Mandarin Gallery Blog

The only global industry magazine to focus on denim and sportswear, Sportswear International is arguably one of the most authoritative publications on casual and street fashion. This explains why we are extremely pleased to announce that three of Mandarin Gallery’s brands are winners of the prestigious Sports International Fashion Awards! Celebrating the best collections of the year, winners are picked by both readers and an independent jury. Beating intense competition from premium brands including Diesel Black Gold, G Star and Fred Perry, Adidas SLVR, Nudie Jeans and Vans came up top.

Best Sport/Street: Adidas SLVR
Adidas’ sleek, urbane and smart fashion line has been going from strength to strength with each new collection. Founded on the principle of melding beauty with utility, Adidas SLVR constantly strives to push the boundaries of sportswear inspired clothing. Featuring refined, modern silhouettes, tasteful colour palettes and clever details, each piece is an investment that you can wear season after season (and probably in more ways than one).

Adidas SLVR is available at Adidas, #03-13, Mandarin Gallery

Best Denim: Nudie Jeans
Possibly the very best jeans money can buy, Nudie takes denim very seriously indeed. Proclaiming to offer not just jeans, but “a way of thinking, a concept and an undying passion”, this is definitely not your regular denim label. Working towards the goal of using organic cotton exclusive in the long run, the Swedish brand has gained recognition for their eco-friendly ways. The best raw materials and a slow production process ensure that every pair of Nudie jeans is a masterpiece.

Find a good selection of Nudie Jeans at The Denim Store, #03-09-11, Mandarin Gallery

Best Sneakers: Vans
Born in 1966, this iconic Californian sneaker brand continues to reflect the optimistic spirit of its founding decade. First popularized by skateboarders and BMX riders, Vans’ clean-cut designs soon found their way onto the feet of other sportsmen, including basketball players and even skydivers. Today, Vans is best known for its wide range of styles and colours and counts legions of hip, fashion-conscious individuals as fans of the comfortable soles and classic good looks of its sneakers.

Pick up your pair of Vans at in:Famous, #03-21, Mandarin Gallery

Once upon a time, sneakers were associated with scruffy boys who play basketball and could not care less about fashion. But that is all in the past now. Today, these casual, comfortable shoes are enjoying a chic makeover as a staple for the insouciantly stylish. A throwback to the simpler days of our youth, the sneaker has long since gone beyond its humble athletic origins and become full-blown fashion statements. Here are three brands that have brought the fine art of canvas footwear to new heights – help yourself to a pair (or two) of these very cool kicks!

Feiyue
A French brand with a Chinese name? That should be intriguing enough to warrant a closer look at Feiyue, which has been making waves in the sneakers world since 2006. Originating from Shanghai, China in the 1920s, the company was acquired by a team of innovative sneaker enthusiasts who infused it with a European aesthetic and improved quality. At the same time, they have also managed to retain the shoes’ vintage authenticity, resulting in a unique blend of cutting-edge design and classic charm. Take your pick from its extensive collection of low, mid and high cut models.

Superga
If it is good enough for Alexa Chung, it is good enough for us. A favourite of the British IT girl, Superga has been churning out its iconic plimsolls since 1911 in its native Turin, Italy. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the brand has made Chung its new face because she encompasses Superga’s fun, effortless style and personality. Its fresh, rubber-soled good looks is famed for its high quality and versatility. It can even be washed to create that cool, worn-in vintage look, just like your favourite jeans!

Both Feiyue (SGD79 to SGD119) and Superga (SGD69.90 to SGD76.90) are available at in:Famous, #03-21, Mandarin Gallery

Forfex
The anti-thesis of the retro-styled canvas sneaker, the distinctly avant garde Forfex is the brainchild of talented young designer Giovanni Forbice. Featuring bold details like brightly coloured felt petals and sharp studs, these sneakers are definitely not for the faint-hearted. With names like Sex Studs and Killers, these loud, dynamic sneakers do not merely make statements – they demand to be stared at. If you like to let your shoes do the talking, you should be making a beeline for a pair of Forfex right about now.

Forfex retails for SGD170 to SGD420 at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery

Spring always brings with it a breath of fresh air. It is the season of awakening and renewal, chirping birds and blooming flowers. However, nothing captures the intoxicating exuberance of springtime like the brilliant pop hues of the rainbow. Give in to the infectious spring fever with this collection of delectable retail treats in riotous shades of orange, yellow, pink and blue!

Clockwise from top left: Eva Solo Fridge Carafe (SGD156, The Touch), Doodllery Acrylic Necklace (SGD49.90, .WoodWould..), Ray-Ban Wayfarer (SGD349, OJO Optometry), Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh (SGD114 to SGD147, Marc by Marc Jacobs), Ipanema Sandals (SGD39.90, in:Famous), Angry Birds iPhone4 Case (SGD39.90, Green Light), Triwa Watch (SGD285, Inhabit), Patent Shark Sneakers (SGD229, BAPE Store), Doggie Hair Clip (SGD56, Agatha Paris), Bubu 1er Stool from Philip Starck (SGD250, Platform).

Having overdosed on all things glittery and gold over Christmas, it is time to tone down on the excesses of the festive period and stock up on evergreen items in classic black and white that will serve you well for many seasons to come. Here is a collection of attractively priced monochromatic goodies to whet your retail appetite; grab them while you can!

Clockwise from top left: Havaianas x Bassike, SGD49 from Inhabit, Alexander Wang Velvet Pearl Vest, SGD489.30 (was SGD699) from Inhabit, Popissue T-shirt, SGD59.50 (was SGD119) from The Denim Store, Samsonite Cabin Luggage, SGD270 (was SGD450), Y-3 Leather Sandals, SGD419.40 (was SGD699), Diesel Sneakers, SGD125 (was SGD179) from in:Famous, Driade LIsa Armchair, SGD2900 (was SGD5800) from Platform.