Reading magazines is truly a guilty pleasure for me.  Every month, when Vogue, Marie Claire, or any other magazine I fancy comes out, I race to buy it.  In the first moments when I quickly scan through the pages, I get so excited that my heart is always pounding!! Lately, I’ve been branching out into Asian magazines and have found some very meaty publications.  Considering the rise of fashion in Asia, I would recommend these to any serious Fashionista.

My favourite of recent publications has been the April 2010 issue of Style magazine (Singapore).  Not only does the issue raise a lot of eyebrows with their fashion related questions, I also had a series of “aha” moments as I read on.  I was blown away.  Now that’s what I call a good read!

In one article, “Curiouser & Curiouser,” writer May Yip questions whether some over the top designer looks are meant strictly for the runway.  If it works on a magazine cover, does it really work for an ordinary day? The piece is centered around an experiment where Yip took a Louis Vuitton ensemble straight off the runway (from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection) and wore it on the streets of Singapore.  The reactions? Well, what else can you expect when you pair metallic shorts with bicycle tights underneath and a smart blazer.

The truth is, most designers send some looks down the runway strictly for editorial purposes.  They are simply not meant for mere mortals, unless they want to be mistaken for an OTT fashion faux-pas! Is that wrong? Producing garments that are essentially not meant to be sold or worn? Absolutely not! Designers use this to create a name for themselves, to build a reputation for their design house, to lure viewers to buy their goods, to get their featured in magazines (and perhaps their covers), the list goes on.  Like Betty Suarez declared in an epiphany she once had, it is art.  It goes beyond the concept and design…the workmanship that is put into some of these garments is extremely detailed and intricate.  Through these show pieces and their collections in general, designers convey their views on society or even the world, which we decode to form trends.  It is with these trends that we ultimately get a taste of what was once upon a time, showcased on the runway.

So…would I wear that Louis Vuitton ensemble? Maybe as separates (if it works) but definitely not as an entire look.  I’d rather stare at the art than wear the art.

Image Source: Scanned from Style magazine (April 2010)

It was four years ago that we met style-challenged Betty.  What was an initial attempt to get into the publishing industry turned into a warm, humourous and heart-felt comedy that became a household name.  I always loved this show.  The exaggerated storylines were always fun and it explored the fashion industry in a way that no other show did.

The best part of the show for me was none other than the fashion.  With the genius mind of Patricia Field behind the costuming, who could expect anything less than perfection? Field created amazing, fashion-forward looks which fit every character like a glove.  For Betty, though the task was to create looks to emulate a fashion wreck, it was still a pleasure to watch!

Week after week, Betty would trot to Mode in an insane mix of bright colours, explosion of prints and granny-looking garments.  Here’s the thing…most of what Betty sported was from a designer label; from Anna Sui to Marc Jacobs to Prada.  Somehow, it just worked for Betty’s eccentric, unique sense of style.

Throughout the show, as Betty got a bit slimmer, hair got shinier, eyebrows thinner and as she discovered more body-hugging silhouettes, Betty slowly understood what fashion was…the meaning behind it, what drives it, how it is inspired and how it can connect with people.  The underlying element of fashion (from the out-of-this-world storylines and crazy drama to the cluelessness and constant mockery of Betty) paved the way for Betty to become a star.  A character that clearly seemed disastrous on day one slowly seeped into our hearts, so much that we started rooting for her.  Betty represented the brave few, risk-takers that are gutsy and bold yet honest and compassionate.  Betty was in fact, what we like to call, beautiful.

Image Source: Abc.com, Starpulse.com, Ugly-Is-In.com

Models at the Spring/Summer 2010 Prada Show

Last Saturday, I went out, met some friends, had a few drinks…you know, typical Saturday except for some reason, I kept getting similar reactions from people; Wow, you look great! Omg, I didn’t recognize you! Hey, I didn’t know you were here! As the night went on, and the comments continued to come, I started to think that the black dress I was wearing really did do it for me or that maybe my recent slavery at the gym was really paying off! Or perhaps it was the cutting down on carbs? Then I realized exactly what I did differently that night that I hadn’t done in a while; I wore red lipstick.  Blood red…or as I recently learnt from a male friend what the opposite sex likes to call it, hooker red.

