Category: Women’s Fashion

Blooming Il Bisonte: Italian luxury brand brings an array of colours with SS19 Collection

Thanks to Hong Kong’s never-ending influx of haute couture shops and luxury brand pop-ups, one needn’t hop on a plane to Italy to get their hands on the latest Il Bisonte SS19 Collection bags. In fact, the renowned Italian brand, which grew to fame at the end of the ’60s, has conveniently-located showrooms in Hong Kong’s bustling districts of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

And what better way to get into the springtime Easter mood, than to venture into Il Bisonte’s shoppes and gaze upon the bright hues of turquoise and geranium of its handmade leather purses and bags? Below are some of our favourite picks from amongst the luxury label’s cross-body bags, made for the on-the-go girl with a healthy spring in her step.

Roof Style: April’s fashion trends to help you cut above the rest

Roof Style: April's fashion trends to help you cut above the rest

As April fashion springs into our wardrobes, it can be a difficult transition from long to short length looks and with Hong Kong’s forever changing thermometer you need to prepared for anything. With a range of bright and neutral colours and long and short-sleeves, you’ll be ready for whatever the observatory throws at you. Here’s how to get the look.

On Him
Crocodile-textured jacquard leather jacket, tank top, dress trousers, lace-up shoes in patent leather and leather cuff with lock buckle, all by Tom Ford 

On Her
Tumbled leather menswear jacket, faux leather ruched dress and leather cuff with lock buckle, all by Tom Ford 
Leather sling-back heels by Bottega Veneta 
Endless Love drop earrings in sterling silver by Links of London

On Him
Striped shirt, tank top with pants and sandals, all by Cerruti 1881
Saddle bag in navy blue by Dior Men 

On Her
Pin-striped jacket and pants with cropped knit-top by Sandro
Mules by Salvatore Ferragamo
Whip medium bag in leather by Givenchy
Chic Princess silver-plated earrings by Folli Follie

On Him
Poplin jacket and pants, tee, Maxi Cabat tote-bag in nappa leather, all by Bottega Veneta
Sandals by Cerruti 1881
Bee Mine silver-plated pendant necklace by Folli Follie

On Her
Over-size topcoat, blouse, shorts and sandals, all by Cerruti 1881
Maxi Cabat 30 tote-bag in nappa leather by Bottega Veneta
Bee Mine gold-plated pendant necklace by Folli Follie

On Her
Double-breasted light pink pant suit by Sandro, 
Sandals by Prada

On Him
Double-breasted yellow pant suit and B23 high-top sneakers, both by Dior Men 

On Her
Sleeveless long coat, tank top with shorts, leather slippers and skinny belt, all by Cerruti 1881 

On Him
Knitted sweater and shorts, both from Berluti’s KVA Capsule Collection 
Tee by Prada
Leather boots by Berluti

On Her
High-neck top with bow, metal belt and satin shorts, all by Prada 
Satin heels by Tom Ford
Mod Princess rose gold-plated long necklace by Folli Follie

On Him
Evening jacket, trousers and dress shirt, all by Tom Ford
Patent leather loafers by Prada 

april fashion trends

On Him
Leather blouson with detachable sleeves, sleeveless military shirt, military chinos, ankle boots in calf leather, leather cuff with chain, Signet Round ring, all by Givenchy 

On Her
Military shirt, high-waist belted pants, pumps in patent leather, leather belt, silver cuff, Signet Pinky ring, all by Givenchy 

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction and Styling: San Wong
Models : Martin F & Maddy @ Primo
Make-up : Esther Kwan
Hair : Catherine Au-Yeung

Sling Bling: Check out our favourite sling bags from the SS19 runways

It’s safe to say that sling bags are everywhere. You see them on the runways, on the high-fashion stores and on the high streets. So what is it about them that makes them so special?

First off, sling bags manage to make us look quite stylish while not being cumbersome at all. Thanks to their comfortable straps that can be worn crossed across the shoulders and their somewhat petite size – as compared to, say, a tote – sling bags are compact and efficient at the same time. So here are our best sling-bag-donning looks from the Spring Summer runways. Pick one that works best for you.

