Handcrafted by specialist craftsmen in Fukui, Japan, FRENCY & MERCURY eyewear marry design, form and function in frames that are especially designed to fit the Asian nose bridge. Each frame is made up of a twenty individual pieces and entirely hand assembled. The line uses materials such as pure titanium, beta-titanium, acetate as well as 18K gold and silver rivets for the frames, while the lens are AR-coated which minimizes eye fatigue during prolonged use.

Gina CH

Carnival MS

V.I.P Warrant

Launched in the spring of 2005, FRENCY & MERCURY was founded by Eque. M. His designs exhibit his passion for Japanese savoir-faire and new technology. He was born in Kyoto and spent several years in L.A, giving roots to a line that is wholly inspired by American subculture, while at the same time holding a distinct Japanese appreciation for the progressive and innovative. FRENCY & MERCURY’s cult status is underscored in progressive designs that are bold and edgy making it a sartorial favorite of the fashion, music and art crowd.

Now available at Front Row.

In the mean time, A.P.C. Spring/Summer 10 has reached Front Row rails. Started by designer Jean Touitou over two decades ago, the anti-brand has a staunch understanding of the everyday, the simple and the perfectly nondescript. To detractors who view the line as one of underdeveloped products, you haven’t tried on an A.P.C. - the fit is as crucial as the in-house designed shirting fabric woven by a small weaving plant in France.  A classic, trim and narrow European fit trumps over trends and fast fashion any day. In an interview with British broadsheet, The Independent, Touitou compares what he does to a tailor’s appraoach; “They will do the same thing all the time, but change it slightly. Things evolve.” Here’s to the guy that culls inspiration from airports, literature, real old people looks, and real young people looks - we love it.

New Cosmic Wonder Light Source is in store! The S/S10 collection tops our ‘oooh, fave’ list - a light and cheery palette of pieces that feature vintage
plant motifs, embroidered emblems, printed patchwork, washed-out cotton/chambray, collegiate influences and of course, CWLS elements in capes, sequins, hexagrams and perfect circles. The accessories are especially brilliant - naturally formed crystal pendants, Cosmic star necklaces and the cutest schoolboy bow ties. The collection this season cites inspiration from the ‘44 -’73 summer sessions at Magicial Village University. Circular and triangular forms the primary channels for bringing light and harmony into collegiate dress. The light cast upon scenes of everyday life reflects back into their joys, pleasures and the brightness of life. Yes, the inspiration is cryptic but it makes a nice puzzle.

Apple Tree accessories, we heart very much. The Thai label crafts out some fantastic and whimsical designs in silver and sometimes resin. Its designs are characterized by simple and witty styles that are youthful with a tinge of childhood nostalgia. There are humourous overtones in tea party designs or the rabbit with a scissors stuck out of its head – slightly macabre but also fun because the rabbit is too cute! There’s always something ticklish in misfortunate bunnies.

Now available at Front Row | 5 ann siang road

The Hunter and the Rabbit

Mad Tea Party knuckle ring

Artichoke Ring

Resin Barnacle Cuff

A.P.C rarely veers off from their clean aesthetics, so their A/W09 ad campaign was a bit of a surprise. Shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, culturesinbetween.net describes the campaign images as a “… dark beauty, mixing woven thick colours with graphic and pattern prints that perpetuates a bright warmth within a hellish season of weather and changing skies.” Well, yes. If it’s the same sort of photographic design aesthetics employed on Bjork CD covers, hell, it’s interesting and pretty enough – we don’t mind that at all. .

The French anti-brand do what they do best for A/W 09. These are mix and match exercises of basic staples that implore you to infuse a fair bit of individual styling (come on, there’s no effort in sensational pieces!)

This season, the interest is in the texture and fabrics. The lads can dabble with cobalt blue jumpers with tiny red, pinkish flacks, or quirky palette combinations in ultra-soft plaid shirts. Say what you want about corduroy, but the mustard and cherry coloured corduroy cords are just dandy. The core theme of tartan plaid continues in the women’s range. Highlights are the plaid ruffled front shirt, cream t-shirts with a minimal/vintage flock print, and the straight cut sleeveless dress with cuffed shoulders. The crepe jersey material adds a nice weight to the flattering cut.

A.P.C A/W10 is now available at Front Row | 5 ann siang road

Remember L.A Gear? Those sneakers which had soles that lighted up as you walked? My sister and I had a pair each when we were kids. They were the essence of cool. I would jump around a lot just to show off the lights, much to the amusement of my relatives. Unfortunately the trend died, as did the battery, so the sneakers were chucked aside, and the excitement we felt when we gazed down at our walking feet accompanied by flashing lights, was forgotten. I kinda miss them.

But obviously Mr Jimmy Choo (or rather, Tamara Mellon), didn’t forget. Or perhaps someone in the Choo house got inspired by Chanel’s light-bulb heels, because look! Jimmy Choo’s with plexiglass heels that light up!

Very useful, I must say. Think of what fashionistas could do with these. (1) They could dance in beat to the music at some club, and provide extra visual lighting effects. You can then tell whether they have any rhythm too. (2) They could share gossip in Morse code with another fashionista seated elsewhere. (3) When crossing the street at night, the motorists and drivers couldn’t miss you. (4) They could provide some light in the case of a blackout by, er, repeated, constant stomping.

I wonder what’s next. Why don’t the great shoe designers create killer heels that boast the comfort of crocs instead? Practicality, practicality.

Source: Joe Zee’s Twitter

If you’re a street-style-fashion-blog-phile, you might have noticed this one particular pair of shoes that’s been seen everywhere.

Susie/Style Bubble

Hanneli

Karla/Karla's Closet

Rumi/Fashion Toast

Rumi/Fashion Toast

From Facehunter

It’s the Acne Atacoma ankle wedge, and the blogosphere’s heavyweights have obviously given their stompin’ stamp of approval. I’m liking it a lot myself: the design is simple and effective, and the subtle skeletal outline at the heel is just brilliant. The best thing about this shoe? It goes with ANYTHING, as illustrated above.

It probably won’t be easy to get your hands on this beaut. Oak has it, but already the version with the mirrored bottom is sold out. Guess everyone has been busy clicking around for these. If I had a pair, I’d give them a shelf of their own. So awesome.

Pictures: Style Bubble, Facehunter, Karla’s Closet, Fashion Toast