Chinese Fashion

In the Mood for Love; 2000; Wong Kar-Wai

I watched this movie again and I am still struck by how glorious those dresses worn by Maggie Cheung are. The sheer elegance of a fitted womanly form, the high collar emphasizing the slender neck and the allure of a long skirt punctured by a high slit showing just a bit of skin. The Chinese cheongsam can at times be such a breathtaking piece of art. The movie made me want to rush out to get my very own tailored cheongsams too! 

Brand Extension?

Paul Smith Mini Cooper 

I was asked to come up with a design for a Chanel sofa last week. Yes, a Chanel sofa. In fact, many brands have their own furniture line already. Armani Casa is probably one of the most extensive and Hermes is following quick on their heels to set up its own furniture store. Fashion and furniture? No, there is more. Chanel also does a whole host of sports-related products such as skis, surf boards, footballs, tennis rackets, boats, including dogwear in case you wanted to bring your dog to the beach. 

Right or left brain?

I finally got round to trying my hand at something I have always wanted to try -- fashion design. Yes, I mean actually designing clothes. I liked art when I was a kid and have always thought it'd be great to design a collection of clothes I can call my own. Except, what you imagine yourself to be may be quite different in reality... 

Trend Watch

Do you like my SS 2013 trend board? 

Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara

Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara; Mark Tungate; 2008; Second Edition 

Yet you should read this book with a good cup of coffee. An absolutely brilliant read, sparking too many ideas to keep track of. Hence, my advise is definitely to read this book in the morning, with a fresh cup of coffee, pen and paper and your thinking cap bright on. The book gives a good overview of various issues in fashion ranging from the basics such as the history of fashion, an industry overview, the role of various parties such as the store, designer, press, photographer and model to newer, more controversial issues such as vintage and ethical fashion, bloggers and online fashion and the rise of Asia. Each chapter is bite-sized yet very well written and thought-provoking. The book is a great analytical introduction to the world of fashion. And I have to admit, I took many an idea from this book as inspiration for my posts.

Sports and Fashion

Nike LunarGlide+ 3

I have done quite well for the past three years in keeping up with constant usage of my Nike trainers which is always a good sign. After signing up to the Reebok Sports Club, I have been a regular at classes from Pilates to Reebok Reps and all sorts of random 'Fit Chick' workouts they have suitably concocted to make their members feel good. Ah... the joys of gymming. But all this time while I was happily wearing my Nike trainers, I have never stopped to consider the business behind sportswear and its intersection with fashion. Have you? 

What do you think of this spring's girlie trend?

I was queuing at the tills at Zara yesterday when I overheard a mother-daughter conversation about the latest 'floral pastel madness' that seems to have 'invaded every store'. While we saw this coming some time back (see my post on LFW), the trend for pastel shades, lace, ruffles, florals and all things girlie seems to be in full bloom with this week's sunny clear skies heralding the arrival of spring. And interestingly, this ultra-girlie trend has sparked some rather opinionated debates -- not just between the mother-daughter duo I encountered, April's Elle also featured a discussion about the new trend that has set everyone abuzz. So what do you think of it?