Couleurs Sur Paris

Rating 3/5
Nouvelle Vague/Kwaidan Records
The French supergroup Nouvelle Vague’s fourth studio album Couleurs sur Paris (Colors on Paris) pays tribute to their angsty punk roots and the economic bitterness of 80s Europe in subtle yet inspiring fashion. In collaboration with current French chart-toppers such as Yelle, Vanessa Paradis, Cocoon and Camille, the band delivers a flowing, free-spirited sound. Tracks like “Ophélie” featuring Yelle and “Sandy Sandy” featuring Soko are perfect for that café session playlist. ZA

Live in London

Rating 3/5
Regina Spektor/Sire
The beauty of live music recordings lies in the fact that they capture all the flaws and intensities that happen on stage which studio recordings rarely do. Ditto Regina Spektor’s sold out 2009 concert held at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo. From the soaring to the brittle, Spektor’s voice is a thing of curious beauty, floating between the likes of Tori Amos and Joanna Newsome—resulting in one of the most affecting live recordings to date. There’s even a bonus concert DVD to enhance your listening experience. TO

Star of Love (Bonus Edition)

Rating 3/5
Crystal Fighters/Love Da Records
One might think that fusing traditional Basque folk music with contemporary electronic vibes is just crazy talk. So Spanish band Crystal Fighters’ debut album Star of Love is a little crazy, but that only makes their Animal Collective-ish left-field, Major Lazer-ish reggae, Derrick May-ish house vibe and a little Sepultura-ish ripping riffs all the more interesting. An erratic fusion of genres is melded with melodies of traditional Basque folk music in their distinctive lo-fi flavor. Highly recommended cheer-up material. ZA

The Party Ain’t Over

Rating 5/5
Wanda Jackson / Nonesuch
You can never put a good woman down, and you sure as hell can’t put Wanda Jackson down! The rockabilly music queen proves that, at 73, she still has the growls and grit to put her contemporaries to shame. Of course, she has only the best support, from the likes of Jack White (The White Stripes) producing and veterans like T-Bone Burnett on backup. From the rousing openers “Shakin’ All Over” (filled with guitar jams so powerful, it might just blow your speakers) and “Rip It Up” to the kitschy “Rum and Coca Cola,” Jackson is ready for blast off. TO

1. She won’t be able to resist this unique and adorable gyoza-inspired clutch bag made from nylon and rhinestones. $279 at alldressedup.
2. Show how much your partner means to you with this elegant Emporio Armani watch, $555, at Takashimaya Department Store.
3. Tired of your man misplacing his tie? Then present him with this sleek Philippi Tie Box. $56 at The Wright Gift.
4. Select from a vast range of quality wallets (from $420) and accessories (from $320) available at Tod’s.

alldressedup, #03-01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-3089. | Takashimaya Department Store, 391 Orchard Rd., 6738-1111. | The Wright Gift, #04-02 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8220. | Tod’s, #01-48 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6738 3323.

The buzz: One of the most popular labels at the now defunct Blackjack finally has a standalone store in town, and about time too.

The vibe: Cute, quirky and casual—just like its collection. Like the rest of the Club 21 establishment (which runs the label here), careful consideration has been given to display. The goods are neatly hung or folded for easy browsing—check out the inimitable dollhouse-inspired interior on the right upon entering where more luxe pieces can be found; the left portion of the boutique is where the bags and accessories are showcased.

The goods: Those who are familiar with the label’s always colorful ready-to-wear range will be glad to know that the Spring/Summer 2011 selection is more fun than ever. Highlights include the slim knit dress with trompe l’oeil printed sailor collar ($660), midi length dresses with vivid colors of pink and lime green paired with bold hand-drawn black lines ($360), and the Singapore exclusive black blouse with printed gold motif ($390).

Why you’ll be back: Even if you’re not a true blue fan of the label, the store’s cheerful vibe and irresistible collection will perk you up anytime. 

#01-31 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6304-1451. Open daily 11am-7pm.

