Our final day – styling every show at Singapore Fashion Week!

Elena and her team at Neville have made it to the final day of Singapore Fashion Week 2013, presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks.

The first show of the evening was Moiselle, a label known for its stylish designs, high-quality European fabric and exquisite craftsmanship since its debut in 1997. Showcasing its Fall/Winter 2014 “Lost in Russia” collection, the covetable 44 ensembles were modern and classic with a hint of femininity through the floral references on almost every style. Key pieces include the elongated overcoats and swishy flare skirts – as well as the must-have gowns that are classy and stylish.

The second show was Germain, a Parisian womenswear brand, that did an about turn from feminine and girly looks with its “Monoplay” collection skewed towards the young and stylish girl-about-town. Contemporary styles with a slight edge, the 36-ensemble collection was mostly in black and white, either colour blockings or printed and punctuated with a dash of neon pink, cobalt blue, lime and chartreuse. Luxury materials including tweed, wool, leather and fur ensured the pieces stood the test of time. Definitely for the girl who wants to make a statement and appreciate the brand’s vision of “Translating the love of woman’s body and three dimensional form” to its designs.

Closing Day 10 was Ari Dein, a luxury sleepwear brand, whose designer Arielle Shapiro was part of the CFDA Incubator Programme based in New York. Making its Singapore debut with a 15-ensemble collection of luxury sleepwear, the show was held at the Crystal Ballroom that was transformed into an intimate lounge with plush sofas and poufs, where waiters served champagne and sweet bites. Ari Dein’s distinctive and nostalgic designs are made in lace, charmeuse, crepe de chine, and mixed with cotton and light chambray. The inspiration and prints for the Spring/Summer 2014 collection are once again by the Art Deco era, with Imperial Russian influences that enamoured the designer during her recent travels to St. Petersburg and Moscow. Key items are definitely the lightweight chambray pieces trimmed with lace, which you can definitely wear for anytime of the day.

In addition to creating an exclusive VIP pajama set for the W Hotel South Beach’s celebrity guests this summer, designer Arielle Shapiro has collaborated with none other than Carolina Herrera for the house’s first ever sleepwear collaboration, Ari Dein for Carolina Herrera.

For encore, American-Vietnamese TV host and stylist, Jeannie Mai, came on to present a short fashion and beauty segment where she invited guests, including Neville's Elena Lavagni and Jack Merrick-Thirlway to share some tricks of their trade with the audience.

For this evening’s shows, the team from Neville Hair and Beauty, London, led by Elena Lavagni created the hair styles, while Romero Jennings and his team from M.A.C. Cosmetics created the makeup looks.

Catch more amazing images that tell the unique story of the Neville team styling each and every show at Singapore Fashion Week – join us on Twittter and Instagram @nevillesalon

More from Neville at Singapore Fashion Week…

Never pass up a good thing, and that is what fashionistas worth their style kicks did at Fashion Week 2013!

Day 8 of Fashion Week 2013 revealed Michael Cinco, a Philippines couturier based in Dubai for the last 15 years, on the top of his game with a near-perfect collection inspired by the Spanish dress. Cinco’s interpretations of the sexy flamenco gown were manifested in sheer silk tulles, French laces and heavily beaded, crystallised and embroidered in three key colours – skin nude, lipstick red and gothic black. The collection was so fresh, some of his pieces only arrived that morning! His models were sexy as they slinked down the runway. One key black and maroon gown with a cascading multi-tiered train used as much as 200-metres of tulle embroidered at the hems, and took five helpers to carry it from the changing room to the back of the stage. Upon up-close inspection, Cinco’s workmanship and finishing is second to none. No loose threads, no unfinished seams, just gorgeous and heavenly! Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Sofia Vergara, Brandy, Britney Spears, Fergie, J Lo, Ciara, and Chris Brown too, are fans and have been photographed wearing his creations.

