Couture: Autumn/Winter 2010 Trend Preview

Here's a brief hint of what's to come for the coming fall season, especially for those who've missed out on the February shows. Essentially there's a few similar sentiments coming from most fashion editors, however every one of them will definitely hold a trend or two dearly to his or her heart and that's where we see the importance of style over forward fashion trends. Style is the key to looking great. Always.

This fall, camel is definitely the colour of the season with a few warm mix of earthly palettes. Bags are begging to be worn around ladies in shorter strap fashion, and in more subtle designs as well. We also see a repetition of some of spring/summer's hit trends, so it seems like this autumn will be a sequel rather than a fresh start.

Be sure to check out more detailed trend notes here, when we've scrutinised the runways further. Until then, you might like to check out MSR's feature on the current Spring/Summer trends to look gorgeous.

Couture: Spring/Summer 2010 Trends

With the Spring/Summer season already shining upon most of us here in Singapore, it's probably high time to add some vibrancy to your wardrobe in tune with the feel. In doubt of the latest trends that are applicable to you and the island nation? Ladies, here's our take on trends that you might like to invest time and finance in:

(Left to right: Versace, Louis Vuitton, Issey Miyake)

The fashion colour palette is turning to a lighter shade of crayon pastel as it rejuvenates the inner childhood reminiscence within every modern lady. Nobody will be too old to be girlish this season, it's time to be cheery! It's a lovely, bubbly sweet start to a brand new chapter of 2010!

(Left to right: Versace, Alexander McQueen, Giorgio Armani)

Runway fashion sees a dosage of computer aided graphic prints across several collections, especially highly glorified in the late Alexander Lee McQueen's vision where humans and aqua creatures evolve into one futuristic kind. This is when fashion really moves forward rather than being inspired by the past, digital prints flies you through the time portal!

(Left to right: Balmain, Balenciaga, Gucci)

From military jackets to heavy denim pairing to sleek form sporty outfit, the definition of variation can be decided by you to declare a sophisticated urbanised citizenship. Although we don't see how Singapore will adapt military style, but will nevertheless continue to keep a look out for interesting adaptation. Ladies go tough and urban-proof to rule over men's ego.

(Left to right: Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi)

One of the major trends this season is the reversal of innerwear and outerwear, where undergarments are confidently flaunted on the runways. While expecting selective fashion forward daredevils to inspire with their personal take on this, this is nevertheless a cultural challenge in Singapore.

Side Opinion:

While noticing a stay of a few major past trends (such as leggings) here on the average street parade, "Modern Prints" will probably be easily in rampant especially when florals and vintage prints are still in demand. Denim seems to be a forgotten street style virtue as more ladies opt for shorter lengths and cooler materials. "Pastel Adolescence" will also likely be warmly welcomed here too as most ladies love girlish demeanours anytime. As mentioned prior, "Inside Out" will unlikely manifest itself locally although an observing eye will be rendered on a lookout for interesting variations.

Photography credits due: STYLE.com

Couture: Kate Moss for Longchamp

Fashion Collaborations are all the buzz these days.

With collections after collections basking in limelight and hot consumer desire, it is torturously hard for a label to say no to a collaborative release of an exclusive collection with a renowned fashion designer, icon or celebrity. We've already witnessed positivity in high street powerhouse H&M's example. It's not only the marketing aspect that fashion houses are in pursuit of, but the vast potentials that are enlightened during the process that might have never been possible without the collaboration. A breath of seismic inspiration sweeps through the design team and possibly pinpoints towards new innovative directions, creativity thrives on.

Fashionistas are now pampered with a new dynamic range of retail possibilities, where items are no longer strictly limited to a specific brand, but exciting brands instead. This idea's pretty tantalising to me, if you ask me.

What other collaborations could thrill the fashion world?

Couture: Sonia Rykiel pour H&M

Hailed as "The greatest fashion event of the year", the world visually indulged in the highly anticipated Sonia Rykiel for H&M lingerie collection unleashed at the Grand Palais in Paris. With a fully constructed fairytale-themed set location where the magnificent show took off, it's no longer handled in your typical runway style. In fact, it's a celebratory parade where lingerie-clad models are haughtily dancing and swinging (literally on swings!) to the beats of ABBA as they made their rounds on fantasy floats. Fluffy rabbits, gigantic mushrooms and geese influx at the entrance of the show, this is definitely one of the most unforgettable fashion events of this year.

