Mandarin Gallery Blog

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).

The Natas Travel Fair was held last weekend and you may have bagged yourself an incredible travel deal to a wonderful, far-flung location. While you are looking forward to your trip, why not give some thought to what you should be putting into your suitcase? Packing smart is about sieving out the frills and sticking to the essentials (although necessity is often subjective). Whether you are a music junkie or a foodie with a voracious appetite, these items will serve you well wherever you go.

For Boys
Apple Magic Mouse (from Green Light, SGD98)
A wireless mouse is a must-have for surfing on the go, be it at the airport or the local Starbucks – and no other looks as stunningly beautiful as Apple’s Magic Mouse with its shiny multi-touch surface.

Tumi Toiletries Case (from Tumi, SGD320)
Forget flimsy, unsightly zip-lock bags. This handsome toiletries bag from Tumi is made of practical, waterproof nylon so feel free to leave it next to the sink. It comes with a handy hook and clear plastic compartments for easy viewing of its contents.

Samsonite Convertible Travel Comfort Pillow (from Samsonite, SGD80)
Tired of uncomfortable, Economy Class plane rides? Bring along this well-designed travel pillow the next time you board and you will be sleeping soundly from take-off to touch-down. You can even adjust its shape and firmness with the drawstring pulls!

For Girls
X-Mini Hello Kitty Capsule Speakers (from Green Light, SGD79)
The X-Mini capsule speakers won the coveted reddot design award in 2008 with its innovative design that promises ‘sound beyond size’. It now comes in an ultra-cute, limited edition Hello Kitty version, which is perfect for pumping out your favourite tracks as you sit with a cocktail next to the pool.

Eat Me: The Journal (from .woodwould.., SGD30)
For the food-obsessed who travel to eat, this food journal is an absolute must to keep track of dining experiences, food memories and even beloved recipes. A hardy vinyl cover keeps it safe from food stains and wine spills.

Bvlgari sunglasses (from OJO Optometry, SGD850)
Round, over-sized sunglasses bestow their wearer with an instant glamour. Whether you are heading for a sultry beach vacation or a fast-paced city retreat, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with these retro cream shades from Bvlgari!

The legendary former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, was not only the perfect partner to the charming President Kennedy, but was also a powerful style icon whose influence extends to the present. She popularised round, oversized sunglasses (also known as ‘Jackie Os’), which have since been established as a chic classic. Today, large sunglasses that cover up to half the face are still one of the most stylish accessories one can own. However, eyewear designers have updated this staple with bolder, sharper shapes, new materials, colours and embellishments.

The eyewear collections from John Galliano and DSQUARED, both of which were just launched last year, follow in this tradition of oversized sunnies but with sleek modern twists that are definitely made with the today’s woman in mind.

John Galliano
As one of the most fantastical storytellers in fashion, Galliano’s flamboyant design philosophy has been translated to its eyewear range (shown above). Going back to his Spanish heritage and the Flamenco, the collection consists of sultry, oversized wrap shades that imitate the theatrical effect of flamenco dancers’ costumes. Mysterious, exotic and imaginative, the colour palate includes smoky kohl, powdered violet and blush rose.

Blending old school glamour with high-tech romance, the designer has experimented with plastic innovations and new lens techniques. The resulting collection is dreamy, decadent and every bit the fantasy that Galliano has set out to create.

DSQUARED
The Canadian twins took the same approach with their eyewear as with their clothes; the designs are sexy, energetic and hip. Heavily inspired by the hip-hop culture of the ‘70s, the collection features mostly oversized frames in various styles. Unisex, fashion forward and innovative, the pieces look glamourous on the women and edgy on the men.

The Stone, an extra large, rounded aviator, is versatile enough for most occasions while the more ostentatious designs, like the acetate models with geometric frames (e.g. Sofia, Martha, Mariacarla), channel the movie star with their gold hardware and strong shapes. For something truly outstanding, go for the metal-framed Mondain that comes in funky hot pink.

Selected John Galliano (SGD599 to SGD896) and DSQUARED (SGD550 to SGD950) eyewear models are available at OJO Optometry (#03-06), Mandarin Gallery

Sex sells – this formula has been applied time and again because it works. Yet few people use it as tastefully or as effectively as the formidable Tom Ford. In 2005, this legendary former creative director of Gucci and YSL set out on his own to create a fashion and media empire. From menswear to beauty, Ford has shown the world that his success does not depend on the heritage and resources of luxury powerhouses (but perhaps, the other way around). This year, the man’s signature style of heightened sexuality is a central theme in his very delectable eyewear collection.
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