Autumn / Winter 2019-20: Part 1 of this season’s hottest looks

With the onset of cooler weather offering a welcome reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, a refreshing array of svelte designs has been served up by the world’s much-loved high-end fashion brands to help femme fashionistas to heat up their wardrobes during the coming months. From shimmering eveningwear and elegant overcoats to evocatively experimental ensembles, there’s something here to appeal to every modern woman. Without further adieu, let’s dive into Part 1 of our coverage of the hottest haute couture looks of Autumn / Winter 2019…

Autumn Winter Fashion

Bottega Veneta

“I like real clothes. I think there’s a need for a return to elegance and sophistication,” Daniel Lee, Bottega Veneta’s creative director, opined before his Autumn / Winter collection hit the catwalk. Indeed, his new women’s line places firm emphasis on wearability and comfort, albeit with an experimental streak, ranging from everyday chic – think sweaters and pants – to more outré offerings like loud leopard-print overcoats, bold black-and-blue cut-out dresses and shimmering evening gowns. Judicious use of leather – an undeniable Bottega signature – underscores every look, be it the form-fitting leather trousers, sleek boots or eye-catching handbags.  

Burberry

For his sophomore Burberry collection, its Italian chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci apparently drew inspiration from the “contrasts in British culture and weather”. It is a study in contrasts indeed, as short, flirtatiously fringed dresses and shimmering sequined gowns vie with rigidly-shouldered coats and silhouette-hiding vests for attention. An aura of defiance against the tense socio-political pre-Brexit atmosphere is wholly perceptible throughout, while Tisci’s affinity for streetwear also makes an appearance in the form of puffy bomber jackets, layered rugby shirts and unambiguously utilitarian footwear.

Chanel

Haute couture maison Chanel bid farewell to its iconic creative director, the late and much-lamented Karl Lagerfeld, by celebrating his final creations – its Autumn / Winter 2019 line – in a majestic, winter-wonderland fashion. Fittingly imbued with the sense of irreverent playfulness that marked so many of his works, the collection celebrates femininity in all its multifaceted glory, be it the classically-elegant wide-legged trouser suits of the modern working woman, the princess chic of a snow-white miniskirt or the unassailable magnetism of an eye-popping all-purple ensemble. Blending tradition with modernity in a flair all his own, it is a fitting finale for one of fashion’s all-time greats.

Chloé

Chloé’s newest seasonal looks are a riot of patterns, fabrics and textures, all intertwined with asymmetrical hemlines, morphing silhouettes and the occasional splash of colour. An apt homage to the ever-evolving nature of haute couture, creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi has interspersed her more sober offerings – denim jeans and a tee, a billowing overcoat over tweed trousers – with a touch of edginess evident in the wispy floor-length gowns, evocative see-through tops and lacy skirts. Throughout, her only allowance for consistency lies in the talismanic accessories that accentuate most outfits, taking each perfectly-tailored ensemble to new heights.

Dior

Feminism, sisterhood and the rise of womankind – these are the unquestionable themes shaping Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s latest looks. Inspired by Britain’s Teddy Girls – the bold working-class vixens who rejected post-WWII austerity and embraced head-turning, gender-bending garments as their call-to-action – the models are garbed in loud hues and strong checkered patterns in aggressively cut yet undeniable feminine lines. Interspersed with these more dominant designs are form-fitting dresses in a whirl of translucent sequins, ruffled taffeta and seductively high hemlines, proclaiming that in today’s enlightened age, a woman can indulge her delicate side and still remain powerful.

Dolce & Gabbana

The staggering 127-look parade that encompasses Dolce & Gabbana’s new seasonal line is a visual smorgasbord to say the least. Dubbed the Eleganza collection, the mammoth anthology is divided into 11 wholly separate sections – Masculine, Colour Block and Tweed, to name but three – each representative of a signature style developed by its two founders over the last 36 years. Advocating a “return to classicality”, the duo have presented an eye-popping array of sophisticated day-tonight wear, from androgynous tweed suits and pants to soft and dreamy “Sleepwear”. Elsewhere, bold leopard prints and beautifully-tailored portrait-print pieces gift the collection with a sense of the outré.

Fendi

Another swansong collection by the late Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi’s Autumn / Winter 2019 show exemplifies the very best of his signature looks. Dominated by warm beige, yellow and orange hues, the boxy cuts and structurally austere lines of the mainly formal offerings have been given a dash of playful accents, be it the oversized bowtie that adorns a square-shouldered leather coat, the Fendi logo-printed leggings or the geometrically intricate gauzy leather dress. The pièce de résistance of the collection is an airy and flirtatiously sheer buttercup-yellow dress worn by model Gigi Hadid to close the show.