After the emotional high infused by the festive atmosphere, a question surfaced in mind that provided an anti-climax: Was the show made in such a grand demeanour so as to cover up the limited lingerie collection that may not serve to be lasting on public appeal and attention retention?

Well, have a look:

The collection does not solely feature the typical lingerie set pieces, but complementary accessories as well! (which in my opinion is one of the most intriguing aspect of the collection!) Have a look at the striped slippers that features Sonia Rykiel's iconic multi-stripe sequence, before you rejoice to know that similar slippers are available in velvet and rhinestones too! Be mesmerized for a while before looking on further.

Hairband with rhinestones, Hairband with rhinestones.
It's hard to believe that accessories are actually some of the most commonly overlooked items that goes with lingerie pieces to provide the (se)x-factor (other than the usual garters and stockings). Sweet and elegant, this will probably be at the top of most ladies' wish list this Christmas. For the anti hairband fans, there's a brooch with rhinestones offering as well.

Do check out the entire collection at H&M that ranges from satin, silk and velvet lingerie infatuation to even bedroom pillows with rhinestones. I must say, even as a member of the opposite gender club, I'm pretty impressed.

In selected H&M stores as well as Sonia Rykiel boutiques from December 5.

Photography credits due: H&M

Couture: Witch Gaga

Lady Gaga has always been largely associated with her liberal views and actions towards the fashion and music aspects of her life. In fact, fashion is highly influential in her music such that she is sometimes described as a modern fusion of fashion, music and art. A self-proclaimed visual and performing art enthusiast whose career performances and appearances are widely deemed as "different and daring", she partakes a short role in the latest photo shoot of VOGUE's December art issue.

Depicted as a fashion witch in the classic fairy-tale Hansel & Gretel who yearns after their flesh, Lady Gaga is slowly gaining more exposure in the fashion industry. She appears to have some influential say over the choice of her photo shoot outfit in the footage above, with an extremely focused attitude towards the project. "In order to have a clean palette to work with, she showed up completely naked under a white rubber rain coat", as quoted from the footage.

Entirely up to your opinion in judging Lady Gaga for her latest involvement in fashion, I'm dying to hear what you have to say. (PS: I think she kind of reminded me of those killer nurses in the popular video game franchise "Silent Hill")

Photo credits due: VOGUE magazine

Couture: Jimmy Choo for H&M

Ladies go absolutely gaga for their luxurious pairs of Jimmy Choos, like forever and whenever? As much as they crave for it, any one of these pairs of Choo-Choos can set you way back (and I seriously mean it) and instill a sudden chill down your spine and a strong urge to review your account statements just to assure yourself that you're still in a stable financial situation once the satisfaction of exchanging your signature for a bank-breaking retail therapy is over.

Not any more with the upcoming slated release of the new Jimmy Choo for H&M collection this November 14. We're all too familiar with H&M and what style and economic benefits it bestows us commoners who've always dreamed of being card-wielding fashionistas. It is therefore, probable that you find more Jimmy Choos on the streets with lesser shoppers filing for bankruptcy. It's like having the best of both worlds, a dream come true.

Jimmy Choo for H&M will be available in 200 selected stores from November 14.

Couture: Air Maxim 1

After the classic success of the 1987 Air Max 1, we see a technological revamp in the said sneakers from Nike with some of their latest innovations such as Flywire and Nike+ feature. Achieving lightweight and material strength while retaining the classic colour scheme and outlook, this may well be Megatron being brought back to life with newly improved spare parts. Wicked. Now they are calling it the Air Maxim 1 (No relations in whatsoever manner to the popular men's magazine unfortunately).

Available in red and blue schemes at selected Nike stores and sneaker boutiques from July 09.