Rewind: Our favourite SS19 collections from Tokyo Fashion Week 2019

Toyko Fashion Week 2019 kicked off this Monday, much to the delight of those  who enjoy the wacky, weird and boundary-breaking styles of the modern garment industry. With a reputation for creating bold and extravagant runways, the Summer / Spring show was all about outré, outstanding fashion that will no doubt prove to be valuable additions to your wardrobe this summer.

Malamute

Local Tokyo designer Mari Odaka unleashed her ninth collection, which consisted of crocheted knitwear summer dresses and cool cow-boyish two pieces. The contrasting beiges and reds pair strongly with each other ensuring bold statement pieces, but while the patterns themselves are unique, they are subtle enough to be worn during the day as well. Malamute‘s sophisticated collection is appropriate to wear wherever and whenever.

Kotohayokozawa 

If anyone could make ragamuffin chic, it’s designer  Kotoha Yokozawa. Her eponymous brand, kotohayokozawa, aims to explore the relationship between touch and texture, translates to uneven patterns, unique stitchings and nostalgic children’s pop-art in her clothing line. Using mostly soft colours, the collection captures a rare-yet-successful mixture of calmness and chaos.

tiit Tokyo

Designers Sho Iwata and Hiroshi Takizawa of tiit tokyo have created a rather darling collection for SS19. With a clear focus on such natural hues as blue and green, the pieces feature beautiful effects from sheer lace to feminine-plaids (who would have thought that was possible?) and of course, everyone’s favourite come-back, the belt-bag. 

Jenny Fax

Taiwanese designer Shueh Jen-Fang of Jenny Fax is the winner of our favourite SS19 collection to come out of Tokyo Fashion Week. In fact, we’ve been counting down the days until Spring so we could finally let it escape from our closets. A series clearly inspired by the retro-style of ’80s, the range is absolutely electric with its outrageous proportions, neon colours and fresh take at how a belly-button should stand out.

Text:Bailey Atkinson

 

Spring / Summer 2019 Fashion Feature – Part II

In our last fashion feature, we took you on a journey across the haute couture brands as they celebrate the emergence of spring with a seemingly endless array of divine designs. In this feature, we bring some more Spring / Summer 2019 fashion collections, all replete with dazzling hues, arresting patterns and bold prints. 

Loewe

“It’s free; it’s sensual; it’s satin; it’s a mass of textures.” So expounded creative director Jonathan Anderson, as he introduced Loewe’s latest Spring / Summer line-up. And, indeed, even the most cursory of glances at his couture offerings reveals an almost overwhelming amalgam of styles, patterns and influences, from voluminous balloon skirts and sheer kaftans to shocking orange and green tie-dye motifs and a smorgasbord of bags – Loewe’s primary forte. By ignoring what fashion ‘should be’ and, instead, focusing on what it ‘could be’, Anderson has crafted a true testament to the multifaceted persona of today’s modern woman, or, in his own words, “a celebration of being beautiful”.

Louis Vuitton

The past and future seemed to collide in dramatic fashion on Louis Vuitton’s Spring/ Summer catwalk as ’70s-era geometric designs and ’80s-style padded jackets vied with shimmering mesh shoulders and molded rubber space suits for dominance. Encapsulating creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s exploration of the blurred lines between virtual reality and real life, asymmetrical lines and non-conformist layering of clashing patterns dominate throughout. As a final flourish, Ghesquière has revamped the brand’s iconic Petite Malles cubist handbags into eye-catching space capsule-esque accessories, and has even thrown in an egg-shaped style to heighten the otherworldly undertone of this New Age-meets-Space Age fashion extravaganza.