Next to take centrestage was the Thai duo Vatit Virashpanth and Itthi Metanee, better known as Vatit Itthi. They started the line in 2002 in Chicago, before relocating back to Bangkok to carry on their line of red-carpet gowns. For this show in Singapore, fresh from Bangkok’s Elle Fashion Week, it was about an “old school, new world” attitude. Adapting ‘old’ silhouettes from around and after WW2, the duo used draping, sheer overlays and embellishments of handmade delicate silk flowers and strategic beadwork to highlight the 29 ensembles of simple and classic lines. When they head home after Fashion Week 2013, they have been booked till early next year for their gowns and dresses – and we now know why.

Closing Day 8 with a resounding bang was the respected Chinese couturier Guo Pei. Known for her fantastical proportions and even more extravagant embroidery and beadwork that knows no boundaries, the collection showcased was named “The Arabian 1002 Nights”. She showed 18 stunning ensembles, all accompanied with embellished platforms, with a few male models. Fantasy reigned supreme as she sent one model after another with so much to take in – embroidery, beadwork, crystals, prints, textures all juxtaposed and yet not jarring. This show, like all of her shows, is not about wearability, but a showcase of what Guo can achieve in terms of fabrications, embellishments and ideas. As guests left the Fashion Hall close to midnight, they were talking and buzzing about collection – all feeling amazed, delighted and appreciative.

As always our incredibly creative Neville team worked tirelessly to deliver three sets of vastly different hair styles for the three shows.

"The talents we have had the pleasure to work with here in Singapore have shown such tremendous finesse in terms of their craftsmanship and finish that we're thrilled to be a part of. We hope to be invited back to the next instalment of Fashion Week," said Elena.

More soon from our time at Fashion Week!

Neville at Singapore Fashion Week – the adventure continues…

Day 7 of Fashion Week 2013was amazing, breath-taking and left everyone wanting more! Continuing the high from the shows presented over the last six days, nearly 1,800 people turned up to watch the three spectacular shows by Lie Sang Bong (Korea), Sebastian Gunawan (Indonesia) and Yumi Katsura (Japan) at The Sands Expo & Convention Centre Hall F.

Lie Sang Bong, arguably one of South Korean’s most prolific designers, sent down his Spring/Summer 2014 collection of very covetable pieces. The proportions, cut, fit and finishing were impeccable. Although in mostly black and white graphics, punctuating with the occasional pop of colour, the collection still felt fresh and feminine. Key details include laser floral cut-outs and the illusion of prints was actually of cut-and-sew strips of fabrics. One of the highlights that set pulse racing were a pair of twin gowns - one in black and the other in white - with shaped stripes that form graphic floral bodices. Simply beautiful!

Indonesian couturier, Sebastian Gunawan, most known for his elaborate beadwork and embroidery presented his “Mod Muse” Spring/Summer 2014 of scintillating cocktail frocks and gowns, complete with matching embroidered and beaded heels. One after another, the gowns got more elaborately beaded and embroidered than the one before, to the delight and squeals of many women in the audience. Key metallic golds and silvers were accented with various cool blues and the pop of turquoise stones for a fluid symphony of delicious must-haves in any glamourous woman’s wardrobe. Absolutely stunning!

Slowly kicking up the crescendo of excitement, the Japanese doyenne of wedding gowns, Yumi Katsura, sent out 35 exits to a rapturous standing ovation at the end. The show started off on a light turn as she sent out several wearable, summery gowns and cocktail dresses that were modern and on-trend with a single crane motif. But what the audience expected of Yumi, she gave to them! They wanted fantasy ballgowns and fairytale princess wedding gowns, gowns and frocks that defy reality and reasoning. And they were rewarded in the start of the second quarter of the show – elaborate maxi-gowns with ruffles, layers and heaps of bling, glided down the runway in quick succession, each more complicated, each with more details than the eye can absorb, each with a dramatic headpiece more stunning than the earlier one. At one point, the audience cheered and clapped with amazement and approval at Yumi’s frocks that transformed from a sexy frock into a stunning gown! And before the audience can catch their breath, she sent out several traditional Japanese kimono styles and then immediately switched gear with a bevy of white floaty and diaphanous wedding gowns that were nothing short of spectacular. Her finale gown is a work of art with a cape that lit up with the Singapore mascot, “Merlion” and the Marina Bay Sands hotel building image projected onto it, while models came out to the Singapore national anthem, “Majulah Singapura”, waving miniature Singapore flags! Yumi Katsura then emerged and walked down the runway with one miniature Singapore flag on each hand, waving to the audience as they gave her a standing ovation. When she re-appeared, she walked down the entire length of the runway and shook hands with everyone on the front row! Totally inspiring!

