From The Straits Times    |

One of Singapore’s most successful fashion houses, Raoul has released its Cruise 2012 collection with a burst of citrus colour and simple, 60s shapes.

Building on the previous seasons of 60s and 70s looks, the brand has moved the concept forward with a combination of fluid silks, bright colours and sharp tailoring for Cruise 2012.

Raoul Cruise 2012 collection work wear 1

The look is actually quite severe with little embellishment, but the variety in textures and colours and the addition of prints makes this an extremely versatile collection with pieces that will suit just about everyone.

Cruise, or Resort as it’s sometimes known, is the perfect “season” for Singapore fashionistas. With the wide variety of fabrics, shapes and pieces there’s always something that’s eminently wearable in Singapore’s sweltering weather.

Raoul Cruise 2012 collection work wear 2
Raoul Cruise 2012 collection work wear 3

Raoul has created smart pieces that can carry you from work to an evening event and into the weekend. The workwear tailoring is clear in the shell tops, wide-legged pants and perfectly balanced A-line skirts.

Evening styles incorporate long, flowing lines in jewel-toned silks – rich orange, navy, grass green and white – with bare arms and simple embellishments like leather or metal collars.

Raoul Cruise 2012 collection evening

For the weekends, or more casual occasions, Raoul has beautifully tailored shorts, skirts and fab “Mod” dresses in wearable cotton-linen and more silk.

If you’re travelling, you must grab one of Raoul’s great leather pieces; items the brand is fast building a reputation for. The soft leather comes in shift dresses, streamlined “motorcycle” jackets and quirky-cool pleated skirts in classic shades of tan, white and a super groovy soft gold lame.

Raoul Cruise 2012 collection leather

Raoul Cruise 2012 is rounded out with super luxurious basics like crew-neck double georgette silk tees, leather faced tanks, striped ribbed knits and perfectly cut shirts.

Again, the brand’s accessories continue to impress. The continuation of its first “box” bags from two seasons ago sees satchel shoulder bags in graphic shapes, the large, soft clutch now comes in soft gold, as does Raoul’s boxy Brill wristlet clutch.

Raoul Cruise 2012 collection bags

Cruise 2012 sees the addition of that iconic 60s material, plastic, with clear circle-shaped totes and bi-material bucket bags. There’s even a full on clear plastic jacket, poncho and beach tote, all piped in white leather.

Once again Raoul has produced a collection of garments that are in step with the global fashion zeitgeist but remain wearable. There’s nothing ground-breaking about the designs, which are mainly classic pieces updated in new colours and textures, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good collection.

Minimalism remains a constant in the fashion world and Raoul has managed to create within this trend yet not lose it’s developing “look”. The quality of the materials and the precision of the tailoring makes Raoul swing from humdrum to well done.

Raoul Cruise 2012 is now available from Raoul boutiques. Raoul stores are located in Paragon, Raffles City, Takashimaya and Marina Bay Sands.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now