Givenchy

Deftly demonstrating that formalwear can be fun and exuberant, Givenchy’s creative director Clare Waight Keller has freely experimented with varying volumes, layers and patterns while still delivering a wholly sophisticated ladieswear collection – themed as “the winter of Eden” – this season. The most profound of her explorations are to be found in her study of shoulders and sleeves. From ’40s-era square cuts to the ’90s’ shrunkenly sloped lines, from sculpturally rounded styles to a slinky off-shoulder design with a puffed sleeve, Keller ably showcases her undeniable tailoring genius and innate vision with each design.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Autumn / Winter 2019-20 coverage…

Square Deals: Square bags are the must-have accessories of the season

While super-tiny clutches – ones that are two sizes too small even a modestly-proportioned lipstick – may be the arm candy du jour at red carpets and gala dinners, it’s their far roomier, squarer counterparts that steal the show when it comes to full functionality. With this in mind, many of the most happening haute couture brands have launched a selection of smart but sensible square bags, complete with clean lines and sharp silhouettes. Below are some of our favourite square bags of the season. 

6 Luxurious Beach Accessories to Brighten up your Summer

Whether your summer days are spent catching rays at Repulse Bay, surfing at Big Wave Beach or lounging by the Rosewood Hotel’s poolside, there are a few essentials no one should be without to have some fun in the sun. With our carefully curetted selection of luxurious beach accessories, you’ll surely appreciate the high-end items on offer to make your beach days more beachin’.

Dolce & Gabbana

Kendra Straw Coffa with Logo Patch

The Kendra Straw Coffa with Logo Patch bag is ideal for beach babes looking to not only bring their A-game to the beach but just about everything else too! This pretty purse embellished with embroidery studs allows for its carrier to have ample space for towels, a change of clothes and maybe even a cheeky bottle of wine.

luxurious beach accessories

Gucci

Embellished Grosgrain-Trimmed Straw Hat

Taking your pretty little head into the sun without a hat is a risky move you simply don’t need to take, as the Embellished Grosgrain-Trimmed Straw Hat from Gucci provides the needed coverage for your noggin. Sit back and relax, and let the gold ‘GG’ plaque and shimmering red crystals catch the sun’s rays instead of your crown.

luxurious beach accessories

Chanel

UV Essentiel Multi-protection Daily Defender UV – Pollution SPF50+

An indispensable essential, the UV Essentiel Multi-protection Daily Defender UV – Pollution SPF50+ sunscreen provides your skin with the ultimate protection from harmful rays, pollution and free radicals. Those looking to catch a tan may want to opt for the SPF30, while those wishing to remain their fairest will want to level up to SPF50.

luxurious beach accessories

bkr

Big Spiked Naked Kiss Kit Original

Boldly declaring, ‘your hydration is everything’ the Big Spiked Naked Kiss Kit not only provides beach-goers with a chic pale-rose 1L water bottle but also comes with Paris Water Balm, an ultra-hydrating glossy lip treatment that keeps you literally sun-kissed. Spend your day next to the sea feeling cool, refreshed and flirtatious. 

luxurious beach accessories

Paul Smith

Signature-stripe Cotton-terry Beach Towel

Great for drying off from a dip in the pool or seaside, or just lounging on the sand and catching some sun, the Signature-stripe Cotton-terry Beach Towel is a bright and bold beach accessory you can’t be without this summer. Made from 100 percent cotton, the towel not only provides a soft and comfortable fabric and spreads out from 80cm n width to 160cm in length.

luxurious beach accessories

Fendi

Logo-print Leather And Rubber Slides

Shelter your feet from the sand’s smouldering touch with Fendi’s Logo-print Leather And Rubber Slides. The iconic Fendi logo is prominent throughout the sandals chunky sides, and have been made from smooth Italian leather. Meanwhile, the open-toe concept allows for the perfect opportunity to show off your pedicure.

