thefword

Joining the Red Army

2012-01-30T22:35:00.001+08:00

With Chinese New Year still going on, it's hard not to feel the festive cheer. For the more fortunate ones like me with tighter-knit families and smaller groups of relatives, Chinese New Year is a pretty enjoyable period where cousins of the same wavelength (very important), quirky uncles and blur aunties come together to feast and make merry. I cannot remember a Chinese New Year which wasn't cacophonous with family members practically shouting in order to be heard or screaming with laughter till the neighbours got annoyed over Black Jack with wine, beer and an overdose of pop music or just a good conversation with good-natured suan-ing all around. Sure it gets tiring, but hey, it's still family and I'd rather too much noise over dead, awkward silence. As always, part of the fun of new year comes in dressing up. As I don't have many places to visit annually (yay for me) and my parents are cool with my clothes (most of the time), I don't really have to watch what I wear. In fact, it works as long as it's new. However because this is the dragon year and apparently us poor dragon kids somehow offended the 'tai sui' or some other big shot up in the heavens, I'm joining the Red Army and Fal is my fellow comrade. Red isn't my colour of choice and the number of real reds in my wardrobe is countable with ten fingers. I'm making an exception this new year and hoping that it brings on better things to come in the new year.

The switch back to the non-red options is inevitable of course, just look at the gorgeous nude, pastel, monochrome and printed offerings that S/S12 had off the runway.

Lanvin

Marni for some yellow

Black and white with Lanvin

Marni again and I'm loving the clashing prints

Marni taking on the florals

Roberto Cavalli

Kudos to Roberto Cavalli's crazy prints

Happy New Year everyone!

♥,
Fir

In Full Bloom

2012-01-30T02:15:00.001+08:00

Flowers are set to blossom in spring and the runways were adorned with floral prints in all shapes, sizes and hues. My favorite floral prints of the season are the bright, crazy and modern take on florals - tropical flowers picked fresh from Proenza Schouler's S/S 2012 show, Hawaiian blossoms from Altuzzara's runways and Belle Sauvage and Mary Katrantzou's digitally manipulated but ultra modern floral prints in clashing hues and bright colours. I can't wait to get my hands on these floral prints, and I know my wardrobe will thank me as it comes to life again this spring.

Mood board by me.

♥,
Fal

Chinese New Year Goodies

2012-01-26T14:24:00.001+08:00

I'm back after 3 days of stuffing myself silly with Chinese New Year goodies, and I hope I'm not too late to wish all our readers a Happy Lunar New Year!

I hope everyone had a good time collecting ang baos and stuffing yourselves with pineapple tarts, yu sheng and bak kwa too because I definitely did, although I'm starting to suffer the side effect of having too much good food (where has my waistline gone?!). Chinese New Year has got to be my favorite holiday for so many reasons besides the food - meeting up with friends and family members, sleeping in, gambling the night away and last but not least, watching everyone deck themselves up in their new Chinese New Year clothes.

My colour of choice - red. I decided to take the traditional route this year by wearing this auspicious colour which symbolises prosperity, wealth and luck for the year ahead. The accessories were all from Amado Gudek. A resin bauble ring with gold foil within (something that I won from Amado Gudek's Facebook competition) and a water dragon-ish hand-molded necklace (coincedentally we're in the year of the water dragon now) which was a gift from Elaine who is the designer of Amado Gudek.

Clockwise from top left: Maroon shift dress - Zara, Necklace - Amado Gudek, Ring - Amado Gudek, Red Dress - H&M

Here are some other shots of the pieces from Amado Gudek. I didn't manage to wear the earrings that Elaine gave, but don't they look like auspicious Chinese knots!

Once again, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you'll have a great year ahead filled with lots of prosperity! Huat ah!

♥,
Fal

Meet Lishan

2012-01-21T14:05:00.000+08:00

I met Lishan a few years back at dressmaking class, before she went abroad to pursue a course in Apparel Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Back then, she was already sketching gorgeous fashion illustrations and coming up with creative ideas for the pieces that she was going to sew in class. Last year, Lishan visited us at dressmaking class again. The two years into her course at Rhode Island School of Design had unleashed her potential in apparel design. Showing us her portfolio of design and sketches while we ooohh-ed and aaah-ed, her works truly took our breath away. And that's why, I decided that we had to feature Lishan (and her works) on thefword, because we really want to share our excitement about this budding (she's only 21!) and talented designer (who is definitely going to make it in the fashion world someday).

