Category: Women’s Fashion

Maximilist Metals: Chain link jewellery of the ’80s makes its return

The metals of marvellous maximalists have made their return, meaning it’s time for minimalists to move over! Like many fashion trends from the ’80s (ahem, belt-bags) the bigger the garment the better it is. But you needn’t worry, the fashion world isn’t making you dig out your old shoulder pads just yet. Instead we’re rewinding to the powerful statement chains that once had us pumping up the volume.

Chain-link jewellery may have comeback, but it is not without its updates. The high-end accessories still remain striking and bold, but with modern weights. Brands partaking in the re-emerging trend such as Links of London, have chosen gold as the go-to metal for the revival. The contemporary touch to the trend also provides a more gentle look, as many feature precious stones such as diamonds.

Don’t be dragged down by the chains of past, new ones have emerged and they’re far more chic.

Hip Designs: 10 Beauteous Belt-Bags for the lady on the go

No longer just a bag for your grandmother, belt-bags have returned as a fashion favourite – this time the hip-hugging accessory has been embraced by high-end designers such as Chanel and Gucci. Formerly known as the “fanny-pack”, this streetwear item is as functional as it gets, allowing you to go hands-free by being stationed between the hips. What’s more, you’re even rid of the strain of a heavy strap on your shoulders. Obviously this makes belt-bags the perfect accessory for upcoming festivals, site-seeing, or just a busy day that keeps you on the go!

We’ve created a collection of our favourite belt-bags, whoever said you couldn’t achieve fashion and function at the same time?

 

 

Vintage Chic: Get your mad, mod gladrags on with these glamorous looks

           

From ruffled lace numbers to flapper-esque dresses, channel the glamour of bygone eras with our carefully-curated selection of vintage chic looks.     

Vintage Chic Image 1

Look 1

Fur shawl with inlaid heart and tail, and party dress with crystals, both by Fendi; Celeste Crystal stretch booties by Giuseppe Zanotti; Legends Naga earrings and cuff in 18K gold and silver by John Hardy; Silver rings with onyx and cubic zirconia by Bottega Veneta

Vintage Chic Image 2

Look 2

Candy lace dress, Lori pumps with crystals, Dolce Box clutch with crystals and stones, all by Dolce & Gabbana; Dot hoop earrings in 18k gold with diamonds by John Hardy; Silver necklace, rings and hairclips with onyx and cubic zirconia, all by Bottega Veneta

Vintage Chic Image 3

Look 3

Bustier dress with bow, zip leather ankle boots, Pyramid Square ring in gold- and silver-finished metal, all by Givenchy; Classic Chain earrings and ring in 18K gold with whiskey quartz by John Hardy

Vintage Chic Image 4

Look 4

Dress and booties by Chloé; Lace bralette and silver ring with onyx by Bottega Veneta; Classic Chain silver link necklace by John Hardy

Vintage Chic Image 5

Look 5

Strapless mini-dress, buckle belt, Medusa choker, all by Versace; Dena over-the-knee stretch glitter booties by Giuseppe Zanotti; Legends Naga cuff in 18K gold and silver by John Hardy; Asymmetrical earrings in gold-finished metal with river pearl by Givenchy

Vintage Chic Image 6

Look 6

Tulle dress with lace bralette, rings in silver with onyx and cubic zirconia, all by Bottega Veneta; Chiaccio over-the-knee stretch leather boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

Vintage Chic Image 7

Look 7

Jacquard knitted dress by Roberto Cavalli; Lori pumps with crystals by Dolce & Gabbana; Bamboo earrings in silver with black sapphires by John Hardy; Bangles in silver with cubic zirconia by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Neville Lee
Fashion Direction &Styling: San Wong
Model: Rebecca Y @ Quest
Make-up: Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

 

A Day at the Track: Best Looks from Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day

The city was off to the races this past Sunday, as Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day Championship took place at the Sha Tin Racecourse, with co-hosts Sa Sa International Holdings Limited and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). However, the mighty racing steeds were not the only focus of the event. Featuring an array of events spotlighting the glamourous lady attendees, Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day was shot full of events and promotions for the city’s most elegant and glamorous.

Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day
Image Girl: Ali Lee at Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day Fashion Show

With the who’s who of Hong Kong’s high society thronging the event, we were spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the favourite looks. Check out some of the best outfits from the event…

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Australian couple Nicole and Zac Purton both went home from the event as winners! Nicole with the title as best dressed, and Zac alongside his winning horse Time Warp reigned champions of the cup.

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This year’s Sa Sa image girl and actress, Ali Lee, sparkled from head to toe in her stunning silver ensemble.

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 Actress Nancy Wu appeared in an elegant white lace dress and floral crown.

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Model Eva Crone made a daring choice by choosing black in the sea of pale pinks and white of the event.

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Actress Grace Chan said she felt like a doll in her charming white dress, with its exquisite floral train — and we undoubtedly agree.

Editors’ Picks: Our favourite dresses from the Emmys 2018 red carpet

The biggest names in TV stardom turned up dressed to the nines for last week’s 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. Nominees, presenters and their guests alike all put their best feet – and wardrobes – forward for the small screen’s biggest night of the year. Some fell short of their mark, but most set the fashion bar very, very high, indeed. Here are some dresses that outshone the rest on the Emmys 2018 red carpet.

Our favourite dresses from the Emmys 2018 Red Carpet

Pristine whites were the shade of choice for many a TV celeb walking the Emmys 2018 Red Carpet. Spanish actress Penelope Cruz channeled vintage Hollywood glam in a gorgeous sleeveless A-line ballgown by Chanel. The Crown‘s Claire Foy, meanwhile, opted for a timelessly elegant shin-length sheath dress adorned simply with a bow on its back.

Pretty pinks seemed to be back in favour, with Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown dressed in an adorably age-appropriate off-shoulder dress from Calvin Klein by Appointment, whose cuteness was raised considerably by the rose prints that dominated the garment. There was nothing innocent about Thandie Newton’s sultry look, however. She upped the sex factor of the entire Emmys 2018 Red Carpet with a figure-hugging, bubblegum prink one-shoulder gown by Brandon Maxwell.

Other bold hues were also very much in evidence, with This is Us‘ Mandy Moore opting for a custom-made Rodante dress in an unusual amber shade. For Michelle Dockery, who starred as Lady Mary Crawley in the acclaimed British TV show Downton Abbey, the absolutely right choice was a lovely, airy blue tulle number by Caroline Herrera.

 

Fashion show to celebrate Dorian Ho’s 25th anniversary

One of Hong Kong’s most-loved home-grown designers, Dorian Ho, just celebrated the 25th anniversary of his fashion label with a grand fashion show at CENTRESTAGE 2018 (check out our coverage here).  This also marked the collaboration for the first time ever between Dorian Ho and watch-maker DOXA. He also revealed his Spring Summer 2018 collection at the show. Take a look here:

 

           

Fall-Winter 2018 Fashion: Part 2 of our favourite seasonal looks

Last week, we delved the Part One of our favourite Fall-Winter 2018 fashion collections, ranging from Chanel to Givenchy. Below, we highlight seven more of our favourite collections from the world’s leading haute couture labels. Here, androgyny and chic asymmetrical cuts meet flamboyant neon hues and more, with a limitless array of wardrobe must-haves that are sure to suit every fashion-forward woman.

Fall-Winter 2018 fashion collections part 2

Gucci

Gucci’s latest looks are all about embracing the outré with a smorgasbord of visually striking colours, patterns and textures drawn from the contrasting cultures of the world. For creative director Alessandro Michele, it was a statement as to how people draw on their experiences to construct their self-identity. He says: “We are the Dr Frankenstein of our own lives.” The stark, almost disjointed nature of the haute couture on display – from the ethnic-inspired headdresses to the heavily brocaded overcoats – sees Michele’s vision brought to full fruition.

Hermès

The French haute couture label seemed determined to eschew all things indoors and embrace country life with its Fall-Winter 2018 collection. This more athletic inspiration was perfectly demonstrated in its sturdy pencil skirts, cigarette pants, fashionable yet durable layered overcoats and no-nonsense leather boots. Subtly sensuous shades of beige, brown and yellow are interwoven throughout the line, giving it an entirely sleek, mature tone. Hermès’s signature pyramid shape – after its iconic Hermès Watch – could be seen in the detailing of the studs and as a dress motif.

