Saturday is polished chic and Hansel delivers whimsical signatures
PUBLISHED ONMay 16, 2014 6:20 AMByShi Tianyun
SINGAPORE - Singapore pride was turned on full blast on the second day of the Audi Fashion Festival 2014 with local labels Saturday, Hansel and Ashley Isham showing at the Tent@Orchard.
The Autumn Winter 2014 looks from Saturday and Hansel that paraded down the runway couldn't have been more different than night is from day.
Designer Nic Wong's label Saturday has always been associated with comfortable jersey pieces that are easy to throw on - the weekend staple that you instinctively reach for on lazy days.
The minimalist shapes do showcase Wong's skill with draping but for Autumn Winter 2014, it was his tailoring that we paid attention to.
The Saturday woman has acquired a grown up edge.
Yes, the signature slouch was still very much present - we couldn't help but marvel at the movement of the pedal pushers and culottes that swished around the models' legs.
Yet, it was the PVC or is it bonded cotton - Nic let us know! - coordinates that had our hearts skipping a beat. The designer's first red look - yes, a bright red - incorporated a camisole with a double peplum hem that was a distinct departure from easy jersey and a venture into tailored chic.
Then a shiny black trench raincoat appeared over a clingy dress, a look that was definitely one for the glamour books!
There were double, triple layers; random pleats; colours from green to even pinstriped grey interspersed with black jersey dresses with subtle details like the open backs we have grown to expect from Saturday.
All in all, a very wearable collection from Wong and we definitely appreciate the tailored pieces that flirt with formal.
HANSEL
When the first model skipped down the runway talking on a mobile phone with a bright smile, it had all the makings of another fun Hansel show.
Indeed, there was nothing surprising about the upbeat mood and models who dabbled in a bit of play acting as they showed off designer Jo Soh's Autumn Winter 2014 looks.
The collection was inspired by fairy lights and translated, as with all Hansel productions, into the print du jour. Fairy lights arranged like vines were presented in both multicolour and monochrome prints.
There were plenty of flirty skirts, maxi dresses - familiar shapes from the brand. We spotted breezy shorts and an off-shoulder playsuit, probably part of the brand's diffusion line, Hello Hansel.
Although we have to admit that we were distracted by the fun atmosphere and the half gloves - a detail we felt the show could have gone without - and had to remember to concentrate on the pieces.
Fairy lights are festive after all, and festive always requires some bling. Soh played with tromp l'oeil fairy light necklines embellished with sparkling rhinestones that twinkled in the light.
The finale saw the models taking a group selfie at the end of the catwalk, like girlfriends documenting a fun night out, signalling the end of a typical Hansel outing.
The Saturday and Hansel Autumn Winter 2014 runway shows took place at Audi Fashion Festival 2014 at the Tent @ Orchard, on May 15, 2014. For more information about Saturday, go to www.iwearsaturday.com and about Hansel, go to www.ilovehansel.com.
Audi Fashion Festival 2014 is happening from May 14 to 18, 2014. Tickets are available at sistic.com. For more information, go to www.audifashionfestival.com.
Get updates on AFF 2014 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AudiFashionFestivalSingapore, on Twitter@AudiFashionFest and Instagram @AudiFashionFest and by following the hashtag #affsg.