From today onwards, I’ll be writing and covering the latest in fashion, arts and music for www.CoutureTroopers.com, where I’ll be spearheading it in the position of the Editor.

Your readership in this new website will be very much appreciated.

Here’s a brief outline of the website:

The name’ COUTURE TROOPERS‘  has derived from the clear visual of how designers send their models down the runway donned with ornate, highly decorated clothing, marching the stage like they’re troopers on a mission to send a message to the world.

COUTURE TROOPERS; a team of three writers will be writing about the sheer notion of creativity, innovation, enticement and excitement; channeling our vibe for good style in a totally unique and spontaneous perspective for the fashion-savvy and anyone who enjoys a good read and coverage from fashion to the arts to music both in the local and international scene.

We will be marching the streets to deliver nothing but the best to you.

What are you waiting for?

Follow our website, bookmark it and make sure you got us right under your fingertips, because we’ve got the best all covered for you.

Hailing from the shores of Barcelona, Spain since 1984, high-street fashion brand Mango is broadening it’s horizon by branching into a brand-new premium accessories line, entitled ‘MANGO TOUCH‘.

This follows a successful, first outing of the accessories line when it first opened in it’s home country, Spain in Rambla de Catalunya, Barcelona in the year 2011, plans to expand this line to the rest of the world’s continents, which includes Europe and Asia were already underway. The line has since opened in more than ten other countries including France, Italy, Russia and not forgetting Bangkok, Thailand in Central Bangna.

This new line differs from it’s sister brand ‘MANGO’ with it’s clear and distinct specialization in accessories alone, which include a wide range of bags, shoes, belt, scarves and jewellery; focusing on classic and contemporary looks that will appeal to modern working women.

The first Mango Touch store in Rambla de Catalunya, Barcelona

Come 10 January 2012, this premium accessories line would finally be coming to the shores of Singapore.

The first ever MANGO TOUCH store in Singapore, which will be situated within the premises of Isetan Orchard, Basement 1, will be housing the Mediterranean-inspired designs in energetic, vibrant hues from the line’s new Spring 2012 collection.

Here are some top picks from the collection:

Come visit the brand new MANGO TOUCH store on 10 January as the beautiful SPRING 2012 collection from the Spanish label unfolds at Isetan Orchard, Wisma Atria (level Basement 1)

Click HERE for directions to the store

SEE YOU THERE!

Visit www.mango.com for more information

Despite a mere one-and-a-half month since the hype and buzz over the latest smash-hit  collaboration between Italian fashion house Versace & Swedish high-street fashion brand H&M in November 2011, the ever-trendy H&M is already preparing itself for yet another limited edition tie up this Spring 2012 with Consuelo Castiglioni’s founded label Marni (Click for more info on the label)  set to hit the stores on March 8, 2012.

Here are some sneak peeks as we go behind-the-scenes to see how the collection unfolds in a design workroom of a potentially-successful collaboration:

Holding true to the Marni’s style, the primary direction behind the menswear and womenswear line in the collection is freedom and experimentation; through  all-over prints in strong colours all intended to be worn together in layers that both match and clash.

On the collaboration:

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”. - Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director.

For the womenswear section of the collection, colors would be bold and loud with African inspired prints, Marni’s staple silhouettes such as full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knit, and fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. A range of  jewellery, shoes, bags and scarves would also be available, completing an entire Marni x H&M outfit.

On the other hand, the menswear version of the limited edition collection would feature colours and fabrics which are softer, and in relaxed masculine silhouettes. Staple Marni prints would also be more subtle as compared to their female counterparts.

With such a likable design direction and wearable pieces,  the fashion label’s collaboration with H&M will definitely be well-received, raved and anticipated.

Come March this year, expect the very same vibe that surrounded the Versace x H&M collaboration, as well as H&M’s many successful collaborations with fashion big names such as Karl Lagerfeld and Lanvin, as fashionistas brace themselves for yet another spectacular collaborative collection from the Swedish high-street brand.

Will it supersede the Versace collaboration?

Well well, we say there’s a possibility!

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For those who don’t know, Marni is an Italian fashion brand which was established since 1994. The label is known for creating clothing, bags and accessories in bold colours, prints and shapes.

The aesthetic of European-infected bohemian, funky idiosyncratic prints as well as vintage-inspired shapes and fabrics are synonymous with the label’s early designs. 

Today, Consuelo who is still heading the label as it’s designer, translates streamlined boldness and energy through juxtaposition of texture, colorblocking, asymmetry, bell hemlines and large volumes season after season, setting it’s own trend of incredible craftmanship and a refined mish-mash of elegance vs. playfulness. 

However that question has been answered when the highly-anticipated line from Karl has been captured.. or rather, unveiled.

Here are the images from the unveiling of the collection:

From the looks of it, the collection is simply a no-nonsense minimalist one with edgy, statement details such as collar chokers, full-length zipper hardware, and leather fingerless gloves.

Simply phenomenal!

JOIN THE HYPE on Net-A-Porter to get the latest updates on the exclusive collection (set to hit the virtual racks of Net-A-Porter on 25 January 2012.

HAVE A HAPPY & STYLISH HOLIDAYS THIS CHRISTMAS!

