www.straitstimesurban.com.sg
STRAITS TIMES. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23 2011
your guide to looking good
British Fashion
PICK UP THE HOT LABELS IN TOWN
Sports On Sports-Inspired designs such as varsity-style jackets go glam
what’s inside of collection beauty
fashion
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11 Beauty Basics Natural brushes not necessailly better than synethetic ones 13 Brushes to own The Must-Haves for professional make-up results 15 True Colours Are there cream brushes that add a healthy glow to yellow-toned skin? 21 Fall-ing For You British fashion in trend and it suits all women 23 Show Surprises Find out the outstanding outfits from the Look Show Fall 2011 27 The Age of Sportswear Sports inspired designs on the rise and becoming glamorous
style spy
newsfeed
35 Fashion Flash The guide to the latest fashion style that gives the ‘wow’ factor 37 That Warm Fuzzy Feeling Full beard is all the range in machismo territory now 39 Making the Cut Men go from bearer trapper to smooth operator 43 Sister Act Find out which sister is realy to steal their celebrity sister’s thunder 45 8 Things in His Bag This week featuring WILL STEIN, the owner of Philip Stein
from the editor
D lookbook
ST Associate Editor Editor Tee Copy Editor Writers Photographers Designers Cover photographer Stylist Hair Make-up Model Outfit
Bertha Henson Tee Hun Ching Sharon Loh Rohaizatul Azhar, Karen Tee, Gladys Chung, Imran Jalal Ashleigh Sim, Desmond Foo Lee Yee Hwa, Suzanne Sng, Mak Mum San, Yu Sheng Sin, Tong Ming Chien, June Green, Julie Kee, Jeffrey Ang, James Jr Quek, Sally Lam, Jaster Ngui, Zulaiha Jumari Ashleigh Sim Rohaizutul Azhar Evande Loh, from Shunji Matsuo using L’Oreal Professional Larry Yeo, using Shiseido Maquillage Bibi S, Upfront Black dutches satin jacket with request, all from Givenchy
For editorial inquiries, please contact: Badariah Abd Ghaffar 6319-2199 For advertisement inquires, please contact: Timothy Lim 6319-1614, William Tan 63191628, Augustine Chiu 6319-2052, Jeanne Cheah 6319-1670, Martin Boey 6319-1920, Jack Andrew Wong 6319-1610
uring an interview with a top male model not too long ago, I found myself distracted by man-whiskers sprouting from above his upper lip. Mind you, these were of the wispy variety you would most likely spot on an Ah Pek in Chinatown, not on a supermodel. If your hairs are standing reading this, imagine having to see them up close and personal. Which set me thinking: Why does scraggly hair look so unattractive yet a full-blown beard Is just about the most desirable accoutrement in men’s style today? All you cavemen types rejoice: The scruffy look is back in vogue. Once the reserve of biker daddies and redneck truckers, the facial pelt is a badge of honour. Some claim the draw is in its primal sex appeal. A recent study by personal grooming brand Remington concluded that one in five blokes feels sexier with facial stubble. The fairer sex does not seem to agree though. According to a poll by market research film Harris Interactive, only a third of women adore men with beards. So if it’s not to attract women, why do it? I think the reason beards are back in is that they are the last frontier of masculine style men can lay claim to. Now that women have infringed every inch of male sartorial territory –facial fur is about the only thing privy to us men. Which is why I have developed a follicle complex. The one thing failed to inherit from my dad is the genetic ability to grow a healthy bush of facial fair. For as long as I can remember, my old man has sported different permutations of the bears. It was a Bob Marley-esque shrug in the 1980s which he has since shed for a distinguished salt-and-pepper look a la George Clooney and Robert Downey Jr. Me? I have to settle for patchy strands poking from my chin and jaw. Maybe that was why that model made me uncomfortable – the image hit too close to home. The battle over beard wages on. The fashion cognoscenti recently gathered for a roundtable discussion titled “Whisker Wars” at upscale department store Bergdorf Goodman during the annual Fashion Night Out event in New York City. Likewise, we go to the root of the hairy issue and show you how – you should be swayed byl the fuzz.
IMRAN JALAL imrjalal@sph.com.sg
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beauty
THE ESSE NTIAL OBSESSIONS
MAKE UP
BEAUTY 7 URBAN
FLORAL Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord.
Photography: Inez van
Lamsweerde, Vinodh Matadin Stylist: Melanie Ward Models: Izabel Goulart
FLORAL Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord.
FLORAL Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord.
beauty
BEAUTY
BASICS Many people think natural fibres are better than synthetic ones but this is not necessarily the case. By Geraldine Yeo
What is the difference between make-up brushes made of synthetic and natural fibre?
