As much as we love Fall/Winter’s more austere colors and classic cuts, it’s fun to let loose once in a while. And there’s no better time than Spring/Summer to indulge in a little bit of color or print and a huge dollop of attitude with cheery, bold and sumptuous collections that will have you looking like a sartorial star in no time.
Jil Sander
#02-22 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1353.
With Belgian designer Raf Simons at the helm, expect nothing less than a stellar collection fusing couture-like sentiments and luxurious fabrications topped with sensational colors. Dresses and full-length skirts come in colors so bright (neon pink, deep lime green and shocking orange, a first for the label), Sander’s trademark subtle hues have been literally thrown out the window. The cuts are equally compelling—voluminous pants that are as comfortable as they are striking, broken up occasionally by vertical and horizontal stripes with floral print for that touch of irreverence.
Dries Van Noten
#02-26 Hilton Shopping Gallery, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1355.
The ever reliable Dries van Noten works up another fashion storm with pieces that fuse glamor with a utilitarian twist. The colors and cuts may not be as show-offy as the rest of the selection here (think whites, pastels, nudes and monochromes), but look closer and the details will bowl you over. Subtle inclusions like Chinese porcelain motifs, peach sequins and flower prints are embedded in tunic tops and palazzo pants—all anchored beautifully by sophisticated shapes and cuts like Pagoda shoulders, high-waisted overalls and double breasted jackets that will put Lady Gaga to shame. Keep a look out for the Gradated pastel prints inspired by the work of Belgian artist Jeff Verheyen—these babies are certainly collectible.
Future Classics
A Curious Teepee, #02-24 Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.
Although less well-known than the rest of the labels featured here, Londonbased Future Classics (founded by Julie Wilkins) has been consistently churning out clever, deconstructed womenwear since 2000. Available for the first time here at lifestyle store A Curious Teepee, these “modern vintage” inspirations use only luxe materials—silk, cashmere and wool—and with blink-and-you’ll-miss’em details such as seams and facings that are left exposed. The silhouettes are avant-garde and feminine all at once, especially the semi-couture dresses and half-dresses (skirts and blouses) in bold, shocking pink and orange. Look no further for your next party outfit.
D&G
#01-21/02-11 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6304-1366.
If you’re looking for a getup to the next tea party, D&G’s Spring/Summer selection is it. Inspired by English gardening outfits, the collection is a hodgepodge of flowery prints (featuring rose, hydrangea, freesia, violet and mimosa motifs) with Vichy patterns which permeate canvas dungarees, trousers, dresses, gowns and patent wedges. Summer has never looked breezier with these accessible and easy-to-wear finds.
Kate Spade
#01-23/24 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6338-0969.
Equal parts resort and vintage wear, the ever effervescent Kate Spade ups its color palette further with a range of bags and ready-to-wear that will perk up your mood in no time. Rainbow hues and lime green leaf motifs are exactly what the style doctor prescribed for its ready-to-wear dresses. Coupled with inspired accessories featuring flamingo, palm tree and butterfly motifs—this is perfect stuff to bring out your outgoing demeanor (without trying too hard, that is).
A.P.C.
#02-28 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5502.
It’s not all about being OTT for OTT’s sake for Spring/Summer. For a more wearable and practical selection, head to A.P.C for the latest in contemporary French minimalism. But there’s a catch: You might still stand out from the crowd with its more neon-hued pieces—not necessarily a bad thing. Minute details like floral prints are still apparent in knee-length dresses, as well as baby blue and lime green sweaters, and fire-engine red pants that will have you looking like Sofia Coppola in a good mood. What more can you ask for?
