Sunday, October 14, 2012

Spotted: Trixilini's designers featured on Asia Tatler.com



Style by May Yip
May Yip's picture

May Yip has spent seven years in the publishing industry, establishing herself as a key-player in fashion journalism. During her stint as editor of Style: magazine, the Singapore-based fashion publication was voted the top female fashion magazine in Singapore and debuted an iPad application — the first of its kind in this market. Yip has also lent her expertise on TV, radio, newspaper articles and fashion events. She helmed the Singapore edition of French fashion magazine, L'Officiel, as deputy editor, after a two-year tenure as a features and news journalist at The Straits Times. As a style reporter, she covered fashion weeks in Milan, London and New York and was privileged to have attended rarefied haute couture presentations.



When Night Falls


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Luxurious evening dresses from Singaporean brand, Trioon

Women love dressing up every day of the week. But the ritual of getting ready for a more formal, evening do, always holds a special thrill: From applying more dramatic makeup and experimenting with runway-inspired hairstyles, to, of course, having the excuse to pick out a floor-sweeping, entrance-making dress.
The trouble with evening looks, however, is that they are the antithesis of the daytime/cocktail hour staple – the little black dress. While the LBD offers the greatest versatility and could be dressed up or down to fit any occasion, the evening gown could most likely be worn just once in a long while – unless you boast various non-overlapping social circles. Even the princess of recycled outfits, Kate Middleton, gets away with rotating just her day looks.

And so I had to get creative when planning my wardrobe for year-end parties. To build up a range of looks without breaking the bank, I decided to go local. There is a misconception that homegrown labels are geared towards younger, more streetwear-inspired duds. In fact, a number of designers specialise in elegant pieces that belie beautiful workmanship.

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Aijek by Danelle Woo
 
My go-to brand of the moment is Aijek, by 33-year-old Singaporean Danelle Woo. I first came across images of her work online, and was impressed by how she has managed to balance both sartorial creativity and commercial appeal. Over the weekend, I finally managed to try on her pieces at Trxilini, and fell head over heels. The first look to catch my eye was a flowing maxi gown, with a smocked bodice. Usually not one for overtly feminine designs, I adored the slightly boyish tank top neckline, as well as the textured bodice which lifted the dress leagues above the predictable Grecian gown territory.

Another lovely creation was a purple and navy square-necked maxi from Woo’s Awakening collection. The thigh-high slit was just begging for an Angelina Jolie “prosthetic leg” pose, and I realised how – bam! – the vertical navy strip drew the eye straight to the flash of leg. Genius.

Also available at Trixilini is Singaporean brand Trioon, which offers “exclusive ready-to-wear.” The brainchild of Liu Weiling, who focuses on gorgeously draped pieces, the collection includes the black Sofia dress, a tiered maxi that magically elongates and slims. Perhaps more appropriate for, say, an al fresco wedding dinner than a black-tie event, the silhouette managed to create the impression of sleek curves despite its flowing form. Made-to-order designs are also available if you want something that fits your measurements precisely.

For a slightly more avant-garde take on eveningwear, I am eyeing a modal maxi with organza panels and faux leather belt by Pauline Ning, a graduate of Temasek polytechnic and LaSalle College of the Arts. The emerging talent is known more for her artisanal, slightly hard-edged looks and I could easily imagine rocking this at a fashion event where one could afford to push the envelop a little when it comes to night-time glamour. The best part is, which each look priced at less than $400 a pop, I could well afford to be a style chameleon and stand out among a sea of Gucci- and Cavalli-clad fashionistas.

Photos: Trixilini



The article was  originally published in: http://www.asiatatler.com/singapore/may-yip/style/when-night-falls 



XOXO

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