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First, elder sister Paris Hilton has successfully did it by confiding Malaysian fashionistas into buying her bags. Now, it’s the younger sister Nicky’s turn to do the same – convincing Malaysians into buying her lifestyle. Ah yes, the invasion of the Hilton sisters!
Well, I didn’t know anything about it since I have not receive any official press release stating that the lesser-known Miss Hilton is going to invade our shores with her clothing brands, namely Chick, Nicholai and Nicky Hilton Beverly Hills. I only found it out today while strolling around Lot 10 and the store seemed to be bigger than her elder sister’s standalone store located at the second floor of Pavilion KL.
During my last visit to her website about two years ago, Nicky planned to open a lifestyle store in Dubai, but I have not heard about it ever since until today. She might have probably changed her mind and shift it to KL.
Anyway, the store, which is covered with hoarding featuring Nicky and her brand logos at this moment, spanned about three shop lots (formerly an Esprit store) and will most probably carry all of her three brands. Will it carry her Samantha Thavasa line as well? Err, that one I am not so sure.
Since Nicky Hilton name doesn’t seem to make a buzz here, in KL, where girls would rather choose her sister Paris as their fashion’s point of reference, I do believe that Nicky would do great in KL due to her classier fashion sense constantly reflected in her designs.
Though there is no word about when it’s going to start operating, I just received news that Hilton was in Tokyo recently to launch her Japan-exclusive NICKYHILTON brand. The brand is the result of her partnership with Sumitex International Ltd., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corp.
What’s more, the brand is retailed through Shop Channel and to increase brand awareness, Hilton also made media appearances on national TV. So, will the real Miss Hilton made her appearance on our shores once her lifestyle store opens? Well, we’ll leave it to the Malaysian distributor to break the news.
Therefore, Nicky Hilton wannabes keep crossing your fingers and hope that Miss Hilton will be there to launch the store.
*Photos courtesy of NYMag.com and Sumitex International.
Nicky Hilton – Ground Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Melrose Place has a new resident and her name is Chloé. She is neither a Hollywood celeb nor a Beverly Hills prominent social party crasher, but to be exact, it’s a Chloé standalone boutique.
Located at one of the renowned shopping areas in Los Angeles, the arrival of this quaint meets über-modern chic boutique definitely elevates Melrose Place status as the must shop shopping destination in the City of Angels.
Designed and developed by the London-based firm Sophie Hicks and Associates, the Los Angeles boutique is quite distinctive compared to her other sisters around the world in terms of the store layout and feel.
First, it is divided into two separate buildings (one single storey and the other is two-storey) and two, it is surrounded by natural environment element, which is a beautiful jasmine garden at the private courtyard.
As you step into the store, the feel that you get is truly and authentically West Coast with bright, luminous aesthetics plus liberal usage of natural lights via skylights and eight-foot windows.
The interior walls are of 3D materials with abstract cut-out designs while signature elements such as white Italian marble floors, white leather couches and chairs, beautiful brass fixtures and oversized mirrors imported from Italy all correlate with the current design concept for Chloe stores worldwide. In addition, rose gold fixtures are used for merchandise display purpose.
And as usual, a store opening is never complete without a grand party to herald its arrival. Held at the Milk Studio, the party was attended by a bevy of Hollywood who’s who, A-list celebrities, and socialites. Of course, Chloé die-hard fans were there too!
Among famous faces spotted at the party (and head to toe in Chloé spring/summer 2009 pieces) were supermodel Amber Valetta who just made a grand comeback recently, actress Camille Belle, Matthew McConaughey’s significant other Camilla Alves, model/actress Molly Sims and actress/designer who shares the same name with the brand itself, Chloe Sevigny.
Of course, gracing the event that evening would be Ms. Hannah MacGibbons, who looked absolutely great in her own creations, culled from the current spring/summer 2009 collection.
Chloé spring/summer 2009 collection (ready-to-wear and accessories) is available now at all Chloé stores and selected multibrand retailers worldwide.
*Photos courtesy of Chloé.
