If you can’t get enough of pretty lace and lady-like dresses; you’re certainly not alone. In fact, fashion insider Sarah Rutson admires the feminine style that many Singapore women adore.
“The Asian shopper is very feminine, loves her dresses, loves to show her femininity and loves colour,” says Rutson, who is the Vice President of Global Buying at Net-A-Porter. “There is a delicacy there; she’s not afraid to show her softness.”
Adds Rutson: “In Europe, America, women have more of a strong edge, sometimes showing that delicacy is not something that she wants to do. But women embrace it as a strength here in Asia, which I love.”
We got to hear her invaluable style tips when she was in Singapore earlier this year, to show Victoria Beckham’s latest collection to invited guests. Here, she picks out the top brands to shop, for delicate and feminine frocks; there’s a brand for every budget and occasion too.
1. Valentino
Valentino lace, wool and silk-blend dress, $6,886.02 from Net-A-Porter
“The lace, the colour, the little dresses, everything about Valentino embodies an Asian woman (sense of style) to me,” explains Rutson.
2. Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana silk dress, $3,443.83 from Net-A-Porter
For a more graphic yet feminine pieces, this Italian luxury brand will be your go-to. Rushton admires the fashion house for “that sense of print”, which makes each of their exquisite gowns so covetable.
3. Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread embellished dégradé tulle dress, $815.68 from Net-A-Porter
Shop hand-crafted, vintage-inspired slip dresses and sequined pieces from the British fashion label you should know.
4. Self-Portrait
Macramé lace dress, $616.71 from Net-A-Porter
Adored by Singapore style bloggers, this London-based brand is one of the top brands to go to, for romantic lace dresses.
5. Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia stretch cotton and tulle dress, $729.40 from Net-A-Porter
Let out your fun side, while looking every bit feminine in Alice + Olivia. Pop queen Taylor Swift is a big fan of this New York-based brand and it’s easy to see why.
Can’t get enough of these sweet and feminine frocks? Have a look at our picks, from these young fashion brands.
6. Phuong My
Phuong My wool and silk blend dress, $1,000 from Gnossem
This Vietnamese designer is known for her elegantly cut, lady-like dresses. It does femininity gracefully with feminine and figure-flattering silhouettes, without any of those body hugging pieces.
7. Khoon Hooi
Khoon Hooi tencel dress, $1,599 from Cool-Find The Online Store
This Malaysia designer does femininity effortlessly, with a slightly rebellious edge through asymmetrical hemlines, a touch of punk-ish mesh and other unexpected details.
8. Three Floor
Polyester, mesh and lace dress, $416.82 from Three Floor
This young British fashion label is popular for its mix of the sultry and sweet. While we’re less fond of some of the louder neon pieces available this season, we think these monochrome finds should still be a hit with women who love this sexier take on lace and florals.
Read more more savvy shopping advice: Sarah Rutson shares the 4 dress shopping tips that wedding guests should know. Plus, this online store has the perfect work dress that you never knew you needed.
