Run Up
The official lineup for Audi Fashion Festival (May 14-18), which returns to Tent@Orchard this year, has been announced: Singapore-born, New York-based designer Prabal Gurung is set to open the mega fashion event while Oscar de la Renta takes on the closing show. Both will be presenting their Fall 2014 collections, with celebs like Kate Bosworth expected to make appearances. This year’s edition also boasts the largest showcase of local and regional names, including Ashley Isham, Farah Khan, Saturday, hansel, Ong Shunmugam, Exhibit with Curated Editions and Roberta Pieri with Jonathan Liang.
Bons Plans
Can’t get enough of that French “je ne sais quoi” since H&M’s sold-out collection with Isabel Marant? Good news: Uniqlo’s collaborative line with French fashion icon Ines de La Fressange is now in stores. The collection, which exudes easy Parisian chic, consists of four ranges—Petite Parisienne with its update on traditional French work clothes; Bleu, Blanc, Parisienne for casual looks in blue, white and red; Note Parisienne with its sophisticated, feminine pieces; and the comfy Souffle de Parisienne line for working out or lounging. $14.90 upwards, from Uniqlo Suntec City.
Happy Face
Hot on the heels of its (now-closed) pop-up boutique Sect Shop at Cineleisure (its permanent home will open at Orchard Gateway in May), owners-designers Kenny Lim and Andrew Loh of Depression have added a new label, Not Cool Enough, to their growing portfolio of avant-garde clothing lines. Sticking true to streetwear roots, signature styles include oversized tees and unisex tank tops with big letterings and graphics. $59 upwards.
Fare Thee Well
It’s only been a few weeks since multi-label store Coda Co. closed up shop at Scotts Square. Japanese furniture brand Francfranc is the next to follow suit, with the JCube branch (#02-27 JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1,6684-5917) closing on April 20, and its VivoCity flagship (#02-41/42 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-8077) having its last day on June 1. Unfortunate as it is, there is now a closing-down sale at its two outlets, with items marked down by 50 percent. Drop by and stock up before they’re gone forever.