Chloé - 8448 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Tel: (323) 602-0000
I know it's been a while I have not scribble on fashion and I know the first week of May is going to end soon. Oh boy, what can I say. I've been so busy lately with work; too busy till I have no time for my own or the blog. But whatever will be, this blog will keep on running and will keep on bringing you the latest and the hottest news in fashion.
In addition, I would also like to make an announcement here. If you notice the teaser banner on the right side of the blog, well, that is the thing that I would like to tell you. After a year of hiatus from serious magazine writing, I have decided to make a grand return. Not as a fashion writer but lo and behold, an editor! Yes, you got me right and EQL is the name of the magazine. What EQL is all about and who should read the magazine, that will be disclosed soon because I am still in the midst of constructing this 'angel of mine' and I am so damn happy for it.
But anyways, have a happening summer and don't forget to drop by the blog whenever you're around the net. See you soon!
Muitos Beijos,
Shaiful
History taught us that the ancient Greece was divided into two states – the much cultured Athens and tough-as-nail Sparta.
While modern world is more inclined to Athens, which has been one of the world’s greatest contributors to the human civilizations, including looks such as the classic Grecian goddess looks, less is known about Sparta, with the exception of being a state that exercises military approach on every aspect of their lives.
And speaking about Grecian goddess style, I am quite sure that there are many fashionistas out there who are a bit tired by how Grecian goddess looks have been typically represented – soft with fluid silhouette and unparalleled gracefulness.
But here’s good news for those who are seeking for change – British designer Amr Ali of Bodyamr (pronounced as body armour) is going to revamp that archetypal ‘soft’ look and buck it up with a dash of toughness, ingénue audacity and unchallenged sensuality without neglecting femininity.
Mixing a number of techniques and silhouettes borrowed from the ancient Greece’s majestic sense of fashion, the new spring/summer collection 2009 signifies a new approach in Grecian style dressing.
In another way to describe, it is like having the muses on drunken rampage (thanks to Dionysius's strong wines); ravaging Hera’s or Aphrodite’s closet, cull those soft silk drapes embroidered with tiny stars out of the wardrobe and stuff it with tough as nail clothes inspired by the styles of Sparta women or perhaps, those belong to the daredevil-ish Amazons.
The working palette is totally a reflection of Mediterranean summer with turquoise, black, cream and yellow just to list a few. Apart from that, a ubiquitous feature that one could not miss would be the draping technique approach used by Amr.
Truly harking those used by the ancient Grecian women, the clothes are finely draped across the wearer’s body while the pleat detailing is truly refined yet sensuous, akin to the soft swirls that one can see on the marble statues of ancient Greek goddesses. Some even sport those posh wing-like elongated sleeves.
Apart from dresses and jumpers made with Grecian drapery approach, sophisticated and chic pieces such as shorts and cuffed long-sleeved top ensemble in black and white are absolutely simple and suitable to be worn to beaches.
Even a contrasting beige long-sleeved top with cape worn with a stunning long-sleeved long dress in seducing coral, as well as silky black off-shoulder long-sleeved dress with thigh-high slits on both sides and a narrow belt around the waist could be considered as office friendly.
Evoking that luxe Grecian female warrior spirit to life is a choice of tough-looking accessories such as sateen headbands, meticulously crafted polos (a cylindrical crown worn by goddess Hera), embellished belts and refined bronze stack bracelets.
Bodyamr’s spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection is available now at selected multi-brand retailers worldwide. In Southeast Asia, the nearest Bodyamr stockist is Harvey Nichols Hong Kong.
*Photos by Vogue.co.uk
Bodyamr at Harvey Nichols Hong Kong - The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong.
Dear all,
Three years have passed and I felt as if it was only yesterday I started my first post in this blog. Well, true as they say, time tends to slip through our fingers without being noticed. In conjunction with Shopaholics Anonymous Malaysia’s third anniversary, which is today, I would like to dedicate this open thank you letter to family, friends and fans that have been supporting the blog since the last three years.
My great thank you goes to my family – Babah, Mama, Syakeera and Haziq - as well as my extensive family on both sides for their love, support and great thoughts.