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M
any people think natural fibres are better than synthetic ones but this is not necessarily the case. Brushes made of natural animal hairs may be more expensive if they come from rare animals. For example, Shu Uemura has a range of brushes containing kolinsky (a rare type of weasel) hair, which are priced from $86. Other common animal hairs used in brushes include goat, pony and squirrel. However, price is not necessarily an indicator of the quality - different types of bristles work better differently. In general, freelance make-up artist Larry Yeo says synthetic brushes are better for liquid, cream and gel products, while natural hair brushes work better with powder, pressed and loose. This is because synthetic brushes are easier to clean without damaging the fibres of the brush, which makes them more suitable for using with liquids and creams as these tend to stick more strongly to the bristles. Natural hairs, however, have tapered ends and cuticles, which allow powders to be held within the brushes without sliding off too This allows the user to transfer the powder to her face more effectively, says Ms Maz Ismail, Shu Uemura’s elite make-up artist. Another key difference between natural and synthetic hairs is that synthetic hairs tend to be stiffer. This means synthetic hairs are better at distributing products with thicker consistencies such as creams and liquids. One thing you should consider before buying make-up brushes is how tightly packed the bristles are. Your choice has nothing to do with the type of hair used, but depends on
Tightly packed bristles will allow you to trasnfer more product on your skin for more intense coverage, says Mr Yeo. The fluffier the brush, the easier it is to build coverage as each swipe will deposit a light layer of product on your face. As the quality of the brush varies between manufacturers, Ms Ismail and freelance make-up artist Dollei Seah offer some tips on how to pick one that will withstand the rigours of frequent use: * The bristiles should feel soft on your skin and should not scratch. * There should be too many stray bristles sticking out of the brush head as a precisely shaped brush is necessary for good application. * Stroke the brush across the top of your hand a few times to check how securely fastened the bristtles are to the handle. A few loose hairs are okay but if more strands come loose the more you brush, do not buy the brush. * The bristles should not be too long or you will not be able to control the brush. Eyeshadow, eyeliner and lip brushes should have briistles no longer than 1.5cm. Those on blush brushes should not exceed 4cm and powder brush bristles should be within 5cm. Hygiene is also essential as the leftover product on bristles makes them prime breeding ground for bacteria. You should wash your brushes after each use if you use liquids, creams or gel and at least once every three to four days if you use powders. Brush cleansers are available from brands including M.A.C, Shu Uemura and Sephora. Otherwise, swirl your brush in a mild shampoo diluted with water and rinse it before leaving it out to dry.
beauty
1. Loose powder brush
BRUSHE S to
own
For professional results, here are five make-up brushes you should own. They are the ‘must haves’, and with them, be sure to shine at al times!
This fluffy brush made of goat’s hair is great for applying a light, even dusting of powder as the finishing touch.
2. Blusher brush
Made of squirrel hair, this brush has a rounded head which makes it ideal for sweeping and blending blush onto cheek contours without uneven streaks.
3. Eyeshadow brush
Made of a mix of sable and kolinsky hairs, this brush is sized to fit the contours of the eyelid so that eyeshadow is expertly delivered with each swipe.
4. Eyeliner brush
This fine-tipped brush made of synthetic fibres help create an even line on your lids using cream or liquid eyeliner.
5. Lip brush
This stiff synthetic fibres of this brush pick up a generous amount of lip product so you get intense colour easily.
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beauty
true
colours
Are there cream blushers that add a healthy glow to yellow-toned skin? By Karen Tee
Y
ou are right in picking a cream blush to get a healthy flush. Unlike conventional powder blushers whose matte finish tends to cover your complexion, cream blushes have a dewy finish and go on sheer so they don’t conceal your natural glow. Freelance make-up artist Dollei Seah says warmer shades such as peach, coral pink and orange brown will flatter Asians who mostly have skin with relativelyyellow undertones. The colours she recommends will make you look like sallow, Ms Nance Tan, Brand general manager of Bobbi Brown Singapore, says the shade you choose depends on the look you want. “To brighten the face, use pink tones; brown tones will give you sun-kissed effect,” she says.
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Some pink-based crea, blushers you can try include Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks in Cabo Coral (above) or Powder Pink ($41 each). For blushers with a tinge of brown, check out M.A.C’s Cream Colour Base in Seaside ($33) or the Full Bloom Lip & Cheek Creme Colour by Too Faced in Tea Rose ($32), from Sephora. Applying cream blush is easier than applying powder blush, which requires a brush to make sure the colour is not patchy and does not streak. When applying cream blush, simply smile in the mirror so the apples of your cheeks are more prominent and apply a pop of colour to each cheek apple. Use clean fingers to spread the colour upwards. You won’t need a sponge or other applicators as cream blushers spread and blend easily.
Photography: Inez
van Lamsweerde, Vinodh Matadin Stylist: Melanie Ward Models: Izabel Goulart (left), Anne V (center), Aline Weber (right)
BEAT THE MONDAY BLUES Left: Banana Republic Mad Men lace dress and Razi Gardenia polyester scarf. Thomas Sabo sterling sterling silver and synthetic zirconia ring. Nine West Nathania satin sandals. Centre: Gap Evelyn denim blouse and denim low-rise jeans. Thomas Sabo necklace with sterling silver wing pendant and silk cord, and leather bracelet. Nine West Knot cut-out sandals. Right: Gap cotton/ silk shirt, denim skinny jeans and polyester steel watch with mock croc leather strap. Nine West Earlene leather booties.
fashion
B RITIS H DES I G N
THE FASHION MADE FOR YOU URBAN 18
SMOULDERING MOODS Left: Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord. Centre: Banana Republic BR Monogram lace sheath dress. Thomas Seabo necklace with sterling silver and synthetic zirconia feather heart pendant and silk cord, and stainless steel and ceramic watch. Right: Gap Merino wool cardigan, print dress and leather belt with metal buckle. Thomas Sabo sterling silver and emethystcoloured synthetic zirconia bracelet, and sterling silver bracelet with amethyst beads.