Read more about the email interview with Lishan below.

What do you like best about the course you're currently pursuing?
I love Three Dimensional work and Apparel Design gives me the opportunity to create structures
and forms that transform and flatter the body. What I like best about apparel design is that I am
still able to play with geometry and hard edges, like an architect, but use fabric to create my
vision rather than be restricted to building materials.

What would you be doing if you weren't pursuing this degree?
If I wasn’t pursuing this degree, I might have possibly been doing english literature and I had a
choice to do that in Boston University. But as it is, I think that pursuing this degree was the right
choice for me.

Tell us a bit about your aesthetics.
My aesthetic is edgy and modern, but at the same time, beautiful and elegant while maintaining
a high level of workmanship and a cohesive colour palette. I am interested in constantly
challenging myself to create garments that have a new silhouette, to use techniques that
haven’t been used before, or to reinvent past styles.

Tell us more about your latest collection, Blood and Bone, and what inspired you to come up with this collection.
The theme of this collection was to take aspects of the internal structures of human anatomy
and transform and project it as external structures that function as apparel over our bodies.
These garments are inspired from old medical illustrations from books like Gray’s Anatomy and
namely this one illustration “L'ange Anatomique” by the renowned French illustrator Jacques
Fabien Gautier d'Agoty where the woman looks as though she has a beautiful dress on, but its
really her ribcage. Creepy yes, but beautiful.

What is your favorite piece in this collection?
My favourite piece in this collection is the black jacket with the machine knit overlay. It is edgy
and sculptural, yet it is still wearable and practical. It keeps you very warm too.

Tell us why you're proud of this collection and why it's outstanding.
I think that there is a very strong theme running (through the collection) that is immediately obvious without the viewers having to figure out what it could be.

Also, I employed unconventional techniques in machine knitting which create silhouettes that are different from what most would (usually) create. And finally, the details in my work enhance the value of it, keeping the pieces subtle yet sophisticated reflecting the professional quality of it.

What are your plans after graduation?
I would first like to get a job as a designer in a fashion house (preferably doing Haute Couture).
Of course, I will take what I can get, in order to learn more about the industry and the way a fashion
business is run, and to get to know more people in this industry.

I aspire to have my own label after getting a few years of experience or work up the ladder in a company so that I can be in charge of the artistic direction of the company.

If you could have your own label after you graduate, what would it be like? Describe it in 3
words.
Quality, beauty and edgy.

Finally, any plans to participate in Project Runway?
Maybe one day, when I have enough experience to be confident of churning out beautiful looks
in a day. Until then, I’ll be working towards attaining that level of skills...

View Lishan's complete portfolio here.

♥,
Fal

Swedish Powerhouse

2012-01-14T02:43:00.000+08:00

If you haven't already heard, Swedish fashion giant H&M and Swedish fashion blogger Elin Kling have collaborated to create a collection. I have mad love for both - H&M being my favorite high street brand, and Elin Kling being one of my fashion idols for her effortlessly cool, laidback and sophisticated sense of style. Sadly, this collection will only be carried at H&M outlets in Sweden.

I wish someone would just fly me to Stockholm now, so I can see this collection and take in all its minimalistic and cool goodness. Yes, the collection is that awesome, and I have photographic evidence to prove that.

♥,
Fal

Brand Profile: Amado Gudek

2012-01-07T11:05:00.000+08:00

Amado Gudek was conceived by local jewellery designer, Elaine Tan, who creates sculptured art jewellery. Passionate about fashion and art, she pursued a master's in Fashion Brand Management in London and took up summer courses in jewellery making at Central Saints Martins. Amado Gudek is not your run of the mill hand sculptured or hand made jewellery line. Everything is a little quirky and odd, and every single piece is a statement piece in itself. There is in an interesting juxtaposition between organic and synthetic - the pieces are inspired by nature (from reindeers to sea bubbles) but all made out of brightly coloured resin. The designer confesses that such kookiness stemmed from her time in London, where she drew inspiration from the city's expressive, eccentric and experimental art scene.

