1. Dr. Martens Victorian Flower Print boots available in black and taupe. $159 exclusively at Front Row.
2. Japanese brand Viridi-anne, kicks it up a notch in style with these soft leather boots. $1,250 from Actually Actually.
3. The Highgate is meant for the adventurous few with its sturdy leather nappa exterior and comfortable interior. $219 from J Shoes.
4. For tough cookies, here are some tough booties. $239 from J Shoes.

Actually Actually, #02-01, 16 Purvis St., 6336-7002.

Front Row, #02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5501.

J Shoes, #03-03 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6738-7477.

The buzz: The New York bag brand has snagged a growing number of followers over the past 25 years. From travelers and DJs to students and white collar workers, Manhattan Portage is the go-to brand for all your lugging purposes. Local fans who swear by the brand’s impeccable offerings can now rejoice with the opening of their first standalone store in the heart of Orchard Road.

The vibe: Browsing made easy with their simplistic décor and display arrangements. Three-paneled shelves on each side wall highlight their latest assortment of bags; making it easy to try on your preferred picks.

The goods: Bags, bags and more bags. Those constantly on the go will love the brand’s line of messenger bags (from $65) providing ample space for daily items while maintaining comfort and durability. Need a bag for Christmas shopping? The nylon tote bag ($10) is the best pick. A range of accessories like the coin purse ($8), accessory case ($20) and vinyl iPad case ($35) are also available.

Why you’ll be back: These babies stand the test of time, make you look the part and are pretty affordable, too.

#04-12, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6842-2991. Open daily 10.30am-10pm.

 Industrialist, playboy and engineering genius Anthony Edward Stark gets kidnapped in an ambush by a bunch of AK47-trigger-happy terrorists; has a piece of shrapnel lodge near his heart; is imprisoned with Noble Prize winning physicist Ho Yinsen, who constructs a metal plate on Stark’s chest to prevent the shrapnel from severing his heart, and later builds a metallic armor costume for Stark, and Iron Man is born. Want to learn more about the evolution and challenges faced by Iron Man thereafter? Find out at the surprising Iron Man CollARTible show at the Singapore Philatelic Museum.

It all started with research on the origins of Iron Man and the success of its movie franchises, that inspired the museum to curate a full-blown exhibition. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected designers and artists to put it all together; and with so many rare works being brought in, particular attention was given making sure nothing broken (quite fitting, really). “The exhibits are one-of-a-kind, painstakingly crafted works of art;” says Mishelle Lim, assistant manager (special projects) at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. “They are delicate and need to be assembled with care,” she adds.

With an astounding collection of figurines, limited edition collectibles and vintage comics, the unique exhibition also features a life-sized figure of War Machine—Iron Man’s partner in crime. The exhibition was made possible with the assistance of Hong Kong based toy brand Hot Toys and Big Box International (the holding company for local toy chain Action City), making this a must-see for any Iron Man and comic fans; which includes Alex Chua, Action City advertising & promotions manager. “What I find inspiring about Iron Man is his desire to make a positive difference. This desire marked a turning point in his life, when he shifted from producing weapons of war, to being a purveyor of peace,” he says.

Apart from the 21 customized figures created by leading designers and the life-sized War Machine, fans will be thrilled to know that the exhibition also features stamps and philatelic materials, limited edition figures donning different “MARKs” of the suit and a rare display of The Invincible Iron Man #01 comic book produced in May 1968.

Iron Man CollARTible Exhibition is on through Nov 21. Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23B Coleman St., 6337-3888. $5.

Boy 8-Bit
Who: David Morris likes his vintage digital music and with a name like Boy 8-Bit, that comes as no suprise. Born in the south-west of England in a little town call Penzance (where things evolve a little slower than the city), Morris' penchant for the ancient digital age is a reflection of what he heard growing up. Having been influenced by the likes of the popular gaming console of the 70s and 80s, the Atari, he begun his journey into sound creation with the use of the 80s computer system Amiga.
Music: Video gaming-inspired electronic dance music may not sound danceable but his music is far straighter than one would imagine it to be. It's more linear and conventionally propulsive, a sort of anthemic techno/ house based on powerful, heavy stomping rhythms and bass-y synthesiser riffs. These layers of sound can be found in his remixing works for La Roux, M.A.N.D.Y, Midfield General and Florence; all of whom have in turn became fans of his alternative style. Having released on acclaimed labels like Fatboy Slim’s Skint Records, Tiga’s Turbo Recordings and Diplo’s Mad Decent; Boy 8-Bit's geek tunes have a broader audience than you might think. 

Crowd: We would like to think bedroom dwelling comic fan boys and
girls—but of the hipster variety.
Where: Nov 20 at Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-30 includes
two drinks.