The overload in comments made me wonder if the red lipstick made me look odd.  I rarely wear it so when I do, I feel very self-conscious.  I’m just not used to it but I like the strong colour with certain looks and when I wear it, I think I look fine.  The thought made me curious…curious enough to ask Google “how to wear red lipstick?”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing the shade:

Shades of Red

There are many shades of red and it’s important to choose one that best suits your skin tone.  Paler skins do well sporting reds with cold undertones while warm reds should be used for more olive or tan skin.

Face Faux Pas

When wearing red lipstick, keep everything else simple or you’ll end up looking like a clown! The shade is very powerful so the rest of your face should be kept soft to balance it all out.  On your eyes, use a shade that brings out your skin tone; consider skipping the eyeliner and going straight to your lashes; do not overdo your cheeks.

Time to Work

Buff away any dead skin to ensure smooth looking lips.  Shape your lips evenly by filling them with lip liner first.  Lip liner also acts as a great base; don’t be afraid of shading your entire lips with it.  When applying red lipstick, opt for a lip brush.  It gives you more control and really lets the shade sink into your lips for a better and more long-lasting effect.

The Rest of Your Game

The rest of your outfit is important too.  Don’t be matchy-matchy as you will run the risk of overdoing it.  Avoid pairing red lipstick with red dresses, nails, purses and shoes.

It’s not suitable for every occasion but when worn well and with confidence, you will rock this Spring trend with class and sexiness!

Image Sources: Style.com

Are we all dying for the sun to come out and stay??? I know I am! How about a dose of Spring’s trends?

Ralph Lauren; DKNY; Derek Lam (All Spring/Summer 2010)

Designers paid tribute to good ol’ US of A as looks were filled visions of the American flag.  Stars and stripes made up graphics and prints while looks were comprised of beautiful shades of red, white and blue in cotton, denim, linen and poppy voile.  It’s truly the season to get patriotic and hail the American dream!

Top Row (L-R): Boat Neck Striped Dress with Bow, Thread Social; Ghillie Woven Leather Gladiator Sandals, Sigerson Morrison; Striped High Waist Skirt with Belt, Alice + Olivia

Middle Row (L-R): Andrea Bustier Dress, Alice + Olivia; Starry Knit Leggings, Forever 21; Pave Star Studs, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Bottom Row (L-R): Denim and Stripe Bandeau Bikini, Rosa Cha; Long Sleeve Dress, Derek Lam; Striped Zip Up Hoodie, Forever 21

Image Source: Forever21.com, Net-a-Porter.com, ShopBop.com, Style.com

I’ve always known her as the headstrong ballet dancer in Center Stage.  But with her recent success on Avatar (which I still haven’t seen btw), Zoe Saldana has gone from worrying about her turn out and pirouettes to becoming a true Hollywood A-lister.

With many celebrities come poor wardrobe choices and fashion faux pas.  Not for Zoe.  Whether it’s a movie premier, the red carpet, or even if it’s a random shot of her that the paparazzi snapped, she just never seems to fail.  I very much appreciate the way Zoe steers clear of the mundane.  The actress seems to know what shapes work for her and is never afraid to sport a bold silhouette.  Her clever use of colour and prints sets her apart from the crowd.

What a great style icon!

Image Sources: FabSugar.com, Zimbio.com

Please tell me I dreamt this.

As I was walking in the subway today, I noticed this (please excuse the poor photoraphy as it was taken with my iPhone).

And this.

Of course I saw the Diesel logo but I just didn’t get it.  A quick search on Google explained that Diesel launched a campaign earlier this Spring to encourage consumers to “be stupid,” arguing that it makes people take more risks and go beyond smart people.

Consumers were encouraged to send videos of stupid things they did to be a part of Diesel’s online video catalog so that they could eventually share their stupidity to the world.  You can learn more about it here.  Is this what marketing has come to???

