3.1 PHILLIP LIM Fall 2009

Seriously, who doesn't love Phillip Lim? On this season's runway, with live music (from the band Lissy Trullie) & a backdrop that mimics a stage for a rock concert, the designer's poetic mod-rock-inspired collection hit the perfect pitch as models in their playful 'Tao Okamoto/Beatles' hairdo paraded wearing impeccably cut vintage-style pieces in autumnal hues & textured fabrics. The groovy 60s London vibe was definitely apparent; can't you totally see Kate Moss donning snazzy outfits like the above?
Double-breasted navy vest from the 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009 precollection (top left), & tunic-dress with painstakingly sewn cording embellishments as worn by the lovely Argentine model Milagros Schmoll.

ALICE + OLIVIA Shift Dress with Front Gathers

We've had the Little Black Dress & the Little White Dress & even the Little Grey Dress, now it looks like you'll need a Little Red Dress too to be on trend :-)
On the red carpets stars have been stepping out in tomato hues, ensuring all eyes are on them.
Red looks good against pale or tanned skin & brunette or blonde hair, so everyone is a winner! (Well apart from redheads maybe, hehe?)
This red dress with front gathers by Alice + Olivia oozes plenty of glamour & sex appeal, so you probably don't need to add much accessories. Killer heels & a couple of simple gold bangles would work well. If you're feeling particularly brave, a slick of matching red lippy would complete the sexy kitten look!

NEW ARRIVALS - Wednesday, 19 Aug

19 Aug: Here's an exciting mid-week update -- New Arrivals for her & him are in!
3.1 Phillip Lim, Alice + Olivia, Calypso, Cop.Copine, La Perla, Shiatzy Chen, Theory, Piero Guido, Paul & Shark, RUGBY by RL & more.
Cheers!

VANESSA BRUNO Belted Scarf Dress

Ahhh, Fall clothes are trickling in (already!), & we couldn’t be more excited to see what Vanessa Bruno (one of our secret favourite designers!) has to offer.
This season, the designer exchanged her signature sweet lightness for a darker, urban-warrior vibe. (Indeed, for AW2009, the “masculine female” silhouette, inspired by ancient battlefields & the military, is making a strong comeback with power & pride.)
Fortunately, Bruno did not forget what her loyal fans love & has slipped in brighter “ethereal” pieces like this as well.
With its exquisite tailoring & splendid tumbling of waves (drapery is also on trend for Fall), the belted scarf dress in luxe crêpe de Chine defines effortless & wearable chic -- a piece you'll particularly like to find hanging in your closet.
As modeled by Estonian beauty Kelli Lumi on the Vanessa Bruno runway.
(Comes in 2 colours.)

HELMUT LANG LGD (Little Grey Dress)

The little grey dress is a wonderful alternative to the LBD or LWD.
Clean, sophisticated & definitely definitive, this LGD from the achingly cool androgyny Helmut Lang gets an edgy twist -- with a slightly longer front, a slim V-neck, & pleat details.
An easy day piece with strong evening potential, throw on a white cardi for a fresh look in the office, or pair it with black after dark.
You can also accessorise with colour to break the greyness.
Or add a little silver somethin' for extra sparkle!

ALICE + OLIVIA Chevron Dress

But be forewarned... one glance at this incredibly cute dress by Alice + Olivia, you'll soon feel an uncontrollable urge to wear the striped trend.
(Oh that’s right, yet again striped dresses have become trend wear for this year’s styles.)
We adore this easy-going dress for its overtone of 80s style.
The casual-chic, comfy feeling is balanced by bold, head-turning chevron pattern in contrasting black & blush.
Smarten it up with a tailored jacket for the office, or go all-out with big hair, heels, glam accessories & a statement clutch.
Would look stylish with black leggings, too, of course.

PF Flyers

Part of the world-famous annual Sundance Film Festival’s allure are the “gifting lounges”, which offer visiting celebrities the chance to pick up swags. Gauging from what they wind up holding onto, one can tell what’s going to be hot for the coming year. At last year’s Sundance, the buzz was especially a buzzin' at the Boost Mobile Marquee Lounge, where the PF Flyers booth was located -- a signal that the shoe brand is squarely on its way to becoming a shoo-in (again) as everyone's essential footwear.

