The last time Stuart Vevers visited an art gallery in Shanghai, he got inspired by a video installation that landed as an idea for those upside down prints seen in Coach’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection. For Pre-Fall, the brand takes its infatuation with Shanghainese art a step higher by tapping on the minds of four local creatives from the city’s art and music scene to reinterpret the brand’s dinosaur mascot, Rexy.
The collection, which is in stores now, features distorted photo prints by sculptor Sui Jianguo on T-shirts and crossbody bags; smiley face emojis that mix Chinese characters by music collective Yeti Out that appear on shoes and bags; contemporary ink painter Zhu Jingyi’s ink drawing of Rexy which lands on key chains and bags; as well as the scrawly marker-like prints by graphic artist Guang Yu that emblazoned sneakers and bags.
Prada has debuted its first ever fine jewellery line. But unlike its baroque and statement-making Prada Jewels line of costume jewellery, the brand takes a more delicate and practical chic approach when it comes to these precious pieces ($1,060-$7,280). Crafted in 18K gold with diamonds, the sophisticated collection of earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces features recurring motifs that the brand has used as prints and design elements on clothing and accessories in the past.
Besides motifs like the trademark triangular logo, designs also include robots, guitars and bananas. Adding to the appeal of these jewellery pieces is the fact that the materials used in the making of the designs are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. The latter is a non-profit organisation that promote ethical and sustainable practices in the handling of metals and precious stones. Call it a win-win situation.
It’s the material that’s been synonymous with game-changing style. Coco Chanel created sportswear-inspired pieces made from the fabric when she opened her first shop in Paris. Japanese sneaker house Onitsuka Tiger is the latest to adopt the fabric for two of its retro-styled sneakers. The ’70s-era Tiger Cosair trainers which come with the thick midsoles ($149) and the New York sneakers which were first launched in 1981 ($129) now come with grey jersey uppers to give it a casual yet polished appearance. Yeap, exactly like what does jersey apparel in your wardrobe.
Call this anti-Brexit hype. Thanks to the political showdown in the UK, the EU has never ranked higher on our radar. Which is explains why the latest merch drop by Eurotic at Dover Street Market Singapore this week is news. For the uninitiated, the brand is a collective of Europe-based creatives who have created fashionable streetwear items as a way to symbolise a cosmopolitan and open-minded spirit of Europe. Items include a hoodie ($180) with exaggerated shoulders a la Vetements that features the European flag and a T-shirt with the print of five euro banknote.
The festive season comes early at French swimwear label Eres. The brand is launching its holiday capsule collection on May 20 at its Four Seasons Hotel boutique that’s perfect if you’re planning for an upcoming beach vacation. The collection is dominated by the more sporty and structured designs like one piece swimsuits and high-waisted briefs that are accented with graphic stripes, so the effect is less Sports Illustrated and more luxury five-star resort stay.