Dinie: How important are the bloggers, the social networking site such as Facebook or the internet in general in helping you with your brand?

Erdem: Well, I think it is instrumental in helping people understand who we are as a brand — you know; Tweeting, Facebook and what not. The blog especially, it’s so nice to be included and be out there on the internet. It is largely important.

D: Are you active on these social networking site?

E: Nope. I’m quite obsessive, so if I start something, I would be on it all the time. I have to be really careful. That’s a very honest answer. (Chuckles) I could have just said no to your question. And also, I don’t have time, I’m designing collections. I don’t need to know, like, who got a new dog, it just doesn’t matter.

D: What do you spend most of the time doing?

E: Draft, work with pattern cutters, research, fittings, fabric selection, designing fabrics, looking at embroidery, working with the Product Development Manager, working with the Sales Director, working with the PR. Most of my life is spent working.

D: I was introduced to your brand when I chanced upon a picture of Anna Wintour wearing a piece from the spring collection, she’s very supportive towards young designer in New York. Is Brittish Vogue as supportive?

E: Yes, in fact, i’m on the cover of British Vogue this month, my first Vogue cover, which is like really monumental for us as a label.

D: What is the next step for Erdem, how would you approach the Asian market?

E: Good question. It’s not so much of a planning thing, it’s more organic. You react differently depending on where you are. That’s why coming to Singapore was so important for me, I’ve never been to Club 21, I’ve never seen the store, I’ve never met the people in Singapore and so, you know, the little interaction that we had might be in the showroom with the buyers. But I’ve never really met the journalist, the women and see how they look and how they dress. I like to understand, you know, where the collection is distributed. That is important.

D: So, you went to the MET Gala with Lily Donaldson?

E: Yeah, I did because she was English! (distracted) Oops, you have a text, what does it says? Was it a journalist? Were they like, “Where the hell are you, what are you doing?” (chuckles)

D: Nah, it was just a text from the Hotel.

E: Oh! It was great going with Lily! The dress was on the cover of Self-Service, you know that magazine? I love that magazine. So we have two covers at the moment, which are amazing. It was so nice to go with Lily because I know her, it was nice to hang out with someone who is a friend. I love her to bits, she’s great.

D: Did you know that Lily Donaldson was voted one of the best-dressed for MET by Fashion Critic of Red Carpet Fashion Award?

E: No, no way, really? No! i thought it was a gutsy choice, but I thought it really went with the kind of, i don’t know, it was romantic and right. It was provocative as well. I love it! It was funny because everyone arrived in a limousine, but our limousine didn’t show up. So we arrived at the MET in a yellow taxi, like New York style. We did her hair at the back of the taxi. Super funny! This is insider information!

D: Now, I have a question from twitter. Someone saw you at the hotel lobby and noticed that you wear glasses alot, was it more of a fashion statement, since your assistant is wearing an identical one too. You guys look identical almost!

E: No, it’s necessity! I’m literally blind without them. I wear contacts when I’m running. And no, we’re not! I have a twin sister and Jen (the assistant) always get mistaken for her. We’re not related but we’re very very close, maybe that’s why. When you hang out with someone long enough you start to look like the other person. I was going say that people will start to look like their dogs! But I didn’t want to say that because that’s bad! Joking! But this is not a situation which I can say that.

D: What are your expectations from the crowd when you show your collection in Singapore?

E: I’m hoping for excitement, we’re bringing stuffs which are exclusively sold in Club 21. Like, for instance, the finale dress. We didn’t show it on the runway show, but one of the dress is going to be exclusive to them. It’s exciting!

So here’s the premise: Imagine yourself sitting, waiting for one of fashion’s brightest stars. You imagine a diva- esque air amplfied by assistants and PR people trailing in his wake. Oh wait, this writeup is about Giles Deacon, not Angela Missoni. Whoops, I’ll save that for another time. Right, so he walks into the reception of the St Regis, completely unpretentiously with his signature aviators, a pink sweatshirt (it’s uniqlo) over his shoulder, the arms tied loosely round his neck. He plops himself down on one of those way too alluring couches and introduced himself casually, “Hi, I’m Giles.”

