Shop for Singapore style at Blueprint

AFF may be over but there's more fine fashion, of the local & regional variety, to be had at Blueprint 2011
Audi Fashion Festival is over for another year, there were massive hits, a few misses and more extreme high-heels than you could poke a stick at.
But don’t panic, there’s still more fashion to be had – and it’s a damn sight more affordable than the gorgeous but totally out of my price range garments I’ve seen strutting down the runway all week.
Much as I’d like to be able to splash my cash on an Antonio Berardi origami wool dress, it’s not happening in this lifetime, at the Blueprint Emporium on Saturday and Sunday, however, I’ll be hard pressed not to buy everything that catches my eye.
I’ve said this before – and more than likely I’ll say it again, and again – I feel really strongly about buying local designer fashion.
Those who know me, know I have very distinct taste, but no matter how odd my fashion obsessions are, I can always find something designed in Singapore to sate my appetite.
Lately I’ve had my eye on the Spring Summer 2011 collection of max.tan – very sculptural and previously unwearable for a short person like me, but now more approachable with it’s form-fitting shapes in forgiving dark gray and black.
I’ve also long professed a love of Chalk; a more mature version of the Lolitta-look with beautiful finishes and a sexy secretary vibe.
But what’s blown me away after my sneak preview at the opening day of the Blueprint trade show was the up-coming collection of AL&ALICIA, max.tan’s Cruise 2011 and new on my horizon, Depression.

 
max.tan, above left, and Depression, above right

AL&ALICIA for Autumn Winter 2011 has really grown up; its mix of menswear inspired tuxedo jackets, tailored pants, filmy skirts and sexy halter-neck dresses is a perfect move from the designer Alicia Ong.
The “boyish” vibe remains but it’s been translated into something more wearable by a wider group of women; it’s casual chic and really well made. I’m very impressed.
max.tan’s next collection is again a move into retail maturity. It’s all very well to create pieces that look great on a mannequin or a model, but to translate the concept into something every woman can wear is where true genius begins.
This new collection is softer and sexier with lighter fabrics skimming the body, lighter colours – although still monochromatic which I love – and offer a variety of silhouettes.
But the label that blew me away today was Depression. Not new to the Singapore fashion scene, but still relatively unheralded, Depression seems to have been made for me personally – oh, and for all the skinny boys with interesting haircuts.
It’s this seemingly unlikely mix – oddly unisex outfits of baggy crotch pants, tailored jackets with capes, slinky tees that can be worn as dresses or tops and really well cut shirts with interesting features – that made Depression stand out.
But it’s the shoes that are absolutely to die for. If you like a wedge, a brogue, an ankle boot then you’ll need to check out Depression’s first footwear line. I have my eye on two different pairs, one a unique slip-on lace-up brogue – yes, really – and another wedge-heeled double-buckled loafer – oh, yes.
On top of the perfect shoes, Depression also has an absolutely divine ponyhair envelope clutch … don’t even think of getting your hands on it; I saw it first!
The depressing thing is, I’ll have to wait for August to get my hands on Depression’s collection.
These are just three labels that caught my eye in a quick run around the Blueprint trade show, and I have, as I mentioned, very particular taste. But there is something at Blueprint, designed by a Singaporean, to suit everyone's taste.
Other standouts were Mae Pang’s acid brights on black tees, WYKIDD’s new range of softly coloured and tailored menswear, super-sexy tailoring from Raoul’s Cruise collection – if you’re looking for the perfect day to evening clutch the brand has a drop-dead, must have one – luxe glamour from Ashley Isham and that’s only the clothing.
There’s absolutely stunning and unique jewellery from Carrie K and Marilyn Tan, Singapore designed shoes and more luxe leather bags.
Yes, there’s amazing stuff from around the region too – beautiful, unique stuff which you really should check out – but for me it’s got to be Singapore designed labels.
Not only can you get some fab fashion that will ensure you'll look great and not like everyone else, after all these designers do small runs, but it won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you get to support the Singapore economy.
What more do you want your clothing to do for you?
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/shopping-blogs/shopping-shopping-blogs-shop-singapore-style-blueprint

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