Our local shopping scene is buzzing with more new boutiques opening (and closing) in a span of just a few weeks! The standalone boutiques for quirky Jap label Tsumori Chisato and multi-label haven Club 21b (#01-07 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6304-1459) opened less than two weeks ago. The latter is the rebirth of sorts of the now defunct Blackjack at Forum The Shopping Mall, and features more obscure and luxe streetwear brands such as 08sircus, Enhance Element, Ganryu Comme des Garçon and Over the Stripes. More info about the collections in next week’s Open Store column; but we suggest you head down there already for your fashion fix because stocks are very limited for these cool cult finds.
After shedding light on the super indulgent Mulberry collection last week (remember the $9,000 studded bag that will probably give Hermes’ Birkin bag a run for its money?), it’s time for me to spill the beans on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Actually I found the pieces, inspired by modern work wear in subdued pastel blue and green, relevant and very accessible. While previous collections have been a tad overwrought with unnecessary details and prints, pieces like the denim shirt and overall-inspired hoodie, which will land in stores next month, are extremely wearable. Expect to pay $400 upwards for them, but trust me, both are classics that will stand the test of time—the latter in particular, with its exquisite silk lining.
I may not be a buttoned-up shirt kinda guy (I prefer my Margiela tees and berms), but I know a good shirt when I see one. A steal at just $49.90 (most shirts are priced $99.90 upwards these days), the unisex lightweight oxford shirts from Hush Puppies should be made a staple for every PMEB and self-confessed cool kid on the block. The cut and wash are comparable with counterparts like Drifters and Sifr, featuring great hem detailing and a thinner, trendier collar cut. Word has it that the design team will be rolling out contemporary basics and casuals over the next few months, such as gingham shirts for men and unisex T-shirts (hooray!). I’ll be looking forward to my next few packages over the weeks from these guys (Hush Puppies, #02-65 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk., 6737-5500).