Full Bloom: Ditch that drab winter look and embrace vibrant spring colours

As winter wanes and the seasons change, now is the time to consign your dark winter wardrobe and embrace vibrant spring colours. And what better way to spruce up your outfits than with the addition of flowing silhouettes, flattering feathers and shimmering prints. Onwards, then, to our springtime selection of haute couture designs.

Spring colours look 1

Look 1

Untied ruffle dress by Diane von Furstenberg; Embroidered dress by Shiatzy Chen; Trousers by Loewe; T-Rex cage sandals and fabric belt, both by Fendi; Asymmetrical earring by Givenchy

Spring colours look 2

Look 2

Cropped jacket and pants by Loewe; Silk blouse and lace bralette top, both by Shiatzy Chen; Sneakers by Miu Miu

Spring colours look 3

Look 3

Lace dress by Hermès; Asymmetrical earring by Givenchy

Spring colours look 4

Look 4

Micro-checked jacket, FF motif shirt with pleated skirt, Mon Trèsor mini bucket bag, all by Fendi; Matelassé velvet belt bag by Miu Miu; Daisy satin boots by Malone Souliers; Tigris drop earrings and rings from Atelier Swarovski’s Core Collection

Spring colours look 5

Look 5

Leather jacket with suede skirt and patterned sleeveless jacket, all by Salvatore Ferragamo; Printed scarf and heeled moccasins, both by Valentino

Spring colours look 6

Look 6

Alphabet motif cardigan with leggings, printed pumps, all by Versace; Pleated twill dress by Valentino; Fabric belt by Shiatzy Chen; Tigris earrings and rings from Atelier Swarovski’s Core Collection

Spring colours look 7

Look 7

Jacquard coat and chiffon skirt and shirt with watch-bracelet, all from Miu Miu’s Croisiere SS19 Collection; Nano mini-tote by Strathberry

Photos: Jack Law
Fashion Direction & Styling : San Wong
Model: Sofi C @ A1M Management
Make-up : Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Size matters: Oversized sweaters, the most comfortable fashion trend ever

Let’s admit it, fashion trends aren’t always the most comfortable. Take PVC outfits from Chanel’s SS18 collection, for example. But if there’s one current trend that we hope never goes of style, it is oversized sweaters for ladies. Think plush pullovers, ballooning sleeves, knee-touching cardigans, etc. These warm snug woollens make you look super-stylish and super-comfy at the same time, which – as ladies know – is a very rare combination.

Pulling off the look is equally easy – pair it with jeans for a classic casual look or throw on a pair of tight leggings to up your sex appeal. Wearing them tucked in with a skirt and high booties can give you an edgy look as well.

Of course, the quirky prints and patterns on oversized sweaters help the cause of fashion. From Gucci’s iconic lion to Fendi’s embroidered heart design, our slideshow presents the very best of these bulky woollens, so check them out and decide for yourself which one matches your style statement.

Wow & Woo: V-day look for lovely ladies

For those who are already counting down to the most romantic day in the year, we have for you the perfect V-day look book for a dreamy date with your significant other.

V-day Look

Wear red: Choose an easy-breezy scarlet dress with kitschy floral prints to keep things casual yet chic. For a formal dinner, however, a cherry-red lacey dress can never go wrong.

V-day Look
Floral print tie neck silk dress by Etro – casual yet classy

Choose high heels: High heels may not be the most comfortable, but they bring out our best postures. Whether you opt for booties or pumps or sandals, make sure the heel has the inches.

V-day Look
Malone Souliers Marguerite Luwolt pumps would up your glam quotient

Bag it: Choose a cute yet classy bag in neutral colour – you want the attention to be on you, not on your bag. Anything in shades of beige, pink and white would complement your LRD (little red dress).

V-day Look
The little heart on the East-West mini Valentine’s bag by Strathberry adds a touch of cuteness to your V-day look

Accessorize: Of course, your V-day look won’t be complete without a petite piece of jewellery, be it an ear stud or a small pendant. Go for subtle feminine patterns instead of the obvious roses, hearts and butterflies. 

V-Day look
Chaumet’s Jeux de Liens pendant would be the perfect finishing touch to your V-day look

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Exterior Superior: Outdoors, out of sight, but never out of style

            

 

As the temperature decreases, our layers have known to increase, but that doesn’t mean outdoor style must be forsaken. We’ve put together some of the most glamorous looks for your overcoat overcast needs. 

