Stellar collection

Stellar collection

A.W.O.L.

A.W.O.L. was launched in 2010 by fashion designer and founder Alfie Leong.

An abbreviation of "All Walk Of Lives", the label focuses on unconventional construction, emphasis on details and the use of luxurious and sophisticated fabrics.

With 20 years of experience, Mr Leong, 43, is noted for his draping and layering.

Last year, he was the President's Designer of the Year. He says his upcoming showcase is a chance for him to express himself, and his collection is a blend of complexity and simplicity, as well as imaginativeness and practicality.

Saturday

Founder and creative director of Saturday Nic Wong is known for his meticulous attention to geometrically quirky details.

He was voted one of Singapore's top 10 fashion graduates and won a merit award in the category of Best Menswear Collection.

He won the Mercedes-Benz Asia Fashion Award (Singapore) in 2004 with his first womenswear collection.

In 2009, he launched Saturday, currently stocked in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York and London.

On showing at AFF, Mr Wong says he feels a mix of excitement, joy and anticipation of the response.

He says: "Apart from the usual knit selections we had in the past few seasons, we will be unveiling the new expansion to our design concept and philosophy with the use of woven materials."

Mae Pang

Known for its sharp threads with shape, line and colour and fabrics such as its signature mesh, Mae Pang was highlighted by international style guide Refinery 29 as one of five Singapore labels to look out for.

It is stocked in several multi-label stores in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Designer Pang Ai Mei says: "This year marks our fifth year in fashion and AFF has always been such a constant huge supporter of the label since our young beginnings. We are thrilled and thankful to be partnering with Schwarzkopf Professional this year to showcase some of our latest looks of the season at the tent."

Ashley Isham

One of Singapore's most recognised names in fashion, Ashley Isham has dressed celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Kylie Minogue, among others.

Mr Ashley says he is excited and thrilled to be showing at AFF again beside names such as Prabal Gurung, Oscar De La Renta and Farah Khan.

His collection is inspired by the English countryside, with its patchwork hills, dramatic dales, ancient woodlands and winding country roads, as well as rich autumnal hues.

Rêvasseur

Rêvasseur, which means "daydreamer" in French, began in 2008 in New York when a stranger approached designer Gilda Su and asked to buy the sequined sarrouel pants she was wearing.

Ms Su, 31, was a finalist in The Art Of Craftsmanship: Revisited, a contest created and sponsored by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc.

Rêvasseur debuted its first collection at the Blueprint Show in Singapore in 2011, and its first store opened the following year. Currently, it is stocked in four countries.

Ms Su says: "The collection I am showing at AFF is a mix of my current spring/summer collection as well as some pieces from my prespring 2015 collection. This is my second time at AFF and I am grateful to be back."

Aijek

Aijek was created in 2010 by self-taught designer Danelle Woo, 35, who wanted to create beautiful and effortless pieces with sustainable high-quality fabrics such as silk, cotton and bamboo.

The highlight, she says, will be its classic dresses, ranging from signature lace dresses, a convertible dress with removable bib, and the mix of leather and masculine silhouettes contrasted on soft flowing fabrics.

On her debut after being on the road for the past 15 years, she says: "Being welcomed home as a Singapore designer at AFF is such an honour for a brand that started unknown from a home studio in Shanghai four years ago."

Dzojchen

Dzojchen (pronounced doh-jen) is the inspiration of designer Chelsea Scott- Blackhall who is of Singaporean and English heritage.

Launched in 2009, the brand is renowned for its edgy and androgynous design and high quality workmanship.

The A/W 2014/15 collection is inspired by "Samurai Savoir-Faire" - a warrior spirit with elegance and sensibility, awareness, and a contemporary twist.

Ms Scott-Blackhall says: "Showcasing at AFF is always exciting for me. No matter where the brand has taken me - Paris, Seoul and New York - there is nothing comparable to showcasing in my home and the birthplace of Dzojchen."

Triologie

Formed from the vision of three friends, Triologie was launched in 2010 and is stocked in multi-label boutiques and department stores in Singapore and Asia-Pacific.

Managing director Sylvia Lim (above left, with co-founder Jennifer Neo) says: "Each season, we create our own stories for the Triologie woman who embraces spontaneity, wearability and versatility through its silhouettes and detailing with consistent handwriting."

This is the first time the label will be shown at AFF.

For this collection, there is much emphasis on vibrant colour blocking as well as an eclectic mixture of textures, from tulle to faux leather trim, says Ms Lim.

Exhibit

Founded in 2010, multi-label store Exhibit is the brainchild of Yoyo Cao and Angie Chia who wanted to provide a accessible homegrown high fashioninspired brand.

The inspiration of the first collection is "luxe minimalism", where pieces are sleek and sophisticated, with a touch of modern simplicity.

The designers incorporated a mixture of textures, predominantly leather, and details such as ruffles, patchwork and buckles.

They are excited to showcase their first collection. "We hope to create a collection that can last and be re-worn over time - that's why we chose classic simplicity as our first collection to present," they say.

Curated Editions

Curated Editions will debut its first accessories collection beside Exhibit.

Founder Angie Lai-Tay is honoured to be mentioned in the same breath as Prabal Gurung and Oscar De La Renta.

She says: "To me, a good show is about being able to inspire customers to buy a selection of pieces for their everyday lives. So, expect easy-towear pieces from exhibit and stackable pieces from curated editions."

In 2011, the brand kicked off online primarily for customers to browse bags and accessories and now items are shipped worldwide. She says: "Design and fashion is about integrating real life and looking good."

This article was published on May 14 in The Straits Times.

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