From The Straits Times    |

Ennio Capasa, designer of Italian fashion label CoSTUME NATIONAL says that fashion is “like Prozac”, that’s it’s all about “pure pleasure”, and that’s exactly what the guests at the Audi Red Carpet Night on Tuesday, May 16, 2012, experienced when they were lucky enough to see the brand’s Autumn 2012 collection live on the catwalk.

A series of what first appeared to be quite heavy, felted wool separates – accessorised with broad-brimmed hats and a speedily punk attitude – opened the show; but the subtle sexiness that is a developing signature of the label became more clear as the curvilinear cuts offered flashes of skin.

Audi Red Carpet Night 2012 Costume National A12 DECOR
CoSTUME NATIONAL Autumn 2012 collection at Audi Red Carpet Night gala event.
Images: Wesley Kow

With the contrast of heavy fabric against plunging necklines, almost perfectly sheer lace bodysuit-type tops – with strategically placed strips of leather – and lashings of leather and fur; this collection is perfect for the grown-up rock chick.

The leather pieces were particularly stunning; the quality of the leather was apparent from metres away as it hung as softly as heavy silk in beautifully cut fitted jackets, pants and a fabulous “Matrix” like coat.

The brand has increasingly become one that offers fashion-lovers a minimal luxe aesthetic; the simple shapes, perfectly cut pencil skirts and straight-legged trousers are layered with leather and fur or unexpected fullness from box pleats. Dark tones of black, grey and navy are lightened up with a rich green, and of course, the more risque flashes of skin.

I personally wanted to buy just about the entire collection; as did another well-known fashionista-about-town Clara Goh from Fendi Singapore. If only CoSTUME NATIONAL was available in Singapore. So, will someone open a store … Please!

The CoSTUME NATIONAL Autumn 2012 show was held as part of the Audi Red Carpet Night 2012 gala event at the Tent @ Orchard for Audi Fashion Festival and the Asian Fashion Exchange. For more information about the Asian Fashion Exchange go to www.asiafashionexchange.com.sg and for more on Audi Fashion Festival go to audifashionfestival.com