Emerging Luxe

#THELOUNGE

17 03 16

WHERE

IN THE WORLD

DISCOVER OUR HIDDEN GEM

EMERGING

LUXE

“OUR FAVOURITE OUTFITS from upcoming luxury labels.

Undeniably fierce.”

“PROVOCATIVE, modern, sexy”

“BOLD and beautiful”

“FEAST YOUR EYES, mind and taste buds”

“LONG GONE ARE THE DAYS of over-boiled cauliflower”

EDITOR CATHERINE PHIPPS

CONTRIBUTORS BRITTANY THORLEY JESSICA HOWARD SHANNON BLANKS SARAH ROKER NADINE VIEIRA

ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRES TO Info@the-clothinglounge.com

ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION GABOR KAMASZ

SPECIAL THANKS TO SELINA BOND HOTEL VAGABOND

Editor's note Luxury is fascinating. The last few years have been economically tough, but the luxury industry is one of the few that has seen consistent growth.

Indulging ourselves is definitely on the rise.

Luxury is all about how we treat ourselves and what we think we deserve: it’s a way to reward ourselves, to treat ourselves, to buy better quality.

It can also be a shrewd investment. We don’t just mean that you’ll wear it so often that it pays for itself, but certain rare or classic pieces appreciate in value and reselling them can make you a tidy profit.

One thing luxury is very rarely, however, is groundbreaking. It’s very easy for luxury goods to stagnate, crossing the border from classic to traditional. It can also be a difficult industry to break into, and a new label definitely needs to be exceptional to be successful.

CONTENTS

However, this issue’s theme is “Emerging Lux” and is dedicated to finding those who are not afraid of facing the unknown and of embracing innovation.

We’ve cherrypicked designers who are making waves and shaking things up in the luxury market, but also providing beautifully unique pieces, some of which are handmade.

We’re celebrating the artistes who will soon be part of the luxury pack, such as Emma Harris and her gorgeously delicate lingerie, as well as focusing on how to style some of these brands’ creations.

We’ll also be discussing an opulent Asian hotel that’s managing to entertain its guests in original ways and new health creations sprouting in supermarkets.

Spoil yourself with this issue and remember, you really do deserve to treat yourself.

Catherine Phipps Editor

3|4

5|6

7|8

9|10

11|14

15|16

17|18

HOW TO WEAR IT A quick and easy how-to.

The best emerging labels and how to wear them.

BEHIND THE SCENES Sneak peak from jewellery brand Josie Chen

MODERN FEMININITY Pretty or fierce?

Beautifully delicate or strong and sexy lingerie?

THE STATEMENT The game changer Unique, flapper-esque jewellery to bring your outfit together

COVER STORY East meets west We speak with Elenareva, an ground-breaking new couture house

NEW VEGGIE, NEW YOU More vitamins and more excitment Vegetable innovations to help your health and taste buds

WANDERLUST ESCAPE Where to go and what to wear where in Singapore for gastronomes and art enthusiasts

FASHION DIY

We ALL Love LUXURY, particularly when it’s innovative

and unique, but some of these exciting pieces can be difficult to style because of their originality. Never fear, we’re here to show you our favourite outfits from upcoming luxury labels, which manage to be both creative and bang on trend. Get the latest looks down before everyone else cottons on!

HOURGLASS HIPS

SMOKING HOT

Embrace glaring femininity with this waist-cinching dress. Its structure both accentuates and creates an hourglass, and the results are demurely sexy with a hint of Mrs Moneypenny.

Play around with glamourous tweed and take-no-nonsense heels, safe in the knowledge that you’ve effortlessly nailed this season’s metallic and pleating trend.

This season’s catwalks were replete with feminine takes on classic menswear, le smoking (the tuxedo jacket) in particular. This piece blends elements of a tuxedo, tails and a biker jacket for a high-octane look.

