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...

Neville's V&A moment…

'It's so quiet here', observed our Parisian fashion friend upon visiting Neville's team backstage at Jenny Packham's V&A show recently. Accustomed to the usual hustle and bustle of high-end fashion events, it seemed that our team of hairstylists, fronted by cool-personified Stephen Low, exuded nothing but the calm before the motion. 

'Fashion in Motion' to be precise, which is the much-coveted program that picks the greatest designers of our time every season and showcases their creations in the historic surroundings of the V&A's Raphael Gallery.

Some of the fashion designers know exactly what we want and one of them is Jenny Packham whose designs have been seen in style-driven films and television productions (Sex and The City, Devil Wears Prada) or worn by celebrities (Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift) and even Royalty (The Duchess of Cambridge) Her dresses keep receiving universal acclaim and she seems to have brought delicate femininity back into the limelight. 

Unapologetically glamorous Jenny Packham dresses have also found their way into my wardrobe for some special (red carpet) occasions…

There are also a few hard-and-fast rules in fashion. One that must be followed is that grooming, make-up and 

styling should be a top-to-toe consideration with hair taking a starring role. In fashion, hair is of a paramount importance, a fact that was also acknowledged by V&A Jenny Packham's production team. 

The hairstyles that were chosen and coiffured by Neville's team blended seamlessly with every dress that came down the catwalk. The complete 'look' seemed almost fragile and fairy-like with some free-flowing hair simply tided up on the back of the neck. It was the closest I've seen hair looking like a piece of art. The moment when 'fashion in motion' becomes really moving even to a pragmatic, business woman like myself!

Diamonds and facials are girl's best friends !!

'Talk to me Harry Winston, tell me all about it'... There are the times when you are perfectly able to experience some grand moments and even hum those famous lyrics in that inimitable Marilyn Monroe way.. And if there is a name that simply revolutionised the modern red carpet glamour it's certainly the iconic American jeweller, Harry Winston. It's always such a treat to watch the leading ladies of Hollywood adorned by those priceless gems but it's an even greater honour to experience the master jeweller's pieces for yourself – and such was the occasion that was organised by my Harry Winston friends at Harrods.

This event was cleverly split into several (highly photogenic) moments including the viewing of the latest incarnation of the Sunflower Collection at Harry Winston's Fine Jewellery Room in Harrods; a quick drive on the colourful Harrods bus and the more than stylish luncheon at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. All of those qualities that the Harry Winston name is synonymous with in the public consciousness – timelessness, tradition and elegance –  were very much in evidence during this luncheon at the Rosebery Room where even the table arrangements were styled so beautifully to complement the overall theme.

It was all jewels and luxury for me at that luncheon until I spotted the pair of vintage HW earrings on the young lady sitting at the table right next to me. I am not sure whether it was the design or the background story that went back a few generations or just the young,flawless face of their owner that lead my thoughts from sparkle to skin. And the lady in question had admirably luxe skin that seemed not only fresh and taut but also well looked after, which only prompted me to book a treatment Neville's very own beauty specialist – pronto.

According to my more than sought-after therapist Fere (facialist favourite of Yasmin Le Bon and Olivia Palermo who simply adore her bespoke approach) my skin needed just a gentle microdermabrasion followed by the treatment that so many of Neville's clients simply swear by – the oxygen facial. The oxygen part of the treatment involved a thick-mineral and nutrient-rich serum being applied onto my face and the effect even after just 15 minutes was relaxed, dewy and radiant skin.

What I particularly enjoyed during this treatment was the relaxing massage of the eye-area followed by equally divine rub with Matis Gentle Eye Lotion.

In next week's blog I will tell you in more detail about the Style magazine shoot that we did at our salon in St Barth's but I have a feeling that this won't be my only topic. Stay well and stay tuned.

Love,

Elena x

Neville's Braid-Maids and The Vogue Festival in London

Yes, we were all there, including my special stylists who acted as Neville's Braid-Maids and weaved their magic on thousands of visitors and participants at the Vogue Festival (in association with Vertu) that took place at Queen Elizabeth Hall (South Bank) in London last weekend. With an exciting menu of this season's must-try plaits and braids (fishtail, French, beach, boho,wraparound) Neville's top hair-stylettes certainly took centre stage at this sell-out Vogue extravaganza and also posed very happily (showing their unique styles and characters which I simply adore) for the mock Vogue covers.

During the two days of festivities and most alluring panel speakers (from Mario Testino to Donatella Versace) it seemed that every lady of style was sporting braids as a 'must look' of the day, including the simply beautiful supermodel Erin O'Connor who gave us all a lesson in how to look relaxed and stylish even when posing for a snapshot with Stephen Low and myself.

I really enjoyed the sight of endless queues of girls waiting in front of our Braid Bar for their unmissable opportunity to get their hair braided by my top stylists, known for their work on fashion campaigns (Vogue US and Love magazine amongst the most recent)and London Fashion Week. I also treasured my Donatella Versace experience at the Vogue Festival. Her wit and her panache are to be admired, along with her ability to always stay at the top of her game and surround herself with the most talented professionals in the industry. I know that much has been said about her being a 'survivor' but let's not forget that she is also a remarkable business woman who knows how to choose and lead her team and how to strive for excellence in that inimitable Italian way.

Neville's will definitely be reserving their place at the next Vogue Festival and I can also predict braid-bars popping up at the top fashion events around the globe after our success – but talking about 'the Italian way', let me also tell you that I will be attending the launch of The Italian Luxury Club in Monte Carlo next week, so stay tuned and stay well..

Love,
Elena x