Our Neville team worked the magic on the clean hair style for Lie’s show – our amazingly talented team, above, have done Neville proud. Look out for more backstage news coming soon…!

From MCM's Flower Boys to Stephane Rolland, the Master of Couture

MCM… It's only the 6th Day of this mega Singapore Fashion Week 2013 and my Neville team has done it all – Sporty-cool looks for superbrand MCM (renowned for their luxury travel accessories and their London shop that I frequent as it is in short proximity to my salon in London's Belgravia) to super-sleek partings for the Korean menswear brand Songzio, below.

Or as Daniel Boey our new Singapore friend and the most renowned fashion figure in South East Asia remarked, 'I have never seen the parting so perfect and when it comes to catwalk looks, I've seen it all.'

Then it was time for the Master of Couture, Stephane Rolland, that was preceded by the frantic search for L'Oreal's Tecni Mousse (finally kindly offered to us by the owner of the Salon 360 at MBS but NOT our official hair product partner) and the 'slight' change in plans. Instead of 15 models we were generously given 25, which was only a minor challenge for us. 'Why there are no salons like yours in Paris?' observed the Master himself. What can I tell you – the final looks were just perfect, both backstage and on the catwalk. It's what happens when the bespoke in hairdressing meets the Master of Couture...
Here are the Stephane Rolland backstage looks ...and the magnificent catwalk... 

Love, Elena xxx 

More from Fashion Week Singapore…

It’s All About Couture…

Following up from a Japanese fashion high, an historical moment for Asian Couture was established with the Inaugural Ceremony of the Asian Couture Federation (ACF), comprising 10 inducted designers from all over Asia – Guo Pei (China), Junko Koshino, Keita Maruyama, Yoshiki Hishinuma and Yumi Katsura (Japan), Michael Cinco (Philippines), Frederick Lee (Singapore), Lie Sang Bong and Songzio (South Korea), and Vatit Itthi (Thailand). A champagne toast was raised to mark this milestone occasion before everyone was ushered into the Fashion Hall to view a fashion installation featuring the works of these ACF designers.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts and literature, the Chairman and Founder of FIDé Fashion weeks and Founder/President of Asian Couture Federation, Dr Frank Cintamani, was given the Chevalier de L’ordre des Art et des Lettres by Mr Benjamin Dubertet, Ambassador of France to Singapore. This award is one of the three grades awarded to up to 200 people a year, which includes famous personalities from across the world of the arts - including fashion design, film and music, literature, art.

Then it was time for the highly-anticipated Haute Couture showcase by Stephane Rolland. As the lights dimmed with only a spotlight on the circular platform in the middle of the room, celebrated flamenco dancer, Rafael Amargo, emerged and kick-started the show with his dramatic and energetic footwork. As the rhythm picked up, gazelle-like models floated past, one by one, in Stephane Rolland’s Fall/Winter 2013/14 Haute Couture collection.

Keeping in rhythm with Amargo’s energetic foot-taps, the models were sleek, elegant and fluid, the gowns were mostly black and midnight with a pop of pristine white and cobalt blue. Rolland exhibited a sure hand with origami-like details and his use of sheer and opaque materials teased without showing too much skin, exuding a sensual allure.