Outdoor Style LOOK 1

Her: Velvet jacket by ANIRAC; Halter-neck maxi-dress with chain from Hermès’ Resort Collection; Vinny high boots, Signature belt-bag, necklace and earrings, all from Chloé’s Spring 19 Collection

Him: Leather coat by Berluti; Shirt by Diesel; Pants by Sandro Homme; Ankle boots by Jil Sander

Outdoor Style LOOK 2

Her: Hooded jacket, knitted pullover, skirt, BV Luna crossbody bag and earrings with crystals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Booties by Sandro

Him: Leather jacket, printed T-shirt and jogging pants, leather bracelet, all from Hermès’ SS19 Collection; B-Way high-top sneakers by Berluti

Outdoor Style LOOK 3

Him: Hawaiian shirt, jerseytop, large Jaw hybrid bag, all from Givenchy’s Precollection; Trousers by Jil Sander; Hiking boots by Suitsupply; Leather bracelet by Hermès

Outdoor Style Look 4

Her: Checked suit and heels, both from Givenchy’s Pre-collection; Leather with ruffled top and miniskirt, both from Prada’s Resort CollectionMini Roy bucket bag by Chloé

Outdoor Style Look 5

Her: Leather jacket and shorts, patterned cape-jacket, Miu Crystal suede bag, all from Miu Miu’s Cruise Collection; Leather long boots, earrings and cuff with crystals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Pendant necklace by Hermès

Him: Leather jacket with fur collar, shirt with jeans and shoes, all from Bottega Veneta’s Cruise Collection; Leather bracelet by Hermès

Outdoor Style Look 6

Outdoor Style

Her: Embroidered tartan shirt by Sandro; Leather jumper by Claudie Pierlot; Knitted collar by Jil Sander; Sweater by Diesel Pumps from Prada’s Resort CollectionEffervescence Gems Collection earrings and rings in 18K yellow gold vermeil with amethyst, both by Links of London

Him: Coat by Diesel; Down jacket by Canada Goose; Trousers and hiking boots, all by Suitsupply

Outdoor Style Look 7

Her: Jacket with skirt with fringes, both from Chloé’s Spring 19 Collection; Leather shirt by Claudie Pierlot; Heels by Givenchy; Ovals collection necklace and rings in silver, all by Links of London

Him: Checked coat from Hermès SS19 Collection; Sweater and suede boots by Suitsupply; Charm necklace by Givenchy; Pants by Sandro

 

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction and Styling: San Wong
Model: Rose @ Model One, Fedor L @ A1M Management
Makeup: Margaret Wong

Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung

Glitter and Sequins: Our top picks for New Year’s Eve dresses

For the lady who appreciates all the finer things in life, it’s safe to assume that she would wish to end her holiday season in good company, in a vivacious establishment (click here for New Year’s Eve dinner and party suggestions) sipping on the most bubbly of champagne, and wearing, of course, an exquisite dress.

To bid adieu to the fleeting year, glitter and sequins are often as customary as champagne and fireworks when it comes to ringing in the coming new year. Here at Gafencu we’ve combed through the most upscale of designers in the likes of Gucci and Saint Laurent to carefully select only the most elegant and dazzling of New Year’s Eve dresses.

Ashored: coutured, confident winterwear for December

 

From knitted woollens to pleated plaids, come ashore with these warm autumn wraps, courtesy of our carefully curated selection of confident and stylish winterwear.      

Look 1

Wool coat by Bottega Veneta; Knitted scarf-gloves and neck pullover by COS; Shirt and trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Look 2

Checked coat and shirt-coat, both by Maje; Roll neck pullover and long socks, both by COS; Wooden platform sandals by Loewe; Shoulder bag by Bally

Look 3

Blanket top, sweater and jeans, all by Isabel Marant; Winter Rhapsody Christmas Brilliant charm bag by Delvaux; Sock booties by MM6; Felted wool long gloves by COS

Look 4

Wool coat and dress, enamelled silver ring and bracelets set with cubic zirconia, all by Bottega Veneta

Look 5

Wool overcoat with jersey top and wool maxi-skirt, all by Max Mara; Roll-neck pullover by COS

Look 6

Shearling coat with patterned shirt and trousers all by BallyEast/West chain-bag by Strathberry

Photos: Neville Lee
Fashion Direction & Styling: San Wong
Model: Sveta G @ A1M Management
Make-up: Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung
Video: Lai Ty Yeung

Christmas Spree: Affording you the greatest glee this festive season

           

As we draw closer to Jolly Old Saint Nick’s annual visit to our beloved city, it’s now the time to be rockin’ around the Christmas spree. Carefully selected by Gafencu’s staff are the perfect little prezzies to slip into your loved ones’ stockings, or perhaps even under the mistletoe to guarantee an extra holiday smooch.

Look 1:

From left: Confession refillable lipstick set by Hourglass; Provocateur eyeshadow palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Sunglasses by Alexander McQueen; Miu Cleo bag by Miu Miu; Cadogan Engine billfold wallet by Dunhill; Leather headphone case by Bottega Veneta; The Only One eau de parfum by Dolce & Gabbana; Valeria cuff by Chloé; J Box clutch with crystal stars by Jimmy Choo; Bunny Macrame charm in calfskin by Loewe; Evening slipper in patent leather by Dunhill

Look 2

From left: Cho Real Barocco mule by Roger Vivier; Varina ballerina and mini Vara Bow flap bag with crystals, both by Salvatore FerragamoHot Tryst cheek palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Red Edition N°5 eau de parfum by Chanel; Panthère de Cartier sunglasses by Cartier; Talia sandal with crystals and feathers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Look 3