Spring / Summer 2019: Turn up the heat with these flirtatiously femme fads

Dazzling hues, arresting patterns and bold prints – the haute couture world celebrates the emergence of spring with a seemingly endless array of divine designs. From subtly sophisticated power suits and chic silk skirts to avant-garde accessories and apparel, from ’60s-era flared trousers and ’80s geometric patterns to metallic Space Age inspirations, this season’s collections deftly balance every imaginable style in a whirlwind of fads, fabrics and flourishes. Onwards, then, to the top looks of Spring / Summer 2019…

 

Burberry

 

Turning the old adage that beige is boring completely on its head, chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci has completely transformed this once -blasé shade into the very cutting edge of refined haute couture this season. Deftly divided into three separate sections – casual, sophisticated and evening wear – these creations were craf ted solely with the modern woman in mind. From posh pencil pants and square-shouldered suit jackets to playful polka dots and bold animal prints, Tisci’s masterful deployment of textures, tones and fabrics will surely find favour with haute couture-minded madames the world over, no matter what the occasion.

Chanel

 

In what was to be his final collection for Chanel, its late creative director Karl Lagerfeld transported his audience to the sun-dappled beachside. With a solid emphasis on flirtatious fun, his barefoot models pranced – sandals firmly in hand – down the catwalk in a flurry of ruffles, silky silhouettes and a plethora of patterns, with a hip handbag or two thrown in for good measure. The highlight of the show, though, was undoubtedly the svelte showcase of Chanel’s signature tweed in the form of suit jackets, gloves and overcoats, all cut in contemporary fashion and burnished in bold hues of pink, yellow and blue.

Chloé

There seems to be no expiration date for some good old-fashioned ’60s hippie chic, at least as far as Chloé’s Natacha Ramsay-Levi is concer ned. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and Ibiza, her sophomore Spring / Summer collection for the maison pays tribute to the festival going fashionista of the Flower Power era with a rich catalogue of Boho-esque flared trousers, kaf tan gowns, figure-hugging jump suits, and ethnic-printed silk scarves and shirts. A veritable treasure trove of talismanic accessories – from tasselled earrings and rope belts to cuff bracelets and oversized pendant necklaces – rounds out the line’s refined New Age vibe.

Dior

Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri explores the concept of freedom in a series of eye-popping creations inspired by the world of modern dance for Dior. Gone are the movement-restricting corsets and stiff fabrics that were the benchmarks of previous seasons. Instead, there’s a new element of playfulness, be it the sheer chiffons and tulles that allow an enticing glimpse of skin or the flowy, figure-hiding overcoats and sweaters that leave you wanting more. As a final flourish, ballerina-esque flats and leotard-inspired garments have been interwoven throughout, fulfilling Chiuri’s mission to “speak about dance with a different point of view, to speak about freedom”.

Fendi

Embracing the urban concrete jungle in which we live, Fendi’s recently passed and much-mourned creative director Karl Lagerfeld turned it on its head, using a minimalist palette of sage, cognac, burgundy, tangerine and white to create a collection that is brilliant in its down to-earth appeal. Though ostensibly masculine in shape, the attires are deliberately softened by a touch of femininity through gathered patch pockets, ruched sleeves, feminine belts, floral prints and even bib collars. And while the dresses themselves are strictly utilitarian, the accessories – such as the legendary Baguette bag from the ’90s that makes a reappearance with sequin embellishments – give them an unmistakably signature Fendi flamboyance.

Givenchy

Building on her well-known penchant for creating entire collections around one singularly compelling individual, Givenchy creative director Clare Waight-Keller has once again plumbed the depths of historical archives to present a new line inspired by Annemarie Schwarzenbach, an early 20th-century bisexual Swiss journalist and photographer with a penchant for cross-dressing. On a mission to “collide the codes” of menswear and women’s apparel, she has embraced Schwarzenbach’s gender fluidity to the fullest, balancing the feminine – swishing floor-length gowns, shimmering tassels and crystal accents – with distinctly masculine tuxedo jackets, trenches and trousers. The verdict? A barrierbreaking success.

Hermès

Eschewing the outré in favour of clean lines and light tones, French haute couture maison Hermès has wholly embraced the spirit of summer with an array of decidedly sporty creations. In place of the equine designs that dominated last season’s catwalks, this year’s focus is more in line with beach chic, with strappy sandals, peek-a-boo bralettes and shoulder-baring shirts all in play. As usual, the brand’s iconic orange hue was very much in evidence, whether accenting a hemline or dominating across a sailing coat. Of particular note, though, is the seamless transformation of Hermès’ sturdier leather designs into comfortable, breathable summery garments and accessories that still retain an aura of casual sophistication while taking ‘athleisure’ wear to new heights.