Photography: Inez
van Lamsweerde, Vinodh Matadin Stylist: Melanie Ward Models: Izabel Goulart (left), Anne V (center), Aline Weber (right)
fashion
FALLThe British design that suits women
ING FOR
YOU By a freelance journalist based in London
L
ondon’s designers have a tendency to march to their own beat, a habit that allows creativity to flourish but can make situating trends a difficult task. But amid the unconventioal use of floral and pastel explosions, the soft, modernist take on tailoring was one that stood out at this week’s London Fashion Week. More than 40 years ago.Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking tuxedo launched a revolution for women who wanted masculine clothes. Few since have come close to achieving similar impact. Instead, women borrow from their husbands’ and boyfriends’ wardrobes in an attempt to recreate a similar attitude. Finally, the standard androgyny of yesteryear is no longer, as fresh talent revives the look and British designers get.
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the hang of modern-day power dressing. Simone Rocha, daughter of designer John Rocha, is potentially London’s new, young queen of tailoring. The Irish designer’s first standalone show cleansed the masculine/feminine aesthetic by layering modernist materials and trapping antique-inspired lace within. “I would like the classic crombie (a three-quarter length overcoat) shape and make it comtemporary through textures and the use of plastiic and rubber,” the designer said post-show. Rendered in a lightweight sleeveless mac (right) or in the rubber collars that lifted oxford shirts, she handles classic cuts with an air of romantic sensuousness - a far throw from the seductive nononsense androgyny spearheaded by women such as actress Marlene Dietrich.
Lace panelling Beneath form-conscious cut-outs served as a reminder of the femininity sometimes forgotten by this generation’s go-getting women. Maarten van der Horst might have caused a stir with tropical prints, but it was his riotous take on summer suits that caught the eye this season. Draining the colour from this Hawaiian extravaganza, the remaining black and white prints (left) had neon ruffle piping, which gave the suiting a hyper-modern edge. “The choice of colours transform a masculine, boxy suit into a feminine, elegant and joyful tuxedo look,” the Dutch-born designers said of the pastel suits that followed. The holiday feel did not detract from immaculate tailoring. The vibrant energy was also seen at Mary Katrantzou’s show, where she
fashion Photography: Inez
van Lamsweerde, Vinodh Matadin Stylist: Melanie Ward Models: Izabel Goulart (left), Anne V (center), Aline Weber (right)
STYLE TROOP Left: Banana Republic Mad Men lace dress and Razi Gardenia polyester scarf. Thomas Sabo sterling sterling silver and synthetic zirconia ring. Nine West Nathania satin sandals. Centre: Gap Evelyn denim blouse and denim low-rise jeans. Thomas Sabo necklace with sterling silver wing pendant and silk cord, and leather bracelet. Nine West Knot cut-out sandals. Right: Gap cotton/ silk shirt, denim skinny jeans and polyester steel watch with mock croc leather strap. Nine West Earlene leather booties
abstracted dense hues of floral fields and tin cans on trouser suits. Backstage, the Greek-born textile designer explained it was about finding a perfect harmony between nature and nurture, organic and industrial. With signature trompe I’oeil (trick of the eye), she created a sharp look for vivacious women, as though to imply that if you should wear print, you must mean it. The one who adhered most closely to the rough-and-tumble London style was Paul Smith, whose straight forward approach persistently gathers a steady following. Perfectly slouchy, his fuss-free collection alternated between three trouser styles: slim and ankle-skimmin, low-slung joggers and wide and highwaisted. They came in bright colours for the “edgy city grid” or light pastels for
“the summer traveller”. As they strode out in a variety of silks, satins and georgettes to Nico’s velvet voice in All Tomorrow’s Parties, there was enough insouciance to fill the majestic Royal Horicultural Halls. The down-to-earth Brit certainly understands what women want. The winding road from ole days of Savile Row has reached a new milieu.
The androgynous look is revived with modern twists at the recent London Fashion Week.
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fashion
Photographed by Rifwowi
surprises show
The Look Show is fast becoming the hottest date on the London Fashion Week calendar and this time it was bigger and better than ever.