So while he was in Singapore, I learnt he has quite a thing for seafood. And not the pretentious kind either, we brought him to No Signboard at the esplanade to which he declined. He wanted something a little more local… less mall-sy. So naturally we brought him to the most touristy place within the kilometer, boat quay.

Ok I admit that wasn’t the most interesting story ever but maybe this one can make up for it. Pre show, backstage at an Emmanuel Ungaro production is no joke. Hair and makeup people shouting and PR people out for blood. Giles on the other hand, sat there watching the chaos unfold. He nudged me. “do you know where i can get one of those, the one that guy is drinking?” he was referring to some vodka cranberry concoction, in a plastic cup no less. Yes, in addition to being completely humble he likes a little drink, as every other englishman. His cheerful disposition, calming in a clusterfu…. clusterfudge of silk dresses and pink lace nothings.

So the show was fab, leather chokers and barely there lace dresses, Tim Blank explains it better. So as the meeting, however swift, comes to an end I must say Giles as I had gotten to know him is hardly the “designer archetype” a role someone else filled much better. Cheerful, charming, polite, simple and humble. Hell, he still addresses an ex-mentor, Collin McDowell as Mr McDowell and that, that says so much more than I can. Oh and did I mention, he hugged me. Giles Deacon, designer of Emmanuel Ungaro and one of fashion visionaries hugged me. Uh huh, totally made my aft.

Text by: Gregory Woo of DO/DIY.

Before we start on this post, a few disclaimers: This is not a product placement, but we do have a little something for our readers.

We’re currently involved with product styling on the sideline; sourcing, pulling items according to specific given trend and what have you. (Which explains the lack of post on this site!) Part of the task is to take pricing and style into consideration before every loan, depending on the targeted audience of the client. Which brings us to this: Besides those neon laptop cases that was made famous by Tommy Ton, why haven’t we been seeing any Marc by Marc Jacobs on the streets. (No, no, that wasn’t a question.)

That, coming from the ‘prince of cheap’ himself, isn’t it ironic? Despite my shop-only-at-discounted-rack mentality, I’m seriously pulling for this brand. It is affordable (as compared to most ‘branded’ brands), quality clothing with unique subtle (or not) detailing. I know an awful lot of boys who spend twice as much for less attractive pieces from high street store or online. These are the same pieces we see over and over, in the same silhouette, with the same detailing but with a different fabric. What I love most is the ability for Marc’s clothes that allow you to have an identity without stereotyping yourself, if that make sense.

While on the job, we had some time to spare at the boutique to play dress up. And since we are doing it on the sideline, why not take the opportunity to showcase our picks from the store, no? (It’s called multi-tasking, so don’t judge me if you see me trying on dresses at Lanvin next.) So, I choose the Marc by Marc Jacobs sulphur ‘William’ raincoat and Ridhwan picked out a very fuchsia ‘Harvel’ twill jacket (which was purchased by a footballer’s wife shortly after) from the ready-to-wear collection. The fit is incredible and quality-wise, I’m not complaining.

Boys, here comes the best part! Because we want you to step into the store and try the clothes for yourself (and because we love you, duh), we’re giving away 2 Marc by Marc Jacobs tank top courtesy of Club 21! Head over to our Facebook page for more details on how you can win. Hurry and start exercising those fingers, click away!

I was tickled pink to win an invitation to the exclusive preview event of Paul Smith’s The Multi-Stripe Mini Exhibition, held at the renowned Hilton Singapore before it was opened to the public! Now here I am, guest-blogging for the site!