Á tous mes amis en mode – Ariane Lacroix (Lanvin), Robin (Maria Luisa), Dennis Ong Adiwijaya, Guillaume Salmon (Colette Paris), Chavernet Couture Paris et Geneviève Vuillemin (MinaPoe) … une mille mercis de moi pour tes amitiés, tes confiances et tes aides … je l’embrasse très fort! Encore mille mercis á les fans ‘die-hard’ d’Anggun au France – Ayla et Niko – pour ses amitiés et partageant la même passion pour la musique d'Anggun. Salut!!!
My beloved fashionable ‘friends’ in the Stateside - Debrah San Jose, Geren Ford, Clare Vivier, Lisa Weiss (Debut NY), Jessica Bliemaster (Blue Stripe PR), Nicole Lafave (Omelle) … it’s an honour for me to be able to work with you girls and I hope we can meet and have a great party someday when I get the chance to visit US.
To my favourite model Anderson Davis and shoe illustrator Mark Schwartz, thank you for taking a fraction of your time entertaining my interview requests. Anderson, keep that hot bod of yours pumping; Mark, keep me mesmerised with your designs. I love them all!
A mi ‘favourite fashion blogger’ d’Italia Patrizia (www.stylosophy.it) – I love your blog darling … it’s so Italian chic and I keep coming back for more :D
Aya Nakagawa (Colenimo), Jerome Rousseau and Camilla Skovgaard – love your works so much people and I like the fact that you always surprise me with new takes on fashion … Thanks so much and keep in touch!
To Yotam Solomon (Los Angeles) … Oh dear, am so sorry for not featuring your designs in the blog but will find some time to do it. Honey, your designs are absolutely gorgeous and so avant-garde. Amaze me!
Á mis buenos amigos señores Franc Villa y Vicente Puerto … como le va amigos? Muchas apologías por no poder atender a la feria reciente del Basel Watch Fair 2009. Pero miraré adelante a los grandes relojes de usted pronto. Saludos!
Para mi ‘nuestra señora del zapatas’ y la dueña del Shuz Farah Kasim … mi amor, muchas gracias por tu amistad y tus confianzas en mi … eres siempre mi hermana. Besos y abrazos!
My special thanks also goes to: Maizen Maison (Shirieene Hajamaideen, Rekha Sen, Nilam Lakmichand, Shereen Jaafar and Milla Chee), Shareen Ramli, Camelia, Magie Abang Saufi, Oxygen Magazine (John Leong and Sarah Tan), Rachel Khiew (Lush Icons), The Emperor’s New Clothes (Memed, Elyna, Ruben and Khairy), Danielle Chiam (Gucci), Valiram Group (Joanne, Su Ann, Su Fern, Nicole, Annie, Yeohleen, Karen, Monica, Ida, Ashok, Ashvin, Mukesh and Sharan), The Link Singapore (Ms. Tina Tan-Leo, Alphonsus Chung and Ingrid How), Graha Lifestyle (Puan Sri Monique and Jennifer Lee), Daslu (Ms. Eliana Tranchesi and Ms. Monica Mendes), Bulgari (Pagen Chee, Shirlynn Oh and Ms. Asha Langdown), Clara Goh (Fendi), Anson Shum (Hugo Boss HK), Chloe Asia Pacific (Odette Crocket and Kary Ng), Jasmine Kamal (Louis Vuitton Malaysia), Ferhat Nazri-Aziz (Melium Group), Amri Rahim (DDB PR), Priority Communications (Celina, Mary-Ann and Karen), Salvatore Ferragamo Malaysia (Ms. C.S. Fann and Chloe), Ms. Velda Mah (Celine, FJ Benjamin Singapore), Adeline Choo (Luxury Concepts), Ai Leen Tay (L’Oreal Malaysia), Soo Shea Pin (Anya Hindmarch Malaysia), Angie Tan and Gabey Goh (Malay Mail), Dzireena Mahadzir (Starmag, The Star), Dazman Manan, Kiffy Razak (Nona), RAPR-Mileage (Dato’ Nancy Yeoh and Kiranjeet), Suria Meriang (Ms. Yap Mei Foong, Shanen Hugh and Jean Loh), Michelle Pringadi (GRI Retail), Naomi Lim, Nicole Lim (Apcot), John Marcus Rayarouth (Prestige Magazine), Sonya Tampubolon (Spice Magazine, Indonesia), Richard Tan Hee Hui, Robert Cordero (JC Report), Shelon Ho (Lane Crawford Hong Kong), Stephanie Fang, Sukullaya Sripongsai, Suyee Chung (Hermès Malaysia), Sze Yoong (Sze Accessories), Yi Von Tai, Malaysia Tatler, Aizat Aidid (The Goddess Says blog), Nana Taha (Ramblings of a Mad Woman blog), Judith Leow, Anna Ayuda, Claire Woods, Inge de Boer, Sandra Azwan, Sallendra, Marion Caunter, Nur Mohamed, Adam Lee, Brian Kwong, Estelle Ong, Alex Eu, Marlina Azmi, Robert Chan, William Kee, Alison Rodrigues, Khoon Hooi, Stephanie Chai, MEM Couture, Cynthia Seow, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina and all my dearest and closest friends.