Most
Pleasant Surprise BURBERRY
Handmake, hand-woven and handcrafted are words not instantly associated with forward thinking mega brand Burberry, but this was exactly what creative director Christopher Bailey had in mind for his show. Live tweets of each look were added to real-time screening this season, while impulse shoppers wanting to secure a look immediately were able to simply click and buy. “I love the contrast between the speed of technology and the time-consuming spirit of traditional skills,” the designer said after the show. In a beautiful collection, he provided somehting for everyone; a dangerous notion to begin with, yet it was anything but in disarray. Collectively, it felt African, Mongolian and Indonesian; batik prints gathered sarong-like on classic dress shapes while geometric beading and crcochet work adorned everything from knits to trench coats. The iconic trench, in array of cuts from slim to full-skirted, was given the full artisanal works; particularly divine was a raffia and cotton woven number striped in beige and black, with a beaded crochet collar. Punchy colours ensured the effect was youthful. It was only so long before the heritage brand needed a new direction; the ostentatious rock aesthetic; the ostentatious rock aesthetic that was once refreshing was getting stale. However. part of the Burberry appeal is the cool factor accquired over the decade on Bailey’s account, which made the star-studded front row and new-model-It girl Cara Delevingne bookending the show almost just as relevant.
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fashion
Most
Tropical Surprise
MULBERRY
Much has shaken Britian since the royal kneesup in April that it is easy to forget the impact the Duchess of Cambridge has made on fashion. She may not be an icon, especially to those who snub her style as plain, but Catherine Middleton’s influence gives many a reason to embrace the flirty, feminine look. Fittingly, it was a seaside carnival at Mulberry. From daytime Kate in flowing frocks and cropped parkas (divine in sherbet colours) to bejewelled Catherine for the evening. Also in tune with Britiain’s next big occasion - the London 2012 Olympics - are the sporty sets: Drawstrings have never looked so chic. While the designs were, as always. pretty and well-constructed, the vibe was anything but pure childhood innocence with the models’ Brigitte Bardot hairdos (streaked lime green, no less). Still, the overriding theme seems to draw from the very English mentality: Carry on camping, come rain, bad press or riots. Endurance in hard times is key and looking nice always helps.
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DRESSING TO THE NINES Gap viscose blouse and cotton maxi skirt. Thomas Sabo sterling silver earrings and cord necklace with sterling silver pendant. Nine West Hingisfo satin sandals.
fashion
THE
AGE of
Alexander Wang fall 2011
SPORTS
WEAR
By Rohaizatul Azhar
Sports-inspired fashion goes from casual to luxe and is now good enough for the office
T
his season’s sportswear fashion is all about workout-ready shapes in street-ready fabrics, In shorts, belonging everywhere but the gym. The term sportswear is commonly mistaken to mean sports apparel - which, incidentally, is not known as activewear. Instead, sportswear fashion draws inspiration from atheletic gear without being too literal. For instance, the varsity jacket favoured by American footballers is made over in luxe fabrics such as duchness satin but retains the elasticised bands on its collar and wrists. What sportswear and exercise gear have in common are easy-to-wear separates made of machine-washable fabrics. Sportswear fashion also often features ulilitarian details such as zippers, fastenings and pockets. So you are in luck if you like clean lines and fuss-free designs with a ouch of luxury. On the runways, the fall/winter catwalks were sprinkled
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with sports references. Italian designer Roccado Tischi tipped a mod to American football when he sent models out wearin varsity-style jackets over brocade-print dresses at Givenchy. Inspired by car racing, Phoebe Philo at Celine produced sleek lines and leather patchwork on clothes that recalled the hot rods of old. Meanwhile, models at Alexander Wang slipped into silk boxing shorts that were part Rocky Balboa, part Victoria’s Secret. This trend is not about getting a good workout, although it helps to have a gymtoned body to pull off some of the looks. Says freelance fashion stylist Jumius Wong: The sportswear-inspired trend is about being functional and practial but in a sexier, more grown-up way. “You can definitely wear the look to the office. Just be mindful of the kinds of fabric.
fashion
Photographer by Ashleigh Sim. Stylist by Rohazatul Azhar. Make up by Larry Ho. Hair by evande Loh.tg
AT THE STARTING LINE
URBAN'S TAKE Gold top, $89.90, from Zara; pants, $69.90, from Promod, bowler hat, $34.90, and scarf, $14.90, both Uniqlo; rings, price unavailable, from H&M; wooden bangle, $10, from Forever 21; gold bangles, $36, from Topshop; platform booties, $260, from Steve Madden; socks; from stylist
Sportswear fashion goes back to the 1920s, when it was used to describe the apparel typically worn by those playing sporst such as tennis, football and baseball. It became the antithesis to the structured and art-like couture pieces of Paristan fashion. Mr Joe Spinelli, principal and programme director for fashion design at Raffles Design Institute, says: “The Americans started making sportswear for women as many started to take part in sports. “And because the Americans are all outfits that were easy to move in.” Early American designers, such as Clare Potter and Claire McCardell, created innovative designs that were simple, practical and wearable. in the 1980s, sportswear-inspired looks gained popularity as more designers gave their take on the trend. American designers such as Raulp Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, created stylish but comfortable and interchangeable garments combining practicality with luxury. “Unlike the Italians or French, the Americans do not beliebe in suffering for fashion. That slowly evolved into what we now know as American sportswear,” added Mr Spinelli. More designers, such as Stella McCartney and Hussein Chalayan, are collaborating with sports labels including Adidas and Puma. As a result, sports apparrel - such as hoodies, have become a part of ready-to-wear. Mr Spinelli notes that sportswear today seems pieces that are easy to put together and not overly dressy. Yet, they still look smart and polished. Ms Cindy Warsano, 25, a graduate of Laselle College of the Arts, feels that sportswear has a bright future in fashion as consumers look increasingly for comfort and convenience. Her graduation collection, which was based on the classic sportswear silhouette, was named one of the 10 “Best of class” works by London-based online trend forecaster, Worth Global Style Network, at the Graduate Fashion Show in London in May. Says Ms Warsano: “The constant development of innovative fabrics such as dri-fit used predominantly in sportswear is key to its comfort, thus adding to its popularity. “Women should be allowed to look fashionable without sacrificing comfort.” Judging by the first looks at last week’s New York Fashion Week, designers agree. The subtle sportswear-inspired looks of fall 2011 opened the floodgates to a deluge of sportswear loooks on the spring/ summer 2012 runways. But until those pieces hit the racks, Urban highlights the key sportswear trend to rock this season.