($199)

Photography credits due: MenStyle.com

Couture: Rafael Nadal - Tennis Star, Fashion Icon

With the shocking defeat of defending world champion Rafael Nadal in the French Open, his fans and the world stand together and encourage the tennis star as they witnessed  his hard fall upon the copper-coloured clay court in the match against Swedish player Robin Soderling. His courage, spirit, talents, perseverance and fashion are duly respected by us here in MSR.

Yes, you've heard me right. Nadal is truly a sports fashion icon displaying interesting tennis outfit designs in various flamboyant colours tournament after tournament. For the French Open, Nadal sported a Nike bold pink polo top and a dark grey tennis shorts by Nike as well. His Nike tennis shoes were a perfect match to his attire together with his yellow double-width wristbands and signature bandana. Notice how his outfit oozed with the distinct taste of summer heat and vibrancy while going along well with the clay court theme of the French Open. Nadal appears to be the one man who has considered his designs well in mind of the clay grounds. We can see the possibility of his outfit being integrated into daily fashion wear for the current Summer season. Just switch the pair of solid tennis shoes to a pair of boat shoes and the wristbands for a nice classic chronograph watch for example. As for the bandana, I think that is best left strictly for fans only.

(Photography credits due: AP/ Getty Images)

Couture: Oscars Red Carpet 2009

This year's nominees for Best Red Carpet Couture are:

And The Oscar goes to...

Kate Winslet and Marisa Tomei look absolutely gorgeous for ladies of their class of maturity. Looks like this year's red carpet proved one thing, and that is: Women are like wine, vintage beauty proves to be truly mesmerizing!

Photography credits due: Style.com

Couture: New York Fashion Week (Fall 2009)

I can't help but notice the adverse effects of the gloomy economy on the New York Fall 2009 show last week. Guest lists trimmed, after-show parties reduced, less glamorous runways. Is it just me, or is the New York Fashion Week more badly hit by the financial crisis as compared to other fashion capitals?

Getting right back on track, we have some of the menswear highlights featured during the New York fall shows. I noticed simpler designs and darker hues, probably reflecting the gloomy days in their collections. CK hits right on spot with their trademark simplicity, while Marc Jacobs seems to be the most flamboyant due to a hang-over from his recent Louis Vuitton-Stephen Sprouse project. MJ features layering and high-cut shoes in his collections.

While the Michael Kors man looks elegantly smart and classic, Tommy Hilfilger displays street-smart collections that seem to be targeted at the mainstream American audience with checkers and aviators. Turtlenecks might be raging this fall in bright hues as I've picked up orange, red and purple pieces in some collections.

Perhaps less is more, for the coming Fall.

Photography credits due: MenStyle.com

Couture: Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009

Being members of the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, these high end fashion houses are here to impress and awe us with prestigious collections that we cannot actually get our hands on. Despite so, there's nothing stopping you from have a look at them for inspirations.

Christian Dior (1 of 2)

Christian Dior (2 of 2)

Jean Paul Gaultier

Chanel

Christian Lacroix

Givenchy

Elie Saab

Valentino

Giorgio Armani

For more collections, visit STYLE.COM!

Couture: Spring/Summer 09 Trend

As we all welcome Spring with our arms wide open, you might want to consider embracing this season in style with some of the hottest key trends spotted on the S/S '09 runways previously! Keeping in mind of the local climate as well as the reduced pockets of most, here's what we think you guys should consider infusing into your daily wardrobe.

Thin/Light Cardigans


Being able to keep one warm and looking smart with a casual touch, lightweight cardigans might be handy with their flexibility and portability. They can be easily donned on and removed to be packed snuggly into your bag, according to conditions and needs. Best of all, you're able to add on multiple factors of style and class instantly to switch your look from casual to smart!

High-top Sneakers


It's time to bring forth your limited editioned sneakers as we go street style this Spring! High-top sneakers like those featured at Dior Homme's runway have made a comeback this season as we see high end fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton showcasing such footwear for their Spring/Summer collection. If you're not looking to break your bank account, there are sports labels to look forward to. Take a N.A.P. folks! (Nike, Adidas, and Puma)









Cuffed Shorts


You've probably been wondering why your fashionista colleague or classmate has been walking around the compound in one of these, now you know why. Cuffed shorts will probably be one of the most important and iconic trends for men this season as we noticed them appearing at several runways. You might want to choose those made of thin and cooling material to combat the heat when you hit the streets in these hot shorts. (Tip: Try pairing these shorts with a pair of high-top sneakers for a casual look. I think we've had enough of seeing white loafers everywhere already.)

