Taylor Swift’s debut fragrance launches in Singapore

Head down to Sephora ION to check out Taylor Swift’s new fragrance Wonderstruck & you could win a Wonderstruck hamper.

Four-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift has launched her first-ever fragrance, Wonderstruck, in partnership with Elizabeth Arden.

The fruity-floral fragrance contains sweet notes of Apple Blossom, Vanilla, Honeysuckle and Peach which makes it feminine and ideal for everyday use.

The name Wonderstruck comes from one of Swift’s songs “Enchanted” and draws inspiration from her personal life experiences.

With her debut fragrance, the singer hopes to capture an awe-inspiring feeling which comes from experiencing something magical, such as the rush of an instant connection with someone.

“A fragrance can help shape someone's first impression and memory of you. It's exciting to think that Wonderstruck will play a role in creating some of those memories”, says Swift.

As part of the celebrations surrounding the launch of Wonderstruck in Singapore, you could also win a Wonderstruck hamper worth more than $150 by taking part in the ‘I’m Wonderstruck Instagram Contest’ exclusively at Sephora ION Orchard.

To take part in the competition, head down to Sephora ION Orchard from today until June 27, 2012 and capture a picture-perfect moment. Add @wonderstrucksg on Instagram and post your picture with the hashtag #wonderstrucksg to stand a chance to win. Contest ends July 5, 2012.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/beauty/updates/beauty-updates-taylor-swift%E2%80%99s-debut-fragrance-launches-singapore

Spanish fashion chain Shana opens in Singapore

Affordable ladies’ apparel, footwear and accessories from Spain’s fastest-growing retail chain Shana now available at Bugis+ and Jcube in Singapore

For weary fashionistas bored with the usual high-street suspects, here’s something new: Spain’s fastest growing high-street fashion chain, Shana, has arrived in Singapore.

The fast fashion store, which currently has 25 stores outside Spain, has opened two outlets on Singapore shores. They are at the Bugis+ shopping centre — formerly known as Iluma — and at the spanking-new Jcube shopping centre in Jurong.

At Shana, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with an eye-watering range of affordable apparel and accessories for young women. The store is all about fun: Everything in Shana is bright, bold and statement-making. Everyday basics, footwear, scarves, bags, sunglasses and even mobile phone covers are all priced within the $2.90 to $68.90 range.

Shopping at the store itself promises to be a fashion-friendly experience. Some neat in-store features include the digitalised catalogues shown on screens around the boutique, which help guide shoppers through the key trends of the season so they can make savvy buys.

All weekly arrivals — yes, you won’t be seeing the same dresses and shirts on the racks for weeks on end — will also be sorted by coordinated colour themes so you can head straight to the right racks and avoid trudging through shades you’ll never wear.

So should you grab your girlfriends and make a date with Shana? We say yes.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-spanish-fashion-chain-shana-opens-singapore

Gucci goes green

Gucci launches Sustainable Soles, a range of eco-chic ballet flats for women. It has never been more chic to save the earth than right now. Hot on the heels of Gucci’s participation in the recent Copenhagen Fashion Summit – a world conference on fashion and sustainability – comes Sustainable Soles, Gucci’s latest endeavour to go green.

Sustainable Soles are a range of special edition shoes made from bio-plastic, a biodegradable material that can break down in the environment much faster than traditional industrial plastic.

Called the Marola Green ballerina, the snazzy-looking, somewhat art deco-like flats come in four shades – blush, taupe, all-black and another in black but with a contrasting interlocked G in white. The d’orsay design is complemented by cut-outs on the sides, making them hot weather friendly and tres chic.

These shoes have been designed by Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini and form part of the luxury brand’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection. They will cost $220 and be available end June at the Gucci Takashimaya and Marina Bay Sands stores.

If you haven’t done your part for Mother Earth yet, it is not too late to make a stylish statement with these Marola Green ballerinas now.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-gucci-goes-green

Get exotic charms from Singapore jeweller Carrie K

Faux snakeskin bracelets, wishbone necklaces and more exotic accessories from Singapore jeweller Carrie K. now available from Doorstep Luxury

Fans of Carrie K. Artisan Jewellery’s one-of-a-kind accessories will be pleased to note that a selection of Carrie K. necklaces, bracelets and rings are now available from online retailer Doorstep Luxury, including new designs for its faux animal skin bracelets.

