Style Notes: New arrivals at Takashimaya, Mad Nest, River Island and more

What You Ngeed
Takashimaya’s really upping its style quotient, what with fancy new arrivals taking up residence this month. Carrie Bradshaw’s go-to shoe label Manolo Blahnik makes a comeback at the department store’s revamped Shoe Salon (1/F) after almost three years of absence; and there’s American fashion house Coach (3/F) opening its first men’s standalone boutique for men. Also on the third floor is office-appropriate Italian label Naracamicie (3/F), founded by Walter Annaratone, one of the pioneers of Benetton. Looks like the neighboring malls are about to face some serious competition.

Mad For It
Casual eatery Mad Nest plays host to a slew of local online stores in Treats of the Trade (Sep 19-Nov 19), but—interestingly—you can’t buy anything on site. The aim of this pop-up is to provide a physical space for homegrown businesses like accessories label Banwagon and multi-label lifestyle e-boutique Four & Twenty to showcase their awesome goods, plus you get to see them in the flesh. If you’ve got your eyes on something, simply purchase from the various brands’ own webstores.

Demi, More
Six-year-old local womenswear label Demisemiquaver has recently launched an eye-catching capsule collection. Against the sea of dark hues usually seen in the current Autumn/Winter collections, this streamlined, effortlessly chic range stands out with jewel tones of blue, teal red and gold (with the occasional black and grey) on simple, soft silhouettes that juxtapose with structural, geometrical cuts. $125 upwards, from Front Row.

Water Proof
Speaking of returns, River Island is back in the shopping game, thanks to Zalora. The local webstore is housing the London high street label’s virtual store-within-a-store at www.zalora.sg/river-island-singapore, and on sale now is the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection for both sexes. Expect to have your shopping delivered to your doorstep in two to three working days. Don’t like your purchases? Simply return them to Zalora for free and get your money back.