Amado Gudek's latest collection, Anti-Antler, is a testament to the brand's quirkiness. Inspired by (what else but) the reindeer, a strong message is delivered through the collection - saying no to hunting reindeers for their antlers. Perhaps an ironic but fitting way to deliver this message was to shape all the pieces in the form of antlers, named after the cutest of deers - Bambi and Rudolph.

Amado Gudek stands out from other local jewellery designers with its 100% sculpted jewellery pieces. Behind every piece is a well-thought through story which has not deviated from its proposition of transforming elements of nature into wearable pieces. Wear an Amado Gudek piece and you know you've got yourself a piece of art.

Amado Gudek can be found at:

Dulcetfig: 41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
Quintessential: Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, #02-01, Singapore 228210
The Reckless Shop: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #02-08/09 Singapore 238896
Eclecticism: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, #03-08, Singapore 238859

Alternatively, email Elaine at Elaine@amadogudek.com for retail enquiries.

♥,
Fal

Better late

2012-01-04T00:43:00.001+08:00

So yes, its 4 days into the new year - how has 2012 been panning out for you so far? Fir and myself sincerely apologize for not wishing everyone a Happy new year earlier, but here it is anyway,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011 has been a roller coaster for us with so many changes in our lives - crossing paths with so many new people, making new friends and trying out new things. But there's really no time to look back because we're looking ahead to 2012, we hope you are too.

For now, we hope you'll keep checking back, and we'll try to be less tardy in our posting!

Snapshot of an awesome moment together in 2011 (I look psychotic here please do not judge)

♥,
Fal

Season's Tidings

2011-12-25T11:26:00.001+08:00

Fir and myself would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas! We thank you for all the support and readership you've shown thefword throughout the year. May your Christmas be filled with lots of joy and laughter, and don't forget to pile on the bling!

♥,
Fir and Fal

Christmas Mornings

2011-12-19T23:14:00.001+08:00

Dress: Bloodbuzz

Top: Korea, Ring: H&M

Top: Vintage, Skirt: Korea, Watch ring: Accessorize

Sequinned beret: Forever 21, Sweater: Korea, Skirt: MDS Collections, Bracelet: H&M

My choice of prints for Christmas in 2011

Gold is my new black

Photo credits to my mom.

♥,
Fal

Boredom

2011-12-19T01:11:00.004+08:00

I pulled out clothes and accessories from my wardrobe in preparation for Christmas next week and tried to put together festive outfits. This year, my outfits seem to revolve around glamour - think gold, glitter and sequins. Out of boredom, I decided to play dress-up and attempted (note the word attempted) to create a lookbook of all my potential outfits. Playing on the idea of Christmas morning, the photos try to capture that particular feeling of eager anticipation that most normal people like myself feel on that very special day. Photos will come up tomorrow, but please don't expect much because they're quite ordinary.

For now, here's a (not-so-nice) photo of one of my outfits - a jumpsuit that I made awhile ago paired with my mom's vintage silver belt.

♥,
Fal

Inspired by Carrie Bradshaw

2011-12-16T23:34:00.000+08:00

I bought this tutu skirt on impulse during my stay in Denmark. Thankfully, unlike most of my impulse buys, this one survived the cut. If you have to know, I can be quite methodical when it comes to shopping, following a step by step process to come to my decision.

Yet then again, I can be pretty spontaneous at times and buy stuff on a whim. Anyway, back to the skirt. I spent quite a bit of time pondering what to wear it with, but I eventually decided to go with this grey sweater. The outfit was kind of inspired by Carrie Bradshaw in 'Sex and the City (the movie)'. I paired it with my favorite clutch - I kind of like the way the tough chains and woven fabric of the clutch goes together with the soft texture of my skirt.

Coincidentally, this was one of Carrie's outfits when she was clearing her wardrobe - of what I'm supposing are impulse buys. In this very cute scene, Miranda, Sam and Charlotte hold up signs telling Carrie whether she should toss or keep the items. And yes, you guessed right, she kept the tutu skirt.

