. I am exploring the use of different textures and materials and each capsule collection has a little story to tell, so please look out for them. Finally, these pieces will be part of a fashion film/video that will go viral.