Get Lucky with ALDO

Fal and I attended Aldo's Fall Collection launch, Get Lucky, at Zouk last night. The showy Vegas theme suited the glamorous shoe collection to the tee. The event was slated to start at 7.30 in the evening but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. So wait we did for more than an hour. Hors d'oeuvre and drinks were served of course and attendees were invited to take a closer look at the Fall shoes at the display next to the runway.





Oh, Aldo also had a couple of waiters walking around serving the ladies some sexy heels. These are Aldo's Mcintyde retro heels, perfect for divas and divas-to-be, made extra feminine with a pretty bow at the toe. I tried to persuade Fal to take a picture with him instead of taking a picture of him but she stood her ground this
time (haha).

 

The show opened with a bang; a sexy and energetic dance number that closed with fantastic popping and locking by two male dancers. The female dancers donned black mini dresses with playful fringed skirts, keeping the 'hooker' at bay with sheer black stockings instead of fishnets (those would have crossed the line). The highlight of the dance number of course was not the dancing as much as the shoes. The dancers wore Aldo's Colour Pop soft suede pumps in 5 different colours, red, teal, magenta, plum and electric blue. The dance number sure proved that Aldo's pumps are perfect for dancing the night away as vigorously or energetically as you like.



The models looked great in one-piece black corseted bodices onto which mini skirts made with lots of black tulle were attached. Actually, their dresses reminded me of ballet costumes worn on stage, fitted bodices and tutu skirts that show off a dancer's legs to their fullest.

 



Sexy, skyscraping legs aside, the shoes were well displayed and the playful theme was carried through right to the end of the show. Suede, snakeskin and leopard prints were the anchor themes that were featured, reflective of the trends that are hot this Fall season.






Feveravenue's Adam Kerr serving up some suede goodies.

The Childres in gold is my absolute favourite. I will be trotting down to Aldo soon with my 20% off voucher courtesy of Aldo to bag myself these bling bling shoes, retailing for $109. The one I had an issue with is the red, patent Bremseth. It did not pass my 'hooker test', so to speak. So vampish. I told Fal I'd look like a dodgy showgirl if I were to wear those.



There were some prizes to be won of course as is the norm with most bigger fashion events and collection launches. Aldo gave away vouchers for the best dressed of the night, as voted by the attendees. I wasn't too psyched about the prizewinners though. In my book, the few who were shortlisted weren't impressive at all, there were so many others who were much better dressed than those on the runway. I guess they sure did "Get Lucky". There was a lucky draw as well. Honestly, I think lucky draws are the cheesiest and most gimmick-y trick to get people to stay on at any event. However, as cheesy and lame as they are, I cannot help but feel a tinge of excitement when the names are being pulled out and announced (haha). I guess the thrill of maybe having won something is always a fun feeling to experience.

Kudos to Aldo for a pretty successful event and thanks to Feveravenue as well for inviting us along. Fal and I hung out with the team from Feveravenue and hell yeah, we had so much fun.





Lastly, Fal and I would like to apologise for the terrible quality of photos. The story: Fal left home in a rush this morning and I left home rushing like never before in the afternoon. Fal forgot her awesome Olympus and I conveniently left my Canon on my desk. Fal thought "Fir will bring hers" and I thought "Fal will definitely have hers" so we didn't bother making a trip back to grab our babies. Hence, the photos you're looking at in this post are all taken with our Blackberry smartphones. Photography was not a joy with these terrible cameras but we hope to have captured the event in its entirety as well as some of its energy for you to enjoy.

♥,
Fir

Get that Modern Classic with H&M: Part 1

Preppy dressing takes on a whole new meaning with H&M's new Modern Classics collection for men. Expect updated wardrobe essentials as suiting is in focus this season and vivid colours bring a fresh touch to matching cotton slacks or knitwear. Paired with crisp shirts, tweeds and flannels, the look is instantly classic and modern.

Who better to tell us how to style a modern classic look than Tom Stubbs, one of the most well-known menswear stylists who championed the return of the suit and that trend continues today?