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fashion
As seen on: Alexander Wang fall 2011 (left) The playful collection took practical garments, such as anoraks and fleece jackets, and suffused them with decadence. The result: silk boxing shorts and track pants with cummerbund details, or a pea coat with merino lapels and puffed sleeves.
Boxing
Get the look: Wearing silk boxing shorts may be a little too much for the real world, so go for tailored shorts instead. Keep to the vibe by choosing a pair in silk-blend fabric to get that soft. flowing feel. For added effect, loop a chiffon scarf instead of a belt to approximate a cummerbund. To wear this look to the office, throw on a jacket in the same colour palette for a relaxed look that is still professional.
American Football
As seen on: Rag & Bone fall 2011 (right)
URBAN'S TAKE Parka, $29.90, from Uniqio; argyle sweater, $59.90, leather folder, price unavailable, and wedges, $49.90, all from H&M; skirt, $93, from Topshop; socks, from stylist
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Inspired by classic high-school films such as Grease, feminine basics were paired with varsitystyle jackets for a look that is too cool for school.
Get the look: The varsity jacket is a funky alternative to the stuffy corporate blazer. You can keep the look playful by wearing it with patterned jeans and ankle booties with wedge heels. Or tone down the school spirit for the office with a pencil skirt in a dark colour, white shirt and black pumps. It is college coed-meets-sexy secretary chic.
fashion
Band of Outsiders fall 2011
Gym Class As seen on: Band of Outsiders fall 2011 (top) Relaxed-fit, oversized and offthe shoulder jersey pullovers paired with slim-cut sweatpants gave off that workout-ready vibe without actually breaking a sweat.
Get the look:
For a look that will take you out of the gym and onto the dance floor, go for a top with a sheen or slight embelishments and switch the sweatpants for a pair of tailored slacks to balance out your proportions. Leave the leg warmers and tights at home unless you want to look like an extra in bad 1980s dance flick.
URBAN'S TAKE Parka, $29.90, from Uniqio; argyle sweater, $59.90, leather folder, price unavailable, and wedges, $49.90, all from H&M; skirt, $93, from Topshop; socks, from stylist
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Skiing As seen on: Rag & Bone fall 2011 (right) The ski swear-meets-highfashion collection combines a minimalist look with some elements of volume. The steamlined looks included lean stirrup pants paired with puffy tops, lightweight hooded sweaters, jumpers and downfilled skirts.
Get the look:
Opt for a bright-coloured blouse in a light and cool fabric, such as polyester or rayon. Layer it over a sheer, collared top to achieve the layered look without sweltering. Keep the look streamlined by pairing it with cigarette or drainpipe pants. Slip into a pair of patentleather pumps for day and switch to sequinned booties for that uptown look for a night out.
As seen on: Joseph Altuzarra fall 2011 (left) The look included utilitarian details such as padded parkas with fur hoods over thick pullovers, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
URBAN'S TAKE Cream top, $149, and shorts, $149, both from Club Monaco; bowler hat, $34.90, from Uniqlo; necklace, $17.90, from H&M; bangles, $10 each, and lace-up booties, $45, all from Forever 21; socks, from stylist
Get the look: So you are not going camping in Shenton Way but you can always be prepared for the rain. Instead of carrying an umbrella, opt for a trendy parka that lends interest to an otherwise staid corporate emsemble. Opt for a parka in thinner materials such as nylon and parachute canvas. You can even wear it on its own as a mini-dress.
Camping 29 URBAN
THE
STYLE SPY YOUR GU IDE TO THE LATEST TRE N D
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FLORAL Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord.
style spy
It’s simply an obsession with the possessions.
FASHION
FLASH By: Rohaizatul Azhar Gladys Chung
WINNING LOOKS
* A team from Britain has won the first World Runway Premiere: Fashionquake Aid styling competition, which aims to unearth new talent in the fashion industry. Held on Sunday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, the event saw teams of three from eight countries - Brazil, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Singapore and the United States vying for the grand prize of $100,000. Each team, comprising a stylist, hairstylist and make-up artist, was given $5,000 to style various looks.
