I’ve always loved frames. You can’t blame me, I’ve been sporting them since I was 10; I still remember being teased at school because I looked like a geek (still do, actually) and was even labeled a poseur because apparently, sporting a pair of chunky grandfather specs meant that I was showing off to the rest of the class (like my grades weren’t better than the rest of ‘em to begin with, hur hur hur). Thankfully these days, frames are a cool commodity, especially with the influx of trendy brands like Dita, Cazal and Moscot; even old-school Raybans are making a comeback. New eyewear store Shinagawa Optical (#02-15/16 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6735-5665) is a welcome addition to the scene with its less well-known (making them more desirable by default) Japanese brands like 999.9, 925 Knight, Saxe Blue, MIJ and Muguet, among many others (there’s at least a dozen more). The highlight is the 999.9 collection with its distinct minimal style, slightly wider than its European and American counterparts to fit Asian features better, and lightweight to boot. Each piece is also made using specially treated titanium to avoid corrosion and ensure durability—how cool is that? These babies don’t come cheap, with prices from $700 upwards—but they’re worth every dime if you have the moolah to splurge and the features to carry them off.
I was also recently introduced to local womenswear brand alldressedup’s latest collection for Spring/Summer 2011. Chief designer Sven Tan’s trademark billowy trousers, organza dresses, taffeta skirts and jersey tops are as wearable as ever. They appeal to both the younger and hip tai-tai set, who will lap up his relaxed and sophisticated style (although don’t expect moi to be wearing any of these pieces soon—I’m way more subtle; plus the collection is called “Cosmic Chaos”). Local accessories designers Vivi Lim and Aaron Kao from Vice & Vanity have also collaborated with Tan to design a capsule collection comprising the chunky, colorful and attention-grabbing pieces that they’re already well-known for; the collection is probably as fun as it gets to start off your new year. Available from #03-11 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-3089.
OK, so I have a little bit more space to make my final plea for a Christmas/New Year’s gift. As I haven’t heard from any of you since my column two weeks ago about the gazillion dollar Marcel Wanders piggy bank that I so badly wanted (you know, so that I can get into the good habit of saving and all), here’s one last chance to show me some love. I’ll be hanging out quite a bit at hot new stores A Curious Teepee (#02-24 Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680) and Blackmarket (#02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd.) over the next couple of weeks, and I’m sure there’ll be lots of cool stuff to buy at these newly-minted joints. I’m the weirdo hovering around cool items like the Bless bedsheets at A Curious Teepee; so if by any chance our paths ever cross, you know what to do. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’s everyone!