Insider Roundup: Watch London Fashion Week Live & More

Hello, Monday!

By Em Mampusti on 2 Sep, 2019
Features Writer

Ah, yes, another week is here yet again to usher in September. But before you give your full-force on the rest of your weekday hustle, take a break for a moment and keep yourself abreast with all the headlines that hit the world of fashion and beauty. From London Fashion Week becoming open to the public, to the latest beauty launches in the city — everything in here will keep you excited until the next weekend. Read on as we spill all the hottest bites.

Watch London Fashion Week Live

Admit it, in at least one point of your life, you’ve wanted access to the hottest and most exclusive events like the London Fashion Week. But believe it or not, your dream can actually come true. That’s right — this major fashion event to be held in London this 12 to 17 September is now open to all. You don’t have to be a celebrity or a fashion editor watch London Fashion Week live. Witness fabulous designs by the world’s most-talked about designers first-hand. Grab the show tickets starting at GBP135 (~SGD227.35) and catch next season’s upcoming trends.

Hailey Baldwin recreates Princess Diana’s looks

To mark the 22nd anniversary of everyone’s beloved princess, Hailey Baldwin posed for Vogue Paris, recreating some iconic looks of Princess Diana. With two shots shared by Mrs. Bieber on her Instagram, we’re reminded of some of classic trends Diana made famous during her time. Aren’t you totally in-love with these uber casual looks channelled by the iconic Royal?

Whal Myung’s skincare products are finally here in SG

Whal Myung Skin Elixir

Speaking of royals, feel like one yourself with Korea’s beloved skincare label, Whal Myung. Originated from the oldest pharmaceutical company in Korea, Dhong Wha Pharm, Whal Myung Skincare is derived from Whal Myung Su or life-saving water, an herbal medicine used back in the 19th century that contains 11 different herbs. The brand’s range of products now available in the Lion City include the cult-favourite Whal Myung Skin Elixir, which acts as a toner, serum, and oil that hydrates and soothes skin. Unlock the 122-year-old Korean royal secret to radiant skin and get them exclusively from selected Guardian stores.

Travel back in time with Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience

Aside from the Singapore leg of theatre show "Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience", you can watch London Fashion Week live.

Drafting your next weekend plans already? For those in-search of a uniquely-fun activity to try out with the fam, catching Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience as it shows at Singapore Indoor Stadium is a must-do. With productions like Netflix’s The Crown and Les Miserables under his belt, Ian Waller directs this theatrical production featuring 18 life-sized dinosaurs from nine different dinosaur species. Not only kids, but also those who are children-at-hearts will enjoy this spectacular show. Interested? Get the tickets for its final weekend this 6 to 8 September here.

(Cover photo from: @londonfashionweek)

Missed last week’s news? Catch them all here.

Forever 21 Closing Soon? Here's Where To Shop Next

The fashion chain is said to be filing for bankruptcy

By Amanda Arambulo on 2 Sep, 2019
Features Writer

Last week, fashion enthusiasts all over the world were shocked by the news that Forever 21 may be filing for bankruptcy soon. Established in 1984, the brand has been one of the biggest names in fast-fashion for most of its run, with 600 stores in the U.S. alone. On the flip side, it also had its share of controversies regarding copyright lawsuits from individual artists over the years, some causing blows to the brand's profitability and reputation. Still, these infringements weren't the cause of the fashion retailer's potential closing; with the emergence of other international competitors, as well as indie brands thriving in the fashion scene, Forever 21 has been in the wake of underperforming and unprofitable stores, submerging the fashion chain into debt.

So you might be thinking, "what now?" While Forever 21 still hasn't commented on the matter, making the entire ordeal not finalised, it's safe to say that finding for new shopping destinations may be a great option to ensure your wardrobe is always freshly stocked. Whether you're a 'must-feel, must-fit' type of shopper or an online add-to-cart type of gal, we've got just the shopping alternatives for you.

Fast-fashion outlets

Starting with our no-brainer option, of course we can't discount Forever 21's direct competitors. Japanese brand Uniqlo has been a massive favourite for quite some time now, earning its rightful place as the go-to for chic basics and other minimalist fashion pieces.

When it comes to variety, from officewear to date night to casual ensembles, H&M is also another viable option. Plus, if we backtrack a bit from when sustainable wasn't considered 'cool' yet, H&M was already very transparent with their stride to push for sustainability despite the technological strains at the time. The Swedish fashion retailer was also among the most vocal regarding going green, where others like Forever 21 simply followed suit.

Many also swear by H&M more than Forever 21 in terms of durability and value-for-money, despite being within similar price-points.

Interesting indie or homegrown fashion brands

Gone are the days when independent or homegrown fashion brands are considered to be at a lower-tier than established names in the industry. Now, local fashion is all the rage, not just due to showing support for indie designers and artists, but also because of their tried-and-tested qualities and visual-appeal value. So with the possibility of Forever 21 saying goodbye for good, why not check out these brands from Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines that are not only proudly and stylishly created in the respective countries but are also worth the pride for hailing sustainability.

Online alternatives for avid add-to-carters

Lastly, while it's still not clear whether Forever 21 would retain or re-brand their online platform once they close down their physical stores, girls who love to browse their way into shopping should also be presented with other options.

ASOS, for one, is unbeatable in this realm given its global accessibility, being one of the closest in aesthetic offerings to Forever 21. In Southeast Asia, ZALORA is particularly strong, with its wide range of brands, as well as tried-and-tested business-to-consumer system. And who could forget Pomelo as another great online destination for shopping, priding itself as 'fashion born in Asia' in all its flair, accessibility, and affordability. Stylenanda also boomed in popularity due to the rise of K-fashion, making it another suitable choice as an alternative to Forever 21's myriad of collections.

But aside from these already well-established names, there are more online alternatives out there that you can turn to (besides shady sites like Wish and Missguided, mind you). Mixxmix offers cool and edgy pieces that are majorly inspired by K-pop fashion; Shanghai-based Front Row Shop delivers cool-girl aesthetic to the next level with their crisp and sleek pieces; and Zilingo, which just recently launched in the Philippines, is also a great new shopping destination whether you're in for casual pieces or select designer goods.

This story got you in a shopping mood? Call dibs on Taylor Swift x Stella McCartney's latest collaboration!

FAVE 5: Bling Squad

Shine bright like a diamond

By Edlyn J. Lim on 2 Sep, 2019
Content & Community Executive

Whether you're someone who likes accessory or not, it's undeniable that the addition of a dainty, sparkling piece has the potential to brighten up your ensemble. Be it an adorable necklace, earrings or wristband, it gives a nice finishing touch to your OOTD. Let these Clozetters show some ways you can adorn yourself with the help of a little "bling".