So it’s fashion week season in Singers and while we’ve taken you through the top 10 names to watch out for on the runway, we’ve yet to introduce you to the latest crop of designers who will be exhibiting their collections at BLUEPRINT 2015. This prestigious tradeshow welcomes both regional and international brands in the region and expects a substantial number of domestic and regional buyers, which could potentially elevate a brand’s growth and presence. And since we’re all about local-lovin’, we thought we’d shed some light on the following homegrown designers that have vision, passion and ingenuity in spades, but more importantly, they’ve made awesome clothes and accessories that we all want on our wishlists. Read on to see the lot that has us really excited about fashion on our little red dot.
K.BLU Swim
No matter the time of the year in SG, there’s always a reason to be in a gorgeous maillot. Ever since we first laid eyes on the stunning debut collection last year featuring porcelain prints by K.BLU Swim, we’ve been smitten! Now, founder and creative director Lyn Rosmarin is set to enthrall everyone at BLUEPRINT with her latest line of swimwear crafted from high-quality fabrics that fits you Asian Sassy Girls perfectly. With fuller coverage and increased support that hugs the body seamlessly, your search for the perfect bikini ends here!
K.BLU Swim, www.kblu.com
JOANNE L.
Designer Joanne L.’s namesake label effortlessly celebrates the wonders of a woman. Her striking jewellery showcases textures and forms that are inspired by nature, geometry and architecture. Marked by intense coloured gemstones and boldly proportioned designs, each piece is handmade. What’s even cooler? Joanne was inspired to pursue jewellery design by a box of beads from Toys “R” Us. Isn’t it amazing what just a little does on inspiration can push us to do? We’re really excited to feast our eyes of Joanne’s latest collection because we’re suckers for earrings, necklaces, rings, cuffs and the works!
JOANNE L., www.joannel.com
LING WU
We’re huge fans of leather. Soft, buttery rich, smooth to the touch canvases that falls into the perfect shape when it’s moulded into a bag. Enter LING WU – a local brand that focuses on softly constructed bags that are extremely light and durable. We’ve taken a huge liking to the versatile bags designed by Ling as it has a strong organic form and she only uses the most luxe leathers and skins to create her masterpieces. Her meticulous attention to craft is evident and we can’t wait to see what she’s rolling out at BLUEPRINT!
LING WU, www.lingwu.sg
Pleatation
Whoever said pleats are boring obviously haven’t heard of the brand Pleatation. Founded by Chiang Xiaojun after her stint at a pleating production factory, the talented designer decided to incorporate her signature pleats into every single item in her label including apparel, stationery, lifestyle and home decor products. Taking simple cut shapes into greater heights with her sass and creativity, Xiaojun has established her brand as a concept store. We recalled trying on one of her dresses before and that flattering cut and silhouette is just unparalleled. Now, can we have that dress pleat-ty please? Pleatation is sure to be pleating one heck of a storm at the tradeshow.
Pleatation, www.pleatation.com
Ayesha Cashmere
We love a serving of ethnic flavour on our plate of style and AYESHA knows exactly how to serve it. This handcrafted artisanal cashmere brand infuses motifs, patterns and techniques from the 16th to 18th century in South Asia with prints inspired by Indian gypsy tribes, Buddhist iconography, woven ikats and embroideries. That means every style, texture and design is deeply rooted in culture and serves as a tribute to all the explorers and wanderers, and the result is a collection of forward thinking pieces that are cosy and visually impressive. Based in Singapore, AYESHA provides limited edition scarves, stoles and shawls that are simply to-die-for.
Ayesha Cashmere, www.ayeshacashmere.com
Mash-Up
Singapore isn’t exactly known to be the place that breeds avant-garde designers, but we beg to differ. Mash-Up has been crushing the edgy, quirky and cool game and since its inception; their newest designs always seem to outshine and outdo the last. Made up of a collective of three designers, Daniela Monasterios-Tan, Nathanael Ng and Shaf Amis’aabudin, the independent streetwear label has wowed many in Asia and has even collaborated with brands like UNIQLO, Topshop, and many more. The brand is also currently stocked here locally at Superspace, WE, and in countries like Bali and Kuala Lumpur. Well, it seems that Mash-Up has more than just the basics covered. We can’t wait to watch them soar at this year’s BLUEPRINT.
Mash-Up, www.mashupcollective.com
Noël Caleb
Yes, the name is exactly what you think it stands for: Christmas and Devotion. Noël Caleb has proven itself to be one of the game changers in the fashion industry in Singapore as it seeks to redress women who embody the thanksgiving spirit and devote their talents and pursue their dreams. The homegrown label also offers a platform for fashion designers and anyone who’s interested to collaborate with the brand through fashion and lifestyle. They also offer one-on-one fashion courses for aspiring designers who are passionate about learning the ropes of starting a fashion business. More than just a label, it seems that Noël Caleb is a driven brand that would stop at nothing to inspire and create.
Noël Caleb, www.noelcaleb.com
Marilyn Tan Jewellery
No outfit is complete without its accoutrements and as strong, fun, and sassy working women, we’ve gotta be appropriately accessorised, no? This is where Marilyn Tan Jewellery comes in by providing us girls with silver, gold, bronze and brass creations. They’re all injected with raw unpolished materials and precious or semi-precious stones with sprinkles of crystals, resulting in exquisite, distinctive piece with a quirky edge that’s guaranteed to make you the talk of the office. Marilyn Tan Jewellery has rapidly attracted a promising crowd beyond Singapore and has even been shown in Singapore, London and Paris at Tranoï during Fashion Week and sold locally, in London, Columbia and Hong Kong.
Marilyn Tan Jewellery, www.marilyntanjewellery.com.sg
Q Menswear
Don’t worry girls, we haven’t forgotten about your significant others. In case you start to think that there’s only womenswear at BLUEPRINT, fret not because there’s a range of menswear too. If your boyfriend is a dapper dresser, then Q Menswear ought to be a label that’s in his wardrobe. Focused on creating products for the modern gentleman, Q Menswear is a premium emporium that offers a signature bespoke cut and design. Other items in its collection includes pocket squares, belts, bracelets and ties that would ace the whole gentleman look down to a tee.
Q Menswear, www.q-menswear.com
The Shirt Bar
Shirts are the bane of everyone’s existence. It dresses you up, dresses you down, takes you to the work, sees you through dates, and the list goes on. A shirt calls for no special occasion and at The Shirt Bar, this essential clothing item is tailored to perfection with superior quality and fit. Allowing its wearers to express their personality, the brand constantly challenges their in-house atelier to engineer captivating designs for its panache customers. Every season, new designs are rolled out ensuring a fresh selection of shirts every few months. Take it from the shirt specialist – there’s no such thing as an ordinary shirt.
The Shirt Bar, www.blueprint.sg/brands/the-shirt-bar
Image #4 sourced via Pleatation facebook
