Category: Women’s Fashion

Best in Show: Catwalk couture in the Year of the Dog

While the rest of the world has only just begun embracing the fullness of summer, the exclusive society of high fashion already has its collective eye peeled on the impending autumn season. As renowned maisons reveal their new collections, Gafencu brings you the ultimate catwalk couture looks for the upcoming season.

Bridal Couture: Top 5 luxury bridal gowns for the bride-to-be

With wedding fever in full effect, we take a look at the top five bridal gowns from our favourite designers. If you are a bride-to-be, you won’t want to miss what’s in store for 2019! Read on for a dose of inspiration! 

Givenchy

Bridal Couture: Top 5 luxury bridal gowns for the bride-to-be

After months of speculation, the world was pleasantly surprised as Meghan, the new Duchess of Sussex, stepped out it in a pure white, boat beck bridal gown designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the artistic direction of French fashion house, Givenchy. The haute couture dress was made of double-bonded silk cady cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. Reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn – another famous Givenchy bride – this gown not only represents contemporary minimalism at its finest, but demonstrates that simple elegance and impeccable tailoring continues to withstand the test of time. 

Vera Wang

For the Fall 2018 bride, Vera Wang is introducing ivory ballgowns with a classic touch of panelled lace. Pictured left is Maude, a light ivory long sleeve ballgown with hand appliqué macramé lace panels on the bodice, sleeves and skirt. For the contemporary bride, the Audore is the perfect mix of classicism and fashion. The light ivory long sleevy macramé lace ballgown comes with a high neck accent and couture hand draped skirt. Both dramatic and statement-making, these dresses are perfect for the fashion-conscious bride and will see you strut down that church aisle, as if it were a runway. 

Carolina Herrera

 

For Spring 2019, Carolina Herrera adds a touch of tradition while still bending the rules – perfect for the modern bride. As 2019 brides prepare for the biggest day of their lives, the Venezuelan fashion designer’s collection acts as a reminder that sometimes, breaking the traditions may be the statement you are looking for. Introducing bursts of yellow or purple satin, this collection is a nod to the designer’s meticulous attention to detail with an unexpected layer of playful romanticism for the bride who is ready to make her own unique statement. 

Elie Saab

Elie Saab’s expertise in all things opulence is reflected in his Spring 2019 ‘Bal de Vienne’ bridal collection. From voluminous ball gowns to figure hugging mermaid shapes, the collection offers plentiful options to choose from. Aside from the beautiful shapes, it would be folly not to declare the exquisite details, luxurious fabrics and fine craftsmanship that are all present in these bridal gowns and sincerely reflect the Maison’s longstanding heritage.

Jenny Packham

British fashion designer, Jenny Packham has been much appreciated for her impeccable attention to detail in embroidery as well as the sumptuous, light and floaty fabric that glides across runways and church aisles. For Spring 2019, Packham brings combines her signature conventions with a playful element of charm that resemble the Club Studio 54-inspired glamour of the 70’s, including metallic sequined pieces and jeweled halternecks. For the more traditional bride, we love the Lucille dress (pictured above), which gives special attention to off-the shoulder straps and is perfect for those balmy spring-summer days.

 

Text: Hira Desai 

Photo Credits:

Givenchy, Facebook
VeraWang.com
Carolina Herrera NY Facebook
Elie Saab World Facebook
The Jenny Packham, Facebook 

Pre-fall Collection Couture: A round-up of next season’s best looks

With summer now in full swing, the time for beach barbeques, weekend junks and skin-baring clothes is here! But already, the world’s top fashion houses have their eye on the future, recently revealing their latest pre-autumn collections. From among the eye-grabbing looks and eye-popping colours and patterns on show, here’s a round-up of our favourite Pre-Fall collection looks.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta's Pre-Fall Collection

Bottega Veneta fully embraces the vibrant nature of summer while still keeping an eye on the approaching autumn season beyond this season. Brightly patterned dresses paired with more sturdy trenches seem to be a byword of this line.

Dior

Dior's Pre-Fall Collection

In a break with tradition, Dior has eschewed the traditionally vivid colours of summer entirely. Instead, its mostly monochrome Pre-Fall collection fully embraces a more sombre style with a hint of androgyny.

Fendi

Fendi's Pre-Fall Collection

Flirtatious and feminine, Fendi’s Pre-Fall collection is a riot of colours, textures and cuts. From breezy sundresses and casual daywear to the sturdier fur coats, it perfectly bridges the inter-seasonal divide.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton's Pre-Fall Collection

It’s all about layering when it comes to Louis Vuitton’s new line. Whether it’s a fur coat-mini skirt combo or overcoat-maxi dress-boot ensemble, LV’s mix-and-match style introduces an element of incongruous fun for fall-minded fashionistas.

Versace

Versace's Pre-Fall Collection

Bold and unapologetically brazen, Versace’s trademark eye-popping style is inherently apparent in its Pre-Fall collection. Reds, blues and yellows are unmissably intertwined throughout, with jaunty caps, loud patterns and metal accents tying it all together.

Art Beat: Out and about with the exhibitionists

Inspired by art with a heavy dose of springtime flair, check out our seasonal his-and-hers looks for the warmer weather.

