The pioneering batch of designer labels from the Parco next NEXT incubator at Parco Marina Bay, who have been in the programme for over two years, are now heading to Japan — and the Japanese are in for a retail treat imported from Singapore!
The labels are currently housed at PARCO next NEXT on the second floor of Parco Marina Bay, Singapore.
From 27 March to 4 April, 10 homegrown labels will be showcased in a 300 sq ft pop-up store under the ongoing LOVE HUMAN campaign, which supports emerging talent. The PARCO next NEXT pop-up store will be housed on the ground floor of the iconic and stylish Shibuya PARCO retail complex in the heart of Tokyo, Japan — also known as the go-to destination for Tokyo’s trendy fashion scene.
The PARCO next NEXT pop-up store will be housed at Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo, Japan.
These labels will present collections featuring 10–20 looks each, all inspired by the stars on the Singapore flag. The collections will be curated by none other than Mr Yuji Yamamoto (founder of RE.BIRTH CO and son of famed Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto), who also helmed the Mark One’s Mark project, which incubates promising Japanese fashion designers — much like our very own Parco incubator programme.
Take a good look at these 10 labels, because they are going to make Singapore proud and soar to great heights in Japan. Gambatte!
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L’ILE AUX ASHBY by Rayson Tan
Aimed at the discerning urbanite, L’ILE AUX ASHBY’s designs are inspired by dynamic, fluid shapes that flow through time. Focusing heavily on quality, detail, and exclusivity, the label strives to merge art with daily life by crossing emotional boundaries through design, establishing the brand’s identity with its unique printed details and delicate fabric choices.
L’ILE AUX ASHBY will be showcasing 162 pieces from the Cosmopolitan Beau collection.
Prices are priced between SGD$59 and SGD$230
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PAULINE.NING by Pauline Lim
PAULINE.NING is a womenswear label that produces urban ready-to-wear clothing with a touch of edginess, bringing together contemporary fashion and traditional handcrafted work.
Naturally drawn to organic shapes and elements, PAULINE.NING embraces contradiction, with designs that often reflect opposites — raw and refined, structured and soft. Each piece combines different fabrics with minimal handcrafted detailing, making every design an elaborate statement on its own.
PAULINE.NING will be showcasing 15 looks from the 2012 Cruise Collection.
Prices are priced between SGD$249 and SGD$289.
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COUPE-COUSU by Xie Shangqian and Alex Yeo
COUPE-COUSU is a celebration of youth — not as an age or number, but as the embodiment of all things youthful. The label brings to life the designers’ use of pop art, mash-ups, clashing colours, and seemingly incongruous elements that represent unbridled curiosity, boundless optimism, relentless energy, and the pursuit of freedom and self-expression.
With such a strong character defining the label’s identity, COUPE-COUSU designs clothes for real men who care about style. By engineering details and experimenting with garment construction, the label creates versatile pieces that are easily worn by the everyday man — someone who wants an interesting wardrobe that gets him noticed, but never in a vulgar way.
COUPE-COUSU will be showcasing 25 looks from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Prices are priced between SGD$89 and SGD$259
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MAE PANG by Pang Ai Mei
Reimagining design, fashion, and art, MAE PANG is an independent concept label situated at the intersection of aesthetics and innovation.
Inspired by icons such as London’s Dover Street Market and Colette in Paris, Pang enjoys collaborating with local and international designers across disciplines, creating a platform for experimental design enthusiasts, cult fashion followers, and intuitive modernists.
MAE PANG will be showcasing 13 looks from past and present collections.
Prices are priced from SGD$199
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SOPHIELLE by Kanwal Jit Kaur
SOPHIELLE aims to produce innovative and stylish designs that fuse handcrafted elements with organic drapes and folds. The label places strong emphasis on elegant and sophisticated creations with an edgy touch. Nature and its colours play an important role in the design process.
With only a limited number of each design produced, SOPHIELLE is clearly for women who want to define their identity with a truly unique style.
SOPHIELLE will be showcasing 10 looks from past and present collections.
Prices are priced between SGD$100 and SGD$360.
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UN-COVERED by Joanne Loh
un-covered (UNCVRD) is a brand that exemplifies modern streetwear with bold lines and charming confidence. Unpretentious and original, UNCVRD stays true to its concept of uncovering new styles and ideas, transforming them into assertive looks with versatility and a dash of fun.
un-covered will be showcasing 10 looks from its 2011 Cruise Collection.