Creating the make-up look for this evening was Mr Romero Jennings, M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Director of Make Up Artistry in North America. And again, all hair styling for the evening was headed up by Elena (pictured above with Stephane Rolland) and created by our seven-strong Neville team.

Head back for more news from Singapore Fashion Week as our time here reaches its fantastic conclusion!

Day Two – A day filled with an appreciative audience and screaming fans!

Here's more news from our amazing time styling the entire Fashion Week!

Day two was jam-packed with four menswear shows, a special runway presence and a G-Dragon mini showcase; but more of that later!

Presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks, the day started off with the show at 3.30pm from Burkman Bros, a 2010 nominee for the GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in America award. This brand was one of two showing in Fashion Week 2013 from New York as part of the CFDA (FASHION INCUBATOR) programme. More than 1,200 packed the Fashion Hall to witness its Singapore debut.

Originally from Canada, Doug and Ben Burkman take their inspiration from their travels to far-flung countries. For this Spring/Summer 2014 collection, they were inspired by their trip to Thailand, which was evident from their choice of prints and motifs and bright and pastel colours. To wit: repetitive tiny cute embroidered motifs, florals clashing with stripes and checks, all worn with rope sandals, reminiscing of the Thai farmers. The Burkman brothers were in town to take their curtain bow.

When the show ended, more than half of the audience made their way to the Crystal Ballroom, where the G-Dragon mini showcase was held. As soon as the guests were comfortably positioned around the elongated T-shaped stage, G-Dragon pounced on stage with an entourage of six dancers. The South Korean superstar shimmied and teased these die-hard fans in between songs, including 20 fans who were enjoying their coveted VIP Tickets (at S$1,000 each) which also included a meet-and-greet session with G-Dragon backstage. Some of these fans had been queuing patiently for more than seven hours before they saw their idol in action!

As soon as the showcase ended, Uomo Collezioni started their show in the Fashion Hall. Opening with a range of elegant blousons, the male models looked very sharp in their suits. Clean lines were supplemented with gorgeous luxe materials like cashmeres, wools, and silks. The show closed with three models wearing beautiful overcoats with collars trimmed in a variety of rich furs.

Surrender, the multi-label store took to the catwalk next. Showing six labels – Arts & Science, Christian Dada, En Noir, Maison Martin Margiela, Neighbourhood, Nanamica – and 29 exits, the ensembles were quietly stylish without being gimmicky. The male audience were treated to a master class of mixing and matching.

Ending the night on a high was the South Korean label, Songzio. He showed a controlled hand in the proportions of his pieces. Jackets with cropped sleeves, roomy culottes, djellabas, scarves, pedal pushers and elongated vests are all staples of a woman’s wardrobe. With a lesser designer, the styling could end up “ajumma” (aunt in Korean), but with Songzio’s pieces, they show real men do wear and can wear these styles with flair.

But today, everyone was buzzing about one runway presence who walked in the Burkman Bros, Surrender and Songzio shows – that of Alex Minsky, a former marine who lost his right leg in Afghanistan after his truck ran over a land mine. Sure, he may not be as tall and lean as other male models, but why would he be? A fitness and underwear model, he carried himself well with his muscular physique and numerous pieces of body art as he strutted down the 50m long runway like a seasoned pro, making his fashion runway debut here in Singapore at Fashion Weeks 2013!

We're delighted to say that everyone commented on how our Neville hair team did a superb job in all the shows, especially at Songzio, where we created a perfect, slicked back clean look – an astonishing result that everyone is still talking about!

Look out for more news from behind the scenes coming soon….

Neville Goes East – News from our shows at Fidé Fashion Week, Singapore

On Day Three of Fashion Week, MCM opened its flagship boutique at Marina Bay Sands and presented a spectacular “Flower Boys In Paradise” collection.

It was, to say the least, a gloriously colourful affair!

In the late afternoon, the skies were clear for megastar Rain at the MCM flagship boutique Grand Opening at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3, presented by The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and organised by FIDé Fashion Weeks.