Max Mara

Diving deep into ancient Greek mythology, Max Mara reinterprets those same stories from a female perspective in its Spring/Summer 2019 collection. Instead of the men, it’s the fairer sex that are the heroes in this alternate world, with models proudly donning toga-style tops, bonded trench coats, strong-shouldered jackets and pea coats. The colour palette never gets too experimental, dwelling amid a range of brown, navy, black and white, but creative director Ian Griffiths surprises once in a while with a bold splash of canary yellow. The true experimentation, however, comes through a masterful use of layering – a refreshing take on how women can wear essential pieces in innumerable ways.

Michael Kors

Travel was admittedly on creative director Michael Kors’ mind as he set about creating the Spring / Summer 2019 collection for his eponymous label. Confesses the designer: “I wanted the show to feel like a global getaway. I find travel to be the ultimate inspiration and this collection takes a little bit from all of my favourite destinations around the world.” What resulted was a joyous celebration of globe trotting, as models sashayed down the catwalk in carefree, colourful creations that evoked all things warm and sunny. Surf shirts, cotton dresses, flowing skirts ruled the runway in a plethora of bright colours and eye-catching prints, all coaxing you to book the flight to your dream getaway right now.

Prada

Throwing all fashion textbooks out of the window, creative director Miuccia Prada seemed to revel in the fine art of imperfection at Prada’s Spring / Summer 2019 runway show. Situated firmly at the juncture of modernity and tradition, the collection uses classic materials like chiffon, satin, cashmere, leather and jersey-knit fabric in sombre hues of beige, black, white and gold to create an ultra-modern, uber-chic line that boasts everything from slim-fit satin Bermudas to haute couture T-shirt dresses. But while being decidedly contradictory, confused it is not, for Prada has a clear vision – to snatch as much freedom as possible from a world that is becoming increasingly more conservative.

Valentino

 

In a world defined by rules, it’s easy to understand why Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli decided to celebrate escapism in his Spring / Summer 2019 collection. Thus, his models strutted down the aisle in voluminous, free-flowing dresses that rejoice in shape rather than size. Black, white and the timeless combination of the duo dominated the runway, whether in cotton off-shoulder dresses or in tuxedos with fine tulle. But Piccioli turned out to be equally adept at playing with colours, from pink taffeta suits with balloon sleeves to peasant dresses with multicoloured floral prints, each testifying to the full range of the designer’s vision.

Versace

Versace’s Spring / Summer collection tips its hat to the modern woman in all her diverse glory. True to Donatella Versace’s own philosophy, there’s something for everyone under the Versace sun. Through a riot of colours and patterns, the attires depict a confident modern madame who’s not afraid to embrace her unique identity. To that effect, the silhouettes are deliberately form-fitted and slinky, while patterns overlap patterns, creating a colourful canvas that’s dazzling and delightful in its exuberance. The accessories – be it the Conglobo bag inspired by travel trunks or the Chain Reaction open sandals – enhance the spirit of adventure that runs through the collection.

Spring / Summer 2019: Turn up the heat with these flirtatiously femme fads

Dazzling hues, arresting patterns and bold prints – the haute couture world celebrates the emergence of spring with a seemingly endless array of divine designs. From subtly sophisticated power suits and chic silk skirts to avant-garde accessories and apparel, from ’60s-era flared trousers and ’80s geometric patterns to metallic Space Age inspirations, this season’s collections deftly balance every imaginable style in a whirlwind of fads, fabrics and flourishes. Onwards, then, to the top looks of Spring / Summer 2019…

 

Burberry

 

Turning the old adage that beige is boring completely on its head, chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci has completely transformed this once -blasé shade into the very cutting edge of refined haute couture this season. Deftly divided into three separate sections – casual, sophisticated and evening wear – these creations were craf ted solely with the modern woman in mind. From posh pencil pants and square-shouldered suit jackets to playful polka dots and bold animal prints, Tisci’s masterful deployment of textures, tones and fabrics will surely find favour with haute couture-minded madames the world over, no matter what the occasion.