From left: Dice game in leather and wooden dice by Berluti; Duke zipped folio in metallic calfskin leather by Dunhill; Garden of Paradise parfum by Chopard; Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde watch in 18K red gold case by Blancpain; Billfold wallet in multi-coloured intrecciato leather by Bottega Veneta; Leather case by Hermès

Look 4

From left: Multipouch in nappa leather, iPhone case in nappa leather, three glass orbs, all by Bottega Veneta; Zipped tablet pouch by Hermès; Foxley tasselled slippers by Jimmy Choo; Leather box with mouse motif by Loewe; Leather cardholder by Hermès

Christmas Spree

Look 5

From left: Grand Attelage gold-plated cutleryby Hermès; Barocco box clutch with crystals and stones by Roger Vivier; The Empressa Collection X’mas box gift set with Empressa eau de toilette and body cream by Penhaligon’s; Sequined Mary Jane pumps by Miu Miu; Twenty~4 Automatic watch in 18K rose gold set with diamonds by Patek Philippe;  Goldomania nail colour and Goldomania Loubilaque lip lacquer from Christian Louboutin’s Goldomania holiday collection.

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction & Styling : San Wong

Maximilist Metals: Chain link jewellery of the ’80s makes its return

The metals of marvellous maximalists have made their return, meaning it’s time for minimalists to move over! Like many fashion trends from the ’80s (ahem, belt-bags) the bigger the garment the better it is. But you needn’t worry, the fashion world isn’t making you dig out your old shoulder pads just yet. Instead we’re rewinding to the powerful statement chains that once had us pumping up the volume.

Chain-link jewellery may have comeback, but it is not without its updates. The high-end accessories still remain striking and bold, but with modern weights. Brands partaking in the re-emerging trend such as Links of London, have chosen gold as the go-to metal for the revival. The contemporary touch to the trend also provides a more gentle look, as many feature precious stones such as diamonds.

Don’t be dragged down by the chains of past, new ones have emerged and they’re far more chic.

Hip Designs: 10 Beauteous Belt-Bags for the lady on the go

No longer just a bag for your grandmother, belt-bags have returned as a fashion favourite – this time the hip-hugging accessory has been embraced by high-end designers such as Chanel and Gucci. Formerly known as the “fanny-pack”, this streetwear item is as functional as it gets, allowing you to go hands-free by being stationed between the hips. What’s more, you’re even rid of the strain of a heavy strap on your shoulders. Obviously this makes belt-bags the perfect accessory for upcoming festivals, site-seeing, or just a busy day that keeps you on the go!

We’ve created a collection of our favourite belt-bags, whoever said you couldn’t achieve fashion and function at the same time?

 

 

Vintage Chic: Get your mad, mod gladrags on with these glamorous looks

           

From ruffled lace numbers to flapper-esque dresses, channel the glamour of bygone eras with our carefully-curated selection of vintage chic looks.     

Vintage Chic Image 1

Look 1

Fur shawl with inlaid heart and tail, and party dress with crystals, both by Fendi; Celeste Crystal stretch booties by Giuseppe Zanotti; Legends Naga earrings and cuff in 18K gold and silver by John Hardy; Silver rings with onyx and cubic zirconia by Bottega Veneta

Vintage Chic Image 2

Look 2

Candy lace dress, Lori pumps with crystals, Dolce Box clutch with crystals and stones, all by Dolce & Gabbana; Dot hoop earrings in 18k gold with diamonds by John Hardy; Silver necklace, rings and hairclips with onyx and cubic zirconia, all by Bottega Veneta

Vintage Chic Image 3

Look 3

Bustier dress with bow, zip leather ankle boots, Pyramid Square ring in gold- and silver-finished metal, all by Givenchy; Classic Chain earrings and ring in 18K gold with whiskey quartz by John Hardy

Vintage Chic Image 4

Look 4

Dress and booties by Chloé; Lace bralette and silver ring with onyx by Bottega Veneta; Classic Chain silver link necklace by John Hardy

Vintage Chic Image 5

Look 5

Strapless mini-dress, buckle belt, Medusa choker, all by Versace; Dena over-the-knee stretch glitter booties by Giuseppe Zanotti; Legends Naga cuff in 18K gold and silver by John Hardy; Asymmetrical earrings in gold-finished metal with river pearl by Givenchy

Vintage Chic Image 6

Look 6

Tulle dress with lace bralette, rings in silver with onyx and cubic zirconia, all by Bottega Veneta; Chiaccio over-the-knee stretch leather boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

Vintage Chic Image 7

Look 7

Jacquard knitted dress by Roberto Cavalli; Lori pumps with crystals by Dolce & Gabbana; Bamboo earrings in silver with black sapphires by John Hardy; Bangles in silver with cubic zirconia by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Neville Lee
Fashion Direction &Styling: San Wong
Model: Rebecca Y @ Quest
Make-up: Zoe Fan
Hair: Catherine Au-Yeung