♥,
Fal

Fairy Tales: Not for the fainthearted

2011-12-15T14:57:00.000+08:00

Dreaming of a white Christmas led me (yes, Fir is still alive, thank you Fal for holding the fort) to thinking about snow. snow and white, white and snow and low and behold, Snow White came waltzing through my dreamscape with hair as black as a raven's, skin as white as snow, lips as red as a rose and a voice so high-pitched like she has a constant supply of helium in her lungs.

For Snow White, Brothers Grimm trumps Disney hands down. The cartoon is a watered down version of the original tale, tailored for the kids and for consumption by the masses. In fact, most fairy tales are a little sinister behind the facade of happy endings, prince charmings and beautiful damsels in distress. Most people choose to overlook the darkness behind these happy tales, choosing to push those dark thoughts to the periphery, aided by none other than the media big-wigs eager to keep their audiences happy and wanting more. After all, life is tough enough as it is, no one needs more evil on screen, everyone just wants a two hour escape from reality.

In the original version, Snow White actually only 'died' on the wicked Queen's third try with the poisoned apple; her first two assassination attempts failed thanks to the dwarfs who managed to revive the (stupid or naive) girl twice. It is indeed satirical that Snow White, the Queen and the Prince (the main characters) are portrayed as such separate entities from the dwarfs even though they are all human; from the way their relationships roll out right down to where they work; the dwarfs are diamond miners who slog underground, and where they stay; in a secluded cottage in depths of the forest, away from public scrutiny. It comes so naturally to think of one Snow White and seven dwarfs that the fact that there was one female with seven males in one secluded house doesn't even cross our minds. What more to think that one of the dwarfs might actually end up with Snow White doesn't even occur and if it does, it's (unfortunately) somewhat repulsive. Another thing is that they all don't have names. Snow White would be a lot sexier if the 7 dwarfs were named after the 7 deadly sins.

Sad but true, we've all been conditioned by the fairy tale into believing in happy endings. Sure, we scoff at the cheesy lines and sappy scenes (so lame right) but deep down, that little voice goes awwww. Contemporary fairy tales restructured into cartoons still follow the same formula, albeit with updated humour, better graphics and better looking leads with better clothes. All the better for mass consumption.

However, the original versions of the fairy tales are the most haunting and definitely the most fascinating. They are gloriously magical, openly sinister and do not always end on that cheery and unrealistic happy note. Take Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid for example, her body dissolved into foam and she turned into a spirit who had to do good to earn her place in the kingdom of heaven. The nonsensical logic that governs the entire Alice In Wonderland pokes fun at the inherent need for science and logic in our daily lives. The Six Swans is another heart-wrenching tale that is centred around the suffering and sacrifice of one beautiful maiden who spun at the spindle for six years to make magical jackets for her six brothers. They had been turned into swans by an evil stepmother (of course) with only fifteen minutes of being human each evening.

There are so many other tales that are equally haunting and a little twisted, especially those of Russian folklore. Russian fairy tales are a window into the elusive Russian culture (the Cold War and communism partly to blame for Russia's exclusion from the greater world culture also known as Macdonalds and Starbucks).

Fairy tales, old or new, revised or original, have inspired designers and photographers alike. Budding young designer label from London, Vassilisa, plays on Russian folklore and heritage. Through a modern interpretation of myth, history and symbolism, designer Nadja Solovieva presents gorgeous pieces that encompasses beauty, magic and femininity. Her Spring Summer 2012 birds collection is simply gorgeous complete with romantic prints and soft luxurious silks.

The fairy tale theme is often employed by photographers as well for fashion shoots, the fantasy theme lends itself brilliantly to the editorial and translates to that magic and mystery in the glossy pages of a magazine.

Snow White and Dopey perhaps

Did you guess this? Alice in Wonderland

Down the yellow brick road

There is nothing more distinctive than that red riding hood

Beauty and the Beast in Vogue

A personal favourite, the Princess and the Pea

The Nutcracker reinterpreted

Imogen Morris-Clarke shot by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia

Granted, there is lots to say about the fairy tale and its hidden agendas but when it comes to the fairy tale as inspiration be it for clothes or photography, the resulting product draws you into the fantasy and mystery like no other and so we've come to the happily-ever-after.