The man who needs no introduction, the well-acclaimed British designer Sir Paul Smith recently parked his Mini Cooper onto our shores. When you think Paul Smith, its signature multicolor stripes come to mind. The mini was originally designed as part of the Great Brits Minis, the 86 striped, 24-color Mini appeared at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, inspired a run of limited edition Minis. The exterior of the car was painted with the signature Multi-Stripe. The attention to detail continues on the inside with a lime green lined boot and glove compartment and instrument gauges made by a company called Smith, changed the engraving to read ‘Paul Smith’.

What excites me most were the many adventures of the Paul Smith Mini, including a tour of the US; traveling to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and finally Los Angeles. In addition to that, the Paul Smith Mini also made an appearance at the 10th Anniversary of the Dubai store. Looks like it is embarking on its first Asia tour and finally making its first appearance in Singapore for a short visit before heading to Taipei!

A make shift lounging area was set up not far from the boutique. The lounge was well furnished with stone figurines of chess and a variety of large luggage embossed with British flag. (I would love to take one home with me!) Drinks and delicious canapé’ was served while we enjoy the infectious tune of Indie music spun by the DJ. Not only do I get to capture a picture perfect moment with the Paul Smith Mini, I was presented with the complimentary picture in a foldable photo holder along with written greeting from Sir Paul Smith himself!

By Aqilah Aziz.

The way to my fashion-ignorant relatives’ heart was to break into the Malay entertainment industry, who knew? Yes, we had our first (second actually, the first one did not exactly work out) involvement late last year. You might not understand the hoo-ha but, if you know your Malay melodies, this is a pretty huge deal. As far as I’m concern, this is an opportunity too mind-blowing not to seize— even if I only one of his song, it’s the only Malay song I can hum to without going off tune!

Yes, fellow Anuar Zain fans, we styled (I’d like to use the term ‘style’ very loosely on this one, more on that later) him for a story on Sutra— Singapore’s first Malay, female and lifestyle magazine. The oh-so-charming crooner was in town to promote his greatest hits album and had the time to do a promotional story with the said magazine.

The kind people at Alfred Dunhill saved the day once again by providing the entire wardrobe— some of which was just flown in, just in time for the shoot. We had various styling ideas proposed and our main goal was to ‘revolutionize’ the Malay celebrities on these glossy pages. While I felt that we failed to do so due to unforeseen circumstances, which I refuse to elaborate on, this gig was definitely rewarding. Just so you know, we’re not giving up on the ‘revolutionizing’ part just yet—you’ll definitely be seeing more of us.

There is something awe-inspiring and emotional about Mary Katrantzou’s undying commitment to pattern, colour, embellishment and the concept of turning the daily mundane items — a rotary telephone dial, a typewriter or a pencil — into the sublime and quintessential for Fall 2012. Maison Lesage, the French embroidery house, elevated the collection to ultimate couture status with eye-popping 3D effects like grass on a garden path.

Katrantzou has exceptional skills and a whimsical imagination. She started with a pencil, for outfits that were exercised in giving three dimensions to black and white. Then along came crayons, but not just for their vivid shades. Who would have thought of making the pencils fan out across a skirt or crisscross at the back, like an artistic display of chopsticks? Add the Lesage Swarovski embroideries and the effect was mind-blowing.

The more complex or ornate the designs and ideas, the simpler the clothes became. The designer still kept her curvy, lampshade silhouette for some dresses. But she introduced frilly chiffon, flare pants and knits that were stitched into the patterns as a woven alternative to trompe l’oeil prints.

Here is a designer with three separate skills: shaping, coloring and decorating. And at her show, she did all three and executed with much finesse.

Images by Stylebistro.

I need my Marni like Paula Deen needs her butter! I’ve never been so charged-up to wait in line ever before. (Remember queuing for Hello Kitty circa the 90′s? Oh, glorious days!) If I had to be caught in the most unglamorous way possible, it better be for Consuelo Castiglioni and no one else. (Maybe for David Beckham or Zac Efron, but that’s a different story altogether.)

