fashion

By OLIVIA LEE

Make space in your footwear closet for these beauties.

clove@thestar.com.my

When it comes to footwear, us girls have an in-built know-how on everything pertaining to it.

We will tell you that wedge shoes don't equate to platforms or how pumps come in round-toe, pointy-toe or even square-toe and how T-bars should not be mistaken for Mary Janes.

We also have a discerning eye like no other when it comes to differentiating one pair of black shoes from the other.

Throw in colours and we'd tell you easily that rose red is not pink, nor is turquoise, blue.

Sadly, shoemakers know our addiction to accessories only too well. Just look at the abundance of footwear they design season after season, offering better, sexier soles than what we have in our existing shoe cabinet.

Let's take a look at what shoe connoisseur Jimmy Choo, trendy and affordable Charles & Keith and newcomer Sergio Rossi have to offer this Spring/Summer.

Brace yourself ladies!

It's got to be Choo

Exoticism is always a strong vein in the Jimmy Choo world.

This season sees a wealth of exotic print combined with rivets and contrasting coloured hides. There is a lot of snake skin (and embossed leather to make it look as such) too.

And of course, super high heels are always in order.

There are so many delectable pairs to choose from. There are wedges, ballerina slippers, peep toes, pumps, flat thong sandals, platform sandals and the list goes on.

One notable design from the lot is the "Quito", a webbed cage sandal with a 120mm sculpted heel in two colours – a very psychedelic blue and green combo or the very safe black. For a semi-webbed look, one can opt for the "Shakira".

New to the brand is the Choo 24/7, which is essentially Tamara Mellon's favourite style in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights.

There are seven categories – one for every day of the week, of course – The Icons, The Perfect Platforms, The Perfect Pointy Toe Pump, The Perfect Round Toe Pump, The Perfect Flat, The Perfect Wedge and The Perfect Evening.

The "roar" factor

Charles & Keith has infused traditional African and Roman techniques with contemporary style to create fashion for modern women.

"Into The Wild" carries classic animal prints juxtaposed with glossy, natural and rich colours. The collections themed "The Roman Revolution" and "Rubik Magic" feature polished-rounded-studs and sharp buckles for the former, while the latter is more of an indulgence of colours.

Overall, expect classic sequin, satin, suede, patent, chain, surreal ornament, mirror metallic patchwork and exotic animal print materials. Meanwhile, designs like the slingback, strappy, pump, d'Orsay, wedge, T-bar, gladiator and sandal make waves this season.

Its Signature Label feature soft shades of natural tone juxtaposed with fringe and ruffles transpire that very French je ne sais quoi.

Canvas fabric injects a dash of unpredicted flair with an eclectic mix of colours and embellishments by pairing strappy platforms or architectural stiletto accoutrements.

Animal instincts

Now, if fishnet is your thang, Sergio Rossi's latest collection is the one for you. Forget the snake skin or animal prints but think mermaids as shown in the "Sirena" boot and ankle boot.

And as the "Metamorphsis" theme suggests, the woman, like a chameleon, will be transformed at the slightest contact with her shoes. Metaphorically speaking of course.

If you prefer suede, look for "Fenice" or for colourful footwear with lots of curves, grab the "Volto".

Or when all else fails, there's still the Gladiator cut that is oh-so sexy in the form of heels or flat sandals.

Suede, lambskin, lizard-embroidered goat skin, metallic calf skin, eel skin–these materials overlap, as do the colours in subtle chromatic play. Bright saturated shades contrast with muted tones; fuchsia with beige, firefly green with natural tan, dazzling yellow subdued by a spot of grey are some examples.

The brand makes its Malaysian debut via a flagship boutique on G2A, Indulge floor of Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

By WILLIAM KEE

The Spring/Summer collections from Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge feature eclectic, whimsical looks.

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ALL eyes are on two British brands this spring – Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge – and the focus of their collections this season is soft, feminine dressing.

While the former is inspired by TV series Gossip Girl and the ethnic looks of Bali and Tahiti, the latter takes on a quirky, circus-influenced turn.

