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The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:40 PM PDT

Robinsons adds two new brands to its fashion stable.

FASHION is often unpredictable. Some brands become hits while others may slowly fade away due to a lack of response. So it's always interesting when new fashion labels reach our shores. More variety is added to our list of options and our world view is expanded, too.

A couple of newbies are now available at Robinsons in The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. The first brand is from the celestial city of Rome and the other, from the Big Apple.

List Roma, being strong and distinctive, is equated with Italian sensuality, flattering cuts and made-in-Italy craftsmanship. This comes from being in the business for 17 years.

As List Roma produces its apparel a few weeks before the start of every fashion season, it promises up-to-date items. The brand features a complete look that includes accessories and shoes.

It touts high-end quality products at mid-level prices. Throughout the season, List Roma continuously offers flash mini collections to satisfy women's desire to be trendy.

The collection features styles suitable for a wide range of occasions, be it a wedding or corporate event, or even a garden party.

The centrepiece is the dress, complemented by a wide range of tops and blouses, jackets, pants and accessories. The key themes of this collection are Floral, Sand, Dattero, Red, Black & White as well as Black & Ivory. Style-wise, this collection is inspired, among others, by the sophisticated glamour of the 70s.

Thus, you will find long dresses that fall like shimmering water, flared high-waist pants and elegant blouses. The silhouettes of the 50s and 60s make a strong comeback, with shapes that accentuate curves.

Several palettes define this collection: the Floral theme relies on white, purple, orchid pink and floral prints; the Sand and Dattero themes group natural tones of gold sand, brown, indigo blue, olive oil green and ivory together; while black and white dominate the most timeless pieces of the collection.

Fabrics range from the versatile jersey and the ultra classical crepe, to feather-light chiffon and organza, luxurious silks and satins, sensual lace and macramé.

Exclusively available at Robinsons, prices for List Roma starts from RM179.

Distinctive sparkle

Now, let's head over to the fashion capital of the United States.

Established in 1972 in New York, Carolee offers distinctive jewellery collections that reflect a contemporary woman's lifestyle.

The collections span from sleek, modern sterling silver to classic, colourful pearls.

They utilise the same techniques and care as in the making of fine jewellery. Each design takes three months to complete, from the drawing board up to the final product. The materials used are chosen for their exceptional quality and beauty.

Carolee's standout collection this season is jewellery inspired by four women of the 20th and 21st centuries, whose timeless sense of individuality and fashion styles have made them truly iconic.

Fifteen classic jewellery designs emulate looks made famous by Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis, Michelle Obama, The Duchess of Windsor and Eva Peron.

Exclusively available at Robinsons, the collection is priced from RM109.

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Bright colours of Nine West

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 06:39 PM PDT

Bright colours, mixed materials and spunky names make up Nine West's Fall/Winter collection.

IN the ever-evolving world of fashion, even the drabbest winter day can be livened up when you put beautiful colours together.

This was especially apparent during a recent trip to Hong Kong, where it seemed people there have a special knack for indulging in daring cuts and colours, and a unique dress sense.

Another person who's got a flair for fashion is creative director Fred Allard, the man behind Nine West's gorgeous collections.

The brand's latest Fall/Winter collection conveys images of lush, green trees, the shining sun and streets bustling with fashionistas wearing lively shades.

The Frenchman's flair was evident in the outfit he wore. His ensemble comprised a black vest (with a crisp yellow collar peeking out underneath), a grey blazer, white pants and brown leather shoes; it was stylish, yet not too far out.

Gesturing animatedly, Allard was personable throughout the interview at the Nine West Fall/Winter press conference in Hong Kong; he has the qualities of a fashion-savvy friend that you'd want to take along for a fruitful shopping trip.

Allard was chief designer at European brands Stephane Kelian and Castaner before taking on the role of fashion head at Nine West; it's a position he has held for the past 10 seasons.

"In fashion, there is such a wide spectrum of colours, from bright shades to pastels. I personally love grey, navy and black, but I enjoy pastel as well for its soft and calming effect. Bright colours, on the other hand, empower you with their energy," he said. "Balance is everything and how you carry fashion is very important."

Allard's vast experiences in fashion and travel make him an interesting person to talk to. His love for colours is expressed in the current collection, in which bold reds, stylish tans and spunky emeralds are apparent amongst monochromatic blacks and greys.