Most PF Flyers customers today may not remember or even know about the history of the brand, but they do value its heritage & new modern direction.
The "PF" in PF Flyers stands for "Posture Foundation". BF Goodrich (a tyre maker now under Michelin) patented this invention in 1933 & used it to produce the first "Posture Foundation Flyers" in 1937. The technology, still imitated to this day by many other major sneaker manufacturers, involved a wedge-like insert (that distributes weight to the outside of the foot & reduces strain on the legs) which the company claimed could make one "run faster & jump higher".
It was in the 50s, when the brand teamed up with the famed Boston Celtics star Bob Cousy to create a string of classic basketball designs, that PF Flyers really began to make strides. Its popularity escalated into the next decade, becoming one of the largest sneaker brands in America, before gradually losing steam in the early 70s. Thankfully, the brand is now being returned to its former glory after being bought & re-launched by sportswear giant New Balance. (Converse had purchased the brand earlier, but sold it off when the US government filed an antitrust suit claiming that if both companies combined they would have a monopoly for sneakers.)
These days, young Hollywood hipsters as well as the mature crowd are zero-ing in on PF Flyers for its perfect convergence of old & new, & of course for its excellent support & comfort. The brand’s retro style sneakers, updated with re-issued or new colour & pattern schemes, offer a breath of fresh air to kicks filled with (ahem...) a bunch of pumps, bubbles, pockets & contraptions. And for those ready to open their minds to something other than that “other” old-timey, basketball player-endorsed sneaker brand, PF Flyers are as cool as they come!

Trivia:- In recent years, the phrase "wearing his PF Flyers" has been commonly used when describing a person who’s running very fast (in a game, etc). Example: "Though women outnumbered the males almost 2 to 1, it was Will Meadows wearing his PF Flyers who blazed a time of 5:16, one of the fastest of the season, to win the race."

TRINA TURK "Lani" Romper

Another no-sweat style for fun in the sun, this time from California designer Trina Turk. Cute cap sleeves & fun buttons aside, this tailored onesie also comes with belt loops, so that you may add some personal flair with your favourite sash or belt if desired. Good for just kickin' around, yet chic enough to dress up with heels for a fresh evening look, too!

PAUL AND SHARK

Created in 1977 as an offshoot of a family-owned business -- the Dini clan has produced knitwear since 1957 after taking over a factory in the little hamlet of Masnago, Varese, just north of Milan -- Paul and Shark is a maker of quality sportswear that lets its mighty shark logo do the talking.
As rich as the legend is, Paul and Shark did not derive its name from the 1975 movie “Jaws”, but was actually named after a phrase that the son of the founder had seen in Maine on the sail of an old clipper.
First conceived as a line for those who sailed or raced yachts, Paul and Shark continues to create great yachting clothes even as it has morphed gracefully into spirited, timeless sportswear.
Apart from being adept at handling the elements whilst keeping the wearer looking youthfully sophisticated, Paul and Shark polos & shirts often incorporate nautical themes & tropical accents, making them perfect for the city or walking around a resort in these parts.
Ladies, cadet & golf collections have also been introduced through the numerous Paul and Shark stores worldwide. (Across Asia alone there are over 50 Paul and Shark stores!)

Image: Paul and Shark

IRO Bareketh Sheer Blouse

Iro (France)
Already design stars hotly tipped by fashion editors in their native France, Laurent & Arik Bitton gained their fashion skills from running the family business. Whilst originally finding creative outlet in the music industry, the brothers eventually felt intrigued enough -- purportedly by the assertive style of the women in their circle of friends -- to launch a clothing collection. It is said that the brothers see their line as a vivid expression of lifestyles from around the globe (as documented on the brand's website) that supply the inspiration for the cool & confident look of these women.
Being a bit of a Japanophile, the brothers named their label Iro (pronounced "E-ro"), the Japanese word for "colour".
Iro soon became known for its alchemical blend of Japanese kawaii-(cute)ness with Parisian romanticism & metropolitan energy. Above all, the brand stood out for its vintage appeal, its designs characterised by past influences & a retro feel. The airy & lightweight Bareketh blouse with pretty scalloped edges, for example, is like a modern reincarnation of a dainty antique handkerchief. So sweet & rare, c’est très charmant!
(Comes with snap closure along the sides, allowing you to adjust how much skin you want to show.)
Earlier this year, Iro collaborated with students of the famed fashion school Studio Berçot to lend support to the SOS Children's Villages orphan charity. One more reason Iro is our hero!

