alice + olivia co-founder Stacey Bendet may come from a wealthy upbringing, but the story behind her meteoric rise has as much to do with friends in high places as burning ambition. After graduating from the Univ. of Pennsylvania, Bendet worked in Paris & New York, before joining forces with then-partner Rebecca Winn to launch the alice + olivia (named after Winn & Bendet's mums, respectively) collection of skinny pants. (The pair was inspired by the "one item at a time" strategy that has a certain precedent in the industry: Ralph Lauren began with ties, Dianne von Furstenberg started with the wrapdress, Donna Karan was known for bodysuits.) Soon, celebs donning the duo's signature "staceypants" started getting mentions in top mags like Vogue & InStyle, & the label was off & running. Today Bendet may be the sole public face of alice + olivia, but the "Hamptons princess meets Hollywood starlet" look of the label remains as sharp, fun, & updated as ever. A key item from Fall 2008 alice + olivia, the Jabot dress creates the look of polished separates, all in one seamless, silky piece.
Coming from a Parisian family of shirtmakers, Sophie Albou studied at the Institut Francais de la Mode and landed a job at Azzedine Alaia at the tender age of 16, before striking out on her own with the Paul & Joe menswear collection in 1995. However most people only started taking notice in 1997, when Albou introduced the Paul & Joe women's line. Today, Paul & Joe's numerous successful branches include fashion for men, women & children, beauty products, a special line at Target stores, & even limited edition Perrier bottles. Paul & Joe Sister is the quirkier member of the family, created for younger women looking for something urbane yet affordable. Playful, feminine, a little retro-preppy, this patterned collection from Paul & Joe Sister features pieces that will look swell with everything from rich browns to subdued gold.
Art Print Is In: Continuing last season's dominance, graphic prints are all over the Fall runways & fashionistas are snapping them up for special events. But us normal people can carry off art prints nicely too! Like the ikat-inspired modern, blessedly detail-free series by Generra. The clothing should be the focus when it comes to wearing printy pieces. So do keep accessories minimal & let your 'artwork' do all the talking!
Generra was one of the biggest names in fashion in the 80's with its Hypercolour T-shirts (which changed colour according to temperature). In 2004, the brand received a re-launch with a whole new mindframe, to immense popularity. Today Generra is sold at over 600 upscale specialty stores (Barneys NY, Bloomingdale's flagship in Manhattan, Colette in Paris, & Matches in London, just to name a few) & enjoys a serious celeb following who appreciates the clean lines, sensual materials, & hip styling.
The weather may be damp & a little dreary, but there's something to cheer about at wondermomo + Whoop! Shoes, jeans & bottoms are now 'Buy 1, Get 50% Off the 2nd!' And just the perfect timing, too -- with New Arrivals to inspire you just rolling in: Acne Jeans, Twenty8Twelve by s.miller, Vanessa Bruno, L.A.M.B., Robert Rodriguez, Generra, Moyuru, Kooba & more. Limited period only!
Yohji Yamamoto & Adidas were trailblazers in the fashion/sport collaboration when they teamed up 6 years ago to create Y-3 for men & women. The 'Y' is of course Yamamoto's stamp, while the '3' represents the signature 3-stripes of Adidas & the link between the two. Yamamoto's first approach to this project was apparently more personal. Dealing with hip pain had become a problem for the designer on his frequent 12-hour Tokyo-Paris flights. He resolved to start jogging & began by shopping for exercise wear. But all he found were flashy get-ups that failed to inspire him. So simply, he decided he would make some austere-looking ones. & boy did he nail this one. With the designer's influential artistry & Adidas's athletic heritage, Y-3 has grown from sport basics with logos into an acclaimed line (clothing, footwear, all kinds of accessories) which is neither too Yamamoto, nor overtly Adidas. They look like both, yet are neither! Staying true to the Y-3 DNA are these denims. A fusion of sport functionality & clean but edgy style, the extension from sportive clothes to street is seamless in these cool blues.