Founded in 2009 by Singaporean designer Carolyn Kan, the Carrie K. brand is known for its fine handcrafted jewellery made with traditional silversmithing methods. For its latest accessories launched on Doorstep Luxury, however, the brand has gone for a more playful, exotic vibe.

Hot on the heels of the brand’s big feature on Project Runway Korea, Carrie K. has rolled out two new bracelet designs as part of its Charmed collection: the faux snakeskin Charmed bracelet and faux ostrich skin Charmed bracelet ($210 each).

The bracelets, made from stainless steel and calf leather finished with the signature Carrie K. pewter crown charm, can be worn in singles for a light classy look or stacked together to make a statement. The ostrich skin bracelets are available in blue, orange, green and yellow, while the snakeskin bracelets come in royal hues like beige-gold, black-gold, navy-cobalt, red, bronze and mauve.

Other edgy Carrie K. designs from Doorstep Luxury include the Wishbone necklace ($160), the Grit Knuckle Sandwich Ring from the exclusive Veritas by Carrie K. line ($600) and the Black Baroque Pearl Necklace ($280).

Purported to bring its wearer good luck all year round, the silver Wishbone necklace is a simple, organic compliment to any outfit. In contrast, the Black Baroque Pearl Necklace and Grit Knuckle Sandwich quartz ring are left deliberately unpolished, thus capturing a raw, industrial aesthetic – perfect for creating that subtle “punk” look without looking 15 again.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-get-exotic-charms-singapore-jeweller-carrie-k

Lowrys Farm opens standalone store in Singapore

Japanese fashion label Lowrys Farm’s first standalone boutique is located at the newly-opened Bugis+ mall Within the pages of a Japanese magazine lies another world, one where the sun is always shining and the girls are always gorgeous, happy and stylishly dressed to boot.

Yes that’s a perfect world which we can’t all inhabit, but there’s one thing about it women here can seek solace in – the oh-so-pretty clothes the models are wearing.

Enter Lowrys Farm, a Japanese casual wear brand that prides itself on offering laid-back yet on-trend fashion pieces for both women and men in their mid-twenties.

The brand recently unveiled its first standalone boutique in the newly-revamped Bugis+ shopping mall (previously known as Iluma), boasting a spacious 2,360 square feet in size.

Lowrys Farm is not new to Singapore. In March this year, its parent company, Collect Point – which also brings in other Japanese casual fashion brands like Hare, Jeanasis and Heather – set up a store-in-store boutique within Isetan Orchard, introducing for the first time, these brands to the Singaporean market.

The Lowrys Farm aesthetic is youthful, preppy and girly, so expect to see striped t-shirts, denim boyfriend shirts, ditzy floral sundresses, polka dot cropped trousers and crochet cardigans aplenty.

Clearly, comfort is very much a big part of Lowrys Farm’s brand mantra; here you won’t see clothes made from sub-standard fabrics that are rough and scratchy. Instead, tissue soft tees and luxuriously silky maxi skirts are just a couple of the brand’s best-sellers.

It is no wonder why models in Japanese magazines are so cheerful all the time - when you’re wearing such easy, breezy comfortable clothes, it’s hard not to be happy isn’t it?

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-lowrys-farm-opens-standalone-store-singapore

Salvatore Ferragamo introduces thermal-dependent Varina flats

Ferragamo’s newest Varina flats will transform from day-to-night Mention the word Varinas to just about anyone who knows fashion and you’ll see their eyes light up in recognition. After all, the humble but well-loved ballerina flats from Salvatore Ferragamo have since become a classic wardrobe staple, not unlike its heeled sister shoe, the Vara, which dates back to its beginnings in 1978.

