Anteprima - The New Moment in Fashion History

For Italian fashion lovers, Anteprima needs no further introduction. Known for its high-quality accessories and ready-to-wear, only a few knew that even though the brand is Italian in origin, it was established by a Japanese designer and not Italian.

Established by Izumi Ogino, a graduate from Seijo University, Anteprima was conceived in 1993 as a label that caters to modern women who appreciates timeless luxury and contemporary style.

Anteprima first started as a collection of handbags and shoes produced through a collaboration with I Pellettieri d'Italia and knitwear manufacturer Felix in 1993. Within the same year, Izumi opened her first store in Japan and followed by Hong Kong in 1994. In 1995, she opened a showroom in Milan to oversees the wholesale activity and freestanding boutiques in Milan and Paris and joined the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana.

Her debut Spring/Summer 1999 collection that she presented at Milano Moda Donna for Anteprima received the spotlight at this exclusive event as it was the first time in Italian fashion history to have an Italian label developed by a female Japanese, or non-Italian designer.

Her famous Wire bag, which she created in 1998 received a tremendous response from fashionistas worldwide. In 2002, a diffusion line called Anteprima/Plastiq was launched and it coincided with the opening of her Japan's flagship store in Tokyo at the Aoyama.

This year, Anteprima's Spring/Summer 2007 collection focuses on relaxation by the Mediterranean coast as its subject. Leather bikini top with tie-front and buckle detail with some worn with matching leather shorts, belted mini skirts in bold prints of black, off-white and cyan, sheer belted organza blouse with v-neck lapelled collar worn over black swimsuit, black tube top with pleat details, strapless slip dress in black, cropped sport jacket with giant white camellia corsage, and white halter pleated top were among the pieces from the latest collection.

For shoes, Anteprima fans may love to walk in either an open-toed heels in yellow perforated leather and piped trim that look totally nice and airy, white perforated leather Mary Janes, black perforated leather ballerina shoes with flower detail on the front, white open-toed sandals with crack effect finish, snake skin flat sandals in black, woven leather mules in mahogany, or go retro with this marvelous pair of green-white graphic print and piped trim open-toed pumps with small rosette detail on front that look so groovy(inset, left).

Accessorize with a selection of interesting day and evening bags such as green perforated leather hobo bag with bow detail, metallic tote bag with lock in metallic, a perfect companion for official dinners or a formal night outings, or a black lock bag with metal handle chain strap and big velvet rosette detail that looks totally classic. Want something that's signature to the brand then opt for the famous Wire bag instead.

The Anteprima Spring/Summer 2007 Ready-to-Wear and Accessories Collection is available now at all Anteprima boutiques around the world.

*Photos courtesy of Anteprima

Anteprima - #01-06, The Paragon, 290, Orchard Road, Singapore 238859.