Prints are important for Dorothy Perkins, and vary from spots, stripes and checks to cute prints such as bows and butterflies. These sit alongside florals for the preppy look, while ethnic-inspired prints such as batik, tile and border prints are found on lightweight cottons and voiles.

The jacket continues to be a must-have at Dorothy Perkins; the line offers contrast-trim preppy blazers, striped casual styles and embellished trophy jackets. The focus is on legs this season, so blazers are paired with T-shirts tucked into tailored shorts. These can be worn with tights and ankle boots, or with gladiator sandals.

The Spring/Summer collection sees an innovative use of fabrics such as crochet and lace-trimmed, or embellished with sequins and pearls. The importance of texture and contrast of fabrics are defined as the neutral colour palette is soft and light, consisting of creams, peaches, nudes and blush tones.

Accessories from Dorothy Perkins are guaranteed to make a statement this season. Shoes come with an attitude; key styles include heeled, peep-toe ankle-cuff boots and for more of a casual feel, flat worker-style lace-up boots. Bags are slouchy and studded, with suede being the fabric of choice. And, for the evening, the clutch continues to take centrestage.

Meanwhile, at Miss Selfridge, wearers are ushered into a magical world of carnivals and the circus, as reflected in its eclectic and quirky collection.

Prints, patterns and textures are nonchalantly put together and adorned with bows, ruffles, tiers, frills and fringing to create a whimsical, feminine look.

Florals encapsulate the girly mood with sequin proms, poppy print tea dresses and bustier tops. Cropped jackets are nipped at the waist and teamed with tulle tutus, straw boaters and strings of pearls. Blooms of daisies and roses are mixed with stripes, polka dots and heart prints for a topsy-turvy look.

Delicate 1920s style underwear slips and Edwardian lace blouses create an ethereal boudoir feel in cream and white sprinkled with sequins. Tasselled, flapper-girl and satin dresses embody the vintage styling Miss Selfridge is renowned for, in nude, pistachio, peach, apricot and dusky pink ice cream shades.

Trousers are a key look for Miss Selfridge this time round. Skinny combats and slouchy, softly fluid belted styles are ideal, with waistcoats featuring delicate vintage crochet detailing and beading. Charcoal and dove grey washed cotton military jackets and tops are teamed with maxi dresses and pinstripe trousers.

Accessories include bags with bow details, stripes and floral prints. The footwear range comprises a pastel colour palette mixed with metallic hues, and features shells, tassels and cut-out detailing on boots, sandals and ballet pumps.

By WILLIAM K.C. KEE

This season, GUESS offers ultra skinny jeans that show off a woman's curves.

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THERE is no doubt that, over the years, the all-American brand GUESS has become synonymous with denim wear.

For Spring/Summer, GUESS has unveiled a collection that intertwines the rich heritage of jeans with raw sensuality that has characterised the brand for nearly three decades.

Denim pieces are mixed with floral prints and western-inspired plaids, which pop against natural earth tones and vivid blues.

The star of this season is its power skinny jeans. Essentially leggings that look like denim jeans, the power skinny jeans have become a best-selling item across the world.

To find out more about this must-have trend, StarTwo e-mailed the GUESS denim design team based in the United States.

What is the appeal of power skinny jeans over regular skinny jeans?

The power skinny jeans are the skinniest of our skinnies that combine the best of both worlds – the comfort of leggings with the look of denim. The super-stretchy fabric hugs your curves and flatters your figure. It is available in both ankle length (73.7cm [29 in] inseam) and regular length (82.6cm [32.5in] inseam). The main difference between the power skinny and the skinny lies in the fabric composition and weight. The power skinny has roughly about 20% stretch and 80% cotton while the regular skinny has about 2% stretch and 98% cotton. Also, the power skinny is slightly lighter.

What should the power skinny jeans be paired with, ideally?

They can be paired with ankle booties and a boyfriend blazer for the perfect going-out look, or gladiator sandals and a pretty flowy tunic top for a great weekend look.

How has the response been to the power skinny jeans worldwide?

Skinny jeans have definitely been a best-seller worldwide, and the recent introduction of the power skinny has been a great success for both Europe, Asia and North America.

