Dior in a Frame

I went to Quentin Shih's exhibition quite a while back and only did I realise I took some pictures on my iPhone (so excuse for the marvelously inexcusable wash of colour).

Many people probably don't know that an 'Ion Art' even exists because most people are confined to the lower vicinity of this segregating mall (aka: the Basements). It is located on the top floor, tucked away in a very unassuming corner.

Nevertheless, Quentin Shih's exhibition is up titled "Stranger in a Box". It involves all of the Dior models or at least clothes being encased in a clear box with all sorts of stereotypical 'Chinese' onlookers. He said it is meant to depict the detachment between the two cultures and even through globalisation and increasing integration; somehow something like Dior and China will never become unanimous.

Credit: Quentin Shih

Anyway, all I can say is the concept is simply marvelous. I love the juxtaposition of the haute couture with commie guards, factory workers, school children or official-looking people. However, I think everything's slightly too repetitive and not in that cohesive, coherent way. It is constantly a Caucasian woman in a box, wearing no other than Dior with a couple of Chinese onlookers around her set somewhere in industrial China.

Nevertheless, ION art is somewhat of a sanctuary I've discovered. Barely anyone goes there and it's really quiet, peaceful and somewhat clinical (not to mention sterilised?). You get a bunch of chairs grouped nonchalantly, each a piece of art on its own.

It's extremely tranquil and away from the hustle and bustle of ION. It's strange really and somewhat relieving, I actually like that place. I sat there for quite a while just contemplating (sounds loner-ish, I know). But I hope you'll get to enjoy it as much as I do: I'm also an art-junkie (I spent about 3 days in the Louvre, last time I was in Paris for the gazillionth time).

ION Art:

ION Orchard #04-01

Anna the Great

I finally got round to watching 'The September Issue' today. I know it's late, we're in October, yes, yes. But I do still have the issue sitting all fashionable and trendy in my magazine rack.

So I must admit, that I love Anna Wintour a little more now. Not only is she the editor-in-chief of one of the world's go-to fashion magazine, she's also much more than that. Having such an insight to the cut-throat world of fashion and dishing out magazines every month must be tough stuff and Anna seems dead right for the job: decisive, fashion-forward and a visionary.

Even through her cold, inscrutable stares; there's something more that she possesses and she is definitely not the woman most people portray her to be. Anna does what a girl gotta do, she creates VOGUE for heaven's sake! That in itself seems enough of an excuse to be a little cranky, a little demanding and downright picky. But really, it seems like she's not as cold and harsh and fearsome as some people make her out to be, although I do agree that she's definitely someone you wouldn't want to mess with.

While in the movie, I was thinking to myself that in reality; Anna has a very distinct style that she sticks to day in and out. Unlike her other international Vogue counterparts (i.e.: Carine Roitfeld, Anna Dello Russo, etc.) her sense of style is a lot more conventional (yet still fashionable) and more 'proper'. She definitely has a solid foundation of who she is as the matriarch of the fashion world.

I noticed that she usually wears knee-length, printed dresses with lots of colour, are fitted at the top and a little flared or A-line at the bottom. These dresses either have a little sleeve or are cropped like a tank top (second and third picture). To top it off, when Anna is out and about, she always has a chic, statement coat in her signature fur or some other printed material. Of course, the sunglasses, bob, heels and usually a simple bling-y necklace complete her look.

On top of it all, Anna's also a mother. Bee Shaffer is really beautiful and to have a mother like Anna Wintour, gosh! your wardrobe must be the absolute envy of those around you. Bee's currently studying to be a lawyer and she's seen out and about partying with the elite of New York City's prime society if not by her mother's side at various fashionable events.

I just had to mention her because Bee really is something to reckon with - perhaps even a role model in the future?

Anyway, respect to Anna Wintour who has guided us through our fashionable years.

Vogue, Will You Please?

Even if I sit here with the September Issue of Paris Vogue, I still can't get any inspiration! For what? For everything! I find Paris Vogue encompasses everything necessary for daily life from fashion to culture to inspiration to whatever else you can dream of. So why do I all of a sudden feel so uninspired?

For all the Roitfelds, Alts, Hyunhs and Saglios in the world cannot help me now. I just feel lazy!

Time to Update the Wardrobe

If we were to live in a four-seasoned country, everyone we meet would be bundled up in layers of clothes. Right about now would be the start to Autumn where leaves turn into radiant shades of yellow, orange and red. But alas, Singapore's experiencing its monsoon season.

Even through the rainy weather, I suppose that could substitute for the 'cold' season because technically, when it rains, it does get colder right? Well, recently I attended the Maxstudio.com Fashion Show in Paragon and I must say that their Fall/Winter line seems perfectly suitable for weather like ours.

Yes it's a little more covered up, but it's nothing ridiculously out of place. There are some knits and jackets (to get us through the sub-zero temperatures of Singapore malls and movie theatres) and cute dresses to brave the humid weather.

Maxstudio is a brand that's all about fashionable comfort. It's not overly trendy but has pieces that will get you through more than one season. It's something that every recessionista should have in their wardrobe! I do agree that some of their pieces are catered to an older generation but with a mixture of their eponymous Maxstudio line and Studio M, there's something for everyone.

Credit: Maxstudio.com

One critique I must add however, is the styling of the show. Each individual piece presented is fine on its own; yet when combined with the wrong counterpart, one wouldn't look twice at such an outfit. It was a shame to see some stellar combinations and others that fell short to the former.

Nevertheless, with cocktails and canapés provided by Cova; it definitely made the event that much yummier and indulgent.

Maxstudio.com:

Paragon #02-36

Cova:

Paragon #01-20A

It's Bling Season again!

I think that everyone likes a little bling in all the creative ways available. Whether it's that big shiny rock sitting atop one's finger or some understated shine on a cufflink.

Singapore's inaugural JewelFest is back in town starting this Friday October 9 and lasting till October 18 in front of Ngee Ann City. I'll be going to their Official Opening so stay tuned for some pictures later on!

On a side note, I promised that I would do an entry on the MaxStudio fashion show I attended but it seems like all the photos have miraculously vanished off my darned camera...