Lynx
Who: The Southampton native Steve Nobes goes by the alias Lynx, which has nothing to do the 90s text-based web browser system. If Boy 8-Bit is inspired by the digital sounds of yesteryears, Nobes is more into forward-thinking drum ‘n’ bass. His album The Raw Truth released last year and his recent tracks “Keep It Low” and “For The Rebels” are considered mind-bogglingly fresh.
Music: For a DJ/producer that first released tracks at the age of 17, Lynx has constantly pushed the boundaries of his own creativity by going against today’s musical landscape. Nobes has opened up the drum n bass template to include influences from reggae to funk and electro to create a sound that is obsessed with finely tuned details without losing sight of the groove. Having released on leading labels like Soul:r, Digital Soundboy, Creative Source, Bingo and 31 Records, he took it up a notch by forming his own label, Detail Recordings, earlier this year. Further pushing the boundaries of what’s deemed workable, his label offers the opportunity for budding and established producers to collaborate on a track; something
other labels wish they had thought of earlier.
Crowd: Since Singapore’s drum ‘n’ bass scene is relatively small, expect patronage from familiar faces—these guys wear the genre on their sleeves.
Where: Nov 20 at Home Club, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular
Rd. 6538-2928. $15-20 includes one drink.

The buzz: A store dedicated to analog and experimental photography, that’s already a hit with Lomo lovers. Founded by 25-year-old Lomo addict and entrepreneur Joanne Lim, the store stocks cameras and accessories from the likes of Japanese design firm SUPERHEADZ.TOKYO and its counterpart, leather accessories manufacturer Roberu. And judging from its opening night (where the Lomo community turned out in full force), Peek! will have the whole city shunning digital in no time.

The vibe: The two-story shop exudes vintage cool. The first floor houses its collection of cameras, accessories and other Lomography knick-knacks displayed on a long wooden table and broad, white floor-to-ceiling shelves. Check out the framed Lomo images on the side wall for added inspiration. The second floor follows the same interior inclination but is set up as a gathering space for courses, exhibitions and showcases, replete with glass panel dividers, long blackboards and white Victorian-inspired desks and chairs.

The goods: Newbies should check out the Action Sampler Chrome ($69)—the lightweight camera captures four images on one 35mm print and is the best way to start your Lomography adventure. Or go all out with the Diane Deluxe Kit ($460) with its comprehensive collection of tools and accessories which include the Diana F+ camera, 20mm Fisheye lens, 38mm Super Wide lens and 55mm Wide-Angle lens. For notable collector pieces, the Blackbird Fly camera ($195) from SUPERHEADZ.TOKYO looks and works like the Corfield 66 cameras created back in the 60s—a definite must-have for the serious fan.

Why you’ll be back: Even if you’re not a real Lomo fan, the store is definitely cool enough for more than just a Peek!
 

#01-04/#02-04, 36 Armenian St. (entrance on Loke Yew Street), 6884-4844, www.peek-ture.com. Open Tue-Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

Valued as a timeless classic, shunned for being passé, or embraced as a tribute to the classic styles of yesteryear, vintage is always a talking point. Contemporary and street fashion houses from Fred Perry and Chanel to Adidas and Dior have hemmed up collections based on styles from generations past. Whether inspired by factory shirt-dresses in the 50s, short skirted pieces from the swinging 60s or the English Mod squads from the 70s, the vintage look continues to shape today’s style. But what is authentically vintage? And how can one tell between vintage and vintage-inspired?

The Age of Vintage
Fashion trends have always been reflective of the prevailing economic, social and political climate. The Great Depression in the 20s and then World War II in the early and mid 40s gave birth to loose draped dresses and the likes of bulky overcoats (how depressing). After the war, fashion was given a boost with advances in engineering and the women’s liberation movement. In came petticoats from the likes of Marks and Spencer; Dior’s H-line; and pinafore dresses. And who can forget the revolutionary 70s and 80s where music and popular culture led to infinite sub-genres of fashion? From the disco fever of tight shimmering shirts, bellbottom pants and shoulder padded jackets; to the rock and rolling hippies’ loose floral shirts and baggy pants; and ultimately punk’s anti-fashion, of leather jackets, torn T-shirts and steel-toed boots.

Learn how to maintain your vintage threads

The Real McCoy
Finding authentic vintage wear from any of these eras, however, is not all that easy as there are quite a number of rip-off vintage brands which refashion old designs and sell them off as real vintage clothes to the uninitiated. “Price is probably not a very good indicator of the age or authenticity of a vintage garment, unless you’re talking about a piece that has been worn by someone famous or a dress that is iconic in itself,” says the manager (who prefers to remain anonymous) of new vintage store By My Old School which imports vintage fashion and homeware from Japan. “Most true vintage T-shirts, for example, are made with cotton, unlike the polyester ones you tend to find. The good quality cotton remains strong and durable and is extremely comfortable, too, as cotton becomes softer over time,” she adds. Lovie Wong from retail store Dulcetfig, which stocks limited quantities of vintage dresses and accessories handpicked from around the world, agrees. “Things to look out for in a truly authentic vintage piece are its metal zippers; lined dress, skirt and blouse; original tags or engraving; style, cut, stitching and fabric that fits past eras,” she says.

