From The Straits Times    |

Nina Cabela, 26, retail buyer

The SS ’20 Mood 

In general, it’s minimal and relaxed yet adventurous. The runway shows have plenty of ’80s-inspired power dressing, head-to-toe leather and all-over prints, but the silhouette is usually straight-cut and loose, which makes it comfortable for the wearer – this is what we are bringing in to the store. There are also a lot of pastels this season, which is more youthful and playful. And we are seeing designers putting a little twist on designs to make the looks more interesting.

Actually is at #03-18 Orchard Gateway (tel: 6735-3118), open daily from 11am-9.30pm.  

3 names to watch


Rocket x Lunch

The unisex Korean label is known for its elevated basics with extra details, as seen in its SS ’20 collection – think a classic white shirt done in two tones with some ruffles, or an A-line skirt with drawstrings on its hem so that one can add some volume.

Curetty

Another Korean label, but this one is still new in the market. Its upcoming collection shows a lot of potential. With its graphic tees and miniskirts, it exudes a nostalgic ’90s vibe that will continue to be very trendy this season.

Lazy Oaf

This London-based label has been with us for years, but we’re still always excited about what it has to offer. Founded by designer Gemma Shiel in 2001, its collection every season is very unpredictable as it does not follow trends or designers. Each concept is always out of the norm.

5 key pieces


1. Bralet, Lazy Oaf 

Bralets are key this season, be it printed ones or just plain black, as they can easily be styled under sheer tops or worn alone. Many brands have also been showcasing low-cut necklines, which will likely be a hit this season.

2. Cropped top, Curetty 

Cropped tops are trending this season and are very suitable for Singapore’s weather. This mesh one from Curetty will keep one cool and comfortable.  

3. Layered top, Rocket x Lunch

Shirt layering is another key trend this season for both sexes. I personally like this one because it encourages people to reimagine their old shirts or tops, and give them a new look and style.

4. Extra+Large bag, Freitag

Bags in extreme sizes have been statement pieces since last year, and I’m sure this will continue this season. I like that this helps in sustainability, since you can easily dump everything into it and minimise your use of plastic bags.

5. Shoulder bag, Curetty

Designers are exploring and creating shapes for more hands-free carrying. We started bringing in such accessories last year and will be sure to have more in the coming months. 


Walid Zaazaa, 41, founder

The SS ’20 Mood

It is definitely a ’70s comeback, with narrower shoulders, a higher waist, and even boot-cut hems. The colours are an interesting mix of pastel orange with purples, brown, bronze and earthy tones. We’ll probably see logo-type streetwear being slowly replaced by authentic utility or sportswear brands (Patagonia, Carhartt, etc), and it will be across genders. I also hope we will move on from the collaboration trend and strive for better products and style, instead of pure hype.

Manifesto is at #02-17 Mandarin Gallery (tel: 6304-7948), open daily from 11am-9pm. 

3 names to watch


Thinking Mu

This label from Barcelona is very serious about being eco-friendly. All its fabrics do not harm the environment, and it only uses natural dyeing processes and innovative recycled materials.

Our Legacy

The Stockholm-based brand’s collections are always surprising as the designers tend to disregard trends and invest in things like developing custom fabrics.

Carne Bollente

Established in 2014, this Parisian collective is led by friends Hijiri Endo, Theodore Famery and Agoston Palinko. I love how they explore sex positivity with their tongue-in-cheek designs.


1. Polo cardigan, Our Legacy 

This is my favourite piece from its SS ’20 collection. It’s retro and stylish as the proportions are so interesting – it’s feminine and avant-garde at the same time.

2. Printed dress, APC 

APC doesn’t come up with many prints but when it does, it does it well. This minidress is so versatile and requires no complicated styling. Pair with sandals for a day at the beach or ’70s-inspired heels for a night out with friends.

3. Striped dress, Maison Kitsune

Pastel colours in bold stripes are really in this season, and this really nails it.

4. Oversized tuxedo, Lemaire

I love the fabric’s wet effect and how the jacket is tucked in. It’s not easy to pull off, but what a strong silhouette!

5. Tee, Mads Norgaard 

I chose this for the same reason as the Kitsune dress – the soft retro colours, which are very in now.


Chang Ling Lin, 25, merchandiser

The SS ’20 mood

There’s a playful, free and energetic spirit across most collections. Pastel colours, such as pink, blue and green, plus bandana prints in red and blue, are dominating. I think vintage, luxury streetwear is going to blow up in 2020 – think vintage bags (LV, Gucci, Fendi) paired with oversized ’80s tees, baggy ripped jeans, cropped tops, worn sneakers, and bucket hats. This trend has been steadily growing since FW ’19.

Surrender is at #01-03 268 Orchard Road (tel: 6733-2130), open daily from 11am – 9pm.

