Alexander Wang for Balenciaga

“Although we are an American brand, I think that is more to the sense of what is American sportswear, and things that feel very accessible and easy to wear,” Wang said in an interview earlier this year.

“But at the same time we really see our audience and our consumer as a global citizen, someone who isn’t defined by where they live or what kind of music they listen to, things like that. It’s a sensibility that is much more individual.”

Alexander Wang is Balenciaga's new creative director. The New York-based designer will replace Nicolas Ghesquière at the French fashion house, after 15 years at the helm. Totally unexpected. But definitely something overwhelming to look forward to. How would he incorporate his signature edgier, androgynous design aesthetic in Balenciaga? How will he transform the old Ghesquière era?

Image from Tumblr.

Jewelry trend: The ear cuff

Remember how Rodarte sent its models down the New York Fashion Week runway wearing matching dragon ear wraps? That's pretty much a heavy "medieval fantasy world” vibe going on with their metal dragon ear cuffs.



However, of course celebs and street stylers who may have taken a softer, more eclectic approach to this statement ear jewelry. Look at how Cara Delevigne looks surreal in a Chanel diamond ear cuff.



You can get one too, check out this Dorothy Perkins rhinestone vine ear cuff (at a steal, USD15) and this stunning ASOS Swarovski adorned piece.

Images from various sources.

Poise24: Destination Glamour

The campaign for our latest collection is finally here! The new arrivals arrived today and within several hours some styles have sold out. Anyway, massive thank you to Deasy of VDS photography, Malva Make-Up Artist and Conrad Jewelry. Loved the final processing and the overall feel of the photographs.









I won't write about my clothing line and how it's been doing and all sorts of that. Instead, I've been dying to share this from another point of view.

Since the launch in July, I've received so many emails from readers to customers, asking me about how I became a fashion blogger and my decision to have my own clothing line in such a rush, right after I got my degree, while, I don't know how to sew and how to draw. It's such a great honor to be an inspiration for all the young girls out there chasing their dreams, especially, their fashion dream. I can't believe there were even a number of students who asked me to be subjects of their case study. I have never expected those.

I'm nowhere near my goal, but I just want to say, "take baby steps". As long as you believe in yourself you'll do fine. Start with something small. Don't wait until everything falls into place perfectly before you begin because it's not going to happen.

It was my first time styling a shoot with a real model and it was such a great experience. There are still more to come but I'd love to hear what you think.

Credits:
VDS Photography

Céline 'Edge' from Spring 2013

I love like the tough-luxe feel, I love the clean lines of it, but it doesn't seem very functional, maybe hard to open and close without putting it down on a table. What do you think? Is it unique enough to replace the Mini Luggage?



Kourtney Kardashian was photographed carrying it for a few times up until now, and here's a clear shot of the bag I'd like to share. For lunch with Khloe in Miami, she keeps it cool in a Max Fowles dress and Christian Louboutin python pumps. I think the bag looks huge on her. I'm still not sure if it comes in a smaller size.



According to tPF, the prices for the Edge are as follows:
Ponyhair and calfskin is 2,400 Euro
Python and calfskin is 2,800 Euro
Textured calfskin is 1,800 Euro

If you buy in Paris you will receive 12% back in VAT.

Images from various sources.

Browhaus and STRIP celebrates Christmas

I have always enjoyed sending and receiving Christmas cards. I feel like it is something special that I can do to be able to connect with friends, family, and even those who I am acquainted with in business. Obviously, e-mail vs. post could be the dilemma of this decade. But to me, it's always the traditional paper cards that that are the most special and sincere.

However, here's a much better, modern alternative. This festive season, spread the joy with a Browhaus Christmas Card! Each card doubles up as a gift card. Now, not only will you send your well wishes, you can gift them with a pair of well-groomed brow for Christmas!