These were no-nonsense, sensible shoes that women could walk in all day and still look impeccably put together, all thanks to its signature grosgrain bow fastened to the coloured leather upper.
It might be that Ferragamo is looking to shake up the image of their Varina ballerina flats, which is why it has been given a snazzy, somewhat tech-y update for Fall 2012.

Named the Day-to-Night Varina, these special ballerina flats are made from a patented thermal leather that will morph from a leopard print in the heat to a shiny black when the weather cools, essentially changing with the time of the day.

This doesn’t mean though that the shoes will strictly remain printed in the day and end up a solid black at night. As these Varinas are heat-sensitive, they will transform depending on your body temperature or the weather of the day, which means they might end up black on a cold, rainy morning, and remain printed on a warm, balmy night.

We can’t decide which we like better, the blush pink pair, the concrete grey one or the wine red, but priced at a fairly decent $690, it won’t hurt to get two pairs will it? Now, who said a leopard can’t change its spots?

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-salvatore-ferragamo-introduces-thermal-dependent-varina-flats

UK ‘it’ designer Sophie Hulme now available at Doorstep Luxury

Sometimes you really want people to know exactly who made your handbag, how much it cost and just what a fashionista you are; sometimes you prefer to be ahead of the masses. This is why you should get your hands on one of Sophie Hulme’s totes right now.

An up-and-coming designer of streamlined, elegant leather bags as well as a ready-to-wear collection, British designer Sophie Hulme is “hot” right now thanks to fans like Peaches Geldof and Alexa Chung.

She’s also a favourite of top UK fashion mags like Elle UK and won one of the British Fashion Council’s four 2011 Talent Launch Pad awards; so you know she’s going to be huge.

Get one of her fabulous bags now while they’re still affordable from Singapore’s top online fashion store, Doorstep Luxury. Check out the gallery below for examples; you’ll also get a cute “trinket” with your purchase, this season it’s a cute pen cap.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-uk-%E2%80%98it%E2%80%99-designer-sophie-hulme-now-available-doorstep-luxury

Coach’s Legacy collection is simple but good

In 1961, an American designer made history when she introduced industrial hardware like brass toggles and zips onto clothes and bags. She also revolutionised the way women carried their daily necessities around by introducing matching coin purses attached to bags as well as inner zipped compartments.

Her name was Bonnie Cashin, and she was the chief designer of Coach. Her vision was simple - to make fashion practical.

Fast forward 51 years, and her name is still very much part of Coach’s identity, especially with the launch of the Coach Legacy collection for Fall 2012, a collection that re-introduces Coach’s archival pieces but with a modern twist.

A highlight of the Legacy collection is the Duffle (pictured above), first made famous by Bonnie Cashin in 1973, in a practical though dull camel brown shade. The latest version however, is like the original Duffle Sac’s more vivacious sister, boasting a plethora of bright colours like cobalt blue, emerald green, sunflower yellow and carnelian red.

The Legacy range continues to adapt from its archives with the cross-body Saddle Bag, the mini Penny bag, the double-buckled Amanda Flap and the Archive Bucket Bag, all inspired from Coach purses of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

There’s more to fall in love with in this Legacy collection. Each bag is either made from Coach’s heritage glove-tanned leather or a hardy pebbled leather, and accompanied by a tassel – the Legacy’s collection signature.

The Bonnie Cashin influence is woven throughout the Legacy purses, from the use of bold, vivid shades and handy small accessories that matched your bag, right down to the special reissue of Bonnie Cashin designs like the Bucket Bag (pictured below) which she popularised in 1968.

The stars of this season’s collection might be retrospective and simple (no visible Coach logos) but they certainly aren’t in any way old-fashioned, proving that regardless of what people say about cutting-edge design, good old classics still reign supreme.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-coach%E2%80%99s-legacy-collection-simple-good

THEFACESHOP SG crowns Natalie Pua as their first local ambassador

After two months of intense competition, THEFACESHOP Singapore’s Top Girl has been crowned. At the Top Girl Grand Finals held last weekend on June 16, 22-year-old student Natalie Pua emerged victorious, taking the first ever THEFACESHOP Singapore Top Girl title.