Backpacks/Haversacks

Definitely not too old school these days to be spotted with a backpack on your back. We've seen them on the backs of Marc by Marc Jacob models, it should be on yours too. With designer backpacks like Raf Simons by Eastpak, you shouldn't be having any tough time searching for an urban cool backpack. No more fatigued shoulders aftermath with one-sided slinging of messengers!

Couture: Milan Menswear F/W 2009 2010

The annual Menswear Fall/Winter RTW collections have started strutting down the hottest runways in the 4 major fashion capitals, with Milan leading the show for the Milan Menswear Fashion Week Fall 2009 Winter 2010 from 17 to 21 January. With key fashion labels like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Burberry, you'll be reminded of why Italy's one of the best places of travel during late January every year.

Roberto Cavalli

Gianfranco Ferre

Ermenegildo Zegna

Burberry

Gucci

Dolce & Gabbana (1 of 2)

Dolce & Gabbana (2 of 2)

D&G Dolce & Gabbana

For more collections, do visit Men Style!

Couture: Paris Fashion Week S/S 2009

J'aime couture! Welcome to the scene where the city of romance shows you what she's known to do best: fashion indulgence. Paris is a city where people are not afraid to flaunt their concepts of couture and dress sense, perhaps it's not so hard to perceive why it is a place where people tend to fall in love easily. C'est super! Here's the highlights of the runway collections:

Christian Dior (Part 1)

Christian Dior (Part 2)

Louis Vuitton (Part 1)

Louis Vuitton (Part 2)

Stella McCartney (Part 1)

Stella McCartney (Part 2)

Yves Saint Laurent (Part 1)

Yves Saint Laurent (Part 2)

Chloé

There's more of it, so do take time to check out the other collections as well.

Fashion Editor,
Nil N.

Couture: Milan Fashion Week S/S 2009

Milan Fashion Week 2009 has just showcased quite a few RTW collections for Spring/Summer 2009. Milan being one of the biggest fashion city in the world, we find it excrutiatingly painful hiding our enthusiasm for this event. Here's some of the highlights hot from the Italian runway:

Giorgio Armani

Emporio Armani

D&G

Versace

Fendi

DSquared2 (Part 1)

DSquared2 (Part 2)

Gucci (Part 1)

Gucci (Part 2)

Burberry Prorsum (Part 1)

Burberry Prorsum (Part 2)

Roberto Cavalli

Hope you've found something to your liking from the above collections.

Fashion Editor,
Nil N.

Couture: London Fashion Week S/S 2009

Loving all things British chic and classic, one should never give the London Fashion Week a miss. Our inherent taste preference in British fashion is clearly reflected as we're found invaded by several British fashion labels in retail malls such as Topshop and River Island, so do check these out if you're one who loves to indulge and drape yourself in the latest British RTW collection.

Paul Smith

Adidas by Stella McCartney

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Browse through more collections at the official website.

Fashion Editor,
Nil N.

Couture: New York Fashion Week S/S 2009

With a few quick blinks of a fashionista's Shu Uemura eyelashes, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Spring 2009 at Bryant Park has reached its end of the runway. Deemed as one of the major fashion weeks by the fashion world, it serves as an insight to the upcoming Spring/Summer 2009 Ready-To-Wear (RTW) collection.

Here're some of the highlights in case you've missed out:

Akiko Ogawa

Zac Posen

Anna Sui

Michael Kors

Betsey Johnson

Diesel

Miss Sixty

HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA



DKNY



Rock & Republic

Browse through more exquisite collections at the official website

We'll be back with more collections from the next couture event - London Fashion Week.

Fashion Editor,

Nil N.

Couture: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Berlin 2009

Fresh from the runway that's still hot in Berlin as part of the series of 4 major cities for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Lac et Mel Spring/Summer 09 Collection

Vivien Westwood's Anglomania Spring/Summer 09 Collection

Upcoming Next: New York Fashion Week

Fashion Editor,

Nil N.

