SPECIAL THANKS ACTUALLY MILK PHOTOGRAPHIE actually.com.sg milkphotographie Paul Khor, Dawn Lim & Brendan Zhang Hamzah Anis ONESIXTYNOTEPAD AVIVAR AUDIENCE onesixtynotepad.com COMMUNICATIONS Ridhwan Sesapar avivar.com.sg Laurence Wong WORD OF ART Tania Chew, Clarissa Quek & THE BODY SHOP Mustafa Hatwadi thebodyshop.com.sg Adlena Wong VUE PRIVÉE vueprivee.com CORRIE NIELSEN Olivier Henry corrienielsen.com Corrie Nielsen BLOGGERS Jenny T. LA MODE OUTRÉ simplesewingprojects.com lamodeoutre.blogspot.com James Bent The Stranger Speaks thestrangerspeaks.com MAKEUP POLICE mu-police.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER Zuhairee Joe & Zulfadhli Michael Chng Zainudin
Danielle Siauw |Founder| Danielle@fashionspace.com Augustus Loi |Editor| Augustus@fashionspace.com Dorothy Tan |Writer| Dorothy@fashionspace.com Ong Yin Qin |Writer| Qin@fashionspace.com Brendan Zhang |Photographer| Michael Chng |Graphic Designer| Xavier Sanjiman Jeanette Lau |Technical| Contributors: Tahirah Conliffe James Bent
ByFS
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Founder of FashionSpace Danielle lives and breathes the Internet. Her 14-years career spans technology and online marketing, covering almost every aspect of the Web. A fashionista and shopaholic herself, ending up in fashion was hardly a surprise. The idea for FashionSpace had been brewing for over five years and finally came into fruition in 2011, thanks to the many Angels in her life.
How did a smart cookie such as Augustus end up writing about fashion? Because bad fashion is fatal: he’ll step on your neck the next time he sees you in one of those tees with sexual haikus on the front. Big deal that it’s pure cotton, spun by Third World natives with a giant crank, using only their bare feet since they have no hands.
Reading comes in at a close second – but only obscure books on post-post-postmodern philosophy or some other gobbledygook – since, really,what’s the point of reading what everyone else has read? ...................................
Tahirah Conliffe is a fashion journalist and style director based in London. Contributing for international publications Vogue.it, Flaunt magazine and Grazia daily and Besides being a full-time geek, When not mowing down Volt café to name a few. she also sells her paintings to hapless fashion victims, Tahirah is at the forefront pay for those new shoes she Augustus enjoys proselytizing of producing, styling and writing bespoke video seems to always have. against a life lived in denim.
CONTRIBUTORS
profiles for editorial her true love – writing. and marketing usage. She has been blogging about fashion for five Known for a genuine approach years and now rambles and personable interviewing on about beautiful style, a technique that has seen clothes and shoes (or her deliver some beautifully whatever catches her elegant insights into the style fancy) at Dfordot.com. and careers of key opinion leaders. Tahirah’s strength When she is not writing lies with her vision for the about style, shopping, design bigger picture and making the or lifestyle, you will find her aspirational seem accessible doing ‘research’ on online without compromise. shopping sites, with her nose ................................... stuck between the pages of a Penguin Classic or traipsing around in another city playing out the role of A Stranger In A Strange Land. She also thinks that Abbey Road is probably the best record ever made. ................................... It’s the same age-old story that somehow never gets old. Dorothy traded in her day job to pursue
An accountancy student by day, Qin spends the rest of her time curled up in bed with a good movie or a K-pop track. Qin is also a BlackBerry addict and a certified Hello Kitty aficionado.
Her greatest fashion memory involved a fashion show and a child-like awe at the stunning clothes before her. That was when she was sure that fashion is, and will continue to It all started when Qin be, a big part of pink, pink life. found fashion and gave up her berm-and-tunic ways. One thing led to another and a style blog was born.
CONTENT
FEATURE |58|
NEWS |10| PIERRE BALMAIN OPENS IN SINGAPORE COCO AVANT CHANEL FASHION STEPS OUT @ ORCHARD 2012 PARCO NEXT NEXT
|18| ACCESSORIES PAVED WITH GOLD
SPORTS DE LUXE
SEW A BUTTON QUIFF
TREND ROUNDUP |20| WOMEN’S SS12: THE BEAUTIFUL GAME COUTURE SS12: AN UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING MEN’S SS12: STICKING TO THE CLASSICS
|66| LOOK OF THE MONTH |26| INTERVIEW PAUL KHOR CORRIE NIELSEN RIDHWAN SESAPAR ZULFADHLI ZAINUDIN LAURENCE WONG
PHOTO ESSAY |44| JAMES BENT
|64| HOW TO
GOTHIC STRIPES
|70| CELEBRITY YAYNAY SCREEN ACTOR’S GUILD AWARDS
|72| STREET STYLE GREEN MUSTARD STRIPES
|78| COLUMN
FOUNDER’S LETTER How time flies! It’s been three months since we first launched ByFS. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the first two issues as much as we have enjoyed pulling together the latest from all around the fashion sphere.