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* Online entrepreneur Kien Lee, 35, has won the Dress Me For The Finale design competition. Organised by Hugo Boss and German car maker McLaren, the online contest drew 137 designs for Vadafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Mr Lee, the founder of online luxury and lifestyle portal Senatus, wins tickets to watch this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. His design (right) will be worn by both drivers during the qualifying race tomorrow.
style spy
OBJECT OF DESIRE
Add a dash of colour to your corporate get-up with this red Porte-Document Voyage men’s bag from Louis Vuitton ($3,150). Made of butter-soft calf leather, the structured documement bag fits a laptop and other work files. While it also comes in onyx for the conservative (read: boring) lads, we reckon to be the leader of the rat race, you’ve got to take some risks. This bag is the perfect start. Available at Louis Vuitton Island Maison, B1-3B Crystal Pavilion at Marina Bay Sands.
EXECUTIVE MAKEOVER G2000 is organizing a style makeover at B4-47 Ion Orchard on Oct 1 to transform drab outfits into fabulous ensembles. Called G2000 Style Icon, the brand will offer about 20 selected participants a free makeover by celebrity stylist Furqan Sani, as well as a photoshoot by Essence Studio. To win the makeover, spend at least $60 at any G2000 store. Submit your entry form, together with your receipt and a full-length picture of yourself in the store, at the counter. Or e-mail the above details to marcom@g2000.com.sg. Submissions close on Sunday. All participants will receive $100 worth of G2000 vouchers.
PICTURE PERFECT Astalift, Fujifilm’s second beauty line, was lauched in 2007 in Japan.Its star product, was Jelly Aquarysta was introduced in Japan last Semptember and about one million jars have been sold. Astalift offers a complete range of anti-ageing skincare, from cleansing gel to collagen supplements. A key ingredient in the products is Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in sources such as salmon roe and is supposedly more
CLUB WEAR
The pop-art inspired fall/winter range from Bristish cult label KTZ is now available at 01-05 Topshop Knightsbridge. Prices range from $169 for a T-shirt to $999 for a jacket. Known for its outlandish clubbing gear, the label counts Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Fergie and K-pop group Super Junior as arden fans. KTZ is one of many up-and-coming labels supported by Topshop through its fashion design platforms, Emerge and New Gen. In Britiain, KTZ and other labels, such as Jonathan Saunders and Louise Gray, are stocked at Topshop’s Oxford Circus flagship store.
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style spy
that
fuzzy
warm
The full beard is all the range in machismo territory right now. But what is the naturally hairless Asian male to do?
feeling W
hen former Japanese football star Hidetoshi Nakata turned up at the Louis Vuitton Island Maison party last Saturday, his best accessory was on his face. No, not his Clark Kent black-rimmed glasses but his perfectly manicured designer beard. The debonair 34-year-old was not the only celebrity who is into facial hair. From Chow Yun Fatt’s skunk-coloured chin fuzz to Godfrey Gao’s five o’clock shawdow, there was nary a clean shave to be seen. On the other side of the world, oceans away, the grizzlies are out to play too. Among the new flock of Hollywood leading men who are currently sporting full beards are Ashton Kutcher, Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling. Designers have also caught the beard bug. At least a dozen labels features models in their fall campaigns with different permutations of facial hair. They include Paul Smith, Ben Sherman, Piombo, Louis Vuitton, J. Lindeberg, Vivienne Westwood and Woolrich. Riding on the revival of facial hair, websites such as Backyard Bill and Dressed For Dinner have sprung up in the past year to celebrate style mavens out and about without first taking a razor to their cheeks. As Mr Kevin Naulls, the Toronto-based founder of Dressed For Dinner, wrote on the blog: “I hope to combat the stereotype that all men with facial hair are lazy and, therefore, void of any personal style or taste.” Mr Francis Aswin, who used to own the Ace Salon For Men at UOB Centre, says the full beard has shed its thuggish and scruffy connotations. “The beard has become a means to express yourself and a fashion statement.”
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By: Imran Jalal
PRACTICALITY IS KEY At home-grown men’s grooming specialist WhatHeWants, the growing interest in facial manscaping has led men to try Foltene, a hair and scalp treatment from Italy, to help facial hair growth. The company sells at least one unit of Foltene a day at its two stores. Its general manager, Mr Tan Seng Hwee, says: “Celebrities, such as David Beckham and Takeshi Kaneshiro, give local men the impression that beards can look manly.” “That is, they would grow a thin moustache. Then their sideburns and beard are trimmed to be a thin line so that they look like they are joined together,” he says. This look has gained popularity due to the influence of the Korean fashion and pop music scene, he adds. On the whole, however, the following for facial fuzz here is still small. At gentleman’s barber shop The Perfect Cut in The Regent Singapore, owner Leong Kee Seng, who has been in the trade for 48 years and charges $30 upwards for a shave, says practically is the main reason. “The weather is hot and it can be itchy to keep a full beard. Unless your beard can grow thick enough, it’s difficult to get a nice design,” says the 64-year-old. Besides, going big on the beard does have its drawbacks. Dematologist Eileen Tan, who wrote the book A Guide To Healthy Scalp And Hair, points out that scne and fungal infection may occur without proper hygiene as hair follicles are prone to infection and inflammation. If, despite all these, you still have the itch to grow a beard, help is available. Mr Teo says: “It doesn’t matter what your face shape or hair texture is. It’s all in the trimming technique.”