Are these jeans more appropriate for casual or evening wear?

Power skinny jeans are versatile and can be worn day or night. Dress them up with your favourite GUESS heels and an embellished top, or with sandals and a boyfriend T-shirt for hanging out over the weekend.

How many designs/models do the power skinny come in?

For Spring and Summer, we have the power skinny in the basic black and dark blue washes combined with a couple of tie-dye beige washes. (Prices start from RM369.) Come Fall/Holiday, we will be offering more vibrant colours like fuchsia and red washes.

Anya and art

Art, architecture, design and fashion combine to give Anya Hindmarch's Spring Summer 2010 collection added pizzazz. Throw in the underrated 1950s and you have a collection that is just waiting to fly off the shelves. Bags in fuschia and clementine are the main stars, punctuating the collection with their summer brightness.

There are also raffia basket bags for jaunts to the beach or casual afternoon tea with the gals, as well as handbags with beautiful chain strap details. Oversized tassels feature heavily, giving the bags a slouchy bohemian feel. This is obvious in the Quintin, Glen and Rene bags. Pleats and folds are worked into the leather bags, with resin and gold stud embellishment. The Gracie is a vintage-inspired shoulder bag in calfskin, python or grosgrain. The strap is a unique combination of fine chain and inlaid leather cylinder, which is new for this season.

For the evening, Anya offers clutches that are beaded and embellished to the max. Check out the Tamra, Otha or Valorie clutches, or be a bit more adventurous and go for the Cynthia clutch for a burst of colour.

There's also something for the frequent traveller – luggage bags in black nylon with deep purple logos. The footwear section offers canvas espadrilles and the Marlene flat thong sandals that spell casual sophistication. Priced from RM650, the collection is sold at Parkson, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Cute meets craft

If you like your bags cute and cuddly, a good option would be Che Che New York X Hello Kitty collection.

This is where elegance meets irresistibility. Bag maven Che Che New York combines exquisite handicraft with Hello Kitty's playfulness in a limited edition of handbags, coin bags and key chains that celebrate the iconic cat in a brand new way.

Che Che New York, founded by the Cheung sisters in 2000, is no stranger to felines that have often frolicked across their designs, much like Hello Kitty's role as the happiness purveyor for 35 years.

Banking on its crossover successes in Japan in 2008, Hello Kitty's founder Sanrio Co Ltd has now collaborated with Che Che New York for a runway year in Asia – with countries like Taiwan and Malaysia on the hit list – for the year 2010.

Love, positive energy, joy and fun are the hallmarks of Che Che New York and Hello Kitty's philosophy, and the exuberance seen on the coin bags and accessories are expressed through sequins and crystals.

Priced from RM170, the Hello Kitty collection is available at the Che Che New York boutique in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.

Cole and construction

American luxury brand Cole Haan delivers emotional textures in raw nubuck and burnished calf, in an array of seasonal colours ranging from postman blue to birch, sandalwood and woodbury.

Whipstitches, braided and woven leather details provide refined rusticity in signature silhouettes seen in the Hobo, Cross-Body and the North/South Tote.

Mixed materials of straw, cork and rope are contrasted with mirrored specchio leather, offering a new twist on warm weather favourites.

Lively pastels – from lemonade, crystal pink and blue bell to argento – and embossed croc embolden this season's classic silhouettes.

Tennis great Maria Sharapova's love of art and architecture is the inspiration behind her second collection for the brand.

The range draws references from the modernist art movement with a graphic, layered construction that gives it an architectural feel.

The new collection also reflects the sportier side of Sharapova, featuring bungee cord trim detail in handbags and sandals.

With the success of her fashionista-friendly fall launch, the brand reprised the hugely popular Air Bacara ballet and pleated handbag this spring. Priced from RM850, Cole Haan's collection is available at Melium Galleria in Suria KLCC.

By Zieman

If you miss the weddings of top celebrities like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura or Amber Chia, you still have a chance to feast your eyes on what they wore on their big day.

Thanks to the joint effort of The Pearl Centre Rafflesia and the Department of Musuem Malaysia, this rare opportunity is made possible.