This month, we bring a bit of action into your life. We look at the sportswear trend from SS12 and delve into the evolution of sportswear. In this issue, we interview four individuals to know
in Singaporean and British fashion. We chat with up-and-coming London-based fashion designer Corrie Nielsen about being handpicked by John Galliano at Fashion Fringe 2010 and honing her skills at Vivienne Westwood. Paul Khor, the owner of ACTUALLY, ActuallyActually and Very Wooonderland, is undoubtedly a veteran fashion entrepreneur in the local scene. We talk to him about escaping the corporate world after 15 years to start his first store in 2005.
If you couldn’t get enough of artist Kim Xu’s wispy illustrations in our last issue, you’ll love ONESIXTYNOTEPAD’s Ridhwan Sesapar, Singapore’s very own fashion illustrator.
a dash of inspiration. We look through the lens of La Mode Outré’s James Bent as he captures the zeitgeist of Asian street fashion.
with FS friend and Aucoin in the making, about his makeup Police Professional.
If you couldn’t tell, we’ve been working out here at Team FS, toning up our content, cutting the flab from our layouts and bringing to you the best in fashion. So, join us at the gym, slap on an AlaÏa and let’s get physical.
Every designer from Karl Lagerfeld to Jeremy Scott has taken to the streets for
Yours, Danielle
Lastly, we spoke Singapore’s Kevyn Zulfadhli Zainudin line, Makeup
BYFS READER WINS DEPRESSION JACKET!
Congratulations to ByFS reader Koh Jun Jie Jason (facebook.com/coldkohmew) for walking away with a cropped sleeved jacket from Depression's SS2011 'Dysfunction' Collection!
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WHAT’S NEW
Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
Here’s what some of our readers had to say about our inaugural issue:
BODY SHOP GIVING AWAY DROPS OF YOUTH
"It's modern, unique and fun!" - Sophia Ellenis (facebook.com/sophiaellenis)
“Just like the different concept of how the magazine works. Unique!” - Johanna Sweeston (facebook.com/profile.
Click to watch video
The Body Shop is giving away three bottles of their new Drops of Youth anti-aging serum worth SGD$59 each to ByFS readers. Click here for more details “Love this new magazine style, its so unusual and totally different!” - William Ronson (facebook.com/wronson)
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ByFS NOW ON iPad Get past issues of ByFS on the iPad. Download here
NEWS
Writer AUGUSTUS LOI Its debut SS12 collection will be available in at the new Pierre Balmain store to open in March at Scott Square. For an instant fix, check out the new collection in a series of short films directed by Inez and Vinoodh and starring Abbey Lee Kershaw. Pierre Balmain, #01-11 Scotts Square.
PIERRE BALMAIN OPENS IN SINGAPORE Since the Balmain Paris’ annoucment six months ago, the fashion set has been salivating for the debut of the brand’s affordable line, Pierre Balmain.
Ecole des Beaux Arts. Since then, he has described dressmaking as “the architecture of movement”. Today, the Parisian house is led by Olivier Rousteing.
Following World War II, house founder Pierre Balmain was at the top of French fashion, catering to such stars as Ava Gardner and Brigitte Bardot. French designer Balmain was first schooled in architecture at the legendary
The new line caters to a young, urbane clientele. It features a mix of dresses, knitwear, tailored and leather pieces, and casual essentials that use Parisian chic to inform a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic.
Click to watch video
Click to watch video
NEWS
COCO AVANT CHANEL
Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
Click to watch video
With four BAFTA nominations and one for the Acadmey Award for Best Costume Design, expect a fashion plate from the incredibly expressive lead, Audrey Tautou. The film Coco Chanel is arguably one of the screens on 3 April 2012 at the Alliance most influential fashion designers of Française Theatre. all time. Chanel was indeed a fashion revolutionary: her use of jersey for dressmaking was considered beyond the pale at the time; historians often attribute Chanel as the originator of the little black dress. But the legend of Chanel, and her extraordinary life is writ large even over her business in the fashion industry. Chanel herself was known to have spun a yarn or two in place of her humble beginnings. In Anne Fontaine’s Coco Avant Chanel, we see the machinations of a young women who would forge a life for herself. Click here to find out more.