Loewe

As one might expect at the onset of cooler weather, the vast majority of Loewe’s upcoming collection is dominated by sturdy overcoats, tweed suits and extremity-cladding long dresses. But amidst more sombre offerings, creative designer Jonathan Anderson has thrown in a few surprisingly tongue-in-cheek flourishes. Take, for example, the white bra affixed to a sombre patterned gown, or the cut-out column dress held together by a tangle of colourful threads. The artistic melding of these two disparate styles perfectly demonstrates Anderson’s deft hand at creating playful yet functional apparel.

Louis Vuitton

In stark contrast to last season’s ostentatious, Baroque-inspired designs, Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière has railed against his own typical flamboyance and opted for a more downto- earth new look. However, his outfits all offer that little bit of eye-catching detail, be it the ’80s-style shoulders of a suit jacket or the intentionally jarring pairing of bright colours and a monochrome tweed. Ghesquière’s more contained collection, inspired by the French women who surrounded him while growing up, encapsulates the sophistication of the female entrepreneurial spirit.

Prada

Femininity, sexuality and empowerment were the central motifs of Prada’s Fall-Winter 2018 collection. As a protest against how women are expected to be vanilla by day yet seductive by night, Miuccia Prada has addressed “the constant struggle between femininity and being strong” by ramping up all things feminine to an almost violent extent. Silky dresses are paired with armour-like corsets, while unassuming pastel hues have transformed into blinding neon shades, paired liberally with unapologetically loud patterns, all reinforcing the notion that pretty and powerful can, indeed, be a perfect pairing.

Salvatore Ferragamo

There’s an unmistakably androgynous air to Ferragamo’s newest designs. The latest collection – the first with Paul Andrew as creative director – was created alongside the menswear line by designer Guillaume Meilland. “We started the entire process together. Everything we’ve done from the colour palette to the fabric selection – there was a guy and a girl there all the time,” says Andrew. Small wonder, then, that his models are draped in silhouette-hiding trenches, high-waisted baggy trousers and workmen’s boots. Even the leather handbags are in monochrome hues.

Versace

Donatella Versace has exiled the Baroque prints that dominated last season’s catwalks and welcomed in another, no less vibrant pattern to punctuate her Fall-Winter 2018 designs – the Scottish tartan. From cropped jackets and slinky dresses to voluminous skirts and stiletto shoewear, this classic Highlander motif graces almost every piece. There’s also a hint of the casual running throughout, with T-shirts emblazoned with the Versace logo peeking through, lending a laidback aura to the highbrow designs.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

We ask: Which are the favourite brands at CENTRESTAGE 2018?

Last week, Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre transformed into a veritable fashion mecca for the city’s well-heeled citizens, thanks to CENTRESTAGE 2018 which took place at the venue from 5 to 8 September. As Asia’s premiere fashion show boasting over 230 international and local fashion brands, CENTRESTAGE is no doubt one of the most-awaited fashion events in our fragrant harbour. Setting the stage for an world-class display of fashion, CENTRESTAGE brought together rising Asian stars like Hiromichi Ochiai of Facetasm, designer duo Cyrus Wong and Julio Ng of IDISM and Min Liu of Ms MIN fame, along with acclaimed designers from Canada, Germany, Poland and Switzerland. We spoke to celebrities and socialites like Miki Yeung, Jessica Kan, Louis Castro, etc. to find out what their favourite brand was.  