If leather jackets and nightlight colours rock your boat, you’re bound to fall in love with this latest fashion film by Nick Knight from SHOWstudio, which depicts the on-set mood during the ’Mean Streets’ editorial shoot for British Vogue.

Donned in edgy, metallic pieces from the likes of Givenchy, Chanel and Miu Miu, Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls set out to conquer and run the world whilst channeling a devil-may-care attitude.

Throw in edgy music, this fashion film certainly elevates the notion of rockability to it’s greatest height. Clearly a genius one from maestro Nick Knight!

For a store that celebrates the innovative takes in fashion by global labels including Kling (Spain), Pauline Ning (Singapore), Love & Lemons (USA) & We are Tuk Tuk (UK), picking 3 favourite items from the store’s impressive and stylish offering sure is a challenging yet fulfilling task.

But nonetheless, here’s my top 3 picks:

Pick #1: Yahn Adam Wing Skulled Ring

Retailing at  SGD $149 on Unestablish.com

Yahn Adam, a Singapore-based jewellery label who has created and crafted a ‘Glam Rock’ collection through direct inspiration from dark childhood tales, has been newly-added into UNESTABLISHED’s range of innovative labels.

The label adds a fresh vibe to the existing store’s offering with it’s clear injection of edgy motifs, notion of Light vs Darkness and unique cuts & details.

Clearly something to behold!

With the tag line: “Darkness encircled the beautiful soul.” , it’s no wonder why I’ve fallen in love with this innovative ring.

Set with amethyst stone, the famous skull motif, which has been used by many designers in clear-cut manner, has been reinvented here with the inclusion of beautiful detailed wings in a truly innovative manner.

Wear this statement piece with a solid coloured dress or a sparkly black dress in a classic meets edgy manner to celebrate in this joyful season.

Pick #2: Yahn Adam Mona’s Teardrop Earrings

Retailing at SGD 129  on Unestablish.com

A perfect dress or top will never be complete or classy without the perfect earrings; the Mona’s Teardrop Earrings from Yahn Adam.

This singular piece of jewellery channels true classic  Hollywood glamour in a way that will never falter nor lose it’s shine over time. It will take you through season after season, and the glimmer of it’s cubic zirconia oval gem stone will brighten all outfits, even the simplest dress, which is precisely why these creations from Yahn Adam top my Christmas wish list.

Pick #3: Pauline Ning Organza Top

Retailing at SGD $239 on Unestablish.com

 With a distinctive concoction and juxtaposition of leather paired with organza, this top from Pauline Ning plays around the contrast between sheers and solids in a cleverly thought-off silhouette that accentuate one’s edginess and style, especially when paired with slim-fit jeans and high cut boots.

It’s refined tailoring and finishing adds class to entire outfit, making it a delightful addition to one’s festive wardrobe.

*****

And alas, it’s 9 more days to Christmas.

Have you started on your Christmas Wish List yet?

Visit UNESTABLISH.COM and start shopping for your party outfits now. What’s more, the kind folks at UNESTABLISH.COM are offering a 25% discount + free worldwide shipping + cash rebates on all your purchases. Simply use the code XMAS25 at checkout to enjoy these great privileges.

Happy shopping & we wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This collection, unlike his other collections, will be launched exclusively online on 25 January 2012 at Net-A-Porter.com

Visit http://www.net-a-porter.com/karl for more sensational news and sign up HERE to be notified of the launch on both sites.

A NEW YORK MINUTE, 11-pages long fashion spread, styled by Barry Marryshow, is one that is effortlessly elegant with a hinge of sophistication against backdrops of uncanny raw locations.

The artistically-driven spread in Mojeh, a Dubai publication, featuring models Rachel Alexander and Judith Bedard, showcases fall haute couture; Chanel, Armani, Versace, Elie Saab and many more in a very striking and vibrant vibe.

All images are taken from Mojeh

And I really love this website: STYLITES, a Beijing version of the famed The Sartorialist and Yvan Rodic’s FaceHunter, of stylish peeps from the beautiful and inspiring land & streets of Beijing .

Inspired from the land with the most pagoda roofs, Nels Frye; the founder of Stylites as well as the Managing Director of Senli and Frye (a menswear and tailoring boutique in Beijing) snaps and puts together collage of stylish and somewhat-quirky dressing of Beijing-ers. Amongst those who are featured include designers, artists, models, and even, ordinary peeps (even the most uncanny uncle) who are dressed up for the day from special events to outdoor festivals, or as the genre is called, along the streets.

Walking down Changan Avenue one night in 2007, I saw an unusual hobo whose face and manner somehow reminded me of Christ.  He had a mustache, a staff, Adidas-like trainers, and a checked wool coat.  I took a snap of this odd fellow and put it on Stylites, then my blog for random, often morbid, reflections.

- Nels Frye on how his blog came along

Even Chinese Supermodel Du Juan was spotted here in a metallic sheen top in Stylites!

An interesting color-block experiment

What an awesome website that shows you that Beijing isn’t just a country with many beautiful traditional knacks and sceneries, it is also one with many stylish individuals with sartorial taste & threads.

See you in one week’s time and time to put on my sartorial blazers for the chilly weather ahead.

Ciao & Zai Jian (goodbye in Chinese).

All photos in this post are taken from Stylites Beijing : http://www.stylites.net/