FASHION STEPS OUT @ ORCHARD 2012
After a recent survey, French marketing consultancy Presence Mystery Shopping has voted Orchard Road the number one shopping belt in the world. This March, Orchard Road plans to live out that title with Fashion Steps Out (FSO). FSO is a six-week festival showcasing the SS2012 collections from around the world. Events such as Orchard Fashion Runway – which features an outdoor catwalk stage, the longest in Singapore – and Asian Model Search, a quest to find the next face of Asia, are poised to set the tone. The festival runs in various locations from 16 March to 29 April 2012. Click here to find out more
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PARCO NEXT NEXT
On 8 February 2012, PARCO next NEXT announced its third intake of designers to its fashion incubator programme. The incubator is a collaboration between PARCO Singapore and the Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (TaFf) and offers 18 up and coming designers a mentorship programme over 18 months. CONTINUED
Since its inception, the programme as launched the likes of MAE PANG, max.tan and OwnMuse. In April, the selected brands will debut at PARCO Marina Bay. The intake runs the gamut, from the androgynous (Episene, Mils, 20:TWOTHREE) to the dressy (Wil:LiaM Atelier, Angelia, 2HB), the draped (QUAINTHOOD) to the tailored (LION EARL). Watch out for more coverage in upcoming issues of ByFS
ACCESSORIES
Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
PAVED WITH GOLD
Relive the roaring twenties with a touch of gold. Pair that fringed flapper number with a strappy, mirrored heel. For a daytime look, bring it down to earth with an embellished flat. Keep accessories dainty, with the hint of movement. Pale gold sneakers instantly update a dandy’s three-piece suit; a gold bow-tie makes for a bolder statement. Click products to find out more
TREND ROUNDUP
Writer DOROTHY TAN
WOMEN’S SS12: THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz, who gave sportswear an unexpected sophistication with his beautifully By refining silhouettes, playing with made silk track-pants. proportions and including clever details, they managed to distil sportswear to its essence and present a modern take. The result is a new breed of urban athleticism that is appealing even to those of us who have never set foot in a gym. these helpings with a large dollop of chic.
Anoraks, hoodies, sweat-shirt and track-pants – what were once the gym rat’s staples have now made appearances on the runways and they look set to become the uniform for Spring. If you had in mind saggy jersey pants or shapeless t-shirts, you couldn’t be more wrong. The current sportswear trend has been building over many seasons now and
for SS12, it manifested in various interesting ways, from casual luxe to contemporary evening. There is nothing scruffy about these looks. In fact, many were decidedly elegant. Compared to the pyjama or paisley trends, sportswear is undoubtedly much more wearable. Relative to the dressier options that came down this season, sportswear is also the fashion equivalent of comfort food accessible and familiar. But designers elevated
Other than the usual proponents such as Alexander Wang, designers previously less inclined towards sportswear’s laid-back charms have also dipped their toes into this burgeoning trend.
Click to watch video
The ever lady-like Victoria Beckham gave the Click to watch video humble hooded jacket a luxurious spin while Stella McCartney worked her usual cool-girl magic by combining an abundance of mesh For SS12, the ‘beautiful game’ takes on a with quirky asymmetry. And then there was whole new meaning.
TREND ROUNDUP
Writer DOROTHY TAN
Click to watch video
COUTURE SS12: AN UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING
Click to watch video compared to the ready-to-wear circuit. However, fewer looks don’t necessarily mean lesser work. Each couture piece is painstakingly put together by an army of seamstresses and may take hundreds of man-hours to complete. The exquisite result of this dedication to craft often bears a closer resemblance to a work of art than a mere garment.
With only a handful of haute couture Even as we spiral ever faster towards houses left standing, the couture disposable fashion, this kind of beauty season is a much less hectic affair will never completely go out of style.
Click to watch video
Click to watch video
For SS12, many of the couture houses have translucent may very well be the new black converged on a delightful trend (that is, if this season. trends could be said to exist in the world of couture): lightness. By merging a timeless elegance (reminiscent of haute couture’s golden age) with a Typically elaborate and almost always decidedly modern aesthetic, the couturiers extravagant, couture is usually associated are gradually but steadily walking into the with the weighty formality of eveningwear. Yet, 21st century. While it is uncertain if they this season’s soft, ethereal dresses seemed will succeed in safeguarding the relevance to float as they made their way down the of their craft, one thing is for sure: we will runway. Sheer, delicate fabrics created a be seeing quite a number of this season’s dreamy sense of weightlessness despite the couture all throughout awards season! intricate handiworks of embroidery, beads and sequins. At the risk of sounding banal,
TREND ROUNDUP
Writer DOROTHY TAN
MEN’S FW12: STICKING TO THE CLASSICS
Fashion is no longer just for the ladies – the men have been in the game for quite some time now (and playing it with much gusto). While menswear is undoubtedly more conservative relative to womenswear, backed by an equally rich history, they needn’t be any less interesting. In fact, it is the ability to innovate within a well-defined space that makes brilliant menswear designers stand out that much more. If the womenswear collections seek to dazzle with their endless variety, one needs a keener eye to appreciate men’s clothing. The devil is in the details and it is the tiny things such as the collar, button or cuff that make all the difference. And let’s not forget the
Click to watch video
Click to watch video
all-important fit, cut and proportion. Menswear trends have become increasing adventurous over the years and for FW12, there was no lack of flamboyance (floral suits at Versace) or intrigue (elongated, dress-like silhouettes at Ann Demeulemeester). While these collections certainly got their due attention, the brands that decided to stick to the classics also made their quiet presence felt by sending out timeless looks that managed to look smart and contemporary. Shoemaker Berluti’s debut ready-to-wear collection was beautifully wrought while Jil Sander’s all-leather outfits and sharp suits exuded an urbane cool that, part Bladerunner and part Wall Street. And can any menswear season be complete without the impeccable magnificence that is Dior Homme? It’s all very well to inject a bit of fun into your wardrobe with a bright orange suit but at the end of the day, it is the tailored charcoal one that becomes a cherished favourite.