- All the jeans are constructed of Japanese denim & are not pre-faded/distressed.The men's jeans are: 5-Pocket in dark blue wash (1) & Regular Fit in dark black wash (2). The dark blue wash skinny jeans for ladies (3) meanwhile are slightly stretchy (2% elastane) for a slim fit. - On all three, 'Y-3 Denim' is embossed on the leather logo patch on the rear waistband. A 'D'-ring hangs from the belt-loop in front.
Get these fast -- Y-3 pieces move into the 'rare find' state pretty quickly!
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.
The MINT Jody Arnold laser dress is right on trend for the geometric/art-deco style of this season. You'll especially appreciate how the abstract colourblock pattern is achieved through intricate seaming & sewing. Pick one of the featured colours & echo it in your accessories -- bangle, shoes, or bag. 100% cotton & 100% perfect when the weather's sweltering outside. Colours: Emerald Multi (left) & Strawberry Multi (right).
Did you know that shutter shades have been around since the 80’s? Rap superstar & trendsetter Kanye West brought them back into style in his MTV for “Stronger.” These unique, unforgettable sunglasses are in high demand everywhere. You could wear them on a fun outing or indoors (like to a club). Plus they’re so affordable -- really a painless drop in the bucket to step up your fashion style.
wondermomo + Whoop! have New Arrivals -- E.T.A. 26/27 July (this Sat/Sun) -- & here’s just a preview of what’s to come: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Elie Tahari, Kate Spade, LaRok, Mint Jodi Arnold, See by Chloé & more. Meanwhile, for the guys… drop by to check out smart new pieces from CNC Costume National & Shipley+Halmos. & Don’t forget, folks spending over RM500 get a free RM100 shopping voucher. Make sure you hurry though as the promotion ends Thurs 31 July! (Vouchers are good through 31 Aug!)
1. Kate Spade Coconut Grove Ava Clutch 2. Kate Spade Napoli Selby 3. Mint by Jodi Arnold Raised Appliqué Top
Prada started a striking look using ombre tie-dye at the AW2007 shows, many designers then followed suit in SS2008 with more muted, subtly done tie-dye that’s both distinctive & elegant at the same time. This short parachute dress & sleeveless top from 3.1 Phillip Lim take on an illuminating glow with the help of ethereal, watercolour tie-dye printed silk. Characterised by an individual look, these simply-cut, easy-to-wear pieces will add a touch of demure cool to your summer ensemble & help you update your wardrobe to sustain the heat.
RM100 voucher is yours! Simply make a purchase of RM500 or more (in a single receipt) and receive a RM100 voucher to spend in wondermomo & Whoop! Oh and check out our Latest Arrivals, too!
Hurry over, before the secret is out... With legions of fans from Hollywood, it's hard to believe that Sheri Bodell is still one of fashion’s best kept secrets in these parts. Now LA-based, Bodell started out as a shop girl in high school & had spells in dancing, buying, merchandising & designing before fulfilling her dream of creating her own label. Today her upscale collection -- sleek, wearable, with a seductive rock-inspired look & intricate workmanship hard to find in ready-to-wear -- wows not only her devoted celeb clientele but also the editors, critics & industry buyers. These Sheri Bodell pieces have a very delicate feel, matched with a tasteful display of studs. Not for the wallflower, so get ready for attention!
Shorts have emerged as the official no-brainer for this season & 3.1 Phillip Lim adds a sophisticated twist to this simple summer staple with pleats & a slightly high-waisted cut. The fitted yet relaxed shape also makes these very easy to dress up or down. You’ll love them with flats & a crisp oxford. Rather wonderfully, it’s officially OK too to wear your city shorts with heels!
Happy pre-Father's Day! Father's Day is really an easy holiday to have success -- dad always seems to be happy with just about anything you give him! This year, why not give a gift that doesn’t look like everything he already owns? Skip the safe white shirt (not that we don’t have those!), come on by the stores for stuff that are a bit more imaginative & still tasteful. Happy Father’s Day to all who are fathers :)
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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alice + olivia co-founder Stacey Bendet may come from a wealthy upbringing, but the story behind her meteoric rise has as much to do with friends in high places as burning ambition.