Beautifully juxtapose this seductive twist on menswear with pop of zebra print, contrasting luxurious glamour with a fun pattern and adding another dimension to the ensemble. Revel in the attention.

SANDRA WEIL - ROOTS DRESS £295.00 DE SIENA - ALINE SANDAL BONDAGE COLLECTION £325.00

WHO’S THE BOSS?

MULETIDE GLAMOUR

This necklace is an undeniable statement.

A stunning display of art deco glamour, this intricate, handmade piece and this cool minimalist outfit create 21st century power dressing: fresh, chic and ever-soslightly intimidating. This unique look also incorporates this season’s “leg-o’-mutton” sleeve shape in in its cool, crisp draping.

Mules have plodded back from the 90s, making a prominent appearance during fashion month. Although still a minimalist staple, their rich leather and sleeker shape give them a contemporary, grown-up twist. Team with this silk shirt and this beautifully structured skirt for a look that’s both playful and elegant.

ELENAREVA - PRINTED SHIRT £385.00

SANDRA WEIL - BROWN BLOUSE £145.00

JOSIE CHEN - NECKLACE £274.00

ELLA RABENER - DODECA CLUTC £399.00

DOMANOFF - LONG COAT £460.00 SOUSEE BELLA - NOUSH £187.00

KONSTANTINA TZOVOLOU - WARRIOR PYRAMID LEATHER T-STRAP SANDAL £300.00

KAREN TOPACIO - TEARDROP SKIRT £246.00

DE SIENA - VIRGINIA MULE £245.00

'Behind the scenes with Josie Chen'

I FEEL PRETTY… OH, SO

PRETTY!

MODERN FEMININITY Emma Harris and Selina Bond

Handmade luxuriously delicate lingerie to make you feel beautifully feminine.

... g n i h t e n yo u b y l n o u If yo

Emma Harris - Limited edition - Petrol Silk Satin & Mesh Detail body £170

Emma Harris demonstrates how a lingerie brand can be as decorous as it is daring. Since bursting onto the fashion scene in 2008, the Derby-based label has swiftly made a name for itself. The brand explores all kinds of classic, stylish, quality lingerie and is known for indulging in silk and Nottingham lace. A great fit and attention to detail are crucial to Emma Harris, and their pieces comes in a wide range of sizes and classic designs.

The label is one of the few in the UK with a genuine atelier, where a highly skilled team laboriously hand-draft and hand-cut the patterns before they are constructed by a squad of talented machinists. The small studio’s design team also produce “nonstandard” pieces and tailor to bespoke requests.

These handmade masterpieces are made to be cherished. From must-have bras to the perfect summer night kimono, we bring you the new, sleek and sweetly pretty lingerie brand that’s perfect for all bodies.

Provocative, modern, sexy….

And utterly feminine.

Feminine doesn’t have to mean cute and frilly.

Selina Bond is an emerging brand that offers a more adventurous, contemporary twist to the usual soft delicates. In 2014 she was chosen to participate in the annual MODA UK fashion show, where she was urged to create unique and exciting pieces. Focusing on a wild and distinctive concept, Selina Bond chose to fashion her pieces from carbon fibre – the same material used in Formula 1 racing car bodies.

Selina Bond, established last year, is still an emerging luxury label and is known for being young and rebellious. Selina Bond’s lingerie illustrates an edgier vibe, a dark sensual appeal. The pieces come lined with soft velvet, trimmed with lace and coated in a shiny resin to resemble latex.

Selina Bond is noticeably distinct from other lingerie brands and has received a lot of attention for its risqué and individual look. The fetish community, photographers and several latex designers have all taken an interest in this upcoming brand. She is truly a force to be reckoned with.

I AM WOMAN,

HEAR ME ROAR!

Clarissa Lace Plunge Basque

BEGADA - THE DANCING PEACOCK EARRINGS.