Click to watch video
Click to watch video
INTERVIEW
Writer ONG YIN QIN
PAUL KHOR Owner of ACTUALLY, ActuallyActually and Very Wooonderland Paul Khor has added another project to his impressive portfolio last year: he founded the independent magazine ActuallyMAG. The retail entrepreneur has been keeping himself very busy indeed. By bringing in
cool and highly covetable international brands such as Jeffrey Campbell, Wear and Tear, and S2VS, ACTUALLY has became the go-to store for discerning fashionistas in Singapore. We picked Paul’s brain for advice to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.
Click to watch video FS: Has it always been your dream to start a store such as ACTUALLY? P: It was more of a calling to start a store such as ACTUALLY in 2005. After almost 15 years in the corporate world, I decided to try something on my own. The concept of Actually did not come from thin air, but from two years of research.
FS: You just opened an ACTUALLY store in Kuala Lumpur. Are there plans for further expansion in the region? P: You never know!
FS: What has been your most memorable experience since opening the store? P: There have been many memorable experiences. In the past six years, we’ve FS: How do you choose the brands that you always tried new things, and new things are stock at ACTUALLY? always challenging and memorable to me. P: We select brands and products that FS: What are some of the struggles you’ve match the theme of each shop. It’s a balance experienced? between what we think customers will like and P: Like any small retail business in Singapore, what we think will be trendy. we faced many challenges.
INTERVIEW
FS: Do you have any advice to aspiring multilabel boutique owners? What do you think are the key qualities someone should possess to start a boutique such as yours? P: Stay true to yourself. Be original, be creative, and have fun. It’s all about passion, passion and passion! FS: You started AcutallyMAG in 2011. What are your future plans for the magazine? P: The goal of ActuallyMAG when we started it in January 2011 was to share stories with our customers. I am very happy that the response has been very good and it is very encouraging. We have also decided to go independent as a stand-alone magazine. After
one year of setting up the magazine, we hope to have more new contents and events. FS: What is your daily wardrobe like? P: I am a pretty casual person. I wear what is comfortable to me. FS: Who are your favourite designers? P: I like designers who are innovative. FS: Last question: do you have any grand plans for ACTUALLY? P: We are entering our seventh year in 2012 and there are so many things I want to do with Actually! Most importantly, we are launching our online shop this month.
INTERVIEW
CORRIE NIELSEN
Personally chosen by John Galliano as the winner for the Fashion Fringe platform in 2010, Corrie Nielsen is one of London’s most talented up-andcoming designers. With experience working in bespoke tailoring and at Vivienne Westwood, her latest collection is inspired by her great-great-greatgrandfather from Scotland. We had a short chat with her on her future plans.
Writer ONG YIN QIN
Click to watch video
FS: Have you always wanted to get into the fashion industry? Can you tell us a little bit about your background? C: In 2000, I came back to London where I was accepted into the London College of Fashion for their Art and Design course and gained a B-Tech in Art and Design. In 2001, I was accepted into Central Saint Martins for a BA Fashion and Design. I graduated in 2004 with a First Class Distinction in Fashion Design Womenswear, one of only four in the class do be honoured with this distinction. In 2005, I was accepted into the Masters at Central Saint Martins design course, but I had to withdraw due to personal reasons.
In 2006, I went back to the United States for eleven months and then came back to Europe. It wasn’t until June of 2010 that I was personally chosen by John Galliano out of three finalists as the winner for the highly coveted Fashion Fringe platform. Prior to that, I worked in bespoke tailoring and at Vivienne Westwood. My father is a sculptor, my mother a seamstress, and my sister also works in design. It was only natural that I would do something creative. FS: Has studying at Central Saint Martins helped you in the creation of your label? Do
INTERVIEW
you think a fashion degree is a must to make it in the fashion industry? C: Studying at Central Saint Martins allowed me to look at life as a whole rather than a part. It opened my eyes to different cultures and lifestyles. I don’t feel education is a priority for everyone or a must since we’re all individuals. Everyone has his or her own path.
FS: What are the day-to-day challenges you’ve faced since the start of your label? C: I’ve experienced challenges with all aspects of the business, from managing staff to finances to marketing! As the creative director of Corrie Nielsen Ltd, my responsibility each season is producing a new collection creatively, but I’m also at the helm
of a small business - and the responsibilities are endless. FS: Besides being chosen by John Galliano as the winner of Fashion Fringe 2010, what are the other memorable experiences you’ve had since the start of your label? C: Having a space on the schedule at London Fashion Week for my seasonal
catwalk show. It’s an honour and a platform for my work that most people can only dream of. FS: Is there a celebrity that hasn’t yet worn one of your designs that you’d love to see wearing them? C: I would love to see Tilda Swinton, Kate Blanchett and Grace Jones in Corrie Nielsen,
and any strong-minded woman that has a unique identity. FS: What do you think is a piece of clothing every woman should own? C: Underwear and a Corrie Nielsen structured frock-coat or jacket: they look amazing on anyone, and we do bespoke or made-to-measure to ensure the perfect fit. FS: How do you come up with new designs and what do you do when you are stumped for ideas? C: I am fascinated by history and spend a lot of time researching in libraries and at National Heritage sites. There is so much history in London. The city has layers upon layers of hidden treasures dating back hundreds of years. The British Library, which houses books that are hundreds of years old is a great source for ideas, and I like to look back at my own family heritage.
marketing and advertising. The connected generation wants to feel as if they are a part of the conversation, that they are a friend and have direct access. The relationship between the consumer and brands is so important now. Social media is the easiest way to create this relationship. You can follow the Corrie Nielsen studio on Twitter (@ CorrieNielsen).