Six of the most exquisite wedding gowns worn by these celebs and jeweled couture shoes worth more than RM3.3 million are currently on display at the 'Pesona Mutiara Exhibition' in Muzium Negara.

According to Rafflesia's director, Winnie Sin, the beauty of pearl is manifested through the through the craftsmanship of designers Khoon Ooi, Rizman Ooi, Keith Kee and Professor Dato' (Dr) Jimmy Choo. "Its truly one of a kind and simply awesome. In fact it is one of few rare exhibitions of such in thsi country," said Winnie Sin.

Among the items on display include Datuk Siti Nurhaliza's wedding gown designed by Khoon Hooi, worth RM300 000, model Amber Chia's wedding gown by designer Keith Kee worth RM380 000, Anita Sarawak's red gown created by Khoon Hooi made at RM180 000, Winnie Sin green gown (Khoon Hooi) at RM400 000, Winnie Sin wedding anniversary's gown worth RM300 000 by Khoon Hooi and celebrity Ning Baizura's wedding costume by Rizman Ruzaini worth RM150 000.

The diamond rings made of White South Pearls worn by actress Erra Fazira for her wedding which costs around RM378,000.00 are also on display.

Other items which are up for public viewing include the White South Sea Pearl with diamonds ring worn by Datuk Siti Nurhaliza during her wedding worth RM180,000.00, Golden South Sea Pearl with diamonds pendant worn by Ning Baizura during her wedding (RM150,000), jeweled couture shoes with White South Sea Pearls and diamonds for Amber Chia's wedding at RM260,000 and jeweled couture shoes with White South Sea Pearls and diamonds during Winnie Sin's 16th wedding anniversary at RM380,000.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the selected Fresh Water Pearls brooch with diamonds, which was first worn by Professor Dato' (Dr) Jimmy Choo OBE during the recent First Malaysia International Shoes Festival 2-4 April 2010 worth RM138,000.00.

The 'Pesona Mutiara Exhibition' will be on for five weeks till May 16. The entrance fees is RM2 for adults while children under 12 can enter for free.

By PATSY KAM

Esprit's style synthesis is inspired

by global travelling this spring.

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INSPIRED by global travel, the 2010 Spring/Summer women's Esprit collection is both versatile and contemporary, ranging from architecturally defined shapes to luxurious summer party looks.

Linear soft designs are perfect for the office, yet sensuous at the same time. Experiments with feminine and masculine elements redefine business wear to challenge the austerity of the classic two-piece. Elegant single-breasted blazers, trench coats, feminine blouses and safari-themed jackets give the line a cool sense of confidence for breezing through the summer heat. Tailored dresses trace the feminine silhouette in airy crepes, georgettes and chiffons.

The Esprit Casual line reveals comfort that is translated to an urban athletic context. Casual cuts or lightweight cottons and linens mean cool relaxation in midsummer temperatures.

Fresh bohemian styles with South American touches such as ikat designs, folkloric knits and decorations create exciting combinations when paired with destroyed denim. Leggings, oversized sweats and blouses, parkas or extra-long blazers make a spring trend statement to emphasise the slim silhouette while cropped pants, chinos and boyfriend jeans are absolute must-haves for this season.

edc by Esprit presents a cool colour clash that features basic elements such as ethnic styles, Wild West accents, beach culture and bohemian touches. Oversized soft jersey T-shirts, bandeaus and leggings take centre stage while skirts and dresses get a summer makeover with new print and material combinations. Crochet, lace, embroidery and sewed on pearls lend elegance to the line, with denim taking the lead role.

For Esprit Bodywear, look to straightforward designs that are effortless and femininely romantic. There are fresh takes on patterns for Vichy checks, mille-fleurs and polka-dots. Tonal embroidery adds a matching touch to silky microfibre with soft prints.

Beachwear is seen in crocheted applique and batik prints, with unmistakable hippie accents. Paisleys, ethnic designs and flowered embroideries complete the mood.

For the guys, the Urban Road Trip starts off with hoodies and athletic looks straight from the neighbourhood basketball court. Key styles include authentic washed denim: heritage denim in different washings and with distressed details matched with collared shirts and Ts featuring American retro designs.