According to Tom Stubbs, there is a new hunger for structure, dignity and tailoring, a departure from the slouchiness of the decade. This A/W 2011 will see pinstripes, tweed and three-piece-suits in a modern fit for the younger generation who want to sharpen their look whilst remaining trendy and chic.

Now all Singaporeans can enjoy and own such gorgeous pieces from H&M. As you have probably realised, Fal and I are over the moon that H&M is here.
Still unsure if you want to partake in the renaissance of the classics? Still afraid of wearing a suit and looking dated (like some uncle)? Spend the next 5 mins with Tom Stubbs and model Benj and you'll find that it isn't that difficult to update your look with H&M's new Modern Classics collection.



Inspired? We sure hope so. Watch this space for what we think about these styling tips. Till then, let's just say, enjoy H&M.

Video credits to Barracuda Film & TV.
♥,
Fir

Liquid by max.tan

Fal and I went down to the the launch of Liquid by max.tan last evening. The new collection embodied an understated chic and showcased a cautious mix of pastels and lighter hues with the usual blacks, greys and whites that makes the A/W collection rather unique. We asked Max why Liquid, and not the already established label, max.tan. max.tan's A/W 2010-11 collection was the first Asian based label ever to showcase in Amsterdam's Modefabriek in 2010 and was featured by Vogue Paris Online, afterwhich it won second place at the China Fashion Creation Contest 2010.

The quirky designer explained that he wanted a more affordable range for his customers as he cannot expect all of them to blow $500 on a dress every month. The Liquid collection however, is far from a liquidated max.tan as the designer has ensured that each piece still embodies the same avant-garde and experimental ideas and construction that his main label has become synonymous with.

We asked Max about his inspiration behind the collection and he sited a Southeast Asian or Peranakan influence, as seen through the draping and close fit of several of the items in the Liquid line. A specific Peranakan element which Max has cleverly made contemporary in a soft, semi-sheer maxi dress is the sheerness of the kebaya as well as its snug fit. The designer also picked out a top (shown below) which is like a sarong because it can be tied around the neck, like a sarong (haha).



As a person, Fal and I found that the designer has an easy-going and personable demeanor that made him easy to talk to. Furthermore, he was sufficiently engaging, providing us with nuggets of amusement in his speech. For instance, he mentioned that he was "exploring his feminine side with pastels and colours". Max told us that his clothes have often been labelled as Japanese inspired. He doesn't like being labelled as Japanese and jovially shared that he doesn't understand why because his inspiration is overwhelmingly Southeast Asian. However, Max takes it as a compliment anyway as Japanese designers have been known to push boundaries and are distinctly avant-garde with regard to their constructed silhouettes.



Max adores draping and detailing; even in such a limited collection that is Liquid, we could see his passion for such detailing incorporated into each piece of apparel. Each piece is thought through right down to the last detail. Take the peach top featured below. We were shown the handwork done on the inside of the item such that the seams are wrapped up neatly and not untidily tucked in like other apparel out in the market. It therefore takes much more time to finish one top than usual; Max mentioned that the time taken to make one top with this sort of neat seaming is equivalent to the time taken to make ten tops without such attention to detail on the inside of a blouse.



Max also explained that he challenges himself with materials that are more difficult to handle (exclaimed with a laugh, "I don't know why!") but feels a great sense of satisfaction when he completes a piece. As part of the launch, customers and guests were invited to try on the pieces as they liked. The designer himself explained that one has to try the pieces to know how it feels and fits on the body. I therefore (successfully) persuaded a reluctant Fal to try on some of his items for me to snap a few photos of.



This is one of Max's favourites from his collection. A versatile black jersey piece that can be worn in many ways. The first shot shows Fal with the cowl neck worn as a hood, the second is the dress as it is. Max showed us that it can be worn as a tube dress as well (third photo; worn by model).



A draped skirt.



This shirt caught our eye because of its unique exterior seams and detailing on the sleeve.





At the launch.


Our favourites from the Liquid collection include a black jacket with sheer sleeves (picture below) and a mandarin collar and the versatile black dress that the designer himself also loves.

Liquid by max.tan can be found at Takashimaya, Level 3.


♥,
Fir