Chanel

 

In what was to be his final collection for Chanel, its late creative director Karl Lagerfeld transported his audience to the sun-dappled beachside. With a solid emphasis on flirtatious fun, his barefoot models pranced – sandals firmly in hand – down the catwalk in a flurry of ruffles, silky silhouettes and a plethora of patterns, with a hip handbag or two thrown in for good measure. The highlight of the show, though, was undoubtedly the svelte showcase of Chanel’s signature tweed in the form of suit jackets, gloves and overcoats, all cut in contemporary fashion and burnished in bold hues of pink, yellow and blue.

Chloé

There seems to be no expiration date for some good old-fashioned ’60s hippie chic, at least as far as Chloé’s Natacha Ramsay-Levi is concer ned. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and Ibiza, her sophomore Spring / Summer collection for the maison pays tribute to the festival going fashionista of the Flower Power era with a rich catalogue of Boho-esque flared trousers, kaf tan gowns, figure-hugging jump suits, and ethnic-printed silk scarves and shirts. A veritable treasure trove of talismanic accessories – from tasselled earrings and rope belts to cuff bracelets and oversized pendant necklaces – rounds out the line’s refined New Age vibe.

Dior

Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri explores the concept of freedom in a series of eye-popping creations inspired by the world of modern dance for Dior. Gone are the movement-restricting corsets and stiff fabrics that were the benchmarks of previous seasons. Instead, there’s a new element of playfulness, be it the sheer chiffons and tulles that allow an enticing glimpse of skin or the flowy, figure-hiding overcoats and sweaters that leave you wanting more. As a final flourish, ballerina-esque flats and leotard-inspired garments have been interwoven throughout, fulfilling Chiuri’s mission to “speak about dance with a different point of view, to speak about freedom”.

Fendi

Embracing the urban concrete jungle in which we live, Fendi’s recently passed and much-mourned creative director Karl Lagerfeld turned it on its head, using a minimalist palette of sage, cognac, burgundy, tangerine and white to create a collection that is brilliant in its down to-earth appeal. Though ostensibly masculine in shape, the attires are deliberately softened by a touch of femininity through gathered patch pockets, ruched sleeves, feminine belts, floral prints and even bib collars. And while the dresses themselves are strictly utilitarian, the accessories – such as the legendary Baguette bag from the ’90s that makes a reappearance with sequin embellishments – give them an unmistakably signature Fendi flamboyance.

Givenchy

Building on her well-known penchant for creating entire collections around one singularly compelling individual, Givenchy creative director Clare Waight-Keller has once again plumbed the depths of historical archives to present a new line inspired by Annemarie Schwarzenbach, an early 20th-century bisexual Swiss journalist and photographer with a penchant for cross-dressing. On a mission to “collide the codes” of menswear and women’s apparel, she has embraced Schwarzenbach’s gender fluidity to the fullest, balancing the feminine – swishing floor-length gowns, shimmering tassels and crystal accents – with distinctly masculine tuxedo jackets, trenches and trousers. The verdict? A barrierbreaking success.

Hermès

Eschewing the outré in favour of clean lines and light tones, French haute couture maison Hermès has wholly embraced the spirit of summer with an array of decidedly sporty creations. In place of the equine designs that dominated last season’s catwalks, this year’s focus is more in line with beach chic, with strappy sandals, peek-a-boo bralettes and shoulder-baring shirts all in play. As usual, the brand’s iconic orange hue was very much in evidence, whether accenting a hemline or dominating across a sailing coat. Of particular note, though, is the seamless transformation of Hermès’ sturdier leather designs into comfortable, breathable summery garments and accessories that still retain an aura of casual sophistication while taking ‘athleisure’ wear to new heights.

