Monday, April 20, 2015

Rad Russel + Simon Carter Unveils Capsule Collection

Was at the launch of RAD RUSSEL in collaboration with SIMON CARTER capsule collection in Singapore at the Rad Russel flagship boutique at Plaza Singapura on Monday. This new footwear capsule collection features the season’s latest footwear style and is available in Rad Russel stores and will be coming to their website soon. 

Pairing elegant design with contemporary detailing, UK designer Simon Carter inspired the designers at Rad Russel to create an exclusive collection of footwear infused with Carter’s sense of London style. The collection comprises classic Oxford’s and Derbies handcrafted in calf leathers, buttery leather inners and insoles in Carter’s signature colour – cinnamon. Personally, I find these stylish designs to be timeless and very wearable for the modern male. 

The technical bit: There are two styles of shoes in this collection: The Wholecut which takes its name from the outer being made of one whole piece of leather. The second is the Derby which has the eyelet's sitting above the upper on two separate pieces of leather. The upper of the shoe is calf leather. Comfort is certainly a key consideration in the design of this capsule collection as the shoe lining is made of sheepskin leather which allows the imprint of the foot to be taken quickly by the shoe for increased comfort. Thus, fewer weeks of having to wear them in would be needed! The Heel inner is suede to increase grip and comfort. Durable and Soft latex cushions covered with sheepskin leather offer a supportive inner and help maintain comfort around the foot’s arches. Anti-slip rubber outer-sole in the signature Simon Carter house Paisley which is ideal for the London weather as rubber provides essential grip and durability as compared to a leather sole. These leather shoes are retailing at S$268 which are great value for money.

(Source: Press release)

Like the sleek designs of this Rad Russel x Simon Carter capsule collection

Glad that I was able to make it in time to meet designer Simon Carter in person for the launch of his Rad Russel x Simon Carter capsule collection

Simon Carter having his shoes shined at the cozy Minster Mint corner

I had the opportunity to have a quick chat with Simon Carter about his designs. He actually designs a lot of menswear clothing (you can check out his website for more of his menswear clothing). We chatted about his interesting cufflinks which make great conversation starters. I spotted some cufflinks with the designs of spiders and westies! Cufflinks and watches are the key accessories for the modern male and can make a great difference to one's overall look. So it's definitely worth it to jazz up one's image with statement cufflinks from Rad Russel x Simon Carter. Honestly, I love those Rad Russel x Simon Carter cufflinks with bling bling crystals! Some of his cufflinks designs can be pretty unisex so ladies can consider wearing some Rad Russel x Simon Carter cufflinks as accessories =)

Interesting Simon Carter spider and bumble bee cufflinks spotted!

These Simon Carter westie cufflinks are super adorable!!

“I’ve worked with the designers at Rad Russel for many years, and I’ve always admired their energy and modern take on shoe designs,” explains Carter. “Therefore it seemed like a natural partnership when they approached me to work on a collaboration design. I bring a touch of Simon Carter detail and style to their expertise to produce a range that is well-made, sharp, and very wearable.”

Check out the range of Rad Russel x Carter Simon capsule collection, featuring shoes, cufflinks, bags, belts and small leather goods

Rad Russel presents 2 main seasonal collections a year, namely the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections, besides their capsule collections. Their products are all designed in Britain before the manufacture of the prototypes in other countries. They take great care in ensuring the consistency of sizings. And ladies who are shoe-lovers will be happy to know that Rad Russel has a ladies shoes line too. They carry mainly ballerina flats and heels for this female line. Me being a shoe fanatic, I'm definitely going to check out their ladies shoes ;p

Love the London themed store display at Rad Russel Flagship boutique at Plaza Singapura

Thanks Rad Russel for these gorgeous cufflinks!

I've paired the Rad Russel x Simon Carter bling bling cufflinks with my Raoul shirt =)

Update:
Thanks Rad Russel for this sweet pink leather bag made of pig skin, which I have received so many compliments...loving it =)

ABOUT RAD RUSSEL: 
Rad Russel is a label specifically designed to meet the aspirations of today’s stylish individuals. It reflects a London classic design philosophy that contributes timeless elegance and enduring styles. Web: http://www.radrussel.com 
Instagram: @radrussel, #radrussel 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadRussel   

ABOUT SIMON CARTER: 
Simon Carter is a menswear retailer based in London that is known especially for their accessories such as cufflinks, watches, jewellery and luggage. They also branched out to feature full range of formal and casual clothing. Founded by a businessman of the same name in 1980s, the Simon Carter label is stocked in most major British departmental outlets. He also has seven stand alone stores in the UK. 
Web: http://simoncarter.net 
Instagram: @simoncarterltdl, #simoncarter 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimonCarterLtd

Swatch Club 25th Anniversary Party

Thanks Swatch for the kind invitation to Swatch Club 25th Anniversary Party at their Swatch boutique at Orchard Gateway =) It was a fun-filled evening spent in the company of fellow watch lovers. There were plenty of fun games in which attractive prizes of vintage Swatch watches were given out. Had a visual feast checking out all the 25 limited edition vintage Swatch Club timepieces. Do scroll down for some of my personal favorites =) There was a liveband that performed a few songs for us too. Congratulations Swatch on a successful 25 years of Swatch Club!

Address by the Very Important Person of Swatch Club

Charles addressing the guests and cutting the cake

Check out the uber cute birthday cake for Swatch Club 25th Anniversary! And it tastes as yummy as it looks!

This is the limited edition SG50 Swatch Club timepiece with the SG50 logo on the strap. This version was completely sold out during this event!

Some interesting vintage Swatch Club timepieces on showcase: I like the cute one on the left named "Time For A Kiss" which was launched to commemorate the launch of Facebook in 2004.

I like the green one in the centre named "Garden Turf" which was introduced in 1997 to commemorate the first season of "South Park"!

Selfie time

See how excited I look upon winning a vintage Swatch Club watch? ;p

Excitement reflected with a lighter filter

Excitement at the unboxing of my prize

Selfie with another winner of vintage Swatch Club watches

Check out the cute vintage Swatch Club watch that our friend, David, has won

 Photo with the lovely ladies

Zoom in...

Another group photo before leaving

Photo with Phileen: The Pink Theme

The live band that performed a couple of songs for us during this party

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Female/Nuyou Catwalk 2015: Raoul Pre-Fall

Raoul just presented its Pre-Fall 2015 collection at Female/Nuyou Catwalk 2015 held at MOCA at Loewen. I had a brief chat with Nuyou Editor, Terence, and he said this year being SG50 so it's really very apt to have our homegrown local brand, Raoul, to present at its annual catwalk event in our SG50 year. This event was well attended by more than 300 celebrities, trendsetters, fashion insiders, society ladies and media. Many celebrities were decked out in Raoul.

Shiseido was the official sponsor for makeup and Kimage Group was the official sponsor for hair styling. Both the makeup and hair styling on the models accentuated the timeless yet chic feel of the Raoul outfits. Various interesting concoctions of Reyka Vodka cocktails were served at the bar and guests were served a variety of savoury and sweet canapes by Luxe Catering.

Me being a Raoul fan and supporter, was really happy to watch this fashion show live. 20 models showcased 40 different looks from Raoul's Pre-Fall 2015 collection. Thumbs-up for this Raoul Pre-Fall 2015 collection, which feature many very stylish and desirable day and evening outfits! Especially love the pretty embellishment details seen on the gowns =) Thanks Raoul, Shiseido, Female and Nuyou for this lovely evening of fashion and fun.

Chic geometric print details seen on this Raoul dress

Lovely maroon Raoul dress paired with an interesting clutch

I like the bling bling details on the waistline of this satin black peplum top, when paired with this satin long skirt, really brought out the bling bling embellishments really well =) 

How about making a red carpet entrance in this elegant maroon gown with embellishments on the waistline?

Love the bling bling embellishments on the neckline of this classy black gown

Pretty Candylicious Raoul Pop Up Store showcasing the latest glitter shoes

With pretty Sheila Sim and dapper Nat Ho at the photowall

Selfie with ex schoolmate Jeanette Aw after the fashion show. It's always nice to see your schoolmate again. And we are all dressed in Raoul =)

With Terence, who looked really suave in his white suit, after the show

With Varian, who's the winner of Female 50 Gorgeous People 2013, who looks as gorgeous in person.

With stylish Lynn at the photowall. The nude pink bag that I'm seen carrying is from Raoul too.


Monday, April 13, 2015

Marc Your Move Sg Event at Mandarin Gallery

Thanks Club21 for the lovely invite to March Your Move event at Mandarin Gallery. I have always loved the quirky designs of Marc by Marc Jacobs and those uber cute expressions and antics of Miss Marc is just so enticing...i have picked up quite a number of Marc by Marc Jacobs bags, clothes and watches over the years. Thanks for a fun-filled evening of fashion before the integration of Marc by Marc Jacobs into the main Marc Jacobs line. I will definitely miss the cute designs of Marc by Marc Jacobs...