Esprit Men Casual presents a season filled with adventure and cool outfits. "Relax in Style" stands for looks that spell casual field jackets, innovative blouson shapes and denim jackets. Used washings give round-the-clock basics such as Bermuda shorts and T-shirts an authentic, worn look. Denims are relaxed in 80s-style washings, middle blue or new beige and ecru naturals. Paper-touch cottons emphasise the line's straightforward statement concerning style and material.

The Men Bodywear range ventures onto the streets of San Francisco with the key visual featured on shorts, hipsters, midis and mini slips as an emblem or print. Overlocked seams, stitches and badges highlight the statement on classic checks, and striped woven features. Microfibre, cotton and Meryl unicolours are essential basics.

There's also kidswear with a marine theme for the boys (read: nautical motifs and striped T-shirts) and impressions of the 80s for Esprit Mini and edc youth Girls, supported by neon tones and washed colourful denim.

By SHARMILLA GANESAN

Sourcing for that perfect dress has just become easier.

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SHOPPING for an evening dress can be quite a daunting affair, what with all the various considerations that go into selecting the right one: size, cut, colour, fit, appropriateness ... the list just goes on. What more if that dress is for your wedding!

Just's Wardrobe, however, specialises in giving that little extra to ensure that their customers leave with not just a glamorous outfit, but also with smiles on their faces. The company stocks clothing for all needs, from casual and semi-formal to officewear, but their forte is evening wear. Having been in the line of clothing women for seven years, the company has three outlets around the country and dressing up women is something it takes very seriously.

Justina Lee, who manages the boutique, says they try their best to stock evening wear to suit their customers' every need. Not only do they have a huge array of styles, they actually carry dresses up to size 24.

She says mature women, or those with plus-sized figures, often find it difficult to get evening dresses that flatter them, and so Just's Wardrobe tries to provide them with more options.

This extends to their wedding collections as well; the entire wedding party from bride, bridesmaids and mothers of brides will be able to find a suitable gown. This year, Just's Wardrobe, which opened in 2003, has plans to take the brand further. They are providing exclusive collections for events like beauty pageants and fashion shows that are not available in their stores. They are also highlighting their bridal collections in wedding fairs.

Sourced from all over the world, including Europe and Australia, their evening dresses combine current trends with classic looks. Using a wide variety of luxurious materials like chiffon, silk, satin and Thai silk, many of the dresses feature eye-catching embellishments like beading, embroidery and sequins.

"We travel everywhere to get these dresses; some of them are great finds from little villages or unknown factories," explains Lee. She adds that they also own a few small factories where they employ their own designers.

This means that many of their gowns are single pieces, so the customer can be assured that her dress will not be seen anywhere else.

"We don't stock our dresses based on seasonal trends, because different people have different requirements and tastes. We follow what our customers require," she says.

Lee and her employees keep in tune with what their customers want by treating them like friends. They provide free consultations where the client can discuss a desired look, give advice on how to accessorise and do the hair to best suit the dress. Lee adds that if a customer can specify what she wants early, she can even try and source for the perfect dress for her.

"Especially for our plus-sized customers, it may be difficult to find something that fits well, so I'm glad to help them. We also do minor alterations (for free) that help a dress to fit better.

"We want to make sure everyone, from ages 15 to 80, and with all body types, can find something at our shop. Whether you're after something sexy, sweet, classic or trendy, we have it," Lee says.

> Just's Wardrobe has outlets in Petaling Jaya ( 03-7725 8223/9226), Penang ( 04-227 5229) and Juru ( 04-501 9229/ 9223). Prices for casual wear start from RM49 and evening wear from RM299 onwards. Wedding packages cost RM2,988 for eight outfits.

The latest designs from Judith Leiber continue to deliver the "Wow" factor.

IF you're looking for a traffic-stopping bag, look no further.

Any design from Judith Leiber will grab attention your way, and prove to be the ultimate conversation starter at cocktail parties.

For its latest season, the bags by Judith Leiber are in the form of patterned classics and novelty pieces.