FS: In the upcoming seasons, what can we expect from Corrie Nielsen? C: I can’t reveal too much, but the upcoming collection for FW12 draws inspiration from my Scottish great-great-great-grandfather John S. Burns, who emigrated from Scotland to the United States about the same time as the Revolutionary War, settling in Arkansas. I’m also pulling ideas from the concept of the Scottish clans that produced unique hand-woven tartans representing a particular family name, and infusing all these with a FS: Do you think social media is important to medieval English and Scottish form of dress. your business? Expect big, bold, structured pieces with high C: Yes! The next generation speaks necklines, floor-sweeping capes and a lot of digital and doesn’t want to be pushed with pleating.
INTERVIEW
RIDHWAN SESAPAR
Writer ONG YIN QIN
After collaborating with Raffles City to hold a Paper Dolls exhibit and designing the cover of STYLE magazine, ONESIXTYNOTEPAD's Ridhwan Sesapar is one of Singapore’s most up-andcoming illustrators. We talked to him about his start in fashion illustration and his upcoming projects.
in college. FS: Do you keep a sketchbook to doodle your ideas? R: I used to have a sketchbook in my bag all the time then, but now most of my illustrations are on loose sheets and carefully archived in boxes at home. FS: When did you get started in fashion illustration? R: I’ve been drawing since I was young but I began to have a better grasp of it when I was
software that might help me to improve or enhance my drawings.
FS: Can you tell us more about your art process? R: My illustrations are hand-drawn with a fine tip pen and digitally coloured in later on. I’m not very patient with manual colouring and I have zero tolerance for mistakes, to be FS: Your signature style is pretty consistent. honest! The best way is to do it digitally where Are you going to experiment with something I can undo with just a click! different? R: I sure hope so - in the near future when FS: Do you source for photographs or do you I can afford other technological advances or draw mostly from your imagination?
INTERVIEW
R: It’s a bit of both but mostly I am inspired by fashion images. There are days when I’d sketch out something that I randomly had in mind and there are times when I’d prefer to study photographs. FS: What are the obstacles you've faced? R: The lack of time! Running a website, working freelance, and on top of all that, illustrating, I feel like there should be more hours in a day! FS: Who or what are the main influencers of your work? R: Hollywood celebrities, music and fashion figures, mostly. FS: We loved the Paper Dolls exhibit you did at Raffles City. Can you tell us more about your upcoming projects? R: Thank you. That was my biggest project to date! I’m currently contributing to a few articles in Style magazine and I’m keeping my options open for what’s in store for the future. FS: Are there any illustrators that you look up to? R: I absolutely adore Laura Laine for her intricate line work and the whimsically dark aesthetics of Achraf Amiri. FS: Lastly, if you were not illustrating, what would you be doing? R: I’d probably learn to bake and eventually set up my own cafe. I’ve always wanted to do that!
INTERVIEW
ZULFADHLI ZAINUDIN
Writer ONG YIN QIN
Meet Zulfadhli Zainudin, a makeup artist with seven years of experience and his own makeup line, Makeup Police Professional. We grilled him on the best makeup brands out there, and sought his advice on achieving a flawless natural look
different walks of life. They can be models, actors and actresses, brides - and sometimes you even get the chance to participate in big events such as fashion shows or stage shows. As a makeup artist, you can’t stop learning because it’s a fast-paced environment and new things will always emerge. FS: What are some of the brands or products you use on a daily basis in your job? Z: I use my own brand, the Makeup Police Professional, because it’s a professional brand. I also use professional products from Kryolan, Graftobian and Makeup Forever.
FS: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Were you a self-taught makeup artist or did you attend a makeup school? Z: i have been a makeup artist for seven years now, since I was 16, but back then I was just a freelance artist. I learnt my skills by reading tutorial books because there was no YouTube back then. I saved enough money to go for a makeup course at Cosmoprof Academy and took a diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry before going on to pursue a Master In Prosthetic and Makeup Artistry at Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, Hollywood.
FS: Have you always wanted to be a makeup artist? What inspired you to become one? Z: No, I always wanted to be a pilot but what inspired me to become a makeup artist was makeup’s ability to transform a plain Jane into a beautiful, gorgeous and confident woman. FS: Do you think attending a makeup school is essential to becoming a good makeup artist? Z: Definitely, yes. That’s where you learn the correct techniques on how to apply makeup. FS: What are the best parts of being a makeup artist? Z: The best part about being a makeup artist is that you get the chance to people from
FS: Many of us have problems covering up our dark circles. Is there a concealer you would recommend? Z: I would recommend my trusted brand, which is the Derma Camo System from Kryolan. It can even cover up tattoos! But of course, do not only depend on concealer: try to invest in a colour corrector that can help to conceal dark circles or blemishes before putting on your preferred foundation. Orange or apricot complements anything brown or black, and green eliminates blemishes because it’s a complement to red.