THE

GAME

CHANGER Award season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up your outfit with a bit of sparkle. The Dancing Peacock earrings from Begada are the perfect accessory for any night out. Detailed and intricate enough to add a touch of modern vintage flair, they still manage to maintain an air of delicacy and won’t overpower your ensemble. Pair with a fitted suit for a nod to the androgynous trend, or with ELENAREVA One Shoulder Dress to complete the jazz-inspired look.

Bold and beautiful.

Price BEGADA - The Dancing Peacock Earrings £100.00

ELENAREVA

Few designers have the chance to immerse themselves in the fashion world before they break onto the scene, however, Elena Reva Creative Director at ELENAREVA, worked in front of the camera before turning her hand to designing for the catwalk. Elena visited countless European and Asian countries while working as an international model for various luxury brands, and this experience and her close cooperation with the industry’s biggest players certainly shows itself in her label.

Founded in 2012, ELENAREVA has become known and loved for its collaborations with contemporary Ukrainian artists as well as its specialism in semi-couture. We chatted to Elena to find out more about the official turning point in her career and her journey so far.

FROM CATWALK

TO COUTURE

TCL: How has your past experiences as an international model shaped your new role as a fashion designer?

ER: My travels, specifically to South-East Asia, definitely influenced and shaped my style, and I embraced it with western elegance and eastern rigor. I’m a firm believer in success being a journey, not a destination however. I really admire my team and looking back at the path that has been taken since 2012, we note with satisfaction that drastic progress has been made.

TCL: Why did you decide to start your own label?

ER: I decided to create my own fashion label because I am a very assertive person and I would like to realise all my peculiar ideas! My client is a sophisticated, creative lady, and I aim to help this woman be chic whilst embracing comfort and quality. My personal style is close to modern femininity and sits at the core of each and every one of my collections.

TCL: Take us through the inspiration behind your latest collection, what key designs can our visitors look forward to?

ER: The leitmotiv of my winter collection is time.

Expanding the idea of the transience nature of time, I offer my own formula for reality – taking into account the value of time, attention to important life moments and eternal love. Key designs are embroidery and art prints, namely flowers, as a symbol of inexhaustible life, combined with sharp cutting lines and graphical grids. One of my favourite pieces has to be the yellow wool jacket which is elaborated with embroidery and row edges, a staple that looks great with an equally intricate lace dress.

TCL: What does the rest of the year look like for ELENAREVA? ER: I would like to spend the next year appreciating the eternal values that my collection represents – love, family, time, health… Sometimes there can be too much rushing from one thing to another in fashion, and far too much artistic philosophising, so in 2016 I will dispense with all that, and just get on with creating the depth and breadth of my product.

TCL: How can our visitors experiment with their style for the new season?

ER: Take a confident step away from minimalism and find some high impact trends. Next season work on finding your own way of style, and don’t be afraid to be what you want to be. Relax, take it easy and enjoy ELENAREVA’s ravishing modern view of femininity and sexuality.

ARE CHANGING THINGS

NEW VEGGIES, NEW YOU

There are also some exciting new FOR VEGETABLES. frakenvegetables on the market, hybrids of Long gone are the days of over-boiled cauliflower different plants that provide the nutrition and lukewarm mashed potato, now you’ll find your and vitamins of each. Broccoflower merges shopping trolled filled with exotic names and the broccoli and cauliflower, and looks like a lime green cauliflower. It’s naturally high health benefits they bring. in vitamins and minerals, resulting in a Firstly, take kohlrabi. Also known as the strengthened immune system, whilst being German turnip and described by nutritionist low in calories and fat. Kalettes are a tasty Johnny Bowden as “a cross between an alternative, combining kale and Brussel octopus and space capsule”, this vegetable sprouts. They are loaded with vitamins, doesn’t seem particularly glamourous. with a cup and a half providing 40% of your However, this member of the cabbage family recommended daily allowance of vitamin is jam-packed full of nutrients, including C and 120% of your vitamin K. They also fibre, vitamin C and B6, potassium, calcium help maintain eye health and minimise the and folic acid. It also encourages muscle likelihood of blood clots and heart disease, and nerve function, as well as helping as well as cold and flu symptoms, making it diabetics normalise their blood sugar levels the perfect winter vegetable. On top of that, and combatting symptoms for unfortunate they’re also the cutest vegetables imaginable sufferers of asthma and acne. Not bad for and look like tiny kale cabbages. something that looks so alien.