Take your pick from the varied designs: the Wrap Clutch, the Black Panther minaudiere, the Bee-Line Slender Curve in honey, Zulu minaudiere, the Luxe Egg with ribbed edges in light amethyst or the Package Cherish in rhine and blue bow.

If you're in the mood for something unusual, how about the champagne multi-coloured Gobi Camel, which evokes a reaction that one rarely gets from your average bag. Its two humps serve as the push down closure of the clutch!

As the brand is well-known to capture nature's beautiful creatures in most of its designs, there is the Bee's Knees Beehive with jeweled bee accents. The Windflower is a flower minaudière with sculpted petals and gold accents at the centre

There's also the Maharaja Elephant which features ornate costuming details, onyx eyes, sculpted ears, tusks, trunk and feet – all fully beaded by hand.

Continuing the exotic India motif is the Pietra Dura bag, inspired by the panelling of the Taj Mahal.

For the uninitiated, the brand was founded in 1963 by Judith Leiber (born Judith Peto in 1921 in Budapest, Hungary).

Peto was the first woman to join the handbag-makers guild in Budapest. After World War II, she began making handbags at home and then at a friend's small factory. She met and married an American soldier, Gerson Leiber, and emigrated to the United States in 1948.

After working as a handbag designer for other companies, Leiber founded her own business. Sold at exclusive boutiques around the world, her handbags have become a status symbol for many women including US First Ladies.

Leiber is most famous for her minaudieres, which are often covered in crystals. A Judith Leiber cupcake minaudiere was featured in the Sex and the City movie. – WILLIAM K.C. KEE

n Judith Leiber is priced from RM5,988 to RM25,888. The bags are sold at Tribeca in Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

yoga@thestar.com.my

By S.S. YOGA

Seed and Vincci spring into action with versatile fashion.

The fashionista almost always looks to foreign labels for style direction. But, if you look closer to home, there are just as many local labels offering fashionable apparel at affordable prices, with designs more suited to our climate.

Sister labels Seed and Vincci are two homegrown success stories that have managed to tap into local sensibilities quite well.

For Seed, this season is all about subdued chic and versatility. Hemlines are higher, fabrics lighter, and the colour palate brighter and breezier. Sleeves are thinner and shorter, or sometimes they disappear all together.

There are four new collections for both men and women.

Fashion androgyny blurs the line for her and the colour of choice is no surprise: black, white and dark grey, with coral tones playing a supporting role. Draping and layering are used to great effect. Look out for the tailored tuxedo jacket paired with slim, cropped trousers.

You can still look feminine in the shapeless sack dress, which has been given an architectural edge: it's looking more fluid and flowy currently, while the little black dress is redefined with bondage elements.

The Sculptural Chic collection is built around the boxy silhouette. The key piece is the cropped jacket. Layer it over a voluminous dress, or you can team it with slouchy pants or skirts.

Detailing dominates the line, and added attention has been given to high and sculpted necklines. Clever placement of ruches and pleats embellish the fabric surfaces.

For casual occasions, there's Country Girl, a mix of pastoral simplicity and demure 50s elegance. Look out for bright swatches of red and blue contrasted against white and black shades, accompanied by bold floral prints and cotton lace.

Key looks include mismatched floral dresses, school girl sweaters with printed volume skirts, shorts or pleated pants, and cotton lace dresses and tops. Top it off with a billowing coat and you've got your country charm going.

Vests, high waist tiered skirts, biker jackets, jumpsuits, oversized tops, dresses with exposed zipper details and pleated pants offer a seasonal update of the 80s glam rock look.

Men should be excited about Artistic De Luxe, inspired by the idyllic, laidback lifestyle of artistic types. Seed pushes the envelope for mixing and matching, layering and accessorising.

The cardigan is the key piece for this collection, complemented by oversized vests, double tank tops, slouchy pants, button-down collared shirts, sleeveless shirts, jerseys, and accessories like scarves and detachable bow ties.

On dress down days, Seed offers the Urban Cowboy, a collection of denim wear. The must-have item for this collection is a pair of low-waisted distressed plaid jeans with volume back, which can be paired with striped and plaid shirts, vests, the T-tank and sleeveless shirts.