Get your vintage gear at these places

Never bought vintage before? Here are some tips

Why Buy Vintage
The appeal of vintage undoubtedly has something to do with transcending time; with standing out from evolving trends. “Women were a lot dressier in the past, and took a lot of pride in their performance,” explains Kelly Yeo from the notable retail store Déjà vu Vintage, which stocks vintage dresses and accessories. “These days, people are looking for something different from what everyone else is wearing and vintage garments are one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else has—a way to show off one’s own personality,” she elaborates. Lovie agrees, “People today want to stand out, and what better way than to dress up. With vintage pieces, you’re sure to be the only one with that outfit or accessory.” Our friend at By My Old School sums up why everyone should buy into the trend: “Vintage clothes are not meant to be costumes. A whole new generation is discovering the beauty of vintage clothes; not just their style but also for their substance.”

Maintenance

• Hand wash cotton garments gently. Dry clean if more delicate.
• Air-dry after wash to prevent color fading.
• Store the garments on a thick hanger in a dry cupboard.
• Wipe handbags and accessories with a slightly damp cloth, air it and store in zip bloc bags.
• Use leather cleaners for leather goods for longer shell-life.
• Keep all items away from direct sunlight and humidity. [TOP]

Where To Buy

By My Old School
#01-169F, Blk 16 Normanton Park, 9879-2088. Open Tue-Fri (appointment only), Sat noon-8pm.
 

Déjà Vu Vintage
#01-70 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6338-8013. Open daily 11am-9pm.
Dulcetfig
41 Haji Lane, 6396-5648. Open Mon-Sat 1-9pm, Sun 2-8pm.
 

Granny’s Day Out
#03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre,
3 Coleman St., 6336-9774. Open Mon-Sat 1-8:30pm, Sun 1:30-6:30pm.
 

Loft & Public
16A Haji Lane, 6297-0169. Open Sun-Thu 1-8pm, Fri-Sat 1-9pm.
 

Soon Lee
#03-08 Orchard Cineleisure, 8 Grange Rd, 6836-8201. Open Mon-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-12am, Sun noon-10pm. [TOP]

Never bought vintage before? Here are some tips to make sure that you are on top of your game.

1. One size does not fit all. Try on your vintage picks before you make a purchase.
2. High-end couture gowns were worn probably only once or twice, so they should be clean enough. Check for pulled threads, especially on embroidery, and stains.
    
3. If you buy secondhand casual wear, hand wash or dry clean before wearing—it might have been marinating in mold or dust for decades.
    
4. If you’re hardcore, check whether there’s historical value in a piece. Some garments are collectable, such as rare designs or even those with a fault that makes the item unique.
    
5. And since some items are collectables, there may be monetary value attached. Make a knowledgeable investment in your purchase if you are looking to profit from it.[TOP]
    

Labeled as the hard house music scene's hottest headliner, Manchester born Alex Kidd has been targeted for slots in clubs around the world for his audaciously infectious DJ sets. “It’s cool to hear positive feedback and know that people out there are getting off on the Kidd vibe,” he says. The Kidd experience is a night when inebriated wonks of hovering electronic riffs and double-sped up basslines meet throngs of sweaty fans, who have been faithful to the DJ’s dangerously riotous tunes. “But I don’t let it get me sweating too much myself,” he says.

Yet sweat is one of the obvious tell-tale indications of an Alex Kidd party; as seen on his Kiddfectious world tour which has taken the US, Cyprus, Germany and Australia by storm. Kidd made sure that he marked his territory by throwing the hardest party around wherever he went—at a rate of 140bpm no less. “I think I burst a few blood vessels from jumping up and down with the excitement of it all,” he recalls. “It was a fresh challenge for me to sustain a weekly residency in Cyprus during the week alongside playing festivals in Europe and touring round the world on weekends.” And thus, the seeds of hard house were sown by a DJ who works harder than his sound ever will; with blood, sweat and bass the prince of success.

“I’m going to test the crowd out a little bit and see what styles they are into,” he says of his upcoming gig at Zirca. “I’ll work in some new bootlegs and edits for the set and will probably be using some new technology like controllers and FX units too,” he warns. “I will be fully ready to rock the crowd and take the roof off!”

Catch Alex Kidd go wild with his hard house sounds on Nov 13, 10pm. Zirca, #01-02/05 Blk. C The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd. 6333-4168. $28.

The buzz: For too long guys here have been denied access to American brand Banana Republic’s range of quality staples. No more. This latest store stocks some highly sought-after menswear pieces, as well as womenswear, accessories and jewelry.

The vibe: The 4,500 sq. ft. space allows fashionistas to troll through its collection rather comfortably—the cream-colored marble floor, rich wood panels and contemporary lighting also add a home-like feel to the place.

The goods: While the girls can revel in the typically modern yet classic skirts, dresses and wool jackets; the guys have more to write home about. Tailored corduroy two-button blazers ($300 upwards) will set them straight for both work and play, while more affordably-priced casual wear like woolen v-neck sweaters ($90 upwards) are daily essentials that are as timeless as they are chic.

Why you’ll be back: Because you’re too classy for GAP. And because you can finally have some of what the girlfriend’s having.

#B2-28 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6334-7224. Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.