Buy Spy
Those who figure that the local shopping/style scene is boring have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about. With exclusive brands dropping in almost every week, local fashionistas are more than spoilt for choice. Some of the most noteworthy recent drops: Staple V-neck crews for mens by Maison Martin Margiela and long-sleeve shirts by Band of Outsiders for men at Surrender (#02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6733-2130), the avant gardeand vintage-inspired dresses for women by Future Classics at A Curious Teepee, and a multitude of first-time exclusives at Club 21b (read about how the brand reinvented itself) including returning label Helmut Lang, Adam Kimmel and Theysken Theory. I’ve already score myself a Levi’s x Opening Ceremony denim overall here (pieces are very limited, so I had to act fast)—and with more collectible pieces streaming in over the next weeks, I’ll be heading back there soon enough. You should too.
About Town
While I’m on the subject about the latest happenings—the inaugural Men’s Fashion Week just kicked off two days ago with a gala dinner featuring Boss Black’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection as well as catwalk presentations from local upstarts Elohim, Reckless Ericka and Atzu. But I’m what really looking forward to the is the “Garage Days” pop-up store by local sneaker customizer Mark Ong a.k.a. SBTG at Blackmarket (#02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6296-8512) today, Apr 1, 7-10pm. Now Mark’s one of the pioneers of the local street style scene, and it’d be interesting to see his influences (metal, skate, punk and military style) at the showcase as he presents us a short film about his life and work. The store will also feature a specially-curated section featuring vintage clothing that Mark has worked on, including heritage pieces by Levi’s, Dickies, DC Shoes and Casio (you heard us right), so it’d definitely be interesting to see what he has done with them (we hear that there are lots of studs involved).
Do Good
Woo-hoo—more efforts to raise funds for the folks in Japan. Indie boutique ActuallyActually (#02-01, 16 Purvis St., 6336-7002) has commissioned a bunch of local designers like Ee Shaun and Bjorn Yeo to contribute their work to a range of affordable tote bags (just $10, baby), with all sales proceeds going towards the Mercy Relief’s Aid for Japan. But hold on to your shoes, the bags are only available from Apr 8, so I suggest you set aside a small sum for this noble effort already.