FS: Any tips on how to achieve a natural, flawless look? Z: Firstly, you need to have a good base followed by a foundation that can diffuse light. Usually, high-definition cosmetics can do this easily because they diffuse light and create the FS: Tell us more about the Makeup Police illusion of a flawless finish. For those who have Professional line. dry skin, a dewy look would be a great choice. Z: Makeup Police Professional is a FS: Do you have any advice for the aspiring full-service beauty, cosmetic and toiletries makeup artists out there? provider that is dedicated to consistently Z: Learn as much as possible, be patient and providing high customer satisfaction by be humble. Always help fellow makeup artists. rendering excellent service, quality products, Ask if you are unsure and share with others and furnishing an enjoyable atmosphere at when you discover something new. Good an acceptable price-to-value relationship. makeup artists always share their knowledge We also maintain a friendly, fair, responsible so that others can be like them too in the and creative work environment that respects future. diversity, ideas and hard work. FS: What are some of the common makeup mistakes most women commit? Z: Choosing the wrong shade of foundation is the most common mistake that most women commit.
LAURENCE WONG INTERVIEW
Fashion is a state of mind. So, inspired by the resurgence of sports-inspired motifs on the runway, we decided that we had to speak to a real-life athlete. Jack of all trades Laurence Wong is the Managing Director of Avivar Communications Pte Ltd and Avivar Integrated Solutions Ptd Ltd.
Writer ONG YIN QIN
When not organising high-profile events such as the Youth Olympics 2010, Laurence represents Singapore for F1 powerboat racing. Also the choreographer and advisor for our past National Day parades, Laurence keeps himself very busy while adding more projects to his impressive portfolio. We talked to Laurence and sought advice for aspiring F1 powerboat racers.
FS: Can you tell us more about your background? How did you get into F1 powerboat racing? L: I choreographed the National Day Parade C display in 2008 and got to know our Malaysian counterparts in powerboat racing. I have extensive experience in driving boats because I was in the Singapore navy. I am also a wakeboarding enthusiast. Our Malaysian counterparts invited me to join them in Malaysia for powerboat racing since they thought I had a lot of potential in
the sport. We are called the Singapore F1 Powerboat Team and we are coached by our competitor in Malaysia. I raced against my coach in the most recent F1 race. FS: What other some projects you’re working on? L: I am the managing director of Avivar Communications Ptd Ltd. We organised the Youth Olympic Games and various other sports presentations. We also organise events for Nickelodeon in Singapore.
INTERVIEW
FS: What is your routine before a race? L: I never start a race without talking to my wife. I make it a point to communicate with her before a race since accidents do happen and I do not know what will happen once I’m racing. I also make sure I have my safety gear on. Safety is more important than the race. FS: What are some of your most memorable experiences since you started powerboat racing? L: The first time I raced in Singapore, my fellow countrymen cheered for our team. Many people came for our race and it felt great when they waved the Singapore flag. I also met up with countless strangers and they commented that we made Singapore proud. FS: Do you have any advice for aspiring powerboat racers? L: You have to learn to drive safely before you can learn to race. If you don’t know how to drive safely, you are not qualified to race. Also, if you are racing for personal pride, do not race. Racing is a team sport and you are racing for your country. Mindset is very important when it comes to powerboat racing; it is a team effort. It is also crucial to stay extremely fit: powerboat racing is about endurance and you are what you eat. Powerboat racers will have to race regularly.
JAMES BENT PHOTO ESSAY
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For more photos, visit lamodeoutre.blogspot.com
FEATURE
Writer TAHIRAH CONLIFFE
SPORTS DE LUXE
Cast your mind back to an earlier time of splendour, finery and decadence - a time when dressing for dinner was a daily ritual and gentleman wore dickey bows, dinner suits and gloves. Women clothed themselves in fluid silk gowns adorned with lace trims, and dressed with pearls and jewels. It is hard to believe that it was in this golden age of glamour that sportswear was born albeit, in an embryonic state.
It was during the mid-1930’s that women started tantalising with the etiquette of acceptance and female behaviour. Women packed away the coquette and indulged in a wider range of active sports once considered the domain of gentlemen. These humble exertions led to a revolutionary shift from traditional dress of full-length skirts and dresses... to slacks. Early adopters were essential on the road to more masculine dress, suitable for sporting ventures - and it was mainly horse-riding, tennis and polo that brought on the necessity. René Lacoste’s desire for comfort whilst playing championship tennis tournaments was what led him to invent the polo shirt.
Women such as Gabrielle Chanel and Queen Elizabeth II (circa 1939, age 13; know then as Princess Elizabeth) were photographed riding full-saddle and seen doing so in men’s jodhpurs and boy blazers. Chanel went as far as donning a skinny black tie with her loose shirt and trousers. It was then that society began to recognise the basic needs of active men and women, an agility in their wardrobes suited to their new lifestyles. But, it was not until the post-war period, and right up to the late 50’s and 60’s that sportswear started to truly assimilate on a mass scale and radical changes to take hold on the fashion landscape.