 

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Models: Camryn P & Tommy V @ Quest
Make-up: Esther Kwan
Hair: Rita Chung
Venue: Mount Pavilia

Tarun Tahiliani brings Indian couture to HK with new cosmos-inspired Tarakini collection

Indian accents are strong in Tarakini Collection by Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani brings his modern Indian couture to HK this Friday

Designer Tarun Tahiliani will unveil his modern Indian haute couture collection Tarakini at the Conrad on 27 April. Ahead of the show, Gafencu spoke exclusively with him to gain some insights into the inspirations behind his beautiful creations and his personal evolution as a designer.

Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani
Indian couture designer Tarun Tahiliani

When did you find your passion for design, and how has your journey led you to create Tarun Tahiliani Design?

I have sketched fashion since I was six or seven, so design has always been my passion. I studied business at Wharton, then received an associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, before returning to India over two decades ago. My first challenge was to change Indian preconceptions. Indians love colour and wanted mostly shocking colours. For me that was too ‘costume’, I preferred simple but elegant tailoring. So I astutely took the best of both East and West and came up with something unique…

In 1987, I opened the multi brand shop Ensemble, which kicked off the whole idea of home-grown Indian couture. Thereafter, I founded Tarun Tahiliani Design studio in 1995. Since then my signature has evolved as a fusion of textile detail, refined luxury, and meticulous tailoring with innovative modern construct and fit.

Stunning silhouttes by Tarun Tahiliani

How would you describe your design ethos?

I live by the mantra – India Modern. I grew up in Bombay, in a post-colonial, socialist India, where our traditional crafts were badly neglected. Thankfully, over time, people awakened to India’s truly great heritage and came to realise that contemporary design could give India’s rich traditions a new voice.

Fashion, for me stands for that ethos. As a brand, Tarun Tahiliani embraces the present while preserving India’s heritage of draped form and tradition of artistry. Each creation exemplifying the guiding philosophy – “all that we were and more.”

Tarun Tahiliani designs Tarakini line

What is your proudest achievement, and why?

I do not want to sit on my achievements. Achievements are milestones of the past and that’s really over. I work more and more for the love of doing something rather than “what it might achieve for me”. I am constantly plagued by the next step. How do I reinvent myself? How do I change the design aesthetic to stay rooted to its culture yet be modern and wearable.

Can you tell us a bit about your Tarakini collection? How have you departed from more traditional design concepts here?

Tarakini, our Spring Summer 2018 collection came about because I was tired of seeing women weighed down by overtly heavy clothes. We worked to deliver top-grade fit and fashion flair without skimping on comfort, and, like you would look at the universe and the stars, in the lightness as they are floating, that’s where the origins of the name ‘Tarakini’ came in.

The collection juxtaposes astronomy motifs with Mughal-inspired floral and jewel themes, fusing the very best of India’s rich heritage of embroidery, latticework and hand-painted detailing with digital textile printing.

Tarun Tahiliani blends modern with traditional

Your designs will be showing in Hong Kong on 27 April. What message/impression do you hope to impart?

It feels fantastic to take Indian fashion global. At the moment, everyone is into the wedding market because it’s a comfort zone; it’s where people spend maximum money. With Tarakini, the audience can an exhibition of our unique principles of fit, finish and proportion, and that are a distillation of our design sensibility.

Tarun Tahiliani’s Spring Summer 2018 collection Tarakini debut:
Date:  Friday, 27 April
Time: 11am – 7pm
Venue: Bowen Room @ Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty

This event is co-hosted by Melange Singapore, a Singapore-based fashion platform that promotes South Asian fashion via private trunk shows, fashions shows and immersive events. For more information on Melange and Tarun show please email on singapore.melange@gmail.com or visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2473894716168324

 

Our top three beach looks for women: Which one will you try?

We know that junk boat and beach party invitations are pouring in already, so we have carefully curated three beach looks for women who want to stay on top of their style game every time. So it’s time to go beachwear shopping, snap out the shades, slip on the sandals and flock to the beaches, ladies!

Blue Belle

three beach looks for women

Our first look is for a lady with understated sensibilities. The navy-blue swimsuit is as timeless as the sea, but you can add a contemporary touch with a pop of orange. The tan bag from Delvaux and the open-toe sandals from the Malone Souliers SS18 collection keep things fun and summer-y!

three beach looks for women

Swimsuit: les essentiels by Eres (shop here)
Bag: Brilliant GM Rodeo by Delvaux (shop here)
Shades: M3051 by Matsuda (shop here)
Sandals: Flameana by Malone Souliers (shop here)

Coral Chic

three beach looks for women

Our second look channels your inner diva. Stand out from the crowd in a coral swimsuit, with the green-blue of the ocean reflecting in your duo-toned shades. Keep things minimal with a white bag from Delvaux and the starry sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti.

three beach looks for women

Swimsuit: les essentiels by Eres (shop here)
Bag: Brilliant MM Box Calf by Delvaux (shop here)
Shades: M3050 by Matsuda (shop here)
Sandals: Shooting Star Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti (shop here)