The recipient will enjoy either Classic Threading (U.P. $15) OR Modern Tweezing (U.P. $18) upon presenting the card at any Browhaus outlets in Singapore. Available in 2 original designs, Browhaus Christmas Cards are priced at $78 for a set of 5 or $128 for a set of 10. Browhaus Christmas Cards are available in all Browhaus from now till 31st December. Visit http://www.browhaus.com for store listings.

Anyway, lets move on to STRIP. They have recently launched this limited-edition Gingerbread Wax to put you in the mood for Christmas!

I recently did a short interview with Malin+Goetz who have came down to Singapore to launch their collaboration product with STRIP, The Global Authority on Hair Removal. STRIP x Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream is a hit in Singapore and here they explain why.

1. What makes STRIP and Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream so special?
The STRIP and Malin+Goetz Ingrown hair cream is special for a number of reasons. It's truly a luxury product. It's rich formula not only prevents ingrown hairs from forming, but it also quickly heals ingrown hairs if you develop one. It has antiseptic ingredients to he help fight bacteria and enzymes that soften the skin; allowing the hair to be able to easily push through the skin.

2. Your products are based in the USA, how is it going to work for Asian skin?
Your skin is an organ. There is no difference between an Asian kidney and an American kidney; same holds true for skin. While you skin may adapt to particular environmental conditions; i.e. cold or heat - it is still essentially the same. We are a New York brand. New York is the most culturally diverse place in the world. Our customers are European, African, Indian and Asian - and our products work equally well on all heritages.

3. We are obsessed with your product packaging. They are brilliant! Tell us a bit about it.
Our product packaging was inspired by traditional old Apothecary bottles from the turn of the last century. We love their straight forward honest aesthetic. But we did not want to create something ersatz, so we gave a design brief to our graphic designers to do something totally modern and contemporary. We think our packaging embodies a gorgeous and clinical modern aesthetic that makes it easy for people to navigate.

4. Give us three timeless grooming advice.
Use a great cleanser, follow by a great moisturizer...and never take excessively hot showers (it dries out your skin).

Christmas shopping at Shopbop

It's been too long since my last shopping and gift guide, and finally Christmas is around the corner, which means, it's a perfect timing to do an ultimate Holiday gift guide for yourself or your loved ones. This time I teamed up with Shopbop which is one of my all-time favorite online shopping sites. They are among the most reliable ones, provide an excellent customer service and the best thing about them is that they offer free shipping worldwide all the time!

I've basically compiled a complete list of apparels, footwear and accessories which most of them are classic wardrobe pieces you can wear through the years. You can obviously pick from these or you can get them all for one a Christmas-rocking look! Here's the breakdown (prices in USD):

1. Alexander Wang Devere Satchel in Bandage, $860.
2. Eberjey India Lace Retro Bralet, $48
3. Nicholas Roxanne Thin Gold Plate belt, $120
4. Rag & Bone/JEAN Grand Prix Motocross Legging Jeans, $253
5. Equipment Signature blouse, $208
6. frieda&nellie Bracelet, $136
7. Ash Italia Bowie Wedge Sneakers, $235

This Thanksgiving, ShopBop’s offering you their best sale ever. The discounts start at 20% for a purchase of $250 or more and scale all the way up to 35% off for purchases of $1500 or more. You heard that right, folks – a ShopBop code good for 35% off. All you have to do is enter the code BIGEVENT12 at checkout. Shop quickly! The best things will be gone in a flash with this kind of discount, and the code’s only good through November 26.

About Shopbop:
Since its launch in 2000 as a modestly sized online boutique specializing in hard-to-find denim lines, Shopbop has grown to become one of the leading fashion retailers in the world. Curated with a chic, modern woman in mind, Shopbop offers a comprehensive collection of designer apparel and accessories to suit every style and occasion.

Celebrity red carpet style round-up

Kristen Stewart walked the red carpet for the highly anticipated The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 world premiere, held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.



