Founder, chief designer and creative director of Greyhound, Bhanu Inkawat gives us the lowdown on contemporary fashion today and what makes his 30-year-old label quintessentially Thai.

Would you say that your design has gotten more contemporary, even more European, over the years?
We have always been a street and contemporary brand, but more European. However, it could be the influence of the European buyers. Now that Greyhound is available in Paris, Moscow, Switzerland, Sweden and Berlin, we have to comply with their requests on certain items, especially winter pieces.

How has being Thai influenced your vision and collections?
One could define Thai style, especially Bangkok style as “beautiful chaos.” Everything and anything goes and we live together in harmony. Greyhound style is mix-and-match with a twist—we don’t really like a complete look but prefer to mix things up a bit for something more intriguing. We are inspired by the idea of combining chaos with beauty.

Can you give us some details about your upcoming Autumn/Winter 11 collection?

The collection represents a symbolic troop of the new generation, getting together on a mission called “White Troop” with the hopes of changing the world. It reflects our point of view towards how the world is changing fast due to man’s consumption and greed. The collection consists of mainly white, ivory and light grey pieces to suggest that a new balance is needed.

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Ahead of the Great Singapore Sale and the overwhelming number of offers, Terry Ong picks out some real gems.

As the old shopping adage goes: Why pay full price when you can pay half? With the Great Singapore Sale in full swing soon, forget the press releases and fawning editorial you’ll see elsewhere. Guys, this is what you should be looking for.

This coveted Adam Kimmel striped shirt at Club 21b is a must for work and play.
Before: $560
After 30 percent discount: $392

This black fanny pack by D&G is essential for all your partying needs.
Before: $390
After 30 percent discount: $273

 

This pair of easy beach shorts by Phenomenon at Club 21b is simply phenomenal.
Before: $530
After 30 percent discount: $371

This Bless bedsheet made from satin and cotton from A Curious Teepee is an absolute dream.
Before: $608
After 30 percent discount: $425.60

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We simply love a well-made shirt, and this blues-inspired W/A long-sleeved version from Front Row is exactly that.
Before: $275
After 30 percent discount: $192.50

We’d love to go jungle trekking in this pair of W/A shorts from Front Row.
Before: $305
After 30 percent discount: $213.50

Strut the sidewalks in style with this pair of D&G white oxfords.
Before: $860
After 30 percent discount: $602

Stand out with these camouflage-patterned socks by A label by from Actually.
Before: $28
After 20 percent discount: $22.40

This complete ensemble by Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair is a dream for the urban dandy.
Before: $2,595
After 40 percent discount: $1,557

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The Hangover Part ll

Editor's Rating: 
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
Starring: 
Bradley Cooper
Zach Galifianakis
Ed Helms
Justin Bartha
Ken Jeong
Directed By: 
Todd Phillips

There is no real reason to watch The Hangover Part II unless you’re a huge fan of the original (like us). The indie Todd Phillips film, about a night of drunken debauchery gone horribly, horribly wrong, was the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time when it was first released in the summer of 2009 in the States. While the sequel isn’t nearly as fresh or as funny as the original, it still gets plenty of good mileage out of what is essentially the exact same joke—although the stakes are inevitably higher this time round and the setup much cruder and OTT.

Opening Date: 
Thu, 2011-06-02
Images: 
Author: 
Terry Ong

Asia Fashion Exchange Blueprint Tradeshow; shopthemag.com; Great Singapore Sale

Type: 

Thinking About the Ex

Topics: 
shopping
Author: 
Terry Ong
Issue Date: 
2011 May 26 - 23:00
PullQoute: 

Another year, another fashion festival in the (shopping) bag. This year’s edition of Asia Fashion Exchange was teeming with a series of high-profile runway shows (Missoni, Ungaro, Antonio Berardi and Greyhound, among many others) packing in the crowds at the Audi Fashion Festival. Never mind that they were all for Autumn/ Winter pieces (not much use in a tropical city like ours, unless you’re planning a trip to Europe or the Alps sometime soon); all presentations were fuss-free, competent and smooth (if a little unsurprising).

Singer/model Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who was in town to perform at the Audi Gala Night for Asia Fashion Exchange recently, dispenses some quick fashion tips in this brand new shopping column.

What’s your personal style?
Feminine, colourful and cartoony.

Fashion tip you can’t live without?
Take risks. People take it all too seriously sometimes.

Who are your fashion icons?
My first doll—a Sindy; the cast of Mad Men; Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music; and the cast of Grease.

Is style overrated?
No, it’s showing the world that you know who you are. Being fashionable is overrated, though.

Are trendy men a turn off?
No, I love a smart man. My husband knows how to dress and I love it.

What’s more important to you: Music or fashion?
Music—no competition.

Famous last words.
Better to take a risk and get it wrong than play it safe and be overlooked.

