URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Hermes offers unexpected combinations for chic city dwellers. “I like the attitude of not being too perfect,” declared Hermes menswear designer Veronique Nichanian, during an interview with us last year. “I like to twist opposites together.”
In more than 25 years at Hermes, she has done so in ways that are smart and subtle, creating collections that invariably feel fresh, not faddish. For autumn, the man in the city inspires the designer. A mix of supple and structured silhouettes, and the juxtaposition of contrasting concepts, make for pieces that can see an urbanite stylishly from day to night.
Lightly structured jackets, for instance, are paired with tailored track pants, while a dark pinstripe smartens up an otherwise casual blouson. Hermes’ signature ultra lightweight and ultra-luxurious “chiff on crocodile” is also used here to surprising effect as the choice of fabric for a sweatshirt. Whether it’s a plaid suit or a perforated sheepskin jacket with Fair Isle-style embroidery, the designs all share a certain comfy ease – which is, to us, the ultimate luxury.
FLEX APPEAL
Shoes are typically some of the most cumbersome objects to pack for business travel. Ermenegildo Zegna’s Avenue Flex shoes take care of this issue with extreme bendability, making it easy to fi t them in with the rest of one’s luggage, and also making them more comfortable to wear. Constructed using the fl exibility-enhancing Sacchetto method, the shoes are made from soft deer skin or calf leather, and have leather soles that have undergone a special tanning process. Derby, loafer and double monkstrap styles are available.
TATTOOED TRIBUTE
In 2003, Olga Berluti invented the art of tattooing motifs onto leather, and this method is now used to create custom designs on Berluti leather goods. This month, the company gives Singapore a stylish salute and marks the opening of its Marina Bay Sands store (its second boutique here) with its Lion Tattoo collection.
A cool – not cheesy – lion head motif marks this range of limited edition leather goods. A key item in the collection is the brand’s signature Un Jour briefcase, which comes in either alligator leather or in Berluti’s proprietary Venezia leather. Available exclusively at #B1-091/091A/092 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
SHOE IN
Local label Ed Et Al Shoemakers celebrates its fifth anniversary, and its milestone markers include an inviting revamped look for its store at Millenia Walk, as well as new collections. Joining Ed Et Al’s three shoe collections this month is Prestige. This new line comprises semi-bespoke shoes that are handlasted and hand-welted, and take six to eight weeks to produce. Additionally, the collection features exclusive designs not found in the ready-to-wear range, and is also differentiated by specially developed sole detailing. #01-67 Millenia Walk.
(RELATED: We speak with Ed Et Al founder Edwin Neo on how he built up the homegrown winner.)