“Natalie’s radiant smile and elegance made her a popular choice among both judges and audience alike. She truly captures the essence of our brand with her warm personality and positive attitude to life. We look forward to her rise as a beauty inspiration to others through the brand”, revealed THEFACESHOP Singapore’s CEO Ms. Doreen Kho.

Being a fan of THEFACESHOP products, Natalie took part in the Top Girl search despite her shy nature. “I am a big fan of THEFACESHOP’s masks and my favourite product, the Raspberry Roots Depuffing Eye Gel is an essential”, shares Natalie.

Natalie who is currently pursuing a degree in Accountancy at the Singapore Management University will begin her Top Girl duties next week as she travels to Seoul to meet the eight other Top Girls from Myanmar, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and China.

As part of the Top Girl prize, Natalie will front THEFACESHOP Singapore’s brand campaigns and launches for the next 12 months. She also took home a THEFACESHOP hamper, Toywatch, New Look outfits and $8,000 in cash.

Other Top Girl finalists also walked away with prizes at the grand finals. Shannon Low who was the first runner-up walked off with a THEFACESHOP hamper as well as cash vouchers. Amanda Low was awarded Miss Popularity while Tay Wee Leng was chosen as the New Look Fashionistar.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/beauty/updates/beauty-updates-thefaceshop-sg-crowns-natalie-pua-their-first-local-ambassador

Chloé re-opens its store in Ngee Ann City

Chic luxury label Chloé has re-opened its Singapore store with a full range of women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear, jewellery & even fragrance
The sophisticated, yet feminine, fashion label Chloé has finally re-opened its store in Ngee Ann City and is now stocking the full range of its covetable women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear, jewellery and even fragrance lines.

Featuring a contemporary ambience of three-dimensional wooden panels, crisp white finishes and a glistening white quartz wall, the 120 square metres of French chic is now open for your shopping pleasure.

Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, the Chloé label has always had a distinct aesthetic of soft, body-conscious pieces in luxe fabrics. It was, in fact, the very first luxury prêt-a-porter, or ready-to-wear, brand and kicked off the fashion industry that we know today.

After the brand’s resurgence under the helm of Phoebe Philo in 2001 – yes, the same designer behind the growth of Celine – it become one of the “it” brands beloved of stars like Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman and Lou Doillon.

Now designed by Clare Waight Keller who came on-board in 2011, the brand continues to wow fashionistas who have a penchant for feminine, but elegant, looks and its accessories continue to be front row favourites.

Although there is currently only one Chloé boutique in Singapore, the brand says that it plans to open more stores in the region in the near future.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-chlo%C3%A9-re-opens-its-store-ngee-ann-city

Future Fashion Now Showcase 3: Mae Pang and Dzojchen

Edgy street style sensibilities infuse Singapore labels Mae Pang & Dzojchen pre-Spring 2013 collections at AFF2012.

It seemed as if the gritty-cool train rolled into town, judging by two shows at the third Future Fashion Now showcase held on day four of Audi Fashion Festival 2012 on Saturday, May 19..

Singapore fashion labels Mae Pang and Dzojchen sent out collections bundled with attitude; with a New York “It” kid sensibility, although each label catered to a different sort of “It” child personality.

At Mae Pang, local designer Pang Ai Mei sent out her signature style with her Pre-Spring 2013 collection, fusing billowy chiffon layers with more structured, grounded cuts and fabrics in muted hues like black, grey and navy blue. Only one of Pang’s neon colours from last season made it into this collection – the neon aqua-blue shade, which appeared as a pop of colour on select pieces.

There was a distinctive sporty, Alexander Wang-like vibe to the collection; collared silk-chiffon shirts had zips down the front instead of buttons, sheer panelling was found on tops, skirts and dresses and to bring home the message, models sported luxe black baseball caps.

At Dzojchen, the sensibility belonged to the grittier side of New York City. Black leather pieces turned up in every single iteration possible, from leather pants to maxi skirts, city shorts, vests, tank tops, blazers and even hooded capes.