Having lain low since the label Song&Kelly disbanded in 2007, this much-missed designer will launch his first seasonal menswear collection Wykidd next month at his atelier in Mount Sophia. He spoke to us about contemporary menswear and his upcoming collection prior to its release.

What’s the biggest shift in menswear you’ve observed over the years?
That men are more aware of fashion and slowly catching up with their girlfriends and wives when it comes to shopping for their wardrobe. They also know what a Birkin or an Alexa is today. They are also more willing to try new trends such as drop crotch pants or skinny jeans. Plus, there’re more colors to men’s dressing too, especially in major cities around Asia such as Seoul and Shanghai, where men actually spend more than women. It is an upward trend and makes the scene a lot more interesting for designers like myself as I am more willing to try certain designs in menswear now than I would have, say, five years ago.

How have your design aesthetics evolved and grown over the years? 
It’s cleaner, utilitarian, and more attention is paid to refined finishing and details that are very personal to the wearer.

What can you tell us about your upcoming ready-to-wear collection?
It’s my Spring/Summer 2011 collection entitled ”Exposed,” which is inspired by the dance of light and shadow. The direction is influenced by Helmut Lang, Comme des Garçon and the tradition of mens tailoring and artisanal precision finishing and craft. The style is mostly casual with outstanding details that give it an air of distinction. Pieces include soft tailored jackets with hand laced shirt details and tees with edgy prints: It’s the refined tropical style that we so need in our summers to come. 

Is it an extension of sorts from your current bespoke pieces? 
Well it’s certainly an extension of me and what I’m about: In terms of fluidity in design, which is what my dresses are about, so yes.

What looks appeal to you and what are you inspired by these days as both a consumer and designer? 
Anyone who dresses with confidence, whether it’s in fashion or in season, appeals to me. Someone who bothers to dress according to the occasion or even if it doesn’t call for dressing but they do. I love seeing people spinning their own idiosyncratic style on themselves, which totally inspires me—especially here where we tend to be more conservative. More and more art also plays a very important part in my work. 

What do men look for in a collection these days and what should they be looking out for? 
Cloth, cut and value that they can feel. There’s so much out there and if men have slightly more to spend on themselves, then I advise them to look for designs that have been worked on by hand but seem so effortless. Like my blazers and shirts, which are very limited in numbers with artisanal finishing in each one.

Famous last words?
You are what you wear.

Wykidd Song’s made-to-order blazers and jackets are available now via www.wykidd.com while “Exposed” will be released in February 2011.

Budding local designers may have found a new home. In less than two months, three new local boutiques—Blackmarket, Sabrina Goh and The Reckless Shop—have opened at Orchard Central, invigorating the previously lackluster mall (odd layout, poor traffic) with much needed fashion vivacity. Although it’s still too early to say if the mall’s paradigm shift will take off in the long run, more clued-in fashionistas have been popping into the mall than ever before, albeit slowly. And with two more local fashion labels setting up shop here (including local stalwart Ashley Isham), things are certainly looking up. “We’re here to conquer Orchard Road,” says Jasmine Tuan, owner of Blackmarket. “We’re here to educate Orchard shoppers that there is more than just Gucci, Zara and Topshop, and that there is just so much more variety when it comes to (independent) regional brands.” Blackmarket stocks emerging mens and womenswear labels like Ling Wu, WanderWonder and Painkiller, while The Reckless Shop and Sabrina Goh are homes to the local labels Reckless Ericka and Elohim by Sabrina Goh respectively. We clue you in on what to buy at this new shopping hotspot.

Blackmarket
#02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6296-8512.
The 1,800 square feet shop is a real treasure trove. Gorgeous one-off refurbished vintage bags by Abandoned Baggage can be found alongside a multitude of curios and objects by Books Actually and The Little Dröm Store, but it’s the clothes and fashion accessories that are the highlights here. Latest drops include funky, rock ‘n’ roll T-shirts by underground Thai label Painkiller ($119 each), well-crafted handmade leather bags by Ling Wu ($350 upwards), roomy recycled bags by Indonesian label Super Earth Goods ($119) and drape dresses and blouses by Normally Abnormally ($126 upwards).

