Just as the new F/W 2011 collections hit the stores, the S/S 2011 looks are hitting the runway. This may not make sense to the regular person who is not obsessed with fashion, but for those of us who are, it is simply a matter of planning ahead. Over at Mandarin Gallery, it is no secret that when it comes to high fashion, D&G, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Emporio Armani are just some of our favourites. For the new season, here is what you can expect from these perennially stylish brands.
D&G
Having announced their plans to integrate their secondary line into Dolce & Gabbana, Domenico and Stefano’s swansong collection for D&G is literally the last of its kind. With their signature Italian flamboyance, the designers decided to go out with a bang by paying an epic tribute to foulard prints. An exercise in the creative and masterful use of the humble silk scarf, they set the runway ablaze with a riot of colours, dots, crests, medallions, butterflies and flowers – even the shoes are scarf-wrapped wedges! This is a distilled concentrate of what makes D&G so well loved by its fans.
Emporio Armani
Star Trek may have given sci-fi inspired fashion a bad name, but Giorgio Armani managed to turn that around with his S/S12 Emporio Armani collection. Titled Neodesign, the bright white and icy pastels that dominate the show appear at first glance to be a conventional sci-fi reference. However, instead of unflattering bodysuits, the models were clad in sleek blazers + cropped trousers ensembles and shimmering dresses. If this is the future, we definitely want a piece of it.
Marc by Marc Jacobs
A reflection of his younger self, Marc Jacob’s younger sister line has always given off a retro vibe. This season, however, the MbMJ girl grows up a little and catches up with the present in startling bright neons. Although the colours are brighter than ever, the clothes themselves, while playful and fun as always, have taken on subtle sophistication that hints at a post-college sensibility. The moral of this collection story is that even if everyone has to grow up, one can always do that in the most stylish way possible.
You know that mobile apps are the future in fashion when luxury fashion retailer, Club21, gets in on the game. Launched just last week to the delight of fashionistas island-wide, this sleek, glamourous and functional application certainly lives up to the reputation of the illustrious brands it represents. Promising to deliver the unique experience that Club21 has to offer, subscribers to the app will have instant access to more than 200 fashion and lifestyle brands under its umbrella.
Take your first pick of the Spring-Summer 2011 collections that are slowly but surely making their way into stores. From the elegant sheen at Emporio Armani to the garden blossoms at D&G and youthful enthusiasm at Marc by Marc Jacobs, there is definitely a lot to look forward to this season.
D&G
Marc by Marc Jacobs
This year, rebel against the cliche of a white Christmas by channeling the allure and mystique of the dark night with shades of rich blues and deep black. Strong and masculine, these colours are perfect for that special man in your life. Regardless of whether he is a tech geek or a stylish epicurean, there is bound to be something he will find pleasing in this gift guide that melds function with aesthetics.