And to go with these rough-and-tumble leather pieces were amazingly deceptive dark green knitted sweaters that are actually made of finely-woven lambskin leather, as well as sheer chiffon collared shirts and basic cotton-jersey tank dresses.

Considering that the Singapore-made, New York-based label from ex-model Chelsea Scott-Blackhall first began as a denim brand, there was a surprising lack of this fabric in the pre-Spring 2013 collection. Only a couple pairs went down the runway, the most noteworthy, a pair of dark washed jeans with two half-open zips down the side.

You can see the model-off-duty look in most of the Dzojchen and Mae Pang looks – which means this is wearable, super chic fashion at its best.

You can buy these items now on Future Fashion Now, prices start from US$80 for a sheer tank top from Dzojchen and US$139 for a short-sleeved t-shirt from Mae Pang. Log on to www.futurefashionnow.com/index.php/main/designer to shop.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/updates/fashion-updates-future-fashion-now-showcase-3-mae-pang-and-dzojchen

Iconic bags, fabulous boutique; don’t miss the Fendi flagship store

The spotlight is on Fendi with its iconic Baguette bag & the opening of a totally redesigned Southeast Asia flagship boutique for Singapore

When Silvia Venturini Fendi created the Baguette bag in 1997, she probably didn’t realise she was creating a new fashion phenomenon, the “it” bag. The chic, neat little shoulder bags in brilliant colours, fabulous materials and with almost as many different versions as there are women, the Fendi Baguette has rightly become an iconic bag.

“When I created the Baguette it was mainly a simple, personal desire for a change from traditional bags originating perhaps by some kind of un-satisfaction with the 90s minimalism, and I believe that the homologation of minimalism is restrictive in the creative process,” says Silvia Venturini Fendi about creating the Baguette.

Now the Italian luxury fashion house is celebrating this gorgeous little accessory with the re-issuing of six of their most stunning versions alongside a fab book that traces not only the history of the Baguette but also some of the famous women who have loved it.

With over 1,000 versions of the Baguette available, the six special re-issued bags were specially chosen by Ms Venturini Fendi herself, and she has a particular reason for choosing each one.

Check out the gallery attached below to see all six Fendi Baguette bags in detail & Ms Venturini Fendi’s reasons for choosing each one.

All six Baguettes will be available from Fendi boutiques around the world, starting with the new Fendi Southeast Asia flagship store that’s opening at Ngee Ann City on May 23, 2012; yes, these special bags will first be available here in Singapore.

The Baguette book will also be available for the first time in Singapore; stuffed full of 250 full colour images of the bags you’ll be able to understand just how different and interesting each one has been, and why you can honestly say “there’s a Fendi Baguette for every woman”.

The redesigned space of the previous Fendi store has been increased to 175sqm, features the latest Fendi concept created by renowned architect Peter Marino with a stunning new façade in amber glass.

Marino’s design echoes the Palazzo Fendi in Rome and reflects the duality of the Fendi brand with contrasting materials, shapes and movements with mixes of light and dark colours; modern and baroque elements.

There’s even tonnes of luxurious Roman Travertine stone cut into curvy slabs and hung to replicate a floating valance; alongside is super polished San Pietrini stone that evokes the feeling of Rome’s cobblestone streets but is so much more elegant and modern.

Fendi’s new flagship boutique will carry the complete range of women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, fur and accessories; as well as featuring the fabulous special Fendi Baguettes as well as a display of other Baguettes that have become fashion icons themselves in many cases.

The new Fendi Southeast Asia flagship boutique officially opens on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 with an exclusive invitation-only cocktail party featuring a display of the six Limited Re-Edition Baguettes, together with first preview of the Fall Winter 2012 Collection and Fur.

For those lucky enough to have snagged an invite it’s surely going to be the fashion event of the season; the fashionistas will be playing “spot the Baguette”.

The Fendi Southeast Asia Flagship boutique is located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, #01-30/31/32, Tel: 6887 5981.