The actress looked absolutely beautiful in a nude Zuhair Murad Fall 2012 gown. The strapless gown with corset bodice and a lace-and-chiffon panelled skirt was styled with nude Jimmy Choo nude open-toe pumps. Gorgeous side-swept locks, a bold pink lip shade and flawless eye make-up made everything so perfect.



I almost didn't recognise Dakota Fanning on the red carpet. The young actress debuted brunette locks and wore an actual colour. What a bold choice she made. She looked absolutely stunning in a teal Elie Saab Fall 2012 Couture gown. The draped gown with delicate lace embroidery on the side and an open back, featured a thin leather belt and slit.



Her little sister Elle wore a Prada Sping 2013 ensemble, which just didn't work for me. The pink satin peplum top and matching short skirt were styled with Prada Spring 2013 shoes: dignified platform flip flops. I'm curious who will wear this next on the red carpet.



Looking back at last week's EMA, here are my favorite looks. Kim Kardashian presented an award during the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards in Frankfurt last night. She wore this amazing custom Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture dress. The black long-sleeve dress with plunging neckline featured a stunning mullet skirt embellished in plastic pailettes and a long train. Kim styled her look with black Louboutin Bis Un Bout pumps and diamond stud earrings.



My girl, Rita Ora, on the other hand, stepped out on the red carpet in a daring red gown from Marchesa's Fall 2012 collection. The long-sleeve gown with red embroidered illusion bodice featured a giant satin draped skirt with wrapped waist. Rita wore her hair in a curly 'do, bold red lips and gold jewels completed the look.



Taylor Swift once again, rocked another neutral ensemble on the red carpet. The singer was spotted in a gorgeous J. Mendel Fall 2012 gown, an ivory semi-sheer gown with a structured patchwork bodice featured embellished cap-sleeves.



Finally, here comes the Victoria's Secret angels on the pink carpet of the Fashion Show After Party on Tuesday. Alessandra Ambrosio had the honour of wearing the $2.5 million Fantasy Bra during the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The Brazilian supermodel continued sparkling on the pink carpet for the after party. Alessandra wore a sexy strapless Zuhair Murad mini dress. The dress with plunging neckline was styled with mirrored silver Jimmy Choo pumps.



Doutzen Kroes went for a more playful look with this short Balmain frock. The strapless black-and-white dress with flared skirt, featured multiple prints and comes from the Resort 2013 collection.



At the same party, Miranda Kerr opted for a Balmain Spring 2013 dress. The black silk dress with bold shoulders featured a plungling neckline. Miranda styled her dress with open-toe mesh booties by Jimmy Choo and a black studded Calista clutch by the same designer. A little too boring for her personality, I would say.



On the following week, she made another stylish appearance on the streets of NYC, after visiting the Vogue office. She looked beyond gorgeous in a white Victoria Beckham sheath dress. I love how add a dark brown Miu Miu leather belt to the dress. She accessorized with a pair of nude Lanvin pointed-toe pumps, a soft blue Prada Pyramid bag and her go-to retro Miu Miu Fall 2011 Noir shades. Definitely my absolute favorite from her!



Which look is your ultimate favorite? Feel free to share with us.

Images from various sources.

Asia’s first crowdfunding fashion platform

Image courtesy of Triologie

ZAOZAO is a new online crowdfunding platform that revolutionizes the way emerging designers are discovered and supported in Asia.

As emerging designers don’t always have the resources or funds to produce their entire collections, ZAOZAO aims to alleviate some of these problems by helping designers raise money to produce individual designs. Designers upload their work onto ZAOZAO’s website and decide upfront how many pieces they want to sell.

Shoppers can then easily discover and support designers they love by pre-ordering designs. If the designer receives all their pre-orders within 21 days, ZAOZAO passes along the money to designers to produce their work. Since launching in September this year, ZAOZAO has had 13 successfully funded designs! You can view them all here.