♥,
Fir

Asia Fashion Inc. Beta Launch Event

2011-12-08T02:23:00.001+08:00

Amidst the mid-week madness was the launch of Asia Fashion Inc.'s website and to celebrate this in true blue fashionista style, a chi chi party was thrown in the newest and coolest enclave in Singapore, Tiong Bahru. We headed to the Orange Thimble, a cozy cafe tucked away in this neighborhood.

In case you didn't know, Asia Fashion Inc. is a multi-layer platform which promises to bring exciting fashion content and shopping together into an online portal. We're sure that we'll be spending hours browsing through the Fashion Exchange Community, AFI online magazine and of course, the online shop which will showcase Asia's up and coming designers. We managed to get a preview of some of the designers featured on the website at the launch party, and I'm definitely loving it!

Asia Fashion Inc. will be officially launched in February 2012, and more exciting things will be in store such as an online column which will feature contributors such as fashion bloggers and designers every week. Plus, more designers will be coming on board too!

For now, I leave you with some unglam photos that were taken while we photobooth-ed at the event.

To enjoy exclusive fashion privileges, register as a member on Asia Fashion Inc. now!

Rainy days

2011-12-06T02:45:00.000+08:00

The incessant rain has affected my choice of clothing whenever I'm heading out these days. I'm either covered up in long-sleeves or piled up in knitwear. I hardly wear anything too exposed like that of my previous outfit because there's hardly any sun. My footwear of choice? Flip flops (for days when I'm lazy) or boots/ shoes that ensure that my feet stay dry.

Maxi dress: Korea, Necklace: H&M, Boots: Monki, Bag: Longchamp

♥,
Fal

London Calling - BloodBuzz Launch Party

2011-12-05T02:45:00.000+08:00

I attended BloodBuzz's launch party on Saturday and had a first hand preview of their new collection, 'Everything is Illuminated'. BloodBuzz's designer Kimberly took inspiration from the festivities of Christmas for this collection. While the pieces do not immediately strike you as a cocktail or party dress for the season, you get a sense of the journey Kimberly took to get to the final collection. Pops of red and a deep purple dress make up the 'dinner dresses'. Then there are LBDs and cute frocks in printed chiffon and silk which make up the party dresses. Once again, the collection is elegant, simple and timeless with a little grunge - just like Kimberly's aesthetic. The dresses, are meant to take one from work to a dinner party, and would suffice to do just that.

I do get the sense that many are unimpressed by the collection and brand itself and I have to say a few words to defend it. It is a preconceived notion that people have of local designers or designer labels. Bloodbuzz seems to fall in neither category since pieces from the brand's collections are simple unlike local designers which have drapes on drapes and avante garde designs. Bloodbuzz pieces are also priced affordably from $60 - $100, making it feel like an ordinary blogshop or online store rather than a designer brand which price range usually falls within that of a few hundred dollars. I applaud the courage of the people behind Bloodbuzz to be daring enough to take a step in the unknown and venture into a part of the positioning map where no competitors have been to.

Having a chance to speak to Kimberly also gave me an insight into how the brand thrives. She confessed the danger of not following trends, but designing according to the lifestyle of the Bloodbuzz clientele- a niche market segment. While this concept may be risky, it may eventually be taken on by more people, since timeless staples never go out of fashion.

Now, all it takes is for Bloodbuzz to prove its detractors wrong, and I'm sure it will.

To shop BloodBuzz, visit their website at www.bloodbuzz.com.sg.

Photos from the launch event below.

Fashion bloggers (from left to right): Randy from Fashionide, Dawn (coincidentally my schoolmate!) from DawnBey.com and Brandon from ChicPrinceB

From right to left: Rachel (friend and fellow fashion blogger with an amazing style blog. Please go read it!) from Style Societe and Michelle

♥,
Fal

Fashion week goes online

2011-12-05T02:21:00.001+08:00

Vogue has just made fashion history with its first ever Online Fashion Week. I'm really curious to see how this is going to pan out, but Vogue has promised a really exciting showcase of online activities that is sure to keep you glued to your screens. Hundreds of retailers have come on board to offer exclusive and limited edition collections, stunning competitions and never-seen-before content. I'm definitely not going to miss out on the special online events, prizes, discounts and free gifts.

