Tag Archive for 'Asian Designer'

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

Thomas Wee is back. After more than a decade, the homegrown fashion maestro staged his first show, Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne, with his highly anticipated collection of “‘maximum minimalism’ without a single bead or embroidery stitch in sight”. His collection will be “uniquely complemented with hair design by Shunji Matsuo featuring L’Oreal Professionnel“. I like the sound of that, already. I love minimalism especially when it’s done tastefully and of course, cutting-edge. There’s no doubt that Black & White is all the rage at this year’s SFF. Thomas Wee gave us a fresh look at B/W colours and I’m giving him two thumbs up!

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

Pasteliscious
Thomas Wee believes in fine tailoring. And, you definitely see it through his designs. He knows his fabric and manipulate it with great cuts, and vision. From B/W to soft pastel colours, his pieces are simple yet well-engineered. What can I say about the “HAIR”? Simply state-of-the-art, and innovative. Shunji Matsuo is tress-genius.

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

Back to Earth
The earthy tones and unique colour combination for these pieces are simply smart. I’ve to say that his collection is like wearable art. He changed a woman’s perspective about their bodies - his pieces hide the curves, and shift your focus on the clothes. You don’t have to be self-conscious to wear his collection. Also, these designs are so novel that you want to reserve a space in your wardrobe for Thomas Wee.

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

The New WoMAN
Here’s a fresh take on the menswear-inspired pieces for women. They’re sharp, contemporary and very relevant to the modern-day women. The colour combination of bright yellow, blue and grey is so cool. Even though his collection is wearable, Thomas Wee’s signature style is always present.

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

Big Avant-Garde
As Thomas Wee said, “STYLE and fashion in Singapore fashion is missing.” He wants to “remind Singapore of what good fashion design really is”. To take it to the next level, Thomas Wee unveiled his progressive pieces in the one, and only classic colour, black - and he does it BIG. He pushed himself as a designer to be radical and yet, practical. I love his style, definitely… and his comeback is probably the most exciting this year.

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

The Little Black Dress
It’s every woman’s essential piece: The little black dress. Here, we have the unconventional little black dress by the man himself. I love the details and the draping of the middle piece. It’s definitely a head-turner despite black being boring… but hey, at least it never goes out of style.

SFF08: Nouveau Couture|Coiffure Moderne by Thomas Wee

Fash-E’s Favourite
Now, my favourite: This is a pretty pretty piece. I love the layering of the fabric, that creates an interesting, yet simple texture. It gives this lil’ black dress a special dimension and it can be worn at casually, or however you wish. Thomas Wee has proven that he’s still the fashion genius that he was many years ago. Singapore definitely needed the boost in the fashion industry - and Thomas has shown us how.

(Photos: Benjamin Seetor)

SFF08: Tan Yoong ‘Dazzling Rhapsody’

SFF08: Tan Yoong

Sheer Symphony
Tan Yoong
may be a veteran designer, but his comeback after 17 years got all eyes peeled to his Dazzling Rhapsody showcase at this year’s Singapore Fashion Festival. The fashionista said, “When designing the clothes, I had very specific colours, textures and tones in mind. But finding the exact fabrics in the exact shades and textures was very difficult”. Hence, you won’t be seeing his signature white wedding gowns walked down the runway, because it’s all about colours and fun. These subtle, sheer couture pieces will probably be the closest to anything ‘bridal’ or romantic.

SFF08: Tan Yoong

Drama Mama
Then came the drama, and bold kaleidoscope of colours. Every piece was impeccable, in terms of the tailoring details, sparkling embellishment and gorgeous fabric. Tan Yoong took his skills to the next level and pushed to the pinnacle of his imagination. Simply marvelous.

SFF08: Tan Yoong

Fash-E! Favourites
Now, for ‘my’ favourites of Tan Yoong’s collection. I absolutely heart these three. Firstly, the well-draped two-toned dress flows beautifully down the runway. I love the silver shimmery tube dress that is red-carpet worthy. Finally, I’m really impressed by the cute fairy-like mini dress that would be my ideal birthday outfit. Haha, just kidding.

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Fairy Fantasy
Have you ever wonder or dream about living the fantasy world? Well, Tan Yoong reinterpreted these three dresses for the modern day woman who fantasizes in prancing around a beautiful secret garden. I particularly heart the first piece as the top looks like a blooming flower from a fresh spring garden. Am I making any sense?

SFF08: Tan Yoong

Dazzling Diva
Tan Yoong
’s divas emerged in bright, explosive colours in their fine couture evening gowns. Junita Simon looked ultra-stunning in the red dress embellished with diamonndddsssss. Haha, yes which girl doesn’t love her bling? She looked like a fiery angel with maximum sensuality.

SFF08: Tan Yoong

The Subjective Lot
Design and Art, are subjective. This is the “???” lot, in which you would either love or loathe. I understand that
Tan Yoong was trying to break out of his ’shell’ and stretched his versatility as a designer. But, I don’t think these looks work for me, especially the light blue, layered skirt. It felt like it was trying hard to be different, and it doesn’t fascinate me. We’re all entitled to our own opinions, no?
As a collection, Tan Yoong’s vision of a Dazzling Rhapsody doesn’t fall short. It might have dazzled and ‘drizzled’ a little but his hard work is reflected in all his pieces. Bravo, Tan Yoong!

(Photos: Benjamin Seetor)

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Shanghai’s rising fashion designer, Qiu Hao, debut his ‘Something Growing’ collection at this year’s SFF yesterday. His fresh collection has been highlighted by Vogue (China), Harper’s Bazaar (China), Fast Company (USA) and our local newspaper, The Straits Times. Looking sleek in black, Qiu Hao honed his crafty skills at the famed London’s Central St Martins and eventually opened his boutique with his partner in Shanghai. His designs speaks of individuality, “subtlely Chinese” and “quiet” - hence, his understatement may just be his strength as a fabulous designer.

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Black Beginnings
The sheer leggings is Qiu Hao’s signature look for this collection. Black has never been sexier in Spring. What’s interesting about ‘Something Growing‘ is the metamorphosis of his designs from the first to the final look.

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Signature Knots
Something’s growing, already… Qiu Hao’s signature knot designs are articulated in certain key pieces that I absolutely heart. His colour palettes work fantastically for his designs as they are well-refined for the modern day Asian women.

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Metallic, I Like
No, it’s not a flashback of the 80s. We all know that silver and gold made a comeback about a year ago, but Qiu Hao’s selected muted silver and gold fabric rocks my world. The mini-skirts are so chic, and foxy. Now that’s what I call ‘Fashion Forward‘.

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Pretty Breezy
The clothes get longer, and breezier. His clothes are incredibly fluid-like and romantic. You know what else I like? The HAIR! The Chinese-inspired super high pony tail - so kungfu!

SFF08: Qiu Hao ‘Something Growing’

Femme Finale
It gets ultra-fierce as the final look ends off with a bang. My favourite look is the muted gold knots over black (middle) and that’s going into my ‘Look Book’. Qiu Hao is now one of my favourite designers, and I’m sure we’ll see more from him.

(Photos: Benjamin Seetor)