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The 36-year-old is known for his breakout role as spiderman. But he could very well play Tarantulaman, based on his attempt at growing a beard last year. He has since shaved and landed a prime spot in Prada’s current fall campaign. Expect the father of two to go fuzz-free for a while more now that he is filming Baz Luhrmann’s jazz age classic, The Great Gatsby.
style spy
The 40-year-old actor caught the eye of co-star Jennifer Aniston on the set of Wanderlust, in whiich he played a bearded cult leader. Alas, reel and real life are two very different worlds. Theroux, who is now dating the Friends star, reportedly cleaned up his act for her. Hinting at her perference for cleanshaven men in the October issue of GQ magazine, he said of his beard: “Certain chicks dig it, certain chickcs don’t.”
TOBEY MAGUIRE
JUSTIN THEROUX
CONAN O’BRIEN Call it post-retrenchment disorder. The flame-haired talkshow host, 48, first sported a beard during the last taping of The Tonight Show on NBC in January last year. By the time his eponymous talk show aired in November, it had grown into a thick shag. The look bothered funnyman Will Ferrell so much he threatened to shave it off and he did exactly that when he was invited to be on the Conan show in April.
MAKING
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These men run against the grain as they go from beaver trapper to smooth operator By: Imran Jalal
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FLORAL Banana Republic Mad Men knit cardigan with epaulets, viscose blend tank top with sequinned mesh overlap, wool blend high-waitsted pants and silk scarf. Thomas Sabo Rebel At Heart necklace with sterling silver tassel pendant and silk cord.
CELEBRITY
LOOKOUT N EWS FEED ON C E LE BRITI ES
newsfeed Elizabeth Olsen, 22 A graduate of the prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts and the Atlantic Theater Company acting school in New York, the little sister of the Olsen twins has serious acting chops. She even spent a semester at the Moscow Art Theatre School two years ago. As a child, she watched her famous elder sisters dodge the paparazzi and made a conscious decision to stay out of the limelight, focusing on perfecting her stage craft instead.
Famous siblings: actress-designers Ashley (left) and Mary-Kate Olsen (right), 25
Sister Elle Fanning is not the only celebrity sibling who is ready to steal her big sister’s thunder. GLADYS CHUNG checks out five other sisters-in-waiting
ACT
“The paparazzi was really frightening,” she recalled. “I thought, maybe I’ll just skip that part.” Now, however, it seems she is ready for the altention. In the October issue of men’s magazine GQ, in which she is touted as an ingenue to watch, she appeared in full tousle-hair-andunbuttoned-shirt glory. The aspiring actress made her decut in Martha Marcy May Marlene, an independent film that was screened at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. She played the role of a vulnerable young woman who struggles to escape a cult community. It seems her star is set to shine even brighter: She is currently filming the paranormal drama Red Lights alongside Robert de Niro and Sigiourney Weaver; indie film Peace, Love And Misunderstanding with Jan Fonda and Chace Crawford; and teen flick Very Good Girls with Dakota Fanning. Star Power
While her sisters shot to fame in familyfriendly movies with mass appeal, the fresh-faced Elizabeth is carving her own niche with daring roles in indie films. An Oscar nomination looks like a distinct possibility - something her elder sisters can only hope for. However, it would be hard for Elizabeth to top the earnings of her multi-millionaire sistersm who brought in the moolah as child stars and are now shrewd businesswomen with two sucessful fashion lines.
Charlotte Moss, 13 After she appeared as one of the 15 bridesmaids at her famous sibling’s wedding to musician Jamie Hince in July, fashion insiders began betting on Charlotte becoming the next big thing on the model circuit. A spitting image of her half-sister, Charlotte’s English rose looks - all fair skin and blonde hair - apparently had modelling agencies fighting to sign her. She is already modelling vintage clothing in her family-run store in West Sussex. However, her mother reportedly will not allow the teen to model professionally just yet, saying:’ She’s too young. When she is old enough, it will be her decision.”
Star Power
It is still too early to tell if she will end up a catwalk star like her older sister. Judging by the amount of buzz she has created in The Daily Mail, Vogue UK and The Huffington Post, however, we say watch this face. Some have even said she upstaged the bridge, but Kate’s style-icon status is harrd to match.