There will be a display of over 20 iconic Fendi Baguette bags on show for one day only, May 24, and the store officially opens on May 25, 2012. For more on Fendi go to: www.fendi.com

http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/updates/fashion-updates-iconic-bags-fabulous-boutique-don%E2%80%99t-miss-fendi-flagship-store

There’s something about fashion week this year

Officially this is really only my second round of Singapore’s “fashion week”, the multi-pronged event that covers everything from international runway shows, a merchandising tradeshow, fashion design competition and a series of fashion industry seminars.

The umbrella of the Asian Fashion Exchange convention arches over the various other events – Audi Fashion Festival, Audi Star Creation and the Blueprint tradeshow – tying together the different sections of the industry and offering a more “business” oriented face for something that is often considered rather frivolous.

But fashion, and the shopping is engenders, really is big business. According to a report in The Economist the income from luxury brands alone grew to about US$252 billion in 2011; that’s $319 billion spent on handbags, shoes and ready-to-wear from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Fendi etc, etc. Factor in the enormous profits of fast fashion brands like H&M and Uniqlo, and you have a major global industry.

So it makes sense that Singapore wants to get its hands on a chunk of this substantial industry, which is why government organisations like SPRING and professional groups like Textile and Fashion Federation of Singapore (TaFf) are involved in our homegrown fashion week.


But you can’t create an industry out of nothing, which is why events like Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) and the Asian Fashion Exchange (AFX) are so important. The Blueprint tradeshow in particular is an absolute must for any Singapore fashion brand hoping to grow their business and get picked up by major distributors.

Although it’s only been around for a few years – it began as a runway showcase in 2004 – Blueprint is now host over 150 brands and more than 250 international and regional buyers.

And it’s the buyers that we need to come to Singapore. So far I have come across buyers for major online shopping websites like ASOS and my-wardrobe, large department stores like Lane Crawford and more niche multi-label boutiques like LN-CC, the cult London store.

On top of the increased interest from outside Asia at Blueprint, there was a record number of entries for the 2012 installment of the Audi Star Creation fashion design competition – with a corresponding overall improvement in the quality of designers entering.

Now the people behind Audi Fashion Festival, Mercury Marketing & Communications, has launched its new project the Future Fashion Now initiative. Basically it’s live-streaming of runway shows featuring up-and-coming labels that also allows viewers to pre-order the garments they see walking down the catwalk. It’s a combination of entertainment and online shopping.

The first show ran on Thursday, May 17, and while the girls were still on the catwalk, the first Tweet came in that an order had been made.

While the concept isn’t new – British luxe brand Burberry offered direct orders for a limited number of pieces from its Autumn Winter 2010 runway and grew that into a substantial amount of its Prorsum line for Spring 2011 with delivery in 6-8 weeks – this is a first for Asia and also a first in offering more than one brand.

Featuring US designer Timo Weiland, German designer Esther Perbrandt and Australian designer Yeojin Bae, the collections were all very different but equally well-produced and wonderfully wearable. Depending on your style, there was something to suit.

This concept is new, it’s innovative and it’s something that’s added an extra “buzz” to Singapore’s week of fashion. Added to the improved level of competition for Audi Star Creation, the very well curated pick of brands at the Blueprint tradeshow and the hype surrounding the international names gracing Audi Fashion Festival – Mugler, with the star power of Nicola Formichetti on board, Zac Posen and Roland Mouret – as well as the strong showing of Singapore labels like Raoul, alldressedup and the new Singapore Designers Showcase featuring emerging brands Depression, Sundays and a.w.o.l – it seems as though there’s “something” extra occurring this May.

Yes, but there is still a long way to go. Singapore has some very interesting young and emerging designers but in many areas there’s a lot that needs to be done before these brands can be considered of international quality.

In an excellent piece on the state of the Singapore fashion industry, Douglas Benjamin, an Audi Star Creation judge and the chief executive officer of FJ Benjamin and co-director of Raoul, highlighted some of these issues, particularly those regarding the actual production of the garments, an issue which trips up many small brands and one that even causes issues for a major label like Raoul.

Sturdy, stylish Freitag bags for work and travel

While we love our feminine clutches and handbags, it's hard to beat the functionality of carryalls. Especially when you're travelling abroad; you would want to have your travel must-haves, all in one sturdy bag.