3 names to watch


We11Done

This new luxury streetwear brand is the in-house line of Rare Market, Korea’s hottest concept store by Dami Kwon (G-Dragon’s sister) and Jessica Jung. It’s known for its oversized fits, contemporary prints and gender-fluid pieces. 

Danielle Guizio

The New York-based designer’s eponymous label is all the rage on IG, seen on Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Priyanka Chopra, Ariana Grande etc. Her pieces are known to be comfortable, channelling the best of luxury athleisure and vintage pieces.

Kirin

Founded by Berlin-based South Korean DJ Peggy Gou, aka Virgil Abloh’s muse, the brand showcases her personal style. Expect bold colour blocking and club culture graphics. 

5 key pieces


1. Distressed jeans, Danielle Guizio 

Jeans are a staple, and the brand’s versions are regularly seen on celebs. They are incredibly comfy and fit perfectly.  

2. Logo jacket with bow belt, Palm Angels 

Dubbed the go-to hype brand of the moment, the label is known for its skate culture aesthetic. This leather jacket showcases its iconic logo – in line with the current logo mania trend.  

3. Lace-up bustier top, Danielle Guizio

Bustiers are a highlight of the vintage luxury trend, which is set to peak in SS’20. This one is in satin, which means it’s comfortable and gives a slimming effect.

4. Pill charm earring, Ambush 

The mismatched earring trend is here to stay, and this design adds an edge to any look. Best paired with a mini stud opposite.

5. Nano Daily bag, Readymade

The Japanese label has garnered a cult-like status for its bags. This is a classic piece that goes well with any outfit with a streetwear element.

Judy Yau, 33, Senior Buyer 

 

The S/S ’20 mood

Many designers looked to the past for inspiration. One example was Saint Laurent’s hippie glam runway show, which featured Lurex head scarves tied as turbans, and ended with Naomi Campbell wearing the SS ’20 version of the brand’s iconic Le Smoking Suit from the ’60s. There were also strong ’90s and ’00s references from accessory brands such as By Far with its signature Rachel baguette-shaped bags, and Paciotti, which co-created a capsule with Ada Kokosar and brought back its iconic slanted square-toe shoe from the ’70s.

On Pedder is at #02-12 Takashimaya Shopping Centre (tel: 6835-1307) and Level 2 Scotts Square (tel: 6244-2883), open daily from 10am-9.30pm and 10am-9pm respectively.

3 names to watch


Area

While many designers reminiscence about the past, this New York brand, founded in 2014, is very much about the now and the future. Gen Z and millennial shoppers will be definitely be able to relate. The designers come from different backgrounds, and believe in inclusiveness and diversity. Season after season, they weave this ethos into each collection. 

Christopher Esber

The Australian designer loves the seaside and it’s very much apparent in his designs. His latest SS ’20 collection is about pieces with dual functionality, and how you can transform a look from office to beach in an instant. Esber has been growing his business steadily since he founded his namesake label in 2010, and has recently expanded his collection to include shoes. He believes that women should not sacrifice comfort for fashion, which is why his footwear collection consists of flats and kitten heels.

A.W.A.K.E. Mode

Launched in 2012 by former fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar Russia Natalia Alaverdian (despite a lack of formal training in design), the label is known for its classic tailoring with quirky and unexpected details. The footwear collection has quickly become a cult favourite, and the number of offerings has increased in SS ’20. The shoes feature classic silhouettes reinvented – think extreme square-toe with a touch of ’70s-inspired mock croc finishing. 

5 key pieces


1. Mock croc loafers, Malone Souliers 

Designer sneakers are finally over. Invest in a good pair of comfortable flats for your everyday look, whether it’s for work, weekend or travel. We co-created this loafer with Malone Souliers (one of our favourite footwear brands) and this is our take on an everyday smart casual loafer.

2. Square-toe Knot ballerina flats, Jil Sander 

The square toe trend is not going away anytime soon, and Jil Sander is one of the hottest brands in fashion. This is its version of a feminine ballerina – the shape adds that extra “oomph” to your outfit instantly.

3. Rachel Bag, By Far 

Named after Jennifer Aniston’s character in Friends, this baguette bag from Australian brand By Far transports us to the ’90s – an era we continue to feel nostalgic about. It also reminds me of Carrie from Sex and the City. Pair with a silk square-toe ballerina and you are good to go.

4. Capeline hat, Lanvin  

Bigger is always better when it comes to hats, especially if you want to get that perfect Instagram shot.

5. Short chunky chain necklace, Paco Rabanne

Another 90’s essential has been creeping back on the runways – the good ol’ juicy chain necklace. This Paco Rabanne one looks great on its own, but can easily channel a maximalist vibe when layered with other gold chains of different thickness. 

This article was first published in Her World’s March issue.