Neon baubles

Here's the latest addition to my jewelry rack: A tousled necklace in the brightest of colours and friendship bands (unfortunately bought off the shelf at H&M for myself). Will someone make me more friendship bands pleaaasee? I'm completely hopeless with knots.

-Fal

Anna Dello Russo for H&M

 

So word is out that Anna Dello Russo is designing a collection of accessories for H&M. This collection will feature jewellery, shoes, bag, sunglasses and a trolley (?) and will be available at H&M stores around the world on 4 October 2012.

If you have the ADR syndrome, i.e. obsessive love for all things bling, you're going to love this collection. Watch a video of ADR talking about the inspiration for her collection and check out her Accessories Bibliothèque (home) here.

'They make a great sound... that bling-bling sound, it's a great sound because it's a therapeutic sound' - ADR on jewellery.

-Fal

Chinese New Year Goodies

I'm back after 3 days of stuffing myself silly with Chinese New Year goodies, and I hope I'm not too late to wish all our readers a Happy Lunar New Year!

I hope everyone had a good time collecting ang baos and stuffing yourselves with pineapple tarts, yu sheng and bak kwa too because I definitely did, although I'm starting to suffer the side effect of having too much good food (where has my waistline gone?!). Chinese New Year has got to be my favorite holiday for so many reasons besides the food - meeting up with friends and family members, sleeping in, gambling the night away and last but not least, watching everyone deck themselves up in their new Chinese New Year clothes.

My colour of choice - red. I decided to take the traditional route this year by wearing this auspicious colour which symbolises prosperity, wealth and luck for the year ahead. The accessories were all from Amado Gudek. A resin bauble ring with gold foil within (something that I won from Amado Gudek's Facebook competition) and a water dragon-ish hand-molded necklace (coincedentally we're in the year of the water dragon now) which was a gift from Elaine who is the designer of Amado Gudek. 

Clockwise from top left: Maroon shift dress - Zara, Necklace - Amado Gudek, Ring - Amado Gudek, Red Dress - H&M

Here are some other shots of the pieces from Amado Gudek. I didn't manage to wear the earrings that Elaine gave, but don't they look like auspicious Chinese knots! 

Once again, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you'll have a great year ahead filled with lots of prosperity! Huat ah!

♥,
Fal

Brand Profile: Amado Gudek

Amado Gudek was conceived by local jewellery designer, Elaine Tan, who creates sculptured art jewellery. Passionate about fashion and art, she pursued a master's in Fashion Brand Management in London and took up summer courses in jewellery making at Central Saints Martins. Amado Gudek is not your run of the mill hand sculptured or hand made jewellery line. Everything is a little quirky and odd, and every single piece is a statement piece in itself. There is in an interesting juxtaposition between organic and synthetic - the pieces are inspired by nature (from reindeers to sea bubbles) but all made out of brightly coloured resin. The designer confesses that such kookiness stemmed from her time in London, where she drew inspiration from the city's expressive, eccentric and experimental art scene.

Amado Gudek's latest collection, Anti-Antler, is a testament to the brand's quirkiness. Inspired by (what else but) the reindeer, a strong message is delivered through the collection - saying no to hunting reindeers for their antlers. Perhaps an ironic but fitting way to deliver this message was to shape all the pieces in the form of antlers, named after the cutest of deers - Bambi and Rudolph.

Amado Gudek stands out from other local jewellery designers with its 100% sculpted jewellery pieces. Behind every piece is a well-thought through story which has not deviated from its proposition of transforming elements of nature into wearable pieces. Wear an Amado Gudek piece and you know you've got yourself a piece of art.


Amado Gudek can be found at:

Dulcetfig: 41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
Quintessential: Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, #02-01, Singapore 228210
The Reckless Shop: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #02-08/09 Singapore 238896
Eclecticism: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, #03-08, Singapore 238859


Alternatively, email Elaine at Elaine@amadogudek.com for retail enquiries. 



♥,
Fal

By Invite Only 2 Day Pop-Up Shop

Are you racking your head on what to get your loved ones this Christmas? Why not start your Christmas shopping a little earlier this year by visiting By Invite Only's inaugural pop-up shop at Nana and Bird?

