Bag It

Bag fiends should not miss the trendy Rafe bags (from $679) straight from New York. What started in 1994 as a sideline to Rafe Totengco’s sought after accessories and belts line are now flyings off the shelves like hotcakes. The stylish classic pieces are meticulously designed by Totengco, and hint at sophisticated chic, crafted from the same factories used by most luxury brands. The bags, exclusively stocked at Colette in Singapore, have gained quite a following since they debuted here two years ago. So if you shoulder one of these, don’t be startled when designer Rafe Totengco runs up to you with his camera to take a snapshot (if he visits Singapore again, that is). He posts sightings of his fans proudly on his web site www.rafe.com for kicks. “They are always the same type of guys and gals that carry my bags. They are the cool, urban and chic professionals,” he says. Other celebrity fans back in New York include actresses Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Sandra Oh. The Fall/Winter collection runs an exciting eclectic mix of bags and versatile boots fashioned from tweeds, plaids, waxed leather, woolen knits and fresh colored fabrics. Bag a Rafe at Colette, #01-14, 583 Orchard Road, Forum The Shopping Mall, 6333-8589.

White Out

Christmas came early for fans of Swatch, as its trendy Swatch Xmas Collection has arrived. Boasting six eye-catching new designs that are a variation of the color white, topped with a twinkling translucence, they make an apt gift idea for both young and old. But our personal favorite is the limited edition “Arctic Touch” collection. Featuring beautiful snowflake motifs and coupled with silvery sheens and crystals, this is the one to buy. Available from Swatch #01-08, The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6737-1917.

A Joy to Behold

Shona Joy is a self-titled label from Down Under. Based in Sydney, Shona draws from her fine arts background and instills a strong focus fusing arty floral prints in her collections. Her relentless pursuit of excellence through innovation was exemplified when she first started using wallpaper designs in fashion fabrics. Kitschy frocks, hippy vintage floral printed toile, romantic laces, and shirt dresses accented with matching fabric belts and detailed stitches are what you can expect from this talented designer. Sexy and fun, Shona Joy is widely sought after and endorsed by model Christy Turlington and many other international fashion magazines. How can you resist girly clothes like these? Pair them with heels, shift into sunny mode and enjoy a tea party with your best pals wearing these lovable finds. prices from $299. Select pieces are available exclusively from Antipodean, 27a Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, 6463-7336.