Text: Tenzing Thondup and Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Spring Fling: Our favourite accessories for women this season

With April’s showers already making an early appearance in March, it’s clear that Spring has arrived. The cool tones of winter have bid adieu, leaving room in ladies closets for more fun and colourful products. We’ve put together our favourite women’s spring accessories to help you bounce into the spring feeling.

women's spring accessories

As winter gives way to summer, it’s time to bring out those shades or, better still, time to upgrade to one of this season’s latest sunglass styles. Foremost among these, surely, is British designer Alexander McQueen’s AW18 Jewelled Collection – a luxury box set of premium eyewear available solely at Puyi Optical in Hong Kong. From chic pilot to elegant square frames, all with sparkling Swarovski crystals, this wide range of shades is ideal for all face shapes and styles. Adding a touch of glamour are the antique gold or silver frames that gives the glasses a true vintage appeal. www.puyi.com

women's spring accessories

Mabros, the Central-located jewellery house, has been synonymous with exquisite timepieces and fine diamond jewellery ever since it opened its doors back in 1985, thanks mainly to the fine craftsmanship of its many skilled artisans who sculpt each item by hand over weeks or even months. Its latest Bird Brooch collection – a prime example of the haute joaillerie house’s blend of design and craftsmanship – brings together an array of precious stones, from diamonds and sapphires to rubies and tsavorites, to create a colourful canvas that surely adds just the right touch of luxury to any outfit. www.mabros.com

For his debut at the Italian haute couture label Bottega Veneta, newly-appointed creative director Daniel Lee has opted to entice handbag fans with two new leather-dominant designs. First up is the Maxi Cabat, which features the label’s trademark intrecciato handcraftsmanship – evident in the thin strips of ‘fettuce’ leather interwoven into a criss-cross pattern – and available in three unique styles. Then there’s The Pouch, an understated and versatile clutch that’s said to be perfect for a casual daytime jaunt or a more formal evening soiree. Whatever the occasion, these eye-catching accessories are sure to capture more than a passing gaze. www.bottegaveneta.com

No doubt keen to attract the growing number of avid female gamers, US-based leisure hardware company Razer has just launched a Quartz Pink edition of its Razer Blade ultra-portable laptop. However, it doesn’t just score high on the looks department, with its beauty matched by its performance and durability. Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 4GB graphics, a full HD display and 16GB of 2133MHz dual-channel memory, it’s a powerhouse that promises to be equally invaluable whether you are working or playing. www.razer.com

women's spring accessories

To mark its participation in the inaugural Freize Los Angeles art fair, renowned travel accessories label Rimowa teamed up with Los Angeles-based artist Alex Israel to create a dazzlingly colourful collection of suitcases. Building on Israel’s exploratory artworks that have long focused on Hollywood and the American dream, while being particularly inspired by picturesque LA sunsets, the new line – the RIMOWA x Alex Israel collection – features two attentiongrabbing luggage designs, both completely encased in gradated pink-to-blue hues. Artistic yet functional, sturdy yet sophisticated, these boldly-coloured travel companions are clear statement pieces. www.rimowa.com

Dead Glam Fashion: Morning after styles for the dearly de-party-ed

As spring fashion hits our wardrobes, it’s now or never to learn the ropes of combining the vibrant with the neutral. Make a statement with your carefully paired outfits ranging from mod chic to hippie glam. 

 

          

 

LOOK 1

glam fashion

On Alena

Silk-crepe pink dress by Stella McCartney
Rose gold-plated Moonsun earrings from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

On Stacy

Printed maxi-dress, mini Feather Bucket bag, Go-logo leather belt, earrings with studs, all by Valentino

LOOK 2

glam fashion

On Stacy

Cropped jacket, pleated dress and Whip leather belt bag, all by Givenchy
Thong booties in camel leather by Loewe
Rose gold-plated Moonsun cocktail ring from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

On Alena

Grey blazer, knitted pullover, organza shirt, boxer shorts, all by Miu Miu
Whip bag in two-tone leather and flat sandals in silver, both by Givenchy
Rose gold-plated Moonsun earrings from AtelierSwarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

LOOK 3

glam fashion

On Alena

Plissé mousseline top and skirt by Chloé
Rose gold-plated Moonsun earrings from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

On Stacy

Mohair knitted cardigan with crinkle skirt, Thong booties in camel leather, all by Loewe
Knitted bra-top by Shiatzy Chen
Rose gold-plated Moonsun brooch and cocktail ring from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