Whilst you’re experimenting with different breeds and varieties of classic veggies, why not taste the carrot rainbow? The spectrum of carrot colours available provide different benefits, with purple signalling age-defying antioxidants, red and orange for cancer prevention, yellow for healthy eyes, and multicoloured carrots providing 20% of your daily vitamin K in just one portion. It’s also worth pointing out that these roots are almost made for Instagram and look beautiful tossed together into a salad. This also means that you can now plan your hummus and carrot sticks round your outfit to nail this season’s matchy matchy trend.

If you don’t want to actually notice you’re eating healthily (or stealth tactics are necessary to force your partner or little ones to eat better), try Maca. This root has been

grown in the Andes for about 3000 years and is easily ground into a fine powder that you can add this to nearly any meal, as well as your morning smoothie or juice. Incredibly rich in vitamins, Maca can improve general health and mood whilst minimising skin problems and maximizing energy levels (it’s used for chronic fatigue syndrome and anaemia). Maca is also great for increasing sexual fertility in women and relieving menstrual issues, as well as helping erectile dysfunction and increasing sexual desire in men. Definitely a wonder drug, but you have been warned!

These exciting new vegetables are incredibly good for you, without being too difficult or too outlandish to incorporate into your diet, and an easy, healthy choice to make. Mind you, the kalettes are so adorable that you might have trouble eating them.

WHAT TO

WEAR

KAREN TOPACIO - TWIG DRESS A beautifully layered asymmetric dress, which can be part of an elegant evening outfit or casually stylish daywear. £349.00

HOTEL VAGABOND HOTEL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Visiting Singapore is something that everyone must try do at least once in a lifetime, but visiting this amazing country and staying in this unique hotel is striking lucky twice.

The rich interior was designed by non other than the illustrious Jacques Garcia, who created a relaxing temple with walls rich in scarlet reds and luxurious gold details.

Art enthusiasts will fall in love with everything the hotel offers, which doesn’t stop at its design. This is the first hotel in Singapore to offer a program with a rotation of artists in residence. So not only do you get to gawk at Hotel Vagabond’s original artwork and inspiring fashion shows, you can mingle with other creative minds who will showcase their work for you first hand.

www.hotelvagabondsingapore.com

Your vision is not the only sense to feast within their walls. Your taste buds will melt with every mouthful at the five star restaurant, 5th Quarter, led by executive chef Drew Nocente. The menu is filled with a diverse selection of meats, with each unique dish lovingly crafted to perfectly balance the harmony of flavours.

The Bar Vagabond also does not shy away from the spotlight. Its handcrafted cocktail menu is constantly being refreshed and refuses to be overshadowed by the artisanal wine and spirits, although the indulgently exotic teas and coffees are equally tempting.

GIVE YOURSELF A MOMENT TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS OPULENT HOTEL. YOU DESERVE IT.

ZEVAR - LONDON SILVER EARRINGS WITH MARCASITE Big bold earrings – a must have accessory.casually stylish daywear. £50.00 KAREN TOPACIO - ALICE WOOD WEDGE SANDALS Subtle wedge sandals strike the perfect balance between being comfortable and chic. £489.00

MAH MAD ABOUT HUE - PINK FLAMINGO KAFTAN Nobody wants to be caught off guard by room service, don’t forget your slip in your holiday packing! £125.00

EDDIE HANDMADE – HIGHCLERE HANDBAG This is the ultimate bag for carrying around all your holiday essentials with style. £492.00

See you next edition!