FEATURE
Despite the movement sparked off in Europe, it was the American manufacturers who were responsible for taking the lead in the major growth of functional wear, and so meeting the demands of a fast-paced society. The development of innovative new fabrications on the market meant designers and brands were able to create clothing that had stretch and comfort. The 50’s and 60’s became the decade of casual wear: the preppy look was at its high apex. Although not solely a revolution in fabric and comfort, sportswear’s characteristics were distinct: ribbed collars, cuffs and waist bands, zips, hoods, buttoned plackets, large pockets, panelling and loose structural shapes have all become clear features of sportswear. In the 80’s, sportswear prospered and superbrands such as Nike once again responded to the social changes of the decade. The 80’s were all about the thirst for power and excess. Power dressing was a way of life. Extreme sports such as skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing and mountain biking rapidly gained in popularity. The necessity for protective as well as functional clothing was in demand, and a bit of science was required to take garments
beyond the simple appeal of stretch and comfort. Innovate fabrics with technical properties and breathability quickly received mass appeal. Sportswear evolved into performance-wear with sport-specific designs. Footwear became an industry of its own and the age of the trainer was born. Thanks to celebrity endorsements and collaborations the most famous being Nike’s partnership with star athlete Michael Jordan - the development of the Air Jordan and the mass-market exposure it received took athletic footwear from mere functional to fashionable. Every time Jordan wore the red-and-black trainers on the court during his games - which was against the NBA white trainer rules - he would be fined USD5,000, a marketing exploit Nike took full advantage of. Thus, Air Jordons became a product so desirable that it would infiltrate the street-wear culture as a fashion staple. It was these developments that brought sportswear’s relevance into everyday life. The thing about modern sportswear is that it has grown from being just about performance and comfort to becoming an aesthetic declaration. Stella McCartney championed this when she collaborated with Adidas - now in its 5th year - to design a performance-wear
FEATURE
collection that did not compromise on style. impending Summer 2012 Olympics in Her aim was to “make sports clothes for London, one of the four key fashion capitals. women that did not look like an after-thought.” It is inevitable that sporting styles and apparel have influenced current design. It was this union between the designer’s creative vision and Adidas’ technology that Celebrated brands such as Chloe have allowed the brand to become one of the redefined the bomber jacket replacing the first to produce inspirational pieces that cater perforation with an embroidery anglaise to the activities of modern sports, activities detail, used to create a softer take on the that require agility, flexibility and concentrate classic sporting effect. American designers on core muscles such as pilates and yoga. such as Alexander Wang and Rag + Bone delivered sports-influenced collections for It is no surprise that sportswear has since SS12 in luxurious fabrics, taking athletictaken centre-stage once again with the wear from street casual to luxury chic.
Designers referenced classic structural shapes and detailing associated with sportswear. Wang paraded an ensemble of zip tops and body dresses, laser cut jackets and polos layered over jersey-panelled, fitted leggings. Rag + Bone showcased a clever take on formal casual wear, mixing the extremes of classic lined and tailored jackets with ruched parachute trousers. A bespoke suit was layered with a drawstringhooded poncho, a look that was very much a nod to the very foundations of sportswear. Take note from Paul Smith’s SS12 collection
for styling references. The slouchy way garments were put together in the runway show were a great way to wear the new trend. Printed drawstring joggers were a cosy alternative to tailored trousers. Low-line dresses with deep lapel necklines, reminiscent of 1920 tennis-wear, can be worn with flat sandals for instant athleticism. Remember to keep accessories to a minimum. Add a school satchel, envelope clutch or utilitarian box-bag to complete the look. Perfect for women on the run.
HOW TO
HOW TO:
SEW A BUTTON
HOW TO:
QUIFF Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
Click to watch video 1. Thread a needle and fold the thread over.
Click to watch video
2. Knot the ends. 3. Cross two straight pins under the fabric where the button should go. 4. Lay button on top of pins. 5. Starting from the back of the fabric, insert the needle through the centre.
6. Start with one hole and sew thread If you’ve put off wearing something in through four to five times. your closet because a button came off, 7. Remove pins and pull needle back this is the tutorial for you. Jenny T will through so it can be seen beneath button. show you how quick and simple it is to 8. Wind thread several times around the hand-sew that button back on. Don’t button. wait till you’re travelling to figure out how to sew on a popped button – like 9. Insert need back through to the back of I did. Trust me: you don’t think people the fabric. will notice a flapping shirt front or pant 10. Back-stitch through threads a few times to create a knot. crotch? They do.
1. Blow dry hair backwards. According to Fashionising.com, “In ’12, it’s the men’s quiff that counts.” The style originated from the rockabilly wave with the likes of James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. But in recent seasons, the quiff has made a comeback – a response to the saturation of the too-prim prep look with its close-cropped hair. The quiff tracks the revival of the new rake, an alpha male with derring-do on his mind. Whether young and a touch undone or incredibly polished a la Louis Vuitton, you’re bound to find a quiff to suit your style.