To my idol cum favourite fashion editor of all time Natasha Kraal (Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia), I'm literally out of words but all I can say now is, thank you for inspiring me to be a good fashion writer through your inspirational writeups. I appreciate it so much.
To my muse and designer of the moment Amir Luqman … it’s been a great pleasure to know and to work with you … I appreciate our friendship so much and will be supporting you till the end of time. I know you have what it takes to give Halston or Biba a run off their money. So hit it darling :D
My dear Emileen, congratulations on your new gig and yep, you are going to be the next Kimora Lee Simmons. I’ve no doubt in that. Thanks so much for your friendship all these years. Hmm, maybe we should hang out more often then. Cheers!
To my ‘big sister’ Lind, miss hanging out with you. Will try to find one nice day so we can go drink and be merry till dawn okay. Hahahahaha. Ooh, I also miss free trips to Genting too now. Oops!
To my mentor and my light – Airil Haimi Adnan a.k.a. Teech: Thank you for having me as your student, believing in my best qualities and for all your advices on life and stuff like that. I’m going to miss you … big time! Hahaha!!!!
Last but not least, to the man who inspires me … my friend, my most trusted confidant and my brother Mansor Tun Abdul Aziz … dearest Mansor, you are like a God-sent angel to me and believe it or not, it’s almost two years since we started to know each other. Thank you so much for your kind words and advices and for being dear to me.
To those who I did not mention your name, please blame my head but not my heart because there is where you always belong.
Regards,
Shaiful
If there is one place where you would seldom find me, that place would be the menswear store. With the exception of unisex designer boutiques like Gucci or Hermès, I always hate being inside a menswear store.
Well, call me a menswear store hater or whatever you like but I always try to avoid entering stores where men shop because one, the interior and the ambience are too anal and does not evoke the urge to shop in me and two, I see more grey-haired guys than young ones buying!
However, there is one menswear store that caught my attention most since its inception last year and that lucky store is called The Emperor’s New Clothes or TENC.
A boutique best described as “a menswear store like no other”, TENC was founded by three men whom all shared the same yet profound passion in fashion – Casmad Sanuri (Memed), Ruben Emir Gnanalingam and Khairy Jamaluddin – and boasts an ambiance that you could not find in any other menswear boutiques around KL.
When I first entered the store, which was late last year, it was the interior – yes, not the clothes – that caught my attention.
Just imagine yourself being in one of those Ivy League frat homes - wooden fixtures, plush leather sofas and mahogany coffee table laid with glossy fashion bibles, and some antique artifacts to evoke luxury feeling teemed with relaxed lighting.
In addition, the pool table, which lies in the centre of the store, also plays an important role as one of the store’s attraction.
But the best part has yet to come. Unique interior décor approach aside, the other major factor that draws horde of fashionistas stampeding into TENC would definitely be its well-edited selection of clothing and accessories brand, thus befitting its quirky name.
Though it might be too long to list them all down, among sought-after brands carried by TENC include Antik Denim, Armand Basi, Citizens of Humanity, Earnest Sewn, J Brand, Mike & Chris, Project E, Jil Sander, Canterbury NZ and Helmut Lang.