REBECCA TAYLOR Blossom-Print Playsuit/Romper

Beautiful botanic prints radiate warm weather vibes -- so get into the spirit with Rebecca Taylor's blossom playsuit. From casual to dressy, it's as easy as A-B-C to change the look of this romper by switching out the accessories: Wear it around town with your Ray-Bans & gladiator sandals or round-toe flats for all day chic, or give it an after-hours twist with lavender heels & gold jewellery like exotic beauty Vanessa Hudgens. This piece will even look alluring with a blazer (with the sleeves pushed up, of course). Whatever your style, try to just experiment & have fun!

NEW ARRIVALS - Tuesday, 28 Jul

Game time or any time, match your best moves with brand New Arrivals from Iro of France, Catherine Malandrino, Elie Tahari, Les Petites, Rebecca Taylor, Tibi, guys' sneakers from Boss & UK-Japanese label Admiral Footwear... plus more!
In store 28 Jul (Tue).
Have a lovely merry week! Try something new this week!
(^_^)v

ELIZABETH and JAMES - Shift Dress

If you're one of those who wrote off Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's clothing labels as just another frivolous celeb stamping their name on otherwise average clothes, get ready to eat your words.
While it's true that people have incredibly mixed feelings about the twins (especially when it comes to fashion), their second clothing line after The Row, Elizabeth and James (named after their siblings), has been received with wide open arms by fans & critics alike.
Acting as muses & co-designers, the Olsens love combining vintage-, couture-, even menswear-inspired designs with unusual detailing & unique fabrics. Each item is well-thought, well-made, & well-fitted -- just like the eclectic pieces the twins themselves are seen rocking, day to day, through the prying lenses of the paparazzis.
If you've enjoyed following the Olsens' development into trendsetters or if you simply appreciate fashion as much as the twins do, don't miss Elizabeth and James for haughty style made approachable.

Elizabeth and James Shift Dress
The classic shift dress is made modern the Elizabeth and James way via mid-weight jersey fabric, a sheer organza yoke, & interesting pleating at the bust. Exposed zipper in the back further enhances the sheath's seductive yet refined glamour. And do throw on a pair of pop-colour heels (left pic) for even more umph!

50 years of DR. MARTENS

Everything old is new again, & who better to solidify that archaic adage than Dr. Martens!
Yes, it's official: Dr. Martens are hot, again. They're in all the mags/blogs/city streets -- especially in Japan, where they're selling faster than hotcakes, doughnuts & Transformer movie goods -- & all the hip European kids are wearing 'em. Dr. Martens for men are popping up on stylish punkettes like Daisy Lowe, Agyness Deyn, Erin Wasson & Irina Lazareanu. Even the eternally-cool Johnny Depp reportedly ordered Dr. Martens as party favours (!) for his daughter's birthday party. Oh & Depp wears them to his movie premieres all the time, of course.
From the looks of things, the revival of these iconic shoes -- remember your favourite pair from your days of teen/post-teen rebellion? -- is only going to get bigger. After resurfacing with new styles & successful collaborations with Stussy, Beams Japan & Yohji Yamamoto, Dr. Martens has hooked up with Raf Simons, producing special capsule collections & some pretty crazy gladiator sandals for men. A pair of Dr. Martens worn with the right outfit somehow looks fresh, cool, & modern -- it may seem to defy logic a little, but hey, it works swell!

The Dr. Martens boot, known also as Doc Martens, Docs, & DMs, was originally developed by two German doctors, Dr. Maertens & Dr. Funck, who made the shoes, with air-conditioned soles, for sale to German women with foot trouble. In the 1950s the concept was spotted by boot manufacturer Bill Griggs of Northamptonshire. His family firm made the famous bulldog boot used by the British army, but they were looking for a new product. With the permission of the German doctors, the family business made some key changes to the design &, from 1960, sold them as workmen's boots. The boot became a fashion statement, & there are now more than 250 different styles of Dr. Martens footwear sold in over 78 countries. ('Dr. Martens' is an anglicised version of 'Dr. Maertens'.)
Incidentally, to celebrate the upcoming golden jubilee of its most classic boot (the "1460" or cherry red 8-hole, born 1 April, 1960), Dr. Martens had invited designers & artists from Britain & around the world to give the boot a makeover. The results are pretty zany & wacky -- go here to see all 69 impressions.
Some of our faves (by Kansai, Benjamin Cho, & Sean John, respectively):-

3.1 PHILLIP LIM T-Shirt Dress

Just what we wanted!
This loose-fit 3.1 Phillip Lim number resembles over favourite dress-down, the good ole super-comfy oversized T-shirt (which some of us still sleep in!), except it's made from smooth & drapey silk... genius!
Thin drawtrings below one shoulder & at one side-hem allow for subtle variations in how you put this piece on. You'll appreciate the elegant kinetic print, & the low dolman sleeves (to cover up those sliiiiightly flabby arms), too.
Also imagine the dress with some pearls/jewellery & heels -- it'll certainly take you nicely into any semi-formal occasion. ...Quite perfect for that upcoming wedding party, yes?
*Available in 2 colours.