All these activities are going to take place on Vogue's OFW blog in which there will be live-blogging 24-hours-day for five full days. The line up of designers include Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Mulberry, Stella McCartney, Prada, Burberry, Miu Miu and Christain Louboutin. High street brands such as Topshop, Reiss, Gap and Urban Outfitters have also been roped in.

The idea of taking Fashion Week online is simply brilliant, since people from around the globe can now participate in the event without feeling left out. I've listed a few of OFW highlights throughout the week (all timings are in local Singapore time):

Mon, 5 Dec, 9:00pm

Advice From The Top

Top industry figures reflect on their career successes and offer advice on how you can get started in the industry.

Tues, 6 Dec, 9:30pm

HANDBAG HALF HOUR: Anya Hindmarch on Twitter

Handbag designer Anya Hindmarch will be taking part in a Twitter takeover - answering all of your questions via @BritishVogue.

Wed, 7 Dec, 11:00pm

Online Fashion 100

Leon Bailey-Green will be unveiling his annual Online Fashion 100 exclusively on VOGUE.COM during Online Fashion Week. The list names the 100 most influential figures in the digital fashion industry. Come back at 3pm on Wednesday 7th December to see it here.

Ready your phones, computers and iPads because you don't want to miss this extravaganza. Online Fashion Week kicks off in a few hours - 9.36am today! Click here to visit the OFW blog.

♥,
Fal

Wild flowers

2011-12-02T12:12:00.001+08:00

I went a bit over zealous with prints and paired a floral printed top with a leopard printed skirt the other day.

Top: Bershka, Skirt: MDS Collections, Clutch: H&M, Flats: H&M and Cuff: H&M

And yes, my hair is in a mess, so I decided to get a haircut! More on that soon.

♥,
Fal

More Taylor!

2011-12-02T02:02:00.001+08:00

I found this video by Barney's featuring Taylor Tomasi Hill as she picks out and styles her colleague in all of Fall must haves. I know we're already in December but... I just have to show it to you because I love the way she pairs everything together to create such effortlessly chic and stylish looks. Yes, I know I'm obsessed, but watch it anyway!

Taylor's Take: Taylor Tomasi Hill Styles Amanda Hearst in Her Fall Must-Haves for Barneys New York from Barneys The Window on Vimeo.

♥,
Fal

MARNI at H&M

2011-11-30T01:27:00.001+08:00

Just as everyone is recovering from the aftermath of Versace for H&M (by that I mean the damage on their purses and all the elbow-shoving from trying to get a piece of Versace heaven), H&M has just announced today that it will tie-up with MARNI for its Spring/Summer 2012 designer collaboration.

I can already hear the applause and shouts of joy from the millions of H&M fans who are probably thrilled with this news. Spring/Summer 2012 is the perfect time to tie-up with MARNI as fans can expect full-fledged tribal prints and Bauhaus graphics which are colourful and playful.

The collection will be launched on 8 March 2012. Mark that date on your calendar folks. I know I'm going to be in line for this one.

MARNI AT H&M: Announcement EPK from Barracuda Film & TV on Vimeo.

♥,
Fal

Style crush: Taylor Tomasi

2011-11-29T13:26:00.001+08:00

There's just something about Taylor Tomasi Hill. Maybe its her flame red hair or maybe its her choice of accessories, but I'm currently crazy over Marie Claire US' accessories editor.

For lack of a better word, Taylor Tomasi's style is fierce. Her distinctive choice of clothes and accessories such as chunky necklaces and to-die-for heels has got me stalking her style. I love the way she mixes feminine pieces with boyish items like piling a chunky knit sweater over a pencil skirt, or wearing a boyfriend shirt with skinny jeans and skyscraper heels. The fact that she looks so different but not unidentifiable in every photo also proves that one can experiment and dare to be different with your style without losing sight of who you are. Its no wonder that she's always captured on the lenses of street style blogs like The Sartorialist and Stockholm Street Style since she always looks fresh and different from the last time she was spotted on the streets!

Okay, that's enough of rambling. I'll leave you to enjoy the pictures!

♥,
Fal

Weekend shopping

2011-11-27T04:19:00.001+08:00

We were at nana and bird 2 weekends in a row for 2 exciting events.