And finally, the Camp Fire collection, which juxtaposes formal wear with casual stuff. Read: tailored blazer and denim shorts; refined rugby polo shirt and striped cotton shorts; fine twill and denim; cotton and knit or yarn.

Vincci's Spring collection offer shoes and bags to perfectly complement Seed. Browns and toffee tanned colours are in, and you can feed your obsession for shoes with open toe dress heels and thong sandals.

Primal and tribal prints are very much the rage. Inspired by ethnic designs, Vincci has a range of African print bags, and a line-up of shoes with beads and wooden bases carved to make feet look exotic. Ankle strappy flats and T-Bar heels are one way to instantly boost confidence and show forth a new personality.

And, what's spring without pops of colour? Vincci's summer season is made for beach-side idling and Saturday night dancing. Keep cool in eclectic bright and 70s inspired shoes. Gorgeous tie-dye hues are splashed across flats and heels. The understated yet classic, plain bright pocket bags are also fun and elegant.

Prices for Seed range from RM39 to RM399, while Vincci shoes and accessories retail from RM19 to RM299.

startwo@thestar.com.my

By OLIVIA LEE

The latest collections from three designer brands are driven by feminine, edgy elements.

Feminity rules for designers Giorgio Armani and Marc Jacobs this season. The former introduces mini skirts with underlying shorts while the latter has created dresses that reflect the pretty mood of Spring/Summer.

Accessories from Mulberry, meanwhile, take on an edgier feel with lots of teen angst-inspired details.

One thing's for sure, nothing is boring where these three brands are concerned.

Giorgio Armani starts the ball rolling with head-turning dresses that are expertly constructed. Dresses are rich in colour and made of fabrics such as satin, taffeta, chiffon and silk.

The geometric formula of the skirt creates movement and emphasises the three-dimensional form of the body.

To underline the prevalence of compact shapes, shorts are occasionally worn under svelte tunics.

In fact, everything is short and ends above the knee, even the evening dress. And, instead of completing the ensemble with stilettos, the designer decides that flat shoes give the best finishing touch.

Linear jackets with overstitched trim explore cool graphic design, combining sophisticated neutral, grey, blue, green, iris and low-voltage red.

There is a pursuit of new elements, including tunics, little wrap dresses, shorts gathered to imitate skirts, and single shoulder shirts with three layers displaying checkerboard motifs.

For men, Giorgio Armani's message is of constant elegance.

Shades of grey present a virtuoso display of patterns, from shirts in masculine weaves to ties that define the body or at times seem to blend into the background.

A succession of stripes identify the suits that extend downwards to the shoes. The long sunny days of summer are evoked by shades of Havana brown lit up by gleams of light and the shimmer of silk on linen.

Suits with a city slant appear super-light in pale, luminous colours. They are teamed with loose pieces like the shirt that recalls a small bomber jacket or the unlined jacket in distressed treated leather.

Denim plays a vital role; lightweight and treated, it brings an unexpected dimension to casual suits, which sometimes include a waistcoat.

The sky-blue tones of the shirts, with micro-geometric designs that range from stripes to azulejo tile patterns, emphasise the impact of plain white suits.

On the other hand, Marc Jacobs' Spring/Summer 2010 collection is softer, more feminine and romantic with plenty of ruffles, frills and tassles. Some outfits even evoke the I Dream of Jeannie influence.

For his casual garb, Marc Jacobs gives it a girly look with three-quarter flowy pants. He has also re-introduced the fashion faux pas fanny pack and made it work.

"If last season was a trip back in time to the 80s, this is a trip to the theatre, ballet and opera," says Jacobs, summing up his collection.

To accessorise your wardrobe, Mulberry's latest collection draws inspiration from Sofia Coppola's Virgin Suicides and the photography of Tim Walkers to bring you a season of faded beauty, distortion and the naivety of adolescence.

It is a dreamy take on schoolgirl crushes and fairground iconography sharpened with teen angst. This season, Mulberry has six new key groups: Alexa (feminine and girlish), Drew (vintage equestrian), Hayden (featuring iconic brass hardware details), Melanie (for corporate styles), Tamara (classic iconic logo bags) and Beatrice (luxurious slouchy bags).

