fashion

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.