Freitag, better known for their heavy-duty messenger bags, may not be the first brand that comes to mind. But you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Swiss brand's newest shoulder and tote bags: designs that are travel-friendly and actually, quite chic too.

If you’re in search for a business-appropriate carryall, choose these stylish designs from the newest Freitag Reference collection: a diffusion line inspired by horse-riding messengers of the eighteenth century and the laptop-toting journalists of today.

Think weave tote bags, buckle satchels and more, in bold attractive shades. Bags that are also eco-friendly to boot.

Brothers and co-founders Markus and Daniel Freitag clearly had cyclists in mind when they created the first-ever Freitag messenger bag, and this latest range is no exception.

As with all Freitag bags, these designs are made of well-used truck tarpaulins — yes, that super durable, water-repellent material that has protected precious cargo from wind, rain, hail and all sorts of harsh weather conditions.

For a casual weekend bag, grab a Freitag Joan design ($250) if you love both boxy bags and cycling. Just remove the straps and you'll be able to fit this bag snugly on the bicycle handles.
Or go for the Betty ($325) for that to-go-to tote bag: it will keep your important documents and files in tip-top shape.

So carry a bag that has truly been “on the road” for reliable travel baggage: you’ll look more like a jet-setting traveller and less of a clueless tourist too.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-sturdy-stylish-freitag-bags-work-and-travel

Eco-friendly style with Gap’s 0% Plastic tote bags

Gap’s 0% Plastic tote bags are proof that fashionistas can be on-trend and environmentally conscious, too. The American casualwear brand has collaborated with five street artists to produce limited-edition tote bags, each carrying the “0% Plastic” tagline.

Launched at all Gap stores on Earth Day, April 22, Gap’s reusable tote bags are made of 100% unbleached cotton, with no plastic used during the production process.

These eco-friendly tote bags are 100% stylish too. Gap roped in five local street artists — Sheryo Ang, Eman Raharno Jeman, Anthea Pie, Benjamin Quek and Adam Wang — to produce the designs, resulting in edgy, street-wise tote bags that trump ubiquitous plastic bags any day.

This is the fourth year of Gap’s 0% Plastic green initiative, aimed at getting shoppers to use reusable tote bags instead of plastic carrier bags. Previous years’ designs included collaborations with local magazines like Female, Juice and NuYou.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-eco-friendly-style-gap%E2%80%99s-0-plastic-tote-bags

Classic agnès b. tote bags get decked out in monochrome prints

Agnès b.’s Le Casino tote bags probably need no introduction. Since they were first released in 2003, these lightweight nylon bags, with their distinctive slim shape, have become well-loved arm accessories for women the world over.

The Le Casino tote bags were conceptualised by dame Agnès herself on a trip to Monte Carlo, a casino town in Monaco. There, she was inspired to create functional yet elegant bags for the everyday woman, giving rise to the streamlined silhouette of the Le Casino tote bag.

Nine years on, agnès b. has expanded its Le Casino collection to include more than 60 quirky prints and colour combinations, from five-pointed stars to the brand’s “ab” print. These easy-to-care-for bags offer plenty of room without looking bulky, and cater to almost any situation be it school, work or play.

This Spring 2012, agnès b has updated its Le Casino collection with new breezy prints and darker colours. For those looking for something bold and graphic, get the Le Casino tote bag in black and white checks, or the black Le Casino covered in fine white polka dots.

The less adventurous can opt for plain Le Casino tote bags in sleek colours like grey, purple and black in matte finishes. A hint of French playfulness still remains, with details like inner fabric linings in bright pop colours and graphic prints.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-classic-agn%C3%A8s-b-tote-bags-get-decked-out-monochrome-prints

Second batch of Uniqlo Undercover collection now in Singapore

Expanded Spring Summer 2012 line includes babywear and more graphic T-shirts, shorts and tunics for the whole family

Shopaholics who did not manage to get a piece of the Uniqlo Undercover (UU) collection when it arrived in March can now breathe easy. Uniqlo Singapore has premiered the second batch of the UU Spring Summer 2012 collection, available exclusively at its 313@Somerset outlet.

