Though she pondered the career of a rockstar growing up, with her pedigree -- mum was a top model in the 60's while dad includes in his resume iconic names like Emanneulle Khanh & Cacharel -- Vanessa Bruno was destined to make her own mark in the rag trade. Like most French femmes of good taste (think Charlotte Gainsbourg & Marion Cotillard), Bruno seems to possess a certain inimitable chic-ness & insouciance that underlie the mix of simplicity & sophistication expressed through her creations. Interestingly, Bruno's career began in Japan, where she opened her first shop in 1996. Her 10 stand-alone boutiques there today reflect the Japanese's unwaning love for her effortless Parisian looks. Bruno also operates 3 stores in Paris, where her collection enjoys a cult following among stylish "bobos" (i.e., bourgeois-bohemes). This past June Bruno became the latest designer to do her bit for earth. She's released not a grocery tote or an organic tee, rather a 'mix tape' of vintage pop/folk songs. 'Plant a Tree' (available here) is produced in association with Planete Urgence, an NGO who pledges to plant 5 trees for every CD sold. & just like this lovely duck-egg blue silk dress she's designed, Bruno's music picks manages to be simulataneously timeless, supremely fresh, & very modern-cool. Bravo Bruno!
Ubiq is the vision of Tomoyuki Kosaka, formerly of Chapter (a sneaker mecca in Harajuku). Since its debut 6-plus years back, Ubiq has kept the hits flowing in a steady steam & the fans coming back for more. While Ubiq used to be a mystery to sneakerheads outside Japan, interest in the label has burgeoned internationally in the last 2 years. Founder-designer Kosaka's desire for his sneakers to become a ubiquitous presence in our daily (footwear) lives gives you a clue as to the reason behind the name. So far, Kosaka's quest seems to be on target. With the right mix between off-beat designs, vibrant styling, & never veering too far, Ubiq's non-sneaker looking sneakers are highly recommended to anyone who appreciates quality & uniqueness.
Available models: 1. Braska: Traditional hiker silhouette with a mid-cut suede upper. The integrated fleece sock (same as the ones on Nike AGC shoes) features a drawstring pull-chord which allows the wearer to control the fit around the ankle. 2. Bo-Ro: Deisgned with the image of a buttoned-down shirt. Using buttons in place of lace eyelets gives these kicks a fresh spin. Can be slipped on. 3. Prime: A re-design of Bo-Ro, crafted from the same shoelast. Great for long walks. 4. Vaget: With distressed leather & ankle support, a stylish & practical re-interpretation of the basketball hightops of yesteryear.
For the bagista who likes carrying it all, Kooba Sharon has room to spare. Made of gorgeous calf leather, this latest semi-relaxed design from Kooba features hinged detailing, gold-tone hardware, a secured sunken top zip & generous interior space. Stylish & sturdy, this shoulder tote is terrific for many popular uses: commuting, errand-filled days, carry-on plane travel, & of course shopping. Approx. size: H14.5" x W17", handle drop 8.5".
We have many lovely tops & dresses from Development by Erica Davies to recommend to you! 2008 has been a busy & rewarding year for Development. Not only has the label attracted the backing of the Camuto Group, just this past 30 July the Welsh-born, LA-based Davies was (along with 27 other peers who include Amy Smilovic of Tibi & Thakoon Panichgul of Thakoon) ratified as a new member of the prestigious CFDA a.k.a. Council of Fashion Designers of America. Add in the high-profile support that the brand gets from Paris Hilton, Rebecca Romijn & the likes, & things sure look exciting for Development. Pay attention to each Development piece & you'll find layers of cool aesthetics, sensual mixes, off-beat details, & beautiful visual surprises.
One interesting rule of thumb emerges when award-winning designer Trina Turk introduces a new design: If an item would fit into Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe, it would make the cut; if not, it was out. The 'Astra' ponte knit dress is a luminous example of Turk's Hepburn-esque aspirations -- an elegant sheath with clean lines & sensual fit. Although print-fan Turk does the rare job of going single colour this time round, the winning combination of a graceful stand collar, subtle tunnel belt, barely-there cap sleeves & overall mod-look is proof that the Audrey Hepburn rule is one to be reckoned with. Simple, chic, & so handy for all your cocktail events & soirees.
Inspired by the American Golden Age yet wonderfully updated (in full-out retro fashion, naturally), Spacy Ducky clothing have become a fascinating tribute to the future of yesteryear fashion. Japanese celebs like Tomomitsu Yamaguchi a.k.a. Gussan, Crazykenband, George Takahashi, & Conny are among the many fans who avidly embrace the label's sense of 40's - 50's nostalgia. The sticthed message of this shirt-jacket, simple yet powerful, says it all: "Walk like a Ducky"!
Sidenote: 'Ducky' is slang for excellent, fine. Born in Yokohama, KEN THE FLATTOP is Japan's top pinstriper & hot rod artist. His stunning pinstripe designs -- sought after for its precision & tight details -- have distinguished him as a creative force in the underground art world both in Japan & internationally.
3.1 Phillip Lim: New garments have just been added! (We have many more dresses & tops not shown here.) We've also restocked some of your favourite 3.1 styles. These clean, easy-to-wear pieces reflect the designer's knack for fulfilling the needs of the fashion forward who live in big cities. Easy to insert into your existing wardrobe, too.
Located in Plaza Mont'Kiara, wondermomo is a tiny boutique where the prices are right and the labels seriously delectable. From clothing and denim, to shoes, bags, eyewear and other accessories, expect choice picks from a coterie of exciting designers. For stylish women, as well as those attempting to seduce them. Thanks for reading our blog. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Though she pondered the career of a rockstar growing up, with her pedigree -- mum was a top model in the 60's while dad includes in his resume iconic names like Emanneulle Khanh & Cacharel -- Vanessa Bruno was destined to make her own mark in the rag trade.