Text: Tenzing Thondup and Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Size matters: Oversized sweaters, the most comfortable fashion trend ever

Let’s admit it, fashion trends aren’t always the most comfortable. Take PVC outfits from Chanel’s SS18 collection, for example. But if there’s one current trend that we hope never goes of style, it is oversized sweaters for ladies. Think plush pullovers, ballooning sleeves, knee-touching cardigans, etc. These warm snug woollens make you look super-stylish and super-comfy at the same time, which – as ladies know – is a very rare combination.

Pulling off the look is equally easy – pair it with jeans for a classic casual look or throw on a pair of tight leggings to up your sex appeal. Wearing them tucked in with a skirt and high booties can give you an edgy look as well.

Of course, the quirky prints and patterns on oversized sweaters help the cause of fashion. From Gucci’s iconic lion to Fendi’s embroidered heart design, our slideshow presents the very best of these bulky woollens, so check them out and decide for yourself which one matches your style statement.

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?

 

 

Furry Fashion: Our top outerwear and wraps to embrace winter

With winter all but knocking on our doors, it’s time to bring out those jackets and coats for that perfect wrapped up look. But before you pull out last year’s outerwear, check out this season’s top outerwear looks. Maybe it’s time to invest in that outré outerwear you have been eyeing!

Choose from our top outerwear looks this season…

 

 

Behind the Scenes video

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction: San Wong
Video: Lai Ty Yeung
Models: Sylwai@AIM Management; Diogo@Primo
Make-up: Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Folly Bergère: Gallic-bred garmentry for the true Francophile

Europe, and especially France has always been considered a venerable mecca of high fashion, with more informed buyers always on the look-out for the latest trends from the ramps and showrooms of the European high fashion brands. This season, we bring to you a selection of the most coveted accessories to glam up your wardrobe…

 

Who dares twins: Winning twinning trends this season

There’s no doubt about it…twinning is in, be it wearing matching T-shirts with your other half or dressing your little tot in a mini-you version. This season we give twinning a sophisticated spin, as we take you through the hottest twinning looks this season. Make it a double, ladies! 

Look 1

From left:
On Ana
Printed dress, Mirror Heel long boots, Gancino Vela top-handle bag, all by Salvatore Ferragamo, Magda pierced earrings by Swarovski
On Diana
Twillaine sweater-dress, pleated culottes, over-the-knee boots in goatskin, 24/24 bag, all by Hermès
Magnetic Hoop pierced earrings by Swarovski

Look 2

From left:
On Ana
Jacket with mink cuffs, trousers, shirt with embroidered collar, Peekaboo top-handle bag, by Fendi, ankle booties by Loewe
On Diana
Coat with mink cuffs, pleated skirt, sequined shirt, Peekaboo top-handle mini bag, all by Fendi, buckled booties by Miu Miu

Look 3

From left:
On Diana
Dress, scarf and The Clash tartan print shoulder bag, all by Versace, Mandarin Bamboo pierced earrings by Swarovski
On Ana
One-piece dress with scarf, The Clash tartan print top-handle bag, all by Versace
Magnetic pierced earrings by Swarovski

Look 4

From left:
On Ana
Dress by Etro, Gate mini bag by Loewe, Heeled sandals by Givenchy, Magnetic Hoop pierced earring by Swarovski
On Diana
Dress by Etro, Gate mini bag by Loewe, Heeled sandals by Givenchy, Magnetic Hoop pierced earring by Swarovski

Look 5

From left:
On Diana
Moleskin coat, mohair sweater, denim shirt, buckled booties, sequined and jewelled shoulder bag, all by Miu Miu
On Ana
Checked coat and shoulder-bag, both by Miu Miu, ankle booties by Loewe

Look 6

From left:
On Diana
Belted long coat with shearling, GV3 small bag, all by Givenchy, booties with buckle by Miu Miu
On Ana
Blouson jacket with shearling, panel skirt, GV3 small bag, all by Givenchy, ankle booties by Loewe

Look 7

From left:
On Ana
Long-sleeved jacket and pants with piping, shield earring, all by Loewe, heeled sandals by Givenchy
On Diana
Long-sleeved jacket and pants with piping, stitched earring, all by Loewe, heeled sandals by Givenchy

These were our top seven twinsome looks to guide you. So just go and nail the perfect twinning trend already!

 

           

Coveted coats: Ten coats that we’re eyeing from the FW18/19 runways

Fresh from the FW18-19 runways from across the haute couture brands, we have for you a choicest selection of snug, stylish coats, that are designed to keep you warm and on-trend from cool autumn nights to the coldest of winter days. Check out our top ten most coveted coats this season…