Here, our beloved readers, are your exclusive peek inside the H&M press office that is so worthy of being robbed. We had the privilege to preview the looks that are going hit the store come this March. My verdict for today’s walk-through is that every purchase will be worthwhile and you get exactly what you paid for. Stay tuned to our page as we bring you yet another live coverage of the launch of yet another coveted H&M collaboration. Oh and yes, we accept orders— with an additional 50% charge of your total bill, that is!

Before there was the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lana Del Rey, puffy pout comes in a form of an unidentifiable monsieur I bumped into after the Max Mara show. This (fellow boys, listen up!) is how you pull off the classic gentleman look with finesse: black rimmed Ray Bans, perfectly coifed hair and a turtleneck and camel jacket combo. Sometimes, all you need are the simplest of wardrobe finds put together. But in any case that you’re stuck in a rut and equally kissable too, just pout (when in doubt!).

Miniskirts and short shorts for fall? Less likely, but a few days ago at New York Fashion Week, Jack and Lazaro at Proenza Schouler just made them happen. Gone the ladylike softness of Spring, came the tomboy and the punk. Boxy silhouettes in white at the start marked the edgy aesthetic and cautious tailoring to come. The seam lines’ geometry contrasted the cuts’ asymmetry, giving a stern and hard feel to the materials. Then came the split cut miniskirts and oversized shirts. Not only had they come in different colors, but the texture that each carried gave them a lucid definition. Varsity jackets also had a whole new dimension with different patterns that the boys incorporated. The whole collection was a ride between loose and tight fittings, and surprisingly, somehow it maintained to be cohesive.

Alone, the styling aspect of the collection was superb. The ankle boots channeled ‘street’ strongly, while the Bambi-skin clutches added a sharp luxury. The last few looks of the collection solidified the show, bringing it higher to the point that we forgot Proenza Schouler is barely 10 years old. Embroidered quilted jackets and oriental print dresses might have reminded many of Jason Wu’s Asian influence earlier in New York Fashion Week. Differently, while Wu’s direction was for a more mature audience, Jack and Lazaro’s aim straight at the youths walking on the streets of NYC.

After the show, fashion bloggers began to criticize Proenza’s new stand point to be similar to that of Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquiere. Perhaps the quirky cuts made those decisions, which is ironic because the young brand is known for their unique take on cuts even for the simplest article. We don’t disagree with the Balenciaga’s influence, but to say the show was a plagiarism is a strong mistake. Let us just say maybe one day in the future, Jack and Lazaro’s new vision will make them an anchor in the fashion industry, much like Nicholas Ghesquiere in the present.

Image Via Stylebistro & Purple Diary.

Trust the dynamic fashion duo of bowtie boy wonder, Alber Elbaz and his menswear designer, Lucas Ossendrijver to make a revolutionary fashion moment. They say one cannot invent much anymore in menswear; the key is all about merely tweaking the details. Well, so was not the case at the latest Lanvin menswear collection which made a ‘mockery’ of all that— so bold was its silhouette, so striking its blend of materials, so dramatic its sense of making truly new clothes for today.

Fall 2012 was all about the exploded shoulders, nipped-in waist and gorgeous coats and pants that celebrated the male bravado. A raspberry red silicone infused sweater, a robin egg blue suit and trench coat— respite from the dark doom and gloom of the many Parisian collections that have preceded Lanvin’s. Elbaz stressed relevance over modernity and played to beautiful contrasts. Couture meets active wear, classical piano meets techno music, and new luxurious garments meet an old industrial railway station— a perfect blend of contradictions.

It’s difficult to narrow down this collection to any handful of favorites, ultimately, be it bomber jackets or shearling coats, the outerwear is just mind-blowing. We have our eyes on the high-top sneakers and bifurcated hoofed soles as well. How about those ultra slim iPad and laptop ready briefcases? Undoubtedly, this is Paris’ finest.