There are five interesting themes in the collection: Electroshock, Eternally Luxe, Decades, Extravagance and Post Industrial. Each range is elegant in its own way, playing on different materials.

"The season is all about mixing materials. Think snake skin and suede, or leather and suede with a trim of patent," said Allard. "I've played with shines and mattes – they are all very rich in texture."

For him, inspiration comes from observing his surroundings. This includes observing women walking down the streets of Paris or most memorably, visiting the exquisite Madame Gres museum in Paris recently.

"She was known for her style of draping," quipped Allard in his heavy French accent.

He remembered, in particular, three exhibition rooms at the museum. The first was a play on white, grey and nudes, the second on pastels and lastly, a room filled with bright colours.

He frequently taps into his memory of the museum for new inspiration and ideas. He also listens to contemporary bands such as Air and LCD Soundsystem, and surrounds himself with young people for the energy they offer.

"As a man designing shoes for woman, I have a propensity for high heels," he said with a grin. "Whether they are high platforms or low ones, they make a woman's movement very sexy and pretty."

Among the gorgeous designs in the seasonal collection are suede peeptoe pumps, oxford platform pumps, knee-length and thick-heeled low boots.

Whether it's for a long day at work or the casual weekend, these shoes look hardy and fashionable.

"This is my favourite pair this season," said Allard, holding up a pair of deep purple Mary Jane platforms.

He explained that the heels are a classic style that go extremely well with pants or even a retro chiffon dress. In fact, the idea for this particular design came to him when he bought an old pair of shoes at a vintage store in Paris.

"Mary Janes have nice proportions and clean lines, giving women beautiful silhouettes," he said. They even have a cute name – Around Town.

It's charming how Nine West gives each style a spunky name. This season, there are monikers such as Checkit, Desireable, Gracious, Havesome, Hoppy, Kobel, Mavenue, Nettle, Newkimmie, Nobelman and Pinktop.

When asked for his preference for other shoes, Allard replied, "Flats!"

"On a good pair of legs, they can be very sexy," he said with a wink.

"Comfort is very important to us. There's nothing worse than watching a young girl at a party, all dressed up, but clearly suffering!" he exclaimed with a laugh.

To ensure compliance with house standards, a technical team in New York carries out a thorough inspection on production.

"Thickness of foam and other elements of comfort are ensured. In fact, we have a 'Wear Test' where we pay women to wear our shoes to work and give us feedback," explained Allard; his statement made this scribe's jaw drop. Allard works closely with Eric Daman, the stylist of hit TV series Gossip Girl. Daman has offered positive feedback as well as suggestions on the latest Nine West collection.

It is refreshing to know that Allard does not limit his exposure to designers when creating a new collection. In fact, he enjoys taking inspiration from entertainers as they are "people who see fashion in an entirely different light".

"There is so much creativity in a woman. Blake Lively is a good example," Allard added. "The Nine West woman wears the right item at the right moment. She is informed and knows what she wants." (Blake Lively is an American actress and model who can be seen in Gossip Girl. Not a Nine West ambassador, she is a celebrity whose style Allard appreciates.)

As for a more casual feel, Nine West carries Vintage America Collection, a sister brand that currently features androgynous looks with lug bottom details, heavy buckles and studs. Cosier shoes with faux fur as well as utilitarian boots with heavy metal buckles paired with lug soles or stacked heels are also included.

"We have incorporated platforms and casual flats. We wanted a more casual aspect for Nine West as it's commonly associated with a dressier feel," said Allard.

To understand customers better, Allard keeps up with them on the brand's Facebook page.

Relying heavily on comments from the public and his team, the fashion maestro is open to criticism and tries to work suggestions into his designs.

"I'm always going around asking, 'What do you think?' It's a good thing that women know what they want and say so!"

The only downside is, we probably won't be seeing men's shoes from the brand anytime soon.

"It's an entirely different process for men's shoes," he said.

As we parted ways, Allard left us with a crucial piece of fashion advice. "Never wear white socks with loafers," he said quite seriously, shaking his head dismissively. "To me, that's the worst possible fashion faux pax!"

■ The Fall/Winter 2011 collection, priced from RM159, will be available at all Nine West outlets nationwide next month.

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Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Khamis, 28 Julai 2011