When it comes to keeping informed of the most exciting, up-and-coming fashion brands, there is perhaps no one better to look to than luxury retailer Club 21. Carrying some of the most cutting-edge labels such as Junya Watanabe, MM6 and Vetements, the retailer constantly presents the most judiciously curated rota of brands that represents the most promising of upcoming talents. Here, we list the eight new labels from the leading fashion retailer that you should keep an eye on.
Debuting at Club 21 earlier this month and making its first foray into Singapore is the footwear label SHOES 53045. A new entrant in the footwear scene, the label is the creation of legendary Parisian shoe designer David Tourniaire-Beauciel, who has had over two decades worth of experience designing shoes for top French fashion houses such as Balenciaga.
The defining characteristic of the label is its high-tech sneaker-shoe hybrids with double bubble air soles, which has already found fans in supermodels such as Gigi Hadid and Liu Wen. What is available at Club 21: the signature Bump’Air style, which includes six colourways. Acid (Yellow), Flame (Orange), and Ice (Blue) is retailing at Club21 Forum; Black Gothic is available at Club 21 X PLAY Comme des Garçons MBS; while Classic White and Classic Black can be found at both stores.
You might have seen Nanushka’s by now iconic coats floating around on Instagram (see here and here), but this European label is not just about outerwear. Helmed by the couple duo Sandra Sandor – an alum of London College of Fashion – and Peter Baldaszti, the Budapest-based brand focuses strongly on quality, with all their clothing designed in the Hungarian city and produced in Europe.
For the new FW19 season, fans can expect the usual staples: think timeless cuts and luscious materials like satin and vegan leather. However, our attention is drawn to the environmentally-friendly accessories, which include items such as faux fur shearling boots with heels made from sustainable wood and bags crafted from REACH certified vinyl. Also new this season is the label’s menswear collection, which debuted this February at NYFW. Find the brand’s RTW pieces at Club 21’s womenswear pop-up at Hilton #01-19/20.
The brainchild of Korea-born designer Rok Hwang, the cult London-based label has been making a splash since its debut in 2016. A graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins and with experience at the likes of Céline, Chloé and Louis Vuitton, Hwang impressed the judges so much that he was awarded the Special Prize at the 2018 edition of LVMH Prize.
What is available this season: the brand’s signature duffel coat with multiple fastenings, cotton gabardine and patent leather trenches, floral and chain-link printed jackets, and sun-bleached silk dresses and shirts, all embodying the spirit of the Southwest and inspired by Hwang’s childhood growing up in Austin, Texas. There is also the introduction of a new bag style, the File tote, a clasp-fasten shoulder bag which boasts a sumptuous lambskin interior. ROKH’s RTW pieces are available at Club21 Forum.
Central Saint Martins alumni Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding founded their namesake label in 2011, specialising in the most simple yet most invaluable piece of clothing – the everyday cotton shirt. Operating out of East London, the brand has since expanded its horizons, but its commitment to innovative tailoring and dramatic silhouettes remains true.
What would be available from the label’s FW19 collection at Club 21 are a range of the ubiquitous white shirt, but featuring asymmetrical cuts and novel layering; structured midi skirts in vinyl and wool; classic striped and dark trousers fit for everyday; modern, loose-fit dresses; and a few other shirts with the most striking ones being those rendered in hot pink. These items will be available at Hilton #01-19/20.
Dubbed by Highsnobiety as “the most mysterious” brand to have emerged in recent years, Sagittaire A defies all the traditional rules of fashion by, well, first of all, having an anonymous designer when it first debuted with its FW18 collection. What we knew then: the designer is male, based in China and France, loves art and books, and is a night owl. What we know now: the designer is called Gin Zhang. What else we know: nothing much, really, as a Google search will show you.
Zhang’s love for art shows in his designs, and the label emphasises the creation of unique and original garments that reflects the indelible and longstanding link between art and fashion. This season, the focus is on using the brand to explore how fashion reflects individual identity. The oversized fit, loose drapery, and eclectic mix of materials give off an ethereal, sombre, yet still somehow natural vibe. Explore both the men’s and women’s collections at Club21 Forum.
Jacquemus is probably not an unfamiliar name – the French label has seen its reputation and prestige swell since designer Simon Porte Jacquemus was awarded the special jury prize from LVMH in 2015. A protégé of Rei Kawakubo, Jacquemus pays great attention to structure and form, and favours exaggerated proportions and innovative deconstruction, all done with a deftly meticulous hand.
The brand’s FW19 collection marries a southern, country-like charm with utilitarian properties: think workwear-inspired pockets placed on colourful skirts and trousers. Speaking of colour, this collection is bursting with them; from baby blue to neon green to shades of red and pink, some are almost too vivid to look at. Also, not to forget the standout accessory, which is undoubtedly the miniscule bag slung casually across shoulders – highly impractical, but oh-so-desirable. Find the RTW pieces at Hilton #01-19/20.
Since its inception in 2009, Ganni has been spearheading the modern, cool, and relaxed Scandinavian sensibility that is increasingly infiltrating the runways and the streets. Run by husband-and-wife team Creative Director Ditte Reffstrup and Founder Nicolaj Reffstrup, the Copenhagen-based label is known for their fashion-forward yet still wearable designs.
Club 21 has brought in five key pieces from the brand’s FW19 collection. First up, a timeless, pale, floral print dress that would be perfect for a weekend brunch. For something bolder, there is the blood red, ruched midi skirt; or, go for the layered, patchwork black mini skirt. The romantic black blouse with a turtleneck and bowtie collar is great for everyday, just like the pointed toe, kitten sling-backs in olive. These pieces are available at Hilton #01-19/20.
Now here’s something for the lads (and the ladies too, we don’t discriminate) – QASIMI is a London-based menswear label founded in 2016 by Khalid Qasimi. A UAE native who moved to the UK when he was nine, Qasimi was first trained in architecture before pivoting to fashion, landing a spot at Central Saint Martins. Known for his politically-conscious collections, his designs reflect his architectural background and is full of Middle-Eastern influences, inspired by his upbringing during the Gulf War.
Available for this season is a whole host of jersey t-shirts that will serve as classic staples in anyone’s closet. Some come in solid colourways such as navy blue and black, while others feature prints and colour block patterns. Also available are shirts, sweaters, jackets and trousers, which all combine to give a well-rounded selection – perfect for those looking for a capsule wardrobe. QASAMI pieces will be retailing at Club21 Forum.