Apart from that, Justin Timberlake die-hard wannabes (I’m referring to those who love emulating his style rather than listening to his works) will be enthralled to know that TENC also carries his premium denim brand William Rast.
A denim brand that runs slightly away from the clichés of other celebrity clothing brands, William Rast has garnered quite a lot of attention from fashion press worldwide plus a humongous following among celebrities and denim lovers alike. Even Justin’s ex-leading lady, actress Cameron Diaz has been spotted wearing William Rast a few times after the breakup!
Besides premium denim and designer togs, male fashionistas also can look forward to the exciting lineup of accessories and personal furnishings. Selling like hot cakes at the moment is the athletic Blinde sunglasses.
A superb brand of sporty shades sporting cutting-edge yet clean lines and silhouettes, Blinde shades, to date, have been seen shielding the eyes of Hollywood leading hunks such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo diCaprio and hottie-licious Matthew McConaughey.
Therefore, to experience what it is like to shop inside an Ivy League’s frat room or dressing up like an emperor (sans being humiliated in the public for being threadbare as in the ever-popular fairy tale), make your way straight to TENC today.
*Photos courtesy of TENC, William Rast and Blinde websites.
The Emperor’s New Clothes (TENC) - Lot 3.35, Pavilion KL, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
I have quite a surreal feeling today. Usually, it is me who does the interviews with celebs, fashion designers, models, you just name it. However, I believe lady luck must have been smiling at me when Angie from Malay Mail shot me an email last week proposing for an interview. Gasp! I’m so flabbergasted!
And after a week of anticipation, Angie’s colleague Gabey just informed me that the interview will appear in today’s Malay Mail. Okay, enough said, below is the scanned image of the published interview. I’m hoping to get more chances to be interviewed in the future and a million thanks to Malay Mail and Angie for the great writeup.
(Click on the resized image to enlarge and read the article)
*Photo by ME.
Someone told me to break into Indonesian fashion market is not easy as you may think.
Unless the name is Prada, Dior or Mariah Carey, should correct set of strategies and campaigns are not well-planned and executed, it may take you forever to break through this booming (the country has more millionaires or billionaires in the Southeast Asia region compared to Malaysia and Singapore) yet challenging fashion market.
However, for young yet up and coming designer Amir Luqman (above, third to the left), he does not need anything like special amulets or magic charms to charm the Indonesian fashionistas. All he needs is a set of fashion-forward and bold designs, smart mix of fabulous colours, meticulous techniques and luxurious materials, plus a wave of je ne sais quoi that you could not find in other designers, both locally and regionally.
Recently, Amir Luqman, who is synonymous for his cutting edge creations that never forsake true femininity and unparalleled beauty, took Indonesian fashion scene by storm by presenting his collection at the Jomstar.com Indonesian Edition launch in its super cosmopolitan city Jakarta.
Held at the city’s über-chic night club Dragonfly, almost everyone present at the event, including press members and guests that were specially flown to Jakarta for the event that night, were mesmerised by Amir’s nonchalant creativity and clever style and trend intermixture.
Witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of Jakarta’s who’s who and press members from both countries, the fashion showcase was graced by the presence of three Malaysian divas – Jaclyn Victor, Atilia and Noryn Aziz – all clad in Amir’s sumptuous creations.
Taking his inspiration from a variety of sources, the new collection simply mirrors what a woman would desire to wear: clothes that aren’t too embellished or too colourful, simple in terms of cuts and draperies but at the same time, drenched in the ultimate touch of elegance and sophistication, aligned with the nature of Jakarta itself, which is a fast-paced modern city tucked in the heart of exotic Java Island.
Playing with sensuous silhouettes that have been making rounds into fashionista wardrobes since the last few years and the richness of jewel tones, or perhaps inspired by the captivating hues of the dragonflies (which is also the name of the showcase venue) for the working palette, a woman would never feel bored with Amir Luqman’s current collection.