Couture: Spring 09 Men's Collection

Fresh from the end of the Milan Fashion Week that took place from 21 - 24 June, MSR brings you the visual highlights showcasing Spring/Summer Men's Collection by various designers. Definitely the hottest conversational topic raging within the fashion industry for days to come.

D&G

Dolce & Gabbana (Part 1)

Dolce & Gabbana (Part 2)

Roberto Cavalli

Burberry

Dsquared² (Part 1)

Dsquared² (Part 2)

These are all the full length runway shows available at the time of post. For the full collection of all the designers who showcased at the Milan Fashion Week, do check out MSR's featured site - Men Style

Fashion Editor

Nil N.

Couture: How to Survive GSS

And so it began, the greatest national sport event that every single lady has been waiting for. They have scrimped and saved for this, they've pleased and pacified their spouses in hope of their kind financial sponsorship for this, they've prayed not to be assigned OT on the first day of the event so that they'll be one of the first to benefit from this 2 months long campaign.

Have you figured it out? If you've not, you're probably either:
1. A Male Reader who's not chic
2. Not Local
3. Both

If you've not figured it out and can't seem to find yourself fitting into any of the above categories, then I reckon you must be one of the poor ladies who've been deprived of their natural instinct of interest.

The Great Singapore Sales 2008 is here to delight the ladies and depress their spouses from 23 May to 20 July! In order to indulge in the best of what GSS has to offer, we've prepared our very own survival tips just for you!

Gentlemen Survival Tips

1. Book your Buddies - It's time to call up your best pals while your lady's shopping. You do what you always do with your buddies, even if it means those from the geek's club. You do what you do best to kill time: chilling out, catching a movie, playing sports, you name it all.

2. Monitor your Lady's Transactions - You might just want to be sure that your lady's not shopping on impulse by monitoring her credit card bills, better still just set a tighter credit limit for these 2 months by calling up the credit card company discreetly while she's at the showers. Don't burst your bank and then go haywired on your lady, prevention is better than cure.

3. Be more Proactive at Night - As a man, it can never hurt to have a little more love-making with your lady. Not only can it satisfy her and promote a stronger bond, it may well save your wallet! Be sexy at night, and she'll go wobbly during the day. Her shopping energy and desire will be hindered.

4. Work Hard, Earn Hard - For those of you who're good husbands/boyfriends who sayang your ladies, you'll probably just fuel her financial power during GSS. If you want to achieve that, you'd better start climbing that corporate ladder fast to earn bigger bucks. With promotion comes greater income.

Ladies Survival Tips

1. Early Bird Catches the Worm - You'd better rush to be on the frontline of the GSS battlefield if you want to be entitled to the best offerings from the retail stores. Better designs and fitting sizes are always snapped up before you can finish exclaiming "Holly Shit!" by the time you realized. Usually it's the first 3 days, if you visit anytime after, the sizes of the sale racks are always outrageous.

2. Shop with your Best Kaki - Long queues at the fitting rooms are always expected, so you will not want to go shopping with many friends. Just go with your best shopping kaki, the one who knows your taste best and always provide appropriate and concise comments on your tried-on items without being wishy-washy? Oh, not to forget that her shopping stamina must be good as well.

3. Best Plan isn't No Plan - Before you head down for your shopping spree, it's best if you can plan out the mall hopping route to minimize unnecessary excessive walking that can hinder your shopping stamina and experience. Saves time and energy.

4. Never Settle for Second Best - You should only purchase fashion pieces of the desired design and right size. Never settle for an item that you don't even like just because it comes in your size. It's just like dating a guy, who's clearly not your type, solely for a flush fit of his penis in your venus. Never, do that. Ever.

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Remember to finance your shopping expenses with Mastercard™ to enjoy a variety of special priviledges, rewards and discounts offered by the official card for GSS. There's also a chance to be a proud happy winner of a cash prize of $100,000 with every transaction made by Mastercard™!

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For more details, kindly visit GSS Official Website.

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That's for this month's special on GSS, I hope you're as excited about it as I am!

Till then,
Shop till you Drop.

Fashion Editor
Nil N.