Some of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring collection

Some colourful hues spotted for the Spring collection

Attempting to take a selfie by the photowall

Selfie with Marc by Marc Jacobs bag with interesting details

 Another selfie by the photowall before i left

 Thanks for the lovely Marc by Marc Jacobs candle door gift

Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2015

550m of Orchard Road was transformed into the longest runway for Samsung Fashion Steps Out on Saturday night! A grand total of 176 models were involved in this iconic annual affair! 

The participating brands this year include: 
Aimer (China) who presented 20 sexy tropical swimwear outfits, 
Ashley Isham (London), who's my favourite designer, with 10 amazing looks, 
DEPRESSION (Singapore) with 10 of their signature designs, 
FOX Kids (Israel) presented 40 looks with really adorable kid models,
Francis Cheong (Singapore) with 10 gorgeous gowns,
Germain (France) with 10 chic looks,
Mary Katrantzou (London) with 15 mostly prints-inspired looks,
Moiselle (Hong Kong) with 10 mostly floral looks,
max.tan (Singapore) with 10 white classy designs,
PAULINE.NING (Singapore) with 10 monochrome outfits, 
PAUL (Thailand) with 10 colourful outfits,
Pleatation (Singapore) with 10 interesting plays on pleats,
Sean & Sheila, Indonesia with 10 very wearable looks.

I like the interesting hairstyles on show too. Reds Hairdressing is the Official Hair for Fashion Steps Out 2014.

I have always admired Ashley Isham's intricate designs and I love how he used bells on the shoes for this showcase. Love those pretty pink dolly gowns with sequins and frills from Francis Cheong, who just celebrated his 30th year of Haute Couture at Jewelfest last year but still looks very youthful. For fans of pleats, Pleatation is a local label worth looking out for with their interesting take on pleats. Aimer never fails to delight with their sexy tropical swimwear segment. And it was so fun to watch the adorable kids walk down the runway in colourful outfits and balloons, with their proud parents watching and taking photos from the viewing gallery (I happened to sit just next to the viewing gallery). Moiselle is a label to watch out for if u love floral prints.

The theme for this year is Fashion Fast Forward, Fashion Then & Now, Singapore 50 Years On, so it was really nice to see a few new local designers showcasing their collections at this SG50 Samsung Fashion Steps Out event besides the few well-known international designers. This year's Fashion Steps Out coincides with the launch of Samsung Galaxy S6 4G+ and Galaxy S6 edge 4G+. It felt just like yesterday when I attended Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2013 which coincided with the launch of another Samsung phone then. How time flies...

Heartfelt thanks to Orchard Road Business Association for this wonderful event which leaves me with lovely memories of fashion and Orchard Road. Appreciate the front row seat at this iconic fashion event during SG50 year.

With Mediacorp beauties, Paige Chua and Yahui

What I wore to Fashion Steps Out 2015: Michael Kors dress and Sam Edelman heels and using L'oreal Professionel haircare products and Creme Simon sunblock

Seated and waiting for the fashion show to begin

Finale of Fashion Steps Out 2015

Love this pretty pink princessy dolly dress with sequins and details. The model's hairstyle just complements this dreamy, princessy look

Pretty pink dolly gown by Francis Cheong

Floral tropical bikini from Aimer

This gorgeous ensemble of lacy dress and jacket with a train is one of my favourite from this Ashley Isham collection! And it looks like the headdress has lighted bulbs? o.O

Lovely bling bling outfit from Ashley Isham and I love the bells on the shoes! Certainly making your presence felt with those bells!

Check out these adorable models decked out in Fox Kids

With pretty Regina Chow at Ion Fashion Garden during the pre-party. Her swan prints dress really complements the swan in this garden

Check out the signboard behind me...lol





Sunday, April 5, 2015

IONgraphy Contest Exhibition at Ion Orchard

Heartfelt thanks to Ion Orchard for selecting the photo that I took at the Panerai event as one of the top 5 in the June 2014 #iongraphy contest and for selecting it again for the #IONgraphy exhibition at Ion Orchard held during 26 March to 8 April 2015. 

My photo which was one of the top 5 in the June 2014 #iongraphy contest

I was so pleased to see my photo being displayed on the giant screen outside Ion Orchard last year!

I was so happy to take a selfie with my #iongraphy cube which was being displayed at Ion B4 for the #IONgraphy exhibition at Ion Orchard held during 26 March to 8 April 2015.