Last week, a new label, Aijek was launched at Nana and bird. We loved the summery, pretty and feminine designs in bright colours and light and floaty fabrics. The lady behind Aijek is Danelle Woo, a self-taught designer. After quitting her job, she spent a year picking up fashion design before creating her debut collection, All About Love. Here are some of the pieces we're in love with.

If you want to get your hands on some of these pieces, here's some good news for you! Nana and bird is offering 20% discount till 31 December for all of Aijek pieces! Now you can get your Christmas, New Year's and Chinese New Year's outfits all settled!

This Saturday, we visited nana and bird again, to support By Invite Only's first every pop-up shop. Pieces from The Higher Being collection were on sale, and Fir and I couldn't resist these quartz necklaces.

We also nibbled on tarts from The Ugly Tartling and spoke with the baker and businesswoman who runs The Ugly Tartling, Ee Ling. Ee Ling improvises and creates her own tart recipes to make some really delicious and crumbly home-made tarts. We loved the Passionfruit curd tart especially, as it was tangy and refreshing on the palette.

Weekend shopping is always the most therapeutic. Don't you agree?

♥,
Fal

The State of Style

2011-11-22T01:07:00.001+08:00

Recently, one of our favorite websites, State of Style channel did a short but really sweet feature on thefword. State of Style channel hails all the way from Sweden, and has the latest fashion videos and coolest behind the scene clips! We're really honored to find ourselves on the website. Thanks so much guys!

Read the feature here.

♥,
Fal

November's Lookbook: Zara

2011-11-19T12:10:00.001+08:00

The mishmash of prints, masculine and feminine elements and gorgeous floral printed blouses... I'm in love.

♥,
Fal

The buzz about...

2011-11-16T01:22:00.001+08:00

Bloodbuzz is an independent local fashion label with designs that marry both elegance and edginess. The label promises to deliver great design, workmanship and service to customers. Find ready-to-wear items that are one-of-a-kind yet easy on the wallet and practical; there’s a piece for every occasion. Read on to find out more about the designer behind this label, Kimberly K Wong.

Graduating with a fashion & marketing degree at the London College of Fashion, Kimberly has dabbled with designing menswear for a while, and showcased at the debut Wardroblings fashion show, the first ever prelude to the annual Wardrobe design show at Zouk jointly organized by FashionTV and The Fashion Fraternity.

With a strong love for designing, that goes beyond fashion design, she is generally fascinated with good, interesting designs - be it product, graphic or typographic design. For her, it's about aesthetics as a whole, the thought process behind the beautification of everyday life and that feeling the designer translates into his or her work, that takes new life in the aesthetic and emotion that the final product evokes.

Now that she is back in Singapore, Kimberly K Wong is ready to take on the Singapore design scene with her very own fashion label Bloodbuzz. I recently had an opportunity speak with this passionate designer as she opened up about her inspirations and dreams for her label.

What made you want to start your own brand?

I think even as a kid, I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life. I was never big on dressing Barbie dolls, so that's one cliché I can deny. But I was always looking for something to draw or make or create.

I like to think I was also inspired by my time in London. Each different area is represented by such unique street styles. I would spend my weekends in London's East End - an area with street art, design markets, (affordably) independent labels and food from all sorts of faraway places. An amalgamation of people, cultures and styles would manifest itself. When I came home, one idea led to another, and Bloodbuzz, which we like to think of as a lifestyle label, was born.

Tell us more about the brand philosophy.

Bloodbuzz was approached with the belief that fashion is less about trends and more about style, the concept that independent fashion doesn't have to be an expensive luxury and the fact that "designer" doesn't always have to be avant garde - it can be practical and wearable, it just needs to dare. To dare to be different. Personal style and individualism are key concepts in the Bloodbuzz label.

The design philosophy for Bloodbuzz was simple: to create effortless wardrobe staples with an understated contemporary feel. The difference lies in the impeccable proportions and intricate details - both in the design process and the garment aesthetics.

What would you say is your design signature having had to design pieces in the course of your time in London, and then for your label, Bloodbuzz?