MINT JODI ARNOLD Yoke Tank

Interesting tribal-inspired pattern at the yoke, front and back, adds a little glam to a sweet, Summery style in this Mint Jodi Arnold design. We also like that it's long enough to be tucked in, or worn belted.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO Gunmetal Scroll Dress

Exposed zippers will continue to be a style directive over the next few seasons & here's another fresh take from Catherine Malandrino. With coiled zippers as a decorative element (instead of a function), this cap-sleeved dress gains a certain street edge. Still totally feminine, this fashion-forward piece will take you into the seasons ahead with trend-setting power.
Wear it to a cocktail party, or a special dinner at friends'.

ADMIRAL FOOTWEAR

You may be thinking, hmmm, Admiral Footwear is not exactly a "famous" brand to be worn on your feet -- especially since we've got so many cool selections to pick from, hehe -- but we betcha didn't know that this is a highly desirable label in the fashion section of Japan. (The retro-styled SS2009 collection, for example, is selling out fast there.)
This Japanese sensation actually started life as a World War I military clothing factory in 1914 in the UK, producing uniforms for the British Royal Navy. Embracing their sailor roots, the company adopted its logo from the cuff mark of a British Admiral. After the war Admiral looked toward sports, taking its knowledge of Navy uniform design & production & incorporating it into rugby, football, tennis, & cricket clothing. It wasn’t long before the newly designated sportswear brand became enormously popular in Britain. Admiral enjoyed international popularity in the 1970s & 1980s when the brand supported the national football team of England. The brand eventually slinked away from the spotlight, but has discovered newfound success in the Japanese hip & haute sneaker market -- particularly in the last 4 years.
With the fashion world today generally taking significant direction from Japan, Admiral is set to surge into an exciting new field as it approaches its centenary in 5 years' time (2014)!

Admiral Sneak-Facts:-
• Admiral is distributed through Sojitz General Merchandise Corporation Japan.
• Many Admiral models are named after towns & villages in Britain.
• Admiral was the brand of choice for the national football team of England from 1974 to 1984.
• Members of Japanese bands Bonobos, Galactic, Cool Wise Men, & Good Luck Heiwa are all Admiral Footwear wearers.

Source: アドミラルフットウェア, Sneakerpedia/Sneakerset

NEW ARRIVALS - Monday, 6 Jul

Monday morning update: More NEW ARRIVALS at wondermomo + Whoop!
For ladies, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Catharine Malandrino, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Taylor, Vera Wang Lavender & Vince are in.
For the boys, meanwhile, we have Lee X-Line premium denim, Burberry Black Label (Japan), Onitsuka Tiger kicks, & Doc Martens Men.
Open daily, rain or shine.

THEORY Two-Tone Shirtdress

Theory found a clever way to style a blouse & pencil skirt: by putting the two together & cinching it with a built-in belt. What you get is a two-tone, colour-block dress -- nice & sophisticated for the office, don't you think? Goes great with bare legs, pumps, stilettos, or a fitted blazer!
* Also available in white/black combination. Other chic Theory pieces in store, too!

Theory is a fashion house based out of NYC. Launched in 1997 (by third-generation doyen of the garment industry Andrew Rosen & friend Elie Tahari), Theory became a phenomenon of the U.S. contemporary designer-wear market in the sense that it achieved significant success without any traditional fashion PR -- no outdoor posters, no in-store events, no products in Oscar goodie bags.
This "anti-brand" ideology did not change even after the label was sold to Japanese firm Link International (now LTH) in 2003. (Rosen stayed on as president & now heads up other brands in the Link portfolio as well, including Helmut Lang & Uniqlo.) Today, still content with its low-key public image, Theory continues to churn out collections known for their uncomplicated silhouettes, quality, fit, & most notably, for being almost impossible to identify.