The Reckless Shop
#02-08/09 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6338-8246.
One of the more exciting local labels to emerge from the woodwork over the last year, Reckless Ericka offers dresses, tops and jackets for both men and women, now available at its second standalone shop The Reckless Shop (previously located at Stamford Building). While here, check out its current season collection “Fleur de Sel,” which is inspired by the concept of gourmet sea salt that is hand-harvested by salt farmers in Brittany, France. Pieces like its silk chiffon dress with geometric flake-like prints ($219 upwards) reflect this aesthetic brilliantly, alongside semi-tailored layered suits and slouch cardigans for men ($219 upwards).

Sabrina Goh
#02-11/12 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-2201.
Versatile, thoughtful pieces are the order of the day for fashion upstart Sabrina Goh. Inspired by the camouflage concept, Goh’s latest Spring/Summer collection for the label Elohim by Sabrina Goh is a hybrid of billowy dresses (check out the signature black dress that can be worn in six different ways, $189.90) and cool and playful casuals (the sheer blouse with rampant zebra prints is especially attractive, $169.90). Also, look out for accessories and clutch bags by Indonesian label Soehoe ($89 upwards).

Abyzz by Desmond Yang
#02-21/23 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-8892.
For those looking for something a little dressier, head to Abyzz, one of the first local boutiques to open in the mall. Designer Desmond Yang effortlessly fuses Eastern and Western elements to create colorful evening and cocktail dresses ($169 upwards) as well as some experimental casuals, like the tapered dress with extra sleeves. Wild.

Sometimes all you need is that one special accessory to brighten up your wardrobe. Which is why these latest items are exactly what the fashion doctor ordered: They’re unique, interesting and gorgeous. Who needs overpriced seasonal clothing when you have these babies to wear over and over again?

Hoi Ming
This luxury handbag and accessory label, founded by Hong Kong upstarts Hoiming Fung and Baldwin Pui, strikes the perfect balance between haute couture and wit. Take their “Bats” necklaces ($155) for example, which are skilfully handcrafted on leather. Attempting to reconcile the dichotomy of the bat (bats are supposed to bring luck and harmony for the Chinese, but symbolize misery and doom in the west), the duo have created a neckpiece that doubles up as a bowtie—how clever!
Available from Front Row, #02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd.,
6224-5501.

Bless
The creative pairing of Desiree Heiss and Ines Kaag from Berlin-based Bless has resulted in the creation of some of the best accessories of late, including their scene-stealing shades and sunshields, comprising the O.Kayers ($448), collaboration with Alain Mikli, and the bling-inspired brilliance of the Duofringeglasses ($558), which are perfect for disco themed nights and beyond.
Available from A Curious Teepee, #02-04 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.

Chris Habana
New York-based designer Chris Habana is known for taking gothic iconography and reworking it with a pop sensibility, rooted mainly in fantasy and sci-fi films. The result: Spaced-out rings and necklaces featuring triangle charms, crosses and spike motifs ($120 upwards) that are clean yet daring. Oh, and they’re unisex to boot.
Available from A Curious Teepee, #02-04 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.

Heather Keiko
Australian Heather Keiko is a textile designer who creates delicate accessories using exquisite materials like wool and felt to create repetitive layers that are bold and commanding. Take the signature plank necklaces ($150), for example, which are hand sewn using fine German wool felt, threaded together with stainless steel wire cable, and finished with a silver or gold chain—ooh la la! Other picks include the ripple and ruffle necklaces (also $150 each).
Available at Strangelet, 87 Amoy St., 6222-1456.

Michelle Lane
American stylist-turned-jewelry designer Michelle Lane creates beautiful and intricate soft neck pieces that are great for our local weather. Made mainly from white cord and ropes, her Systematic Search necklace ($595), for instance, is a sight to behold with its systematically backtracking, hand-stitched motif (hence the name). Other must-haves include the chunky Graduated Cube necklace ($285) and Elegant Truth bracelet ($210).
Available at Strangelet, 87 Amoy St., 6222-1456.