If I had to define a design signature, I'd say what ties the collections together is the marriage of elegance & edginess. Combining classic silhouettes with a modern edge, quality fabrics are twisted and turned; ruching techniques are meticulously executed to create complex knots, draping sleeves, quirky pockets and unique hemlines. I like experimenting with clothes; I enjoy playing with juxtaposition - contrasting colours, elements, details, fabrics and silhouettes.

How would you describe the Bloodbuzz clientele?

I imagine my client to be a confident woman who is passionate about life, is unafraid to be different. She has a curiosity for the finer things in life - I imagine she enjoys music, art, good food and wine, is happy to spend Friday night embraced with a good book and some hot chocolate. I imagine she would like to wander the world.

(I should clarify that personally, I think the "finer things in life" I mentioned doesn't always necessarily have to be expensive - I do believe it's the intangible value that matter most when speaking of art & life)

The line is created for beautiful, whimsical dreamers who appreciate understated luxury, who understand personal style.

How do you feel about the design scene in Singapore? Do you feel that Singaporeans are very supportive of local designers?

I'm 100% supportive of all things Singaporean - from our local hawker fare to quirky start-ups, and of course local designers.

I feel like Singaporeans are more exposed to high street fast fashion brands, as well as branded luxury, and sometimes the little independent designers tend to get drowned in between. But I do think that's slowly starting to change, with an increasing emphasis that Singaporeans' are now placing on lifestyle and, consequently, design. When it comes down to it, I think it's not being easy being a "local designer" any where in the world. Wherever you are, every designer still has to fight for the opportunity to succeed, still has to work for their dream. It's definitely difficult, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

With so many local designers sprouting up, how will you differentiate Bloodbuzz from these other offerings?

Competition is definitely fierce, now more than ever. We're choosing to focus on Bloodbuzz instead of trying to compete or compare, because every designer is different, every label is different. We believe in working hard, having fun and staying true to our own brand vision and design philosophy.

It's funny, because so much of our thinking are influenced by our parents - who often tell us to follow our passions and let life take it's course - "love what you do, do what makes you happy and worry about everything else later". I always say we're lucky to have such supportive parents.

Who are your design heroes, and why?

I don't think I have one specific design hero. Every season, I find myself blown away my different designers and the different things they do.

Tell us more about your sources of inspiration.

The truth is I'm inspired by a myriad of things, tangible and intangible, that manifest themselves in different details - it’s all about the details." I do think much of my inspiration comes from the life I live - little words in the books I read, a still from the films I watch, a specific emotion that is evoked by the music I listen to. Conversations with the different people in my life. I think a big part of me is also inspired by my travels - experiencing a different way of life, understanding the people and their cultures, there's no feeling quite like the feeling of getting lost in a new city.

And because of these intangible translations, even within a single collection, each piece is different from the next - which as a designer, I have to admit, is somewhat unorthodox.

In 5 years' time, you will be...

I'd like to be running a very successful Bloodbuzz, working on an indie magazine, travelling the world taking beautiful pictures, meeting beautiful people, and still head over heels in love. I guess if there's one thing life's taught me, it's that nothing ever turns out the way you expect it to. I just know I'd still like to be pushing my creative boundaries, exploring the world and filling my life with lots of love, family, good food and better friends.

To shop Bloodbuzz, visit Kimberly’s online store at www.bloodbuzz.com.sg

♥,
Fal

By Invite Only 2 Day Pop-Up Shop

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000+08:00

Are you racking your head on what to get your loved ones this Christmas? Why not start your Christmas shopping a little earlier this year by visiting By Invite Only's inaugural pop-up shop at Nana and Bird?

The pop-up shop will feature all of By Invite Only's well-loved pieces that sums up 2011. In addition, you'll get first dips on their newest pieces that are exclusive only to the pop-up shop. To sweeten the deal, By Invite Only is throwing in a 20% discount on selected items and 10% off your total purchase when you spend above $200. Expect reasonable prices starting from $25. I know I'm going to be there, because I still want my jewelry from their latest collection, The Higher Being.

Here's a sneak peek on some of the items that will be up for grabs at By Invite Only's pop-up shop!

For more information on the event, feel free to contact Trixie from By Invite Only at trixie@byinviteonly.info

♥,
Fal