2. Rub a coin-sized amount of wax in the palm of hands. 3. Evenly distribute over long parts of hair, leaving sides and back. 4. Take a bit more and use ends of fingers to start shaping hair. 5. Fold hair backwards, leaving front and mid-section for last. 6. Use putty to slick sides and back down. 7. Go once over with a bit of hairspray. 8. Once dry, go over with hairspray in the areas that need more hold: the front, the quiff, and the sides.
LOOK OF THE MONTH HER
Today, we were Inspired by Kate Beckinsale’s impossibly tight leather corset in the movie Underworld: The Awakening - a little baroque with a touch of gothic. We love the excesses of the era, characterised by rich colours, fabrics such as lace and velvet, and ornate and byzantine designs. The black leather brings out the darker side.
GOTHIC
Writers DANIELLE SIAUW & AUGUSTUS LOI
HIM
On 11 February 2010, designer Alexander McQueen took his own life. Trained on Savile Row, McQueen was known for his deft mix of punk and precise tailoring, writ large in the language of gothic romance. In his memory, we celebrated
LOOK OF THE MONTH HER
Dream about cruising down the French Riviera in summer? The stripe trend has remained a classic and a mainstay as seen in Gucci’s 2012 Cruise collection. We picked two looks for your cruise vacation.
STRIPES
Writers DANIELLE SIAUW & AUGUSTUS LOI
HIM
On 31 January 1937, Philip Glass was born in Baltimore, Maryland. One of the most influential composers in the late 20th century, Glass describes his work as “music with repetitive structures.” Taking our cue from Glass, we bring to you a composition of patterns and stripes.
CELEBRITY
Writers ONG YIN QIN
SCREEN ACTOR’S GUILD AWARDS
Angelina Jolie
Ashlee Simpson
Naya Rivera
Tilda Swinton
Amber Riley
Ashlee Simpson
Jenna Ushkowitz
Emily Blunt
Sofia Vergara
Emma Stone
Michelle Williams
Lea Michele
Julie Bowen
Kristin Wiig
Maya Rudolph
Rose Byrne
STREET STYLE
STREET STYLE
Photographer JAMES BENT | Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
STREET STYLE
STREET STYLE
MUSTARD
Photographer JAMES BENT | Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
STREET STYLE
STREET STYLE
Photographer JAMES BENT | Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
COLUMN Fashion: everyone has an opinion, but is anyone right? The democratic take an inclusive, if a tad broad, stance, “It’s all subjective.” In fact, what this perspective lends in feel-good-ness, it lacks in instruction.
Writer AUGUSTUS LOI
of bad taste.” Miles without a hint of bad taste in sight.
Denmark was a hairy mess: fur was de rigeur. Indeed, Denmark – where the locals are paid to recycle, sustainable housing is a priority, and good design a hallmark – is also The minimalists are just as bad. The all-black the world’s largest producer of mink skins. uniform: instructive, but nihilistic. Minimalism A PETA holdout would have been walking is the logical conclusion of essentialism. amongst enemies. The benefit? If you choose not to choose, I guess you can never really be wrong. Parisian chic lives on. When you’re stuck with a wardrobe the size of a telephone box, every In Sweden, the tone was decidedly tame. piece counts. This means classics reign – and As one designer put it, “At the shows here, understandably so. The navy blazer never it’s black, black, black. Grey would be like, left, but is revived occasionally with a hint of ‘Wow.’” The result, a sea of simply dressed embellishment in the form of the band jacket. blondes – all tall, pale, attractive. I recalled the great Diane Vreeland, “A little bad taste is like For Berlin, the rumours of an insurgency are a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash false: Berliners only wear H&M. Full stop.
Now, I report from New York, the birthplace of the hipster. The mainstays dominate here as they did everywhere else – H&M, Club Monaco, GAP – but in the suburbs, the mix was more eclectic. The practical toted Le Plié from Longchamp – although check out their new all-leather versions or the Metal range. Proud women wore their hair big, bright, and buoyant. Young men debated whether to tuck their pant legs or drape them over their boots. Tuck, I say. In the final days of my journey, I reflect back on Singapore. CNN Go’s August 2011 headline read, “Fashion world shocker: Singapore is 8th most fashionable city on earth.” With our thong slippers and tank tops, we’d “leapfrogged” Tokyo, which came in at 9th place.
But what is fashion really? Apparel and clothing stand firmly on the practical side; fashion is something else more vaunted. When confronted by a straggly man wearing a bandana at a recent party, the following words escaped my mouth, “Fashion is art you wear.” Then, I felt a wave of embarrassment kick in as his bullshit detector flashed on. Do we think too much about fashion? Sure, it’s our job, but I’d like to venture a more meaningful perspective. Like art, we augment ourselves with clothes, skin products, hair, and accessories. The effort of expression is the basis of art. To be understood, we must use recognizable symbols and language to give ourselves an identity in relation to another. The act itself – to fashion, to consciously select and curate – IS the epitome of fashion.