Prices are priced between SGD$105 and SGD$230.
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READY.MADE by Sabrina Gunawan
READY.MADE is a womenswear label inspired by art and aesthetics in everyday life. The label incorporates montages and sketches into its designs, bringing together old-school elements and modern influences with a vintage twist.
The label appeals to fun and quirky individuals who believe that everyday wear can effortlessly reflect one’s personal fashion style.
READY.MADE will be showcasing 10 looks from previous collections.
Prices are priced between SGD$115 and SGD$245.
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CHALK by Priscilla Tan
Featuring pieces that are manifestations of designer Priscilla Tan’s original ideas and inspirations, CHALK is a womenswear label that draws on the importance of self-expression. The label invites wearers to make each piece their own through easy-to-wear creations designed for comfort and individuality.
Each piece boasts modern, sophisticated lines with close attention to fit and detail, enhancing and flattering without overpowering. Unique prints — a nod to Tan’s background as a visual artist — complete the distinctly classic, versatile, and playful aesthetic.
CHALK will be showcasing 13 looks from past and present collections.
Pieces are priced between SGD$109 and SGD$229.
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YUMUMU by Lu Yilin
YUMUMU offers refreshing interpretations of modernity manifested through exquisite craftsmanship.
Working with high-quality materials, YUMUMU takes pride in creating flattering pieces, always designing with the YUMUMU muse in mind — a feminine figure with youthful confidence and understated yet distinctive style.
The designer, recognised for her creativity, was selected by Mr Yamamoto to have her designs sold permanently at his Mark One’s Mark store in Tokyo. She was also recently selected for a six-month internship with London-based Scottish designer Christopher Kane.
‘Being part of the pioneer batch of Parco Next Next designers has given me a lot of exposure and opportunities to showcase my designs. Everything that I have learnt, both creatively and business-wise, has given my label a strong foundation.’ – Lu Yilin
YUMUMU will be showing 12 looks from previous collections.
Pieces are priced between SGD$249 and SGD$349.
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OwnMuse by Oon Shu Juang and Joanna Lau
Inspired by vintage fashion and the 1950s, OwnMuse pieces feature soft palettes of pale peach and luscious cream, contrasted with textured blacks and heather greys for added boldness. OwnMuse favours silhouettes that are flirty and feminine, with touches of elegance and edge.
Expect clean, modern lines and details such as pleating, ruching, and delicate beading. With high-waist skirts, soft chiffon blouses, detailed cropped tops, and textured jackets, OwnMuse transports wearers to the charm of the 1950s while bringing vintage aesthetics into the modern world.
OwnMuse will be showing 10 looks from the current collection.
Prices are priced between SGD$109 and SGD$299.
“The pop-up store could be just a first step for a greater presence for Parco next NEXT designers outside of Singapore.”
– Mr Shuichi Hidaka, Managing Director of PARCO (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
” Parco Japan wants to support and nourish the next generation of creators in various arenas, including fashion, culture and art. This is the spirit behind LOVE HUMAN, and the reason why we are happy to tie up with PARCO next NEXT and offer these designers the chance to show their collections at a prime location like Shibuya PARCO.”
– Mr Shigeyoshi Sato, Executive Officer of Overseas Business, PARCO Japan
Shoppers in Tokyo, take note!
In conjunction with the event, one lucky shopper at the PARCO next NEXT pop-up store in Shibuya PARCO will stand a chance to win the ultimate fashion experience — an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore in May to attend the Asia Fashion Exchange.
This includes a pair of round-trip Singapore Airlines tickets to Singapore, three nights’ accommodation at Marina Bay Sands, and tickets to selected shows at the Audi Fashion Festival, including the PARCO next NEXT showcase. The winner will also receive SGD$500 in PARCO Marina Bay shopping vouchers to stock up on even more homegrown fashion finds.
Mark your calendars, and embrace the unique Singapore fashion in Tokyo!
Image sources: from respective brands, Spring Singapore and TokyoFashion.c
Thanks for the great coverage on Parco Next Next and SOPHIELLE
(http://www.facebook.com/SOPHIELLEbyKanwalSidhu)
You’re welcome! We’ve always been an avid supporter of local labels!