From The Straits Times    |

CENTRESTAGE SPECIAL

anagram
www.anagram-intl.com
“From work to play”: that’s anagram’s brand direction, and its chic, sophisticated pieces that are polished enough for office wear yet fashion-forward enough for dates and parties, reflect that. Think shift dresses, modest tops and fitted pants in luxurious fabrics such as wool and silk, spruced up with lace detailing and embellishments. The brand’s in-house designers head to Paris every year to source for unique, smallbatch novelty fabrics from Italy, France and Spain. Prices range from US$200 (roughly S$272) to US$500 for dresses.

 

LU LU CHEUNG
www.lulucheung.com.hk
Veteran Hong Kong designer Lu Lu Cheung’s eponymous label is well loved for its elegant, feminine and sophisticated designs (Lu Lu says she’s inspired by the “colours of nature, its textures and forms”). Because practicality is also key, comfortable fabrics such as viscose cupro and silk cotton are used. Prices range from HK$1,000 (about S$176) to HK$2,500 for tops and bottoms, and from HK$2,500 to HK$6,500 for jackets and coats.

 

BLIND BY JW
www.blindbyjw.tumblr.com
Created by designers Jessica Lau and Walter Kong, Blind by JW’s whimsical, colourful prints are inspired by Eastern and Western fairy tales (“[They’re] very dreamy,” says Jessica). It’s hard not to fall in love with the very wearable label that offers flattering A-line dresses adorned with intricate jacquard patterns, comfortable trousers with striking digital prints, and matching clutches and purses. Prices range from HK$900 (leggings and tops) to HK$2,500 (coats).

 

HOUSE OF V
www.house-of-v.com
The letter V in the brand name represents the sleek silhouettes and simplistic lines that guide the design philosophy, and trendsetters will love the minimalist, effortlessly elegant pieces. Think relaxed-fit tops and pants, long shift dresses and well-cut coats (prices range from HK$1,000 to HK$3,000). Fabrics are sourced from Japan, Korea and Italy, and each piece is manufactured in Hong Kong to ensure quality control.

 

B.YU DESIGNS
www.byu-designs.com
“I don’t like disposable fashion,” says founder Ben Yung of his three-year-old label. “I want something that people will love and continue to wear for three to four years.” You may have to shell out more for his creations (prices start from HK$600 for ready-towear collections and can go up to HK$10,000 for bespoke pieces), but Ben says his clientele – mostly women in their mid-20s to early 40s – are willing to splurge on the unique pieces featuring lots of interesting fabrics, colourful prints and stunning embellishments. Put this label on your list for a one-of-a-kind statement dress for your next D&D.