Christian Lacroix the costumier exhibition in Singapore

As the title suggests, this exhibition showcases Christian Lacroix's work as a costume designer. From productions like Carmen, Gaité Parisienne, Othello, Cosi Fan Tutte and Phèdre, you will witness the only time where unfinished hems and glue-on embellishments are fully prohibited.

The idea of low budget theatre production brings about a whole new slew of inner creativity that you can never find in his haute couture collection.

Dyed-paper, moulded latex, gold-painted fabric, household upholstery, and scraps from his atelier are most commonly found in these costumes to disguise the low cost without compromising on its opulence and granduer when audience view from afar.

Otello.Carmen.Les Arts Florissant

Chantecler - American rooster vs Japanese rooster

Exhibition ends next Sunday, 7 June at the National Art Museum.

Spring Break in Paris: [Photograph]

Catalago in Paris

Via: Lung Lung Thun's Facebook

A Little Inspiration

Have you bumped across ilovebreadandjam.com yet? They are making little girls' pinafores in printed quilter's cotton from the USA.  I recognised prints by Heather Baily, Heather Ross and Alexander Henry straight away.  

Their dresses show how a simple to sew, plain dress becomes something rather special in the right fabric.  In fact, the simple shape suits these fabrics much better than a fussier pattern would.

At £24 a dress, they are not unreasonably priced.  But, if like me, you'd prefer to have a go yourself, I'd suggest looking for fabric on fabric worm.  The selection is incredible and Cynthia is happy to ship from California to the UK. Just don't forget that you are liable for import duties if you go over £18 including shipping.

First Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh

Known for their unique knitwear,
Indulge in classic Missoni bed linens, tableware, rugs and furniture when the new Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh, Scotland opens in June.
For bookings call +44 131 220 6666 or visit http://www.hotelmissoni.com/

100 Reasons to Shop at Roamans.com

Everyone loves a good Memorial Day weekend sale - but how about a Memorial Day WEEK-LONG sale? Look no further than Roaman's 100 items at 50% off! That's right - every item in this category (all 100!) are 50% off or more! And best of all, some of summer's hottest styles are included in this sale.




Like the highly rated Trapeze Knit Tunic. Light and airy, perfect for summer outings. It's now only $14.99!










And these Soft Knit Culottes. They're easy to wear anywhere and even easier to own at the new low price of $7.49!











And if you're looking for a pretty acessory to spice up your summer style, Roaman's has a gorgeous dip-dye turquoise necklace on sale for just $9.99!






These are just three of your hundred options to choose from - visit the sale to see everything. But hurry - these prices will not last long. Don't miss out!

Samantha Ronson was F**king Awesome!

VVIP passes:

The only credit to the organisors of Fuel, everything else was a total flop.

Hello Summer!!

Awww…. Memorial Day is upon us. While officially this is a day of remembrance for lives lost serving our country, it is also the unofficial start of summer. This Monday in New York City public pools will open, people will break out their shorts and sandals, and beach resorts nearby will cross their fingers hoping for that big Memorial Day crowd.

Personally, I am staying in the city this weekend and Saturday my beach stop will be Central Park with a book. On Sunday, head to a 1st birthday party for a good friend’s daughter and Monday, do a little shopping. It’s time to put away my jeans and light sweaters and make way for capris, shorts, tanks and tees. With the all of the Memorial Day sales now is the time to shop!

At Roaman’s, the staff has created a special Tanks, Tees, Shorts and Capri's category where you can mix and match any two items and get the third free. Yes FREE! If you pair this with an unbeatable 30% off your entire order this weekend, you really can’t afford not to shop. I’m taking advantage myself and pick up a little something new. I have no excuse now to hold off on swimsuit shopping with that extra 30% off. Roaman's brand new Sidewire bra swimsuit will lift, shift, and flatter any shape and size. That is what I like to hear! AND as a bonus I can order and try it on in front of my mirror at home and not under those dressing room lights. I hate those lights!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and take the time to remember the men and woman in our military and appreciate the extra day you have to spend with friends and family! A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm on Memorial Day and it is customary to fly the American Flag at half staff from dawn until noon.

How are you spending your weekend? Comment and let us know and remember whatever you plan to do be safe and enjoy your holiday from everyone here at Roaman’s!

American Idol shocker: Kris Allen Wins

It was a night full of shocking surprises! Kara’s showdown with “bikini girl” was entertainment at its best while performances from the likes of Queen to KISS were superbly delivered. It was a show you did not want to miss!

But the biggest shocker of all, and one that would send a rippling current of emotions throughout America was, indeed, the end of the show. It was when Ryan Seacrest, very matter-of-factly, announced the next American Idol winner: Kris Allen.

Prior to that moment, fans of Adam Lambert were enjoying the show and calmly waiting for him to be crowned Idol’s 2009 winner. After all, Adam had been flawless in every performance, brought Simon to a standing ovation, brought tears to Paula’s eyes and delivered true artistry in every rendition of genre. He even sang this year’s theme song with such passion that it almost turned an awful song into another hit. Almost that is, until Kris and not Adam was named the next American Idol- leaving all Lambert fans in utter disbelief and confusion with the nagging question, what went wrong?

Of course, many a reasons could be stated here on what could have gone wrong but then it would take away the credit that Kris Allen deserves and for this I will withhold any hypothesis.

After all, on the other side of the shock stood Kris Allen who despite having just won continued to be humble when he responded to Ryan that Adam should have won the title. Sweet guy! Kris who had barely been noticed throughout the season and who soon afterwards started winning the hearts of judges and fans alike- silently and swiftly took home the Idol trophy.