UU is the latest designer collaboration between the Japanese high street giant and Jun Takahashi of cult label Undercover. The result is a super-comfortable and coordinated range for the entire family, featuring basics and separates for men, women, children and even babies.

The second batch of the UU collection in Singapore features its adorable babywear line, with printed rompers and T-shirts for the tots, as well as an expanded collection of cute dresses for the girls, and graphic T-shirts and capri pants for the boys.

Women can look forward to light cotton cardigans in earthy hues like cream, olive and dusty blue, printed drawstring tunics, graphic T-shirts emblazoned with the ‘UU’ logo and knee-length cargo shorts.

To complete the picture-perfect portrait of a stylish family, there’s also a whole selection of checked, polo and striped T-shirts for the men, together with summer-appropriate cargo pants and painter shorts.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-second-batch-uniqlo-undercover-collection-now-singapore-0

Sturdy, stylish Freitag bags for work and travel

While we love our feminine clutches and handbags, it's hard to beat the functionality of carryalls. Especially when you're travelling abroad; you would want to have your travel must-haves, all in one sturdy bag.

Freitag, better known for their heavy-duty messenger bags, may not be the first brand that comes to mind. But you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Swiss brand's newest shoulder and tote bags: designs that are travel-friendly and actually, quite chic too.

If you’re in search for a business-appropriate carryall, choose these stylish designs from the newest Freitag Reference collection: a diffusion line inspired by horse-riding messengers of the eighteenth century and the laptop-toting journalists of today.

Think weave tote bags, buckle satchels and more, in bold attractive shades. Bags that are also eco-friendly to boot.

Brothers and co-founders Markus and Daniel Freitag clearly had cyclists in mind when they created the first-ever Freitag messenger bag, and this latest range is no exception.
As with all Freitag bags, these designs are made of well-used truck tarpaulins — yes, that super durable, water-repellent material that has protected precious cargo from wind, rain, hail and all sorts of harsh weather conditions.

For a casual weekend bag, grab a Freitag Joan design ($250) if you love both boxy bags and cycling. Just remove the straps and you'll be able to fit this bag snugly on the bicycle handles.
Or go for the Betty ($325) for that to-go-to tote bag: it will keep your important documents and files in tip-top shape.

So carry a bag that has truly been “on the road” for reliable travel baggage: you’ll look more like a jet-setting traveller and less of a clueless tourist too.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-sturdy-stylish-freitag-bags-work-and-travel

Alexander Wang opens store at Hilton Shopping Gallery in Singapore

At the mere age of 27, Alexander Wang, the boy genius in the world of fashion has finally decided to set some “roots” on our sunny shores by opening his first Singapore store at the Hilton Hotel.

This is hot on the heels of the success of his pop-up store at Forum The Shopping Mall last October.

Almost 883-square feet of shopping space has been converted to feature pristine white walls, polished concrete floors, chalky Calcatta marble tables and cubes, complemented with tufted leather chairs and black steel fixtures.

The décor screams Wang from every corner of the room.

The sleek minimalist interior design accentuates his collections for his Women and Men’s Ready To Wear as well as his T by Alexander Wang line.

One collection that would be of special interest to fans of the designer is the OBJECTS collection, a special collaborative project featuring a selection of personal items that fit into our everyday lives.

Selected items like small momento boxes and coasters will be available in the store here, and will retail from S$90 to S$135.

After launching his first flagship store in March 2011 in the swanky neighbourhood of Soho, New York City to a roaring success, and his second, set to open towards the end of April in the fashionable Sanlitun district in Beijing, Wang is definiitely upping the ante, hoping to have at least 15 stores world wide by the end of the year with Asia as his focus.

We are stoked that Wang is returning back to his Asian roots and even more so that he has chosen Singapore to showcase his collections.

So spread the word fashionistas, this piece of good news is worth sharing to end our week with a bang.

Source: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/shopping-updates-alexander-wang-opens-hilton-hotel-0