As expected, fans started to stake out precious real estate at the hotel lobby, waiting to catch a glimpse of their idol, South Korean megastar, Rain, who was the celebrity guest at the Grand Opening of MCM Singapore. Making his appearance at 6.00pm, Rain breezed in and took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the first MCM boutique in Southeast Asia. Guests were clamouring to take a photo of the inimitable Rain, up close and personal.

After the opening, guests were psyched up for the MCM Fashion Show at The Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Fashion Hall was quickly filled with members of the media, invited guests and fashionistas, while the Gala guests took their seats inside the Crystal Ballroom. A total attendance of nearly 1,000 guests were welcomed as they anticipated the start of the MCM Show.

The MCM Collection, named “Flower Boys in Paradise”, was fresh and invigorating, quite unlike what MCM had done before. Florals and pastels dominated the runway, with bright punches of neon green, Bandung pink, electric yellow, metallic silver and gold. The duster coat and motorcycle jacket were given a fun interpretation while the bags were definitely the must-haves for the season – backpacks, carryalls, small clutches, large envelopes – with the gamut of shapes and colours, incorporating the floral motif. South Korean actors and models Sung Hoon and Shin Woo also took to the stage to the audience’s delight.

Seen at MCM Show & Gala was Ms Emily Hwang, MCM Singapore Owner, dressed in a gorgeous red Maurizio Galante Haute Couture ensemble accented with diamonds and emeralds. American-Vietnamese Ms Jeannie Mai, Host of “How Do I Look” fashion reality show, had her studded liquid yellow chiffon gown poured onto her, while 95FM DJ Yasminne Cheng set pulses racing in a über-sexy yellow Herve Leger gown. Mr Oli Pettigrew with his gorgeous wife, Ms Linda Black as well as Mr Ritz Lim and Mr Bobby Luo from Butter Factory, showed up in their matching zany outfits. Mr Steven Kolb, from the CFDA, flew in specially for the evening, while hosts of the evening, Utt and Taya Rogers were a picture of perfection.

The night’s highlight was the silent auction of five different MCM backpacks, with one autographed by Rain. The proceeds benefit the newly-founded, Y C Wong Foundation, to benefit the less fortunate with terminal/non-terminal illnesses and victims of road accidents.

Tonight also was the debut of the Neville Hair and Beauty Team, a London-based team led by the owner Elena Lavagni, who did the immaculate hair for the models for the MCM Show. A highly sought-after hairstylist, who has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Lily Cole and also a respected editorial and advertising stylist, Stephen has also collaborated with star photographers, including Rankin and Mario Testino. His portfolio includes shows at London Fashion Week, advertising campaigns for Vivienne Westwood and Topshop; as well as editorial spreads for fashion titles like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity, Glamour and the list goes on.

The models’ make up for the evening was conceived and created by M.A.C. Cosmetics.

Watch this space for more news from team Neville in Singapore!

Neville goes East

When you read this my team and I will be at least 7 hours ahead of you and most probably working on the looks for the international event of the season - Singapore's Fashion Week 13. Yes, we are in a simply breathtaking Singapore and partnering with Fide Fashion Weeks as their 'Official Hair Sponsor' throughout this 10 day event which will see over 30 menswear, womenswear and Couture shows in one place like never before.

   

My Neville team has been preparing for this eastern adventure for months but just before our trip we've managed to co-organise a Press Breakfast at our new salon at the Bvlgari hotel in London. Selected media guests were treated to the tour of the salon and also duly briefed about our unique partnering with creme-de la crème of Singapore fashion & business making Neville the first independent salon in history to support the international fashion event of this magnitude.

  

It takes a true vision on the part of one organisation to recognize not only our expertise as a salon but also the importance of hair-styles in the language of fashion presentation and imagery. And if Paris has couture, London has the truly masterful and iconic hairstylists that this time in Singapore are working together on those bespoke looks. What can I tell you, we are in fashion heaven and it doesn't get better than this...