 

           

Autumn-Winter 2018-19: Bundle up in style with this season’s trendiest

Part one of our Autumn-Winter 2018 Fashion Extravaganza

As the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, the world’s leading haute couture brands have served up some truly arresting designs. Drawing inspiration from every imaginable arena and era, they’ve left no pattern unused, no material unsewn and no texture untouched in their celebration of the modern woman and all her charming complexities. Whether you want to cover up with androgynous overcoats or make a statement in fluorescent hues and striking prints, there’s something here for every fashion-forward lady. Onwards, then, to Part One of our Autumn-Winter 2018 fashion extravaganza…

Bottega Veneta

This season, Tomas Maier celebrates the fearless individualism of the citizens of New York, paying tribute to those who express themselves in a bold manner with a selection of unexpected textures and a vast palette of unique colours. Exploring the various facets of city life, the collection also includes floral pyjamas and soft evening dresses that can be equally worn at home or at the a soirée. This season’s vision, however, is the cube motif. Weaving its way throughout, it represents Maier’s passion for architecture.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfield showcases the grace of nature this season with a palette of russets, reds and oranges, dark browns and pretty prints of foliage. Adding a touch of its own, the French label marries the ensembles with branch-like braids, sautoirs of beads and pastel-hued glass paste, as well as necklaces and bracelets interlaced with chains and beads. Classic tweeds feature in frayed and woven versions in a variety of materials, while modern accessories include thigh boots, fingerless gloves and colourful scarves. Strong yet fragile, the silhouettes remind us that nature is constantly reborn.

Dior

50 years after the Paris student protests of 1968, Maria Grazia Chiuri uses reinvention and re-imagination to bring the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection to life. Taking clothes from the late ’60s, Chiuri recreates them through the eyes of Dior’s luxury lens. Patchworks are pieced from reproductions of archival Dior prints, while uniform jackets and kilts are in sheer tulle. Chiuri counterbalances the return of the uniform to bring us back to what it signifies: the individual taking precedence over gender and the equality of rights and roles which was the great victory of the time.

Dolce & Gabbana

Labelled as the Fashion Devotion collection, this season’s ensembles are wholly defined by contrasts and personalities. From crafted Vatican City vestment brocades and sumptuous embroidery to profane T-shirts, this collection is a blend of elegance and sportiness. Attending enthusiastically to the tastes of millennials, the designers deliver a range of hip-hop inspired gold chains and blingy sunglasses. In contrast come the ’80s, with diamonds, stones, sacred hearts and angels. Creating timeless creations, each is the result of a contemporary re-elaboration of cult pieces from the brand’s DNA.

Fendi

Mirroring softness and strength, this season’s Fendi is a romantic uniform for a woman’s world. Neat boxy shoulders, capes and tailored suits are intertwined with pleated silk dresses and scalloped blouses, adorned by needlepoint collars and encrusted lace. Adding a touch of playful modernity, the FENDI/FILA logo, a diamond motif and the Fendi double-F beige brown logo patterns, deployed over everything from tights to the Peekaboo X-Lite bag. Skillfully, the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection not only appeals to the super-wealthy, but also young fashion fanatics, with a lot to see and aspire to.

Giorgio Armani

As a reaction to the times, Giorgio Armani has “imagined a rich, boundless collection, inspired by many cultures as an ode to coexistence as opposed to exclusion”. True to his word, the collection embraces elements of different cultures, adapting them into diverse elegant abstractions. Merging Armani tailoring and glam, the designer invents an alternative for a non-girly, power-woman on the red carpet. Using a palette of black and neutral tones – uplifted with bright tinges of red and metallic flashes – this collection blends various elements into a harmonious whole, free from constrictions.

Givenchy

With asymmetry and button embellishments, bows and fringing of cocktail dresses, Claire Waight Keller’s latest Autumn-Winter 2018 collection is not only a nod to the French house’s codes, but also evokes the eveningwear of Hubert de Givenchy, morphing with the look created by the sub-cultural appropriation of the designer’s legacy from the ’80s nightlife. That energy is recreated in rigidly ruffled plissé soleil dresses and in bold and dense faux furs. Sock and zip boots, micro strap sandals and graphic pumps offer a metropolitan fusion of glamour and functionality.

Text: Hira Desai and Tenzing Thondup

Spotted fashion: A throwback to the good ol’ polka dots

Before summer well and truly gives way to chilly autumns, there’s still  an window of opportunity to sport that ultimate timeless print – the polka dot. A favourite among celebrities and lesser mortals alike, the polka dots channel a bit of old-world charm that has never truly gone out of fashion, neither on the fashion runways nor on the high-street boutiques. Here are some of the polka-dotted best looks…

Image courtesy: Farfetch and Malone Souliers