LOOK 4

glam fashion

On Stacy

Off-white overcoat and trousers; Lola Festival pouch, all by 3.1 Phillip Lim
Wave sandals by Chloé

On Alena

Shearling lamb coat, silk mixdress, Cecyle quilted shoulder bag, Evoria sandals, all by Coach

LOOK 5

glam fashion

On Stacy

One-piece by Sandra
Lace pants by Maje
Swimming top by Marysia
Wide belt by Claudie Pierlot
Basket Stones bag by Loewe
Wave sandals by Chloé

On Alena

Sweater by Claudie Pierlot
Blanca dress by Marysia
Evoria sandals by Bally

LOOK 6

glam fashion

On Alena

Light blue silk jacket and cropped pants, satin platform sandals, all by Dice Kayek
Rose gold-plated Moonsun earrings from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

On Stacy

Mini dress with white shirt, cut-out sweater, all by Prada
Jewelled heel sandals by Miu Miiu
Rose gold-plated Moonsun long necklace from Atelier Swarovski by Penelope Cruz collection

LOOK 7

glam fashion

On Stacy

Floral coat-dress by Maje
Organza collar by Simone Rocha

On Alena

Cut-out bodysuit and high-waist trousers by Givenchy
Leather belt with pearl buckle by Shiatzy Chen

Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction and Styling: San Wong
Model: Alena Z & Stacy B @ A1M Management
Makeup: Esther Kwan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Suit ability: Women’s power suits from SS19 runways

Fall fashion already hinted at it. And now spring-summer fashion has wholeheartedly embraced it. Yes, we’re indeed talking about women’s power suits. Be it vintage-style checked suits or futuristic neon outfits, power suits are back and how!

Power suits are not only meant for the boardroom
Suits can go beyond the boardroom

Almost without exception, suits of every hue and form took pride of place at the Spring-Summer 2019 womenswear collections of most major haute couture brands. From Giorgio Armani’s formal linen white ensembles to Salvatore Ferragamo’s ultra-feminine pink outfits, there’s a suit for every woman and every mood.

Nicole Kidman rocks the suit at an award show

More importantly, however, as the SS19 collections displayed, wearing a suit is no longer about exuding working girl vibes, it is equally adaptable to casual occasions with the right accessories. Just dress it down with a pair of sneakers for a less buttoned-up look or wear a crop top underneath for a sexy vibe. Whatever your preferred style, we think this particular womenswear is beyond compare.

Check out our slideshow for the most coveted women’s power suits from SS19 ramps.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Summer Sunnies: Mulberry adds sunglasses to the brand’s line

mulberry

British luxury lifestyle brand Mulberry‘s future is seemingly so bright that they have added sunglasses to their 2019 accessories line-up. The British fashion house has partnered up with Italian eyewear company, De Rigo Vision to launch its first-ever eyewear collection for this Spring/Summer season. A shining partnership indeed, as De Rigo Vision has collaborated with luxury brands such as Carolina Herrara, Chopard and Furla in the past.

Mulberry
Emma Sunglasses

The stylish frames have been designed by Mulberry‘s design team, and have been led by Creative Director Johnny Coca. By expanding its accessories line, the British brand hopes to expand its image as an important contender in the lifestyle game. 

Mulberry
Lenny Sunglasses

When asked where his inspiration for the line comes from, Coca told reporters, “collecting and designing sunglasses is one of my personal passions, so it has been a pleasure for me to develop them as a new key category for Mulberry.”

Mulberry
Enyd Sunglasses

Inspired by the likes of iconic British celebrities such as Kate Moss and John Lennon, the line features 20 different pairs in 8 different styles. Those looking for chunky styles will be drawn to the Kate, Emma, Charlotte and Gian. Meanwhile, the Tony and Lenny frames provide more minimalist and lightweight shapes. The Enyd, meanwhile, combines the best of both worlds by fusing together the maximalist framework with a touch of the metal.