For him, the Mulberry boy will see plenty of new styles including the Felix east-west messenger, the Brynmore tote and the Balthazar hobo. The Felix east-west messenger has a full flap and full exterior back slide pocket with quintessential Mulberry styling.

Meanwhile, the Brynmore tote is a great addition to the Brynmore family, featured in natural vegetable tanned leather and in reverse croc print. The Balthazar hobo comes in luxurious heavy grain calfskin in black and oak, with brass and nickel hardware.

That Actually Work
By: Fred
Eye make up tips are provided on these pages to educate and entice you. There are countless tips that can be considered, but only the best are worth your time. Many of us realize that the eyes are the most essential part of the make up of the face. Take note of these eye make-up tricks for a quick glamour fix that you’ll just adore!
· Arch your brows to begin. The key to a clean look for your eyes begins with a beautiful shapely brow! Avoid the “werewolf syndrome” by trimming and shaping your brows. I highly recommend having a professional stylist do the job. It’s always easier for an expert to tweeze or arch your brows than attempting the do-it-yourself tactic. Be sure to clearly explain your expectations. I always take in a picture to show how I want my brows to look.
Eyeliners. Eyeliners add further definition to the eye and put a more finished look to the effect desired with the application of the eye shadow. To apply the eyeliner, draw the line first on the lower lid, and then draw a line on the upper lid, starting from the inner corner and going towards the outer corner. The eyeliner should be applied closely to the lash line.
Mascara. In putting mascara on the eyelashes, a woman adds more life to her eyes and makes them seem brighter. The color of the mascara that you should choose, however, should complement the color of your skin.
· Choose your shadows wisely. Eye color makes a difference when choosing shadow colors. Brown eyes look good with most colors, however, try adding some variety to your face by spicing it up with some color. Blue and green eyes should avoid the blue and green shadows. This will give you a pale and dull appearance. If you have blue or green eyes, smoky colors tend to bring out your eyes the best. A make-up trio is good to buy because part of the work is already done for you, color coordination. When you use a color trio, go from lighter to darker starting at the lid part of your eye.
· Applying the Shadow. Most women just start applying shadow without the most important initial step, the base. Using foundation to base your eyes brings out the true color of the shadow and allows the shadow to stay on longer. After the base, apply the shadow with a long tipped brush. These are just better for application and blending. To top it off, add a little liner to the very top of your lids to make your eyes appear sexier, but be sure to smudge it. Helpful hint-after applying more than one color, blend them with a separate brush to create a more natural look.
· Mascara is a Must- Choosing your mascara is tricky. Most women don’t put much thought or money into the type of mascara that they use. Well, if I were to invest in one expensive type of make-up, it would be the mascara. Why? Well, for one, cheap mascara can actually lead to breakage of the lashes! It’s true… cheap mascara, which leads to clumping, weighs down the lashes, which eventually leads to tearing lids out to remove the mascara. You can choose thickening mascara, lengthening, or conditioning (if you don’t need longer or thicker lashes) depending on what you need. The make-up market has a plethora of mascara products to choose from. I suggest avoiding colorful mascaras, as they tend to add too much to your look.
· Pull your look together by color-coding. Basically, be sure to tie it all together by choosing the rest of your cosmetics to match your beautiful new eyes. If you are wearing smoky eyes, red lips look great! Shimmery shadows go great with nude or earth tone lips. Never mix shiny lips with shimmery, eyes unless you want to look like a character from High School Musical. With a more matte look, say, an Audrey Hepburn classic look, you can sport earth-tone lips or red lips. Just be sure that you aren’t over killing on one color.
Curl lashes An eyelash curler will make even long lashes look more gorgeous. For added effect, you can heat the curler under a blowdryer for a couple seconds. Test curler before applying to lashes because you could burn yourself.
Apply mascara Place the wand of your mascara brush at the bottom of lashes and wiggle back and forth. Follow with another few sweeps of the wand. Apply to bottom lashes as well.