Image courtesy of Twisted Sisters

What’s different about ZAOZAO to me is the way their founders Ling Cai and Vicky Wu sees the potential of the many emerging designers and actually came up with a solution. You see, a lot of times designers have this incredible talent that is trapped behind papers just because there’s no funds to make their designs come to life the way they want to. Plus, the idea of crowd-funding is still relatively new in Asia.

With ZAOZAO they can turn their dreams into a reality, one design at a time. They can finally experiment creatively with their ideas without having to worry about excess inventory or burdensome markups from boutiques, as they produce only what has already been pre-ordered and pre-paid for.
Image courtesy of Artessorio

And in return, shoppers can invest in affordable items that weren’t mass produced. And psst.. there’s something for the boys too. Check out this unique leather bow tie (available in light brown or dark brown) by All Things Green and Beautiful that goes for USD89. From lingerie to jewelry, apparels and footwear, what’s not to covet?

BlackBerry Bold 9790 giveaway: Updated

Courtesy of the BlackBerry folks, I’m giving away a brand new BlackBerry Bold 9790 to one lucky reader. Here’s how you can win it. From now till 14th Nov, take a photo of your fabulous outfit of the day and upload it onto Twitter with #BlackBerryStyle. You may just be the next lucky owner of the Bold 9790 simply by sharing your personal style with the rest of the world! Here is an example of how you can do it. Just remember, be as creative as you can.



The BlackBerry® Bold™ 9790 smartphone combines the iconic BlackBerry design with a compact, lightweight form factor that fits beautifully in your hand or pocket.

Enjoy responsive touch, smooth rendering and fluid animations—all in a stunning touch display. Paired with the BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard, you’ll have the flexibility to power through your day without any hesitation. Take care of business faster with the new powerful engine inside the BlackBerry Bold 9790 smartphone. The 1 GHz processor, 768 MB RAM and 8 GB of onboard memory give you the power and performance to keep you moving at full speed.

This giveaway, sponsored by Blackberry SG, is open to those residing in Singapore only. Good luck! Don't forget to check out the five edition of my own Blackberry Style featuring items from my label, Poise24, on their Facebook photo albums starting here.

UPDATED on 27 November 2012:
We have chosen Kathy Key as the winner of this giveaway. You can view her fashionable entries on her twitter @thisiskathykey.

I still love NY by Sebastian Errazuriz

By now most of you know about the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and the impact the storm has had on the East Coast. Here's a simple way to help. You get a unique, handmade t-shirt, at the same time you get to donate to the victims without any hassle.



Like most work places throughout New York, Chilean artist Sebastian Errazuriz’s studio stalled after hurricane Sandy. Unable to work and tired of watching the horrible storm unfold on the news, he decided to collaborate with Grey Area to help raise much-needed relief funds for victims of the natural disaster.

Influenced by the water line marked on the walls of the flooded galleries in the Chelsea Art District, the artist has created a series of hand-made T-shirts using a 1970’s dip dying style. The tourist classics: 'I love NY' and MTA subway T-shirts are now being transformed into a flooded New York City divided between those with electricity and those left in the dark. You can get the tees here, with all proceeds going to hurricane Sandy relief programs.



Creative much? I'd say this is probably the least we can do to help. Alternatively, you can donate to the disaster relief efforts of the Red Cross by going to their website here. Remember, there are thousands in need of the lifesaving work being done by the American Red Cross.

Images courtesy of Grey Area.

A different mix

Solid's out, print's in! I couldn't think of a better outfit to go with the BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981. This is what it's all about - head-turning, traffic-stopping, and effortlessly dazzling.



To mark the final Blackberry Style series together with Blackberry Singapore, my team came up with this limited edition strapless print dress from my label Poise24. It features a tube top and a pencil skirt in a matching multicolor print. What's not to like?





Surprise! I'll be giving away a brand new BlackBerry Bold 9790, this time it's exclusively reserved for my Singaporean readers. Stay tuned for more information.

Photographed by Stephanie Sasmita.