For instance, a one-shoulder toga dress with drape detail (above, left) is meticulously done using panel approach and added with the touch of Greek goddess style. Stunning is the best word to describe this dress and what’s more, the effortlessly clean line used in its construction makes it superbly perfect for any modern-day style goddess to wear.
The ethereal and sensuous mood is further raised with this stunning white two-piece garb consisting of corseted strapless top with sweetheart neckline cinched to the waist and a matching pencil skirt with above-knee hem (left). Classic meets up-to-the-minute, the corset top, which is also peplumed around the waistline has somehow found its way into Amir’s design trademarks.
In addition, the pearlescent white hue brings forth the refined elegance of the ensemble. Further enhancing the look of the evening is a sleeveless bolero fashioned into a blooming rose (as seen on the model’s forearm), which I have to admit, a truly painstaking job but worth creating.
Ending the show that evening is another marvellous and oh so creative sheath dress with slanting tiered ruffled hem and chiffon drape detail worn as hood.
A startling garb which reminds me of Spanish flamenco costume, this hooded evening wear, which is simply clean, raw and unembellished, is sure to grab the undying attention of any fashion editors, fashionistas and celebrities.
I wonder if Lady Gaga would consider wearing this unrivalled piece of couture at her gig. That is, should her record company break the news that she’s coming to our shores, quenching the thirst of electronica fans on electronica gigs anytime soon? Well, just my wild assumption.
Therefore, for those who are interested to be dressed in the pieces displayed above by designer du jour Amir Luqman, you can get in touch with him via Facebook, Myspace or also by his email at amirluqman.alo@gmail.com.
*Photos courtesy of Amir Luqman.
Recessions are crappy; likewise credit crunch and so forth. With credit limits are getting shallower time to time, along with the urge of wise (or smart) spending these days, has obviously left the unfortunate fashionistas (think Isla Fisher’s ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic” role Rebecca Bloomwood) with less choices.
I know exactly how hurtful it is when having to curl your sights away from things you relished most in this life, like a pair of posh Manolo Blahnik sandals in exotic reptile skin or perhaps, a 2.55 Chanel bag.
However, there is no need to deprive oneself from the warm and luxurious touch of designers’ hands because Vivienne Westwood knows just the right way to keep her fans up-to-the-minute at hard times like these with her current spring/summer 2009 Anglomania Collection for Melissa!
An ingenious collaboration between two icons of the fashion world, the new spring/summer 2009 collection fully reflects Vivienne’s unique take on fashion, which often spells unmatched individuality, ultra boldness, unconventional patterns and provocative to the core.
Like her clothing and accessories collection, Vivienne’s footwear collection for Melissa also features her trademark ORB, which represents power and tradition mingling with future through the image of an orbited crown.
There are four styles to choose from and they are Melissa’s signature Ultragirl flats, Lady Dragon, Three Straps and Toe Shoes Mary Janes. One of Melissa’s classic offerings, the flats has been customized by the Dame with chic printed soles and captivating colours. Another flat but high cut variant, called Three Straps is actually a plasticised version of one of Vivienne’s original footwear collection that she created and debuted decades ago.
And last but not least, the two collections for high heel lovers – Lady Dragon and Toe Shoes Mary Janes. The Lady Dragon D’Orsay line screams classiness and sensual charm with metallic ORB charm or heart cut out adorn its vamp. On the other hand, the Toe Shoes Mary Janes runs away from the typical Mary Janes variant with cutouts and long halter straps in electrifying hues.
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa spring/summer 2009 collection is available now at all Melissa outlets and selected retailers worldwide. The collection is also available online at melissaplasticdreams.com.
*Photos courtesy of Melissa Australia.
First, elder sister Paris Hilton has successfully did it by confiding Malaysian fashionistas into buying her bags. Now, it’s the younger sister Nicky’s turn to do the same – convincing Malaysians into buying her lifestyle. Ah yes, the invasion of the Hilton sisters!
Since Nicky Hilton name doesn’t seem to make a buzz here, in KL, where girls would rather choose her sister Paris as their fashion’s point of reference, I do believe that Nicky would do great in KL due to her classier fashion sense constantly reflected in her designs.