In our day and age, where we witness Gossip Girl-like drama unfold in front of us in every realm of our society (hello Tiger Woods and Eliot Spitzer!), where it’s considered “cool” for young Hollywood role models to be jailed and commit crimes, a time when 15 minutes of fame couldn’t be sought after more and where our TVs are filled with reality programs and shows that center around…well, nothing; how could such a global, powerful fashion brand that targets the younger generation be encouraging more of this?

Yes, the ad grabbed my attention right away and even encouraged me to approach its website.  However, after learning of the idea behind the campaign, I was not only turned off but convinced that the thought of stupidity would be stuck in my head every time I see the brand from here on.  And to think that I fit right smack in the middle of their target market! Pick and choose your battles Diesel, pick and choose.

Image Source.  Diesel.com

Who can resist those mouth-watering images? Of course Madonna sells!

Teaming up with italian duo, Dolce & Gabbana, the singer will be co-designing six pairs of sunglasses due to come out in May.  I’m putting money down that these will sell out.

Image Source: WWD.com

Alexander McQueen's oyster dress, Spring/Summer 2003

2 years ago, I stood on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and stared endlessly at Alexander McQueen’s “oyster dress”.  I must have looked through the glass for almost 20 minutes, as it was my first time being so close to one of the label’s designs.  I was mesmerized by the work of art that so nakedly gazed back at me.

The layers of raw cut silk organza so rough and unfinished, was a perfect depiction of the massacre behind the designer’s inspiration – a shipwreck at sea and a consequent landfall in the Amazon.  Looking at that one gown gave me the entire image of broken masts and tattered sails amongst debris abandoned in the sea.  I remember not being able to wrap my head around McQueen’s ability to find the beauty and light from such an ugly, grotesque mess.  The designer’s creativity truly allowed him to produce such amazing pieces like this – wild yet honest and romantic, theatrical yet wearable and sought-after.

It is with this thought that I looked at pictures from his final collection.  A small collection of only 16 looks that McQueen himself draped and cut.  His inspiration took a cue from the work of 15th-century painters like Heironymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights”.  He captured details of the paintings digitally, had them woven into jacquards and engineered to fit his garments.

It was sheer poetry.  McQueen carefully crafted each look to show the heaviness of the old world, from the prints, colour palette and antiques, and directed them towards the new, with the silhouettes, styling and details.  The collection also spoke of serenity with its soft colours and angelic references.  Of course, the designer’s rebellious side was not forgotten with the bandage-bound heads and feathered Mohawk-looking embellishments.

With his love for extreme and avant-garde, McQueen’s work truly goes beyond fashion and into the realm of art.  To have lost him is to have lost a great piece of the fashion industry.  R.I.P. Alexander McQueen.

Image Source: MetMuseum.org, Style.com

I was ecstatic when I saw that the inspiration behind OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was Hong Kong.  Coming from Hong Kong myself, it’s always exciting to see someone showcasing the beauty and excitement of this city.

The company that famously preaches that “it’s no longer about wearing a nail polish; it’s about wearing an accessory,” uses this season’s collection to capture the brilliant sharpness of Hong Kong’s cityscape.  The inspiration behind it comes from the intriguing complexity and multi-cultural personalities of the Pearl of the Orient – Hong Kong, a city where we all yearn for the simplicity of the old but are not quite ready to leave the excitement of the new.

The 12 vibrant shades are cleverly named after gems of Hong Kong and aspects of Chinese culture.  This palette truly brings Hong Kong alive! I’m definitely feeling some “Meet Me on the Star Ferry”…

To see close-ups of OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 Hong Kong Collection, click here and here.

Image Source: OPI.com

Manish Arora pushed for the future with his latest collection that merged Sci-Fi with Bollywood.  His warrior models, with their sharp shoulders and hips jutting out, burst with colour in their sequins, stones and embroidery-filled looks as they came down the runway.  What I loved the most were the bucket-shaped couture-like headdresses in eye-popping colours made with beads, sequins and stones.

Image Sources: GettyImages.com, Style.com