The pop-up shop will feature all of By Invite Only's well-loved pieces that sums up 2011. In addition, you'll get first dips on their newest pieces that are exclusive only to the pop-up shop. To sweeten the deal, By Invite Only is throwing in a 20% discount on selected items and 10% off your total purchase when you spend above $200. Expect reasonable prices starting from $25. I know I'm going to be there, because I still want my jewelry from their latest collection, The Higher Being.

Here's a sneak peek on some of the items that will be up for grabs at By Invite Only's pop-up shop!

For more information on the event, feel free to contact Trixie from By Invite Only at trixie@byinviteonly.info

♥,
Fal

By Invite Only's 2nd Anniversary

Fir and I braved the downpour on Thursday evening to attend BIO's 2nd anniversary and launch of their new collection 'The Higher Being' held at A Curious Teepee.

The collection comprised of pieces made from precious stones and was modern and simple. These pieces looked better in reality, reflecting light off their faceted surfaces. Glimmering and sparkling, each piece of jewelry was eye-catching in its own way.














Our favorite pieces were laid out on a bare wooden table, a huge rainbow quartz stones served as pendants to gold chains peppered with tiny triangles and teardrop embellishments. From a distance, these black rocks looked almost normal, but as I came closer, they seemed to have a magical property, shining in a different colour when I looked at it from different angles.












Prices for jewelry adorned with larger precious stones range from about $100 to $350. However, The Higher Being collection is an extensive one, having more affordable pieces that start from $69.





Cupcakes and vodka were provided for guests at the party, as they mingled in the cosy cafe area at A Curious Teepee. We hung out with our friends from Fever Avenue, munched on cupcakes and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, and lounge-y tunes courtesy of the DJ at A Curious Teepee. Unfortunately, both Fir and myself had to rush off and I didn't manage to buy myself a lovely crystal necklace. Looks like I'm going to head back there to get my hands on one of the pieces soon.




♥,
Fal

Heavenly handcrafted jewellery

By Invite Only is based in Singapore and specializes in handmade jewellery and accessories.

On October 6, By Invite Only will be launching their new collection The Higher Being, at A Curious Teepee to mark its second anniversary. The collection, which is a premium range, features crystals and raw semi precious stones incorporated into pieces that are bold and contemporary. As always, each piece will be painstakingly handcrafted by the designer herself, so expect limited pieces and one of a kind finds.

There will be a new spin in these pieces which feature crystals such as Citrine, Quartz, Amethyst, Pyrite as well as more rare stones like Titanium Aura Quartz, Opal Aura Quartz and Cobalt Aura Quartz.

The pieces also pay tribute to Mother Nature, hence the interesting and apt name for the collection, The Higher Being. 

What's more, each type of crystal is said to possess unique properties such as dispelling negative energy, promoting success in business as well as healing and improving mental, physical and emotional well-being. And trust me, I've heard alot about this (since my mom is a Fengshui junkie and makes me carry or wear crystal pieces all the time). 

Whether you believe in the mystical properties of these rocks, visit A Curious Teepee from October 6 onwards to view these heavenly pieces that designer Trixie Khong has made with love.

You might just find yourself being magically drawn to these pieces, or find a piece or two calling you to be its wearer. 

To find out more about By Invite Only, visit www.byinviteonly.info

♥,
Fal

Time Taken to Make a Dress: ORI accessories private launch

It's been a year since Time Taken to Make a Dress' previous collection, and we were really excited when they invited us to the private launch of their latest accessories collection. This marks their foray into  accessories; lovingly handmade by none other than the TTMD designers themselves.

Their venture into designing and crafting accessories arose when they received clients' requests for more versatile and affordable pieces which can be worn on every occasion unlike dresses which are usually tailored for a special occasion and steeply priced.

The collection, ORI, is inspired by Japanese origami. A series of manipulated fabrics such as silk and chartreuse, transformed by intricate folding techniques, make the accessories delicate and feminine.

The launch, held at their studio, was a small and cosy private affair. A spread of yummy finger food for guests was also thoughtfully prepared by the designers, Jade and Letitia.

Love the very organised workspace.

We managed to coax Jade (left) and Letitia (right) who were very camera shy into taking a photo. Thank you!

The ORI collection will be on exhibition from now till 20 August 2011. If you're keen to view the pieces, head down to Time Taken to Make a Dress at 61 Niven Road. Visit www.timetakentomakedress.com for more information.

♥,
Fal