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.

Club21 members, in particular, have reason to rejoice; other than having easy access to their account information, they will also receive alerts to exclusive promotions, privileges and newly arrived merchandise! Among the multitude of useful features on the app, the ‘What’s Nearby’ function stands out for its ingenuity. Using the iPhone camera, it allows the user to track the Club21 merchants that are in the vicinity and find them easily with an augmented reality display. The current promotions and discounts available at these stores will also be displayed alongside their locations.

This means that shoppers at Mandarin Gallery can now tap in to this feature and find out in an instant the latest happenings at Emporio Armani, Marc by Marc Jacobs and D&G! They can also find out more about these brands with just a few swipes and taps.

With the Club21 Mobile App, you can browse runway looks, pick through the latest must-have items or even download a city guide to London under ‘New & Now’ while keeping track of the hottest new Club21 and related credit card promotions. Seeking to provide users with style, ease and speed on the go, it even comes with an ‘e-Concierge’ feature, where you will find handy information on cleaning services, catering, entertainment and more, to help you better manage your lifestyle.

For fabulous style in your palm, download the Club21 Mobile App now!

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.

Emporio Armani
The Fancy Girl is the muse for the latest Emporio Armani collection. The colour palette for the collection was deliberately kept simple with mineral and earthy shades like silver, granite, bronze and cream. However, towards the end of the show, the designer started introducing brighter tones in a one-shouldered mint dress with a futuristic vibe and a series of bright coral pieces. Infused with the signature EA sharp femininity, expect the usual corporate-friendly dresses and separates but also look out for the more casual, urban daywear that the fashion house is equally adept at.

Emporio Armani is located at #01-12/13, Mandarin Gallery

D&G
The floral theme may not be exactly revolutionary for the Spring-Summer season, but D&G has given it a fresh spin that is more precocious Lolita than innocent garden nymph. Tops unbutton to reveal sexy lingerie while bubble shorts and playsuits are key looks of the collection. Fans of Seventies fashion will delight in the bohemian jumpsuits covered in large peonies and cabbage roses. The show ends with a barrage of whimsical maxi dresses in a wide array of floral prints, which is the best of gypsy chic.

Check out D&G’s new arrivals at #01-08/09, Mandarin Gallery

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacob’s younger sister line is always a highlight in the fashion week calender. Having consistently churned out stylish street wear, this season is no different and continues to be a college student’s dream. The brand’s staple of jersey dresses now comes with longer, fuller skirts and broad horizontal stripes feature heavily in the collection. Seasonal yellows and corals are paired with navy and grey. This is fun fashion not only for the young, but the young at heart as well.

You will find the Marc by Marc Jacobs store at #01-11, Mandarin Gallery

For Autumn/Winter 2010, Giorgio Armani sent models with short, shaggy pixie haircuts down the runway for his Emporio Armani show. Glamourous, sexy and androgynous, they emulated the muse of the collection: the strong, modern city girl. Menswear details were evident in the pleated trousers, sharp jackets with bold square shoulders and pinstripe skirt suits. However, it was in the footwear that he went most explicitly masculine. Yet, with clever use of colour and cut, they are also unmistakably feminine.

High heels will always be a girl’s true love, but there will be days where you just want to feel more down-to-earth with flat shoes. Other than the ballet flats, most of the flat shoes women wear are menswear-inspired. In particular, the classic Oxfords has been very popular with the ladies in recent years. Exuding a playful schoolboy chic, Emporio Armani’s rendition of these laced-ups in a beautiful rich indigo (SGD560) is simple but eye-catching. (And for those of us who cannot live without that extra boost in height, fret not – they also come as heeled booties!).

When it comes to comfortable, stylish casual footwear, nothing beats the loafers. This season, Emporio Armani’s selection of low-tongued, slim-cut loafers (SGD660) in jewel tones is a real treat for the eyes. While the ones in smooth calf leather are already delectable enough, one will tempted to push it up a notch and get them in luxurious croc, either in cherry red or midnight blue – or both.

For the truly flamboyant, there is something for you too at Emporio Armani. With leopard print being all the rage right now, cash in on this seriously addictive trend with a pair of spotted ponyhair loafers (SGD890). If you are looking for something a little less ubiquitous than leopard print, you will find these spotted moccasins a worthy alternative. Although they are made of calfskin and kidskin, their scaly texture gives them a very exotic, serpentine appeal.

Emporio Armani is located at #01-12/13, Mandarin Gallery