Famous siblings: supermodel Kate Moss, 37
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newsfeed Natali Germanotta (left), 19 Nicknamed Baby Gaga, Natali has ambitions to become a fashion designer. Currently studying fashion at Parsons The New School For Design in New York, she is also working with her eleder sister on a yet-to-be named clothing line. They plan to remodel the style of classic icons, such as marilyn monroe, Grace Kelly and Katherine Hepburn. Natalli has also been making her rounds on the entertainment scene. She accompanied Lady Gaga to this year’s Council of Fashion Designers of America awards and made an appearance in the music video for her chart-topper, Telephone. She was also recently featured in Teen Vogue. Star Power By focusing on fashion design, it is obvious Natali is not out to upstage her sister - Lady Gaga’s antics are a tough act to follow, after all. Given how Lady Gaga’s influence has helped land her stylist, Nicola Formichetti, a plum role as the creative director of French fashion house Thierry Mugler, Natali’s fashion career is set to skyrocket once Gaga’s lavel is launched.
Famous siblings: Pop star and fashion outlier Stefani Germanotta, aka Lady Gaga (right)
Kendall (left), 15, and Kylie Jenner (right), 14 It is hard to lead a low-key life when you belong to a family of reality TV personalities who jump at every chance to be in the spotlight. Kendall, the tallest at about 1.8m and arguably the prettiest of the five sisters, recently made waves when she modelled for prom dressmaker Sherri Hill’s show during New York Fashion Week in a floorlength gown and a bejewelled flapper cocktail dress. Last year, she also fronted a campaign for American high-street store Forever 21. Not to be outshone, Kylie made her New York Fashion Week runway debut at the show of singer Avril Lavigne’s lavel, Abbey Dawn. She probably landed the gig because Lavigne is dating her older brother, Brody Jenner, 28, but Kylie is no stranger to the fashion scene. Together with Kendall, she has landed shoots with OK! magazine and Teen Vogue. Kylie also shot a campaign with American retailer Sears last year. Star Power
It is clear that after Kim - with her enviable curves and sttunning keatures - her half sisters Kendall and Kylie look the best when the brood of Kardashians and Jenners line up for photocalls. It won’t be long before the leggy Jenner girls, with their heights, youth and trim figures, hog the attention. Kim, Khloe and Kourtney might be very supportive of Kendall and Kylie’s modelling ventures now, but who knows what will happen on the next season of the reality show?
Famous siblings: Kourtney (left) 32, Kim (middle), 30, and Khloe Kardashian (right), 27, of reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
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This perfume by my company contains a glass bead infused with natural frequency technology, which is said to help the perfume stay on longer. I like the calming and sensual scent.
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PHILIP STEIN SPORTS WATCH
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I wear a more elegant looking Philip Stein watch for work but carry a sports watch with me because i enjoy exercising. This one has a rubber strap and is waterproof.
newsfeed MACBOOK AIR I like this because it is so slim and portable. I once forgot to collect it after going through security checks in a German airport and realised i’d lost it only after 1 hour. I found it later in a stack of trays after searching the entire airport/. I wear these only because they can be folded flat and stashed easily in my pocket or bag. This is my third pair in 15 years.
RAY-BAN AVIATIOR SUNGLASSES
iPOD SHUFFLE I work out every morning and need somethin light. There is a mix of music in here from 1970s disco by Earth, Wind & Fire to classical music by Andrea Beceli and Luciano Pavarotti.
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SLEEP BRACELET
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r Will Stein has Oprah Winfrey and Madonna to thank for the success of his watch brand, Philip Stein. The German citizen started his watch business in 2002 with his wife Rina, a watchmaker with 28 years of experience. A year later, one of his watches was featured on Oprah’s talkshow and the brand immediately became a household name. Mr Stein, 50, who was in town last month on a business trip, recounts: “Madonna sent Oprah one of my watches as a thank-you gift for inviting her to the show in 2003. “One day in August, I received a phone call from Oprah, who told me she loved the look of the watch, its dual time zone watch face and interchangeable watch straps. What sets Philip Stein apart from other brands is that it incorporates what is termed frequency technology in its watches. Everything on Earth is said to have its own energy field and vibrates at a specific frequency, and somee of these frequencies are supposedly good for a person’s well-being and health. Mr Stein hit upon the idea of using the technology to create a line of “wellbeing luxury watches. “Solids such as metal, glass and ceramic can be programmed to vibrate at a frequency other than its own natural frequency,” he explains. “ Our watches contain metal discs that are embedded with frequencies that can help the wearer feel calmer, more relaxed and counter negative frequencies from the surroundings.” The concept has drawn much scepticism, he admits. Even Orphan was doubtful. “She said she could not tell for sure if the frequency technology worked but thought it was a great idea, nevertheless.” The brand also has a sleep bracelet embedded with a frequency said to calm the wearer and help him sleep better.
I love hiking or going to the beach and this rugged camera suits my needs as it is sturdy and can take underwater photograph and videos
This sleep bracelet uses the same frequency technology as the watches but has a different frequency to calm you down. It helps me sleep in planes so i don’t get jet lag.
TIGER BALM I’ve been using this since i was 14, when my karate instructor in Germany introduced it to me. Now, I don’t take medication when I’m ill but I slather this all over.
in his
Featuring WILL STEIN
bag By Karen Tee
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