It is an aftershock that is no stranger to American Idol alumns who’ve seen the likes of Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken rise to super stardom despite and perhaps in light of, not being titled the American Idol of their season. For Kris and Adam, only time will tell what kind of success each will have, but one thing is for sure, they are both talented young men who deserved to be the last two standing last night. As for whether or not America got it right? Well “if I’m being honest…”

Paul Smith Project 10 in Design Museum & Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

Remember Paul Smith's Project 10: Bag that was launch since April in Japan?

The 138 'Flights bags' (one for each Paul Smith store in Japan, where only 10 were made for each designs) are now on display in the Design Museum atrium till 1 June 09. One lucky visitor will stand a chance to win one of these very rare bags.

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See also Paul Smith's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer heart-shaped tote bag via Brown Thomas.

Zaha Hadid X Lacoste

Our Favourite Architect is back!

This time with Lacoste.

After collaborating with Chanel and Melissa, Zaha Hadid is back to put a futuristic spin on the label's famous croc logo. Available in July, she has designed ankle boots for men and calf boots for the ladies.

Architectural structure of the Chanel Pavillion by Zaha

Not that difficult to guess who's the brainchild behind these, huh?

These limited 850 pairs (at $525 each) will be available at Colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and 10 Corso Como in Milan.

Image source: highsnobette, zaha, stylefrizz

Something for Myself

I am impatient to try out a Hotpatterns, pattern.  They all look so tempting.  I have heard reports that the instructions are cryptic and sparse, so I am starting out with something simple.  The Cabana T shirt Pattern.  Having looked through the pattern I can report that at least this particular pattern does have pictures and the instructions seem to be straight forward and clear.  

I like the cover picture very much, so I went into Cloth House in SoHo to buy some black and white striped jerey.  Cloth House is amazing, but very different from fabric shops as I know them.  For me, fabric shops are filled with old matrons and grannies and little girls in tow.  If I head into the haberdashery department at John Lewis, I basically find the comforting old scene I know from childhood.  

This is not the case at Cloth House or MacColluch & Wallis.  The shoppers are of all ages and everyone looks so avant guard, you all but expect to bump into Vivienne Westwood!  My very presence dilutes the hipness of the scene.  However, the kids who work there (and they do look like kids to me even though they must be in their early 20s) are always charming and helpful.

Samantha Ronson is coming!

Yes, Lindsay Lohan's "girlfriend".

Sun Dresses

My new niece is being christened in August, and I have made these dresses for my little girls to wear for the occasion.  I know it’s naff, but I do really love to dress them in matching ensembles.  At the moment they are 2 and 5 years old, so I can get away with it.  I am not sure how much longer the 5 year old will put up with it.

 

I made these little dresses from the Oliver + S, Tea Party Dress pattern.  It’s a great pattern with optional piping and best of all the pattern has a play suit option.  So, for those of you with both boys and girls and a weakness for dressing your kiddies up a la the von Trapp family, you can do it!

I should comment that the pattern was incredibly easy to follow and the directions were very clear with many crisp illustrations.  You could almost learn to sew from this sort of pattern.  The only tricky bit was the curved sewing on the bodice.  It is not conceptually difficult, it just takes patience to go slowly and make sure that the curve is smooth.

I have to admit that the strong colours I chose for these dresses weren’t the best choice.  I am attracted by bright, bold patterns, but they probably look best in home decor or quilts.  I think the dresses would have been more flattering if I had chosen a daintier print.  I will use this pattern again in the Autumn to make winter dresses, maybe with needle-cord fabric and piping only were the bodice meets the skirt.

Oliver + S has a great site with all the patterns for sale.   That said, I bought my patterns on Etsy from fabricstosew.   Fabrictosew is in Texas, and the lady running it was very attentive and sent the patterns out straight away.  She also has the best price on the web!  Because I only ordered two patterns I did not attract a customs' duty and all the faff that goes along with one.

A Little Throat Clearing

I decided to share my projects with you because I have gotten so much out of other people's blogs.  I have been lurking around the web reading other peoples thoughts and projects, too shy even to contribute an encouraging comment when some one has created something truly wonderful.  None of the other mums in my area are interested in sewing or doing crafty things.  I think I am sort of the American odd-ball.  So I am sharing with you.  Thank you for looking.

Christopher Lee and Fann Wong finally wed

Remember when we did a Wedding edition early this year, where we said that 2009 is a great year to wed? Then we heard Josh and Fergie's Big Wedding Bells, amongst others?


Now guess which celebrity couple tied the knot yesterday?

Yes, it's MediaCorp's bigwigs Christopher Lee and Fann Wong.

For those who do not know them,
Excuse their styling (even if it's Zegna),
Trust me,
They could have looked better.

Image via: Asiaone

Are you heart enough?

Did you know that Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women over age 65? (here)

Help bid and spread the word to everyone on this GO RED FOR WOMEN campaign and help the Women in Singapore fight against this disease.

(Find out more by clicking on the image.)

Men Sneakers: Canal Street Air Force One by Solefood

In my world,
I would call it,
"Wah Lau Aye!" (Singlish for "What the Heck")

Meet the ultimate mash-up Men's Sneakers of the Millenium.

Trust only SoleFood to come up with such a montage by the name of "Canal Street Air Force One". Better tell me this one's a spoof!

Maybe it's "value-for-your-money" to have your Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Chanel, Rolex, Nike Air and Gucci all in one.

Chanel Cruise Collection 2010

Chanel Cruise 2010: Merchant of Venice

Via: WWD