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We take a look at some of the hottest sunglasses around.

With the weather soooooooo unpredictable these days (rainy one moment, and supremely sunny the next), we don’t know whether to dress up or down anymore. But one thing’s for sure—you can’t ever go wrong with a pair of shades. They go with just about everything (except perhaps a thick wool jacket in the middle of the night), and they make fun accessories too. Here are our picks of the latest and most stylish sunglasses on the market.

Karen Walker Eyewear
Since its launch in 2005, the inaugural Karen Walker Eyewear collection has been worn by numerous celebrities including Beth Ditto and MIA. But star power aside, the pieces are naturally contemporary, mod and likeable. Plus, they really are well made. The shapes are never predictable, fused together with the highest quality acetate, hardware and lenses, and completely hand crafted for that artisanal touch (apparently, each piece passes through 200 pairs of hands before it’s completely finished). Never mind that they may look like props straight out of The X-Files or Josie & The Pussycats, each of these babies is made using a mix of both standard and spring hinges, and all are actually more comfortable than they look. Modern luxury has never felt so good. $350 upwards from Front Row (#02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5501).

999.9
Those who are looking for something even more premium must not miss out on cult Japanese eyewear brand 999.9’s latest Spring/Summer drops. While the focus here is craftsmanship, the brand does not compromise on design. Pieces are specially made to fit more Asian features, such as lower and smaller nasal bone structures, and crafted using lightweight (and sometimes bendable) titanium ($680 upwards)—available in a myriad of colors, including hot pink, leopard print and sensual turquoise, exclusively at Shinagawa Optical (#02-15/16 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6735-5665). But if you’re looking for that perfect piece, check out the deliriously durable $6,000 version, handmade with carbon fibers and available in a classic shade of dark blue.

Frency & Mercury
While its full collection may not be here yet, hot Japanese sunglass label Frency & Mercury’s piece to beat is its collaboration with the estate of Michel Jackson. Available between $450- 550 in very limited quantities exclusively at Front Row, the collaboration, dubbed “Story Teller,” features six color variations of its original Bar Belezza model—based on the signature teardrop shaped model made from pure titanium and acetate that MJ himself sported when he was still alive. But what makes this special is the exquisite packaging, which comes with a special signature black case and box bearing the image of the great man—a must for hardcore fans. Plus, the deceptively simple design of these shades is cool and accessible to just about anyone. This could actually give Raybans a run for their money.

House of Harlow 1960
For no-frills sunglasses with a touch of glam, head down to Inhabit The Other Store (#02-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6836-8441) for your fix of Hollywood heiress Nicole Richie’s sunglass range for her label House of Harlow 1960. Specially created for the budget-conscious fashionista who dreams big, the collection evokes vintage LA glamour for just $209. We especially like the Cassie model, which comes with a gold necklace embedded onto the rim of the shades. For something more classic, try the Cary version, reportedly a personal favorite of Richie herself. Who cares if these plastic sunshades are a little flimsy, if you’re star struck all the same?

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Asian Fashion Exchange; Mackintosh for Converse; Ah Peks in Style

Fashion Forward

Topics: 
shopping
Author: 
Terry Ong
Issue Date: 
2011 May 12 - 23:00
PullQoute: 

The local fashion scene will be on overdrive again when the much-anticipated Asia Fashion Exchange hits town May 13-22. I should know—I’ve been working on the specially commissioned supplement for the festival over the past few weeks, so I know exactly what to make a beeline for and what to avoid (tsk, tsk).

The buzz: This is the first Dr. Martens store in Southeast Asia to carry the widest Dr. Martens product offerings as well as limited edition designer collaborations.

The vibe: The industrial-inspired design is reflected throughout its 800 sq. ft. space, staying true to its original British roots with fixtures and fittings one can expect to find in its raw and industrial Northamptonshire, England factory. It has raw brick walls, warm wood flooring, an exposed ceiling and Edison-bulb lighting. Rare, archival photographs documenting the rich heritage of Dr. Martens and the youth movement are a displayed here while the classic Chesterfield sofa seats in distressed leather right smack in the middle of the store is reminiscent of Dr. Klaus Martens’ own 1940s podiatry office.

The goods: Rare items such as the latest collaboration with Sanrio and local designer Jonathan Seow, as well as the debut of the exclusive Dr. Martens Spring/Summer 11 mens and womenswear collections, featuring high quality wardrobe staples with detailing influenced by British work wear. The Spring/ Summer collection is priced at $99 upwards for a T-shirt and $209 upwards for a sweatshirt cardigan. Also keep a look out for the limited edition satchel bags ($399), with only 300 pieces available in the world.

Why you’ll be back: Because quality workwear and well-made boots never go out of style.

#02-178 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6737-6278. Open daily 11am-9pm.

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