Fuchsia Flair

three beach looks for women

Our third and final look is only meant for those who are supremely confident in their skin. Flaunt your beach body in a fuchsia swimsuit while sporting oversized studded shades from Gucci and showing off you perfectly manicured toes in a wavy sandal by Chloé.

three beach looks for women

Swimsuit: les essentiels by Eres (shop here)
Bag: Brilliant East/West Mini Ethiopia by Delvaux (shop here)
Shades: Oversize Square Frame Metal Sunglasses by Gucci (shop here)
Sandals: Lauren Flat Sandals by Chloé (shop here)

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Image courtesy: Eres, Delvaux, Gucci, Matsuda, Chloé, M’oda O’perandi, Malone Souliers

Secretly Yours: Fashion boutique Secret Service serves up a dose of Taiwanese creativity

After Korean and Japanese fashion, is it time for our Taiwanese neighbours to capture our hearts with their fashion? Indeed, it seems like it. In that light, we investigate Secret Service – a concept store in the high-fashion entertainment district of Taipei, often referred to as the ‘Harajuku’ of Taiwan due to the area’s vibrancy and distinguishing style.

Secret Service

Secret Service seems well informed about the latest fashion trends which they pass on to customers through a carefully curated edit of unique, cutting-edge pieces. It also keeps an eye out for emerging talents from around the world, with a primary focus on Taiwanese creativity.

Featured designers include 11 By Boris Bidjan Saberi, Aleksandr Manamis, Biek Verstappen, Fagassent, Geoffrey B Small, Guidi, Horisaki, Julius 7, Nude: Masahiko Maruyama, Thom Krom, Too Good, Uma Wang and Ziggy Chen.

Secret Service

The aesthetic is all about space and light, clarity and precision – with a stripped-back interior designed to provide a sensation of visual tranquility. The shop explores the innovation of contemporary and avant-garde clothing, so shoppers can immerse themselves into a new chapter of menswear and womenswear.

Check it out here: http://www.secretservice.com.tw/

Top 5 skiwear brands

Top 5 skiwear brands

Are you planning your next ski trip and want to look cool on the slopes, while remaining as snug as a rug? No problem. Check out our roundup of the top 5 skiwear brands for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The North Face

Top 5 Skiwear Brands

The North Face has been designing mountaineering gear for more than 50 years. Transitioning from mountaineering to skiing, the brand is now a favourite on ski slopes and hinterlands. Best-selling products include the waterproof-breathable jackets and pants, worn by professionals such including Angel Collinson. Known for consistently pushing the limits of innovation and design, The North face is committed to producing only the best in comfort and design.

Columbia Sportswear

Top 5 Skiwear Brands

Founded in 1983 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company was originally created for producing equipment for Pacific Northwesterners. Today, the worldwide brand is famed for its simple but effective apparel and footwear, keeping you dry and protected, no matter the weather.

If you want to get the best bang for your buck, Columbia is your go to!

Patagonia

Top 5 skiwear brands

While this company started small, designing tools for climbers and alpinism remains their ultimate goal. As skiing has become more popular, the brand have moved into the sport, engineering and manufacturing, even having their products tested by top athletes in the most extreme conditions on the planet. With years of experience in developing top quality products, you can rest assured that Patagonia will provide you with all the classic essentials for skiwear shoppers. 

Mountain Hardwear

Top 5 skiwear brands

Founded in 1993, Mountain Hardwear believe that everyone who enjoys the outdoors deserve the best apparel and equipment. Ski mountaineers swear by the brand’s cutting edge outerwear, tents and sleeping bags. The classic snow pants offer dry protection and lightweight warmth while the utility pants feature zippered pockets and inner-thigh vents. To enjoy winter to its fullest, the comfort of Mountain Hardwear won’t let you down.

Fera

Top 5 skiwear brands

We think Fera is one of the best skiwear brands for women today.  Popular for their best value jackets, pants and sweaters, Fera products are perfect for ski and snow. The brand aims to create quality winter wear for women who like to look stylish on the slopes. Focusing on fit while maximising comfort and performance, Fera will have you feeling as confident as ever. To find out more about this exciting brand, check out our exclusive interview with Patty Tung, Director of Fera Asia Pacific. 

Image Credits: Facebook – The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear 

Text: Hira Desai 

Fine-tune your outfit with these sparkly multi-coloured pieces

2018 is forging ahead with an all-singing, all-dancing cornucopia of multi-coloured enhancement. Whether you are looking to make a statement on a date or enhance an outfit for a work event, this colorful trend is your best bet. 

Stack multi-coloured gem and diamond rings and bracelets to bedazzle your outfit by day. When the evening comes, layer with different lengths, textures and styles of necklaces to create a show-stopping ensemble 

Need some inspiration? Check out our roundup of dazzling jewellery pieces in a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours. 

Check out our guides to layering necklaces and embellished earrings for more details on the latest jewellery trends.

 

Nocturn-Ons: Stay on-trend with these playful looks

From comic prints to jacquard and PVC, these playful looks will having you looking on-trend in no time!

For more details, check out the full version of this feature on Gafencu Magazine’s April 2018 print issue. You can download the free app for digital editions of the magazine.