tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65320448467432123442024-03-04T19:59:44.059-08:00Fashion the MassesOfficial Awak Terok!! RantsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-41085242321262781172009-04-08T10:46:00.000-07:002009-04-08T10:52:04.708-07:00Arrest me (not) Thai polizei!Ahem, well I have first noticed the strait look Thai policemen carry when I was on vacation in Phuket back then in 2007, which I think was a mixture of mod and cool. There is something unique about their uniform but I did not take much heed of it at that moment. Then I watched a riot scene in Bangkok over the news on national TV station and you know, the thought randomly reappeared; and I thought - Hey Mr. Police, you owe me an explanation! XD. Before we start our analysis, I would like to share some pictures of their uniform just in case you have not seen or notice them earlier. Just behold!<br /><br />Exhibit 1:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2567360388_b67c2552dd.jpg" alt="Thai policemen" title="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27314028@N08/2567360388">Photo taken from ronvalboy flickr photostream</a><br /><br /><br />Exhibit 2 (Loving the lining over the shoulders - refer to the man in the middle. The uniform would look much nicer if donned with well-made boots though.):<br /><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/89/250037496_2b1f600dc5.jpg" alt="With boots" title="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pand0ra23/250037496/">Photo taken from pand0ra23's flickr photostream</a><br /><br /><br /><br />and finally, Exhibit 3 (Such style! Makes me want to play In Flagranti's Coquine on my playlist LOL!! :><br /><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/11312620_557ba7d466.jpg" alt="" title="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dunk/11312620/">Photo taken from Dunk the Funk's flickr photostream</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright, I think you can pretty much guess the pattern - it's body-hugging and well-fitted which portrays the neatness and efficiency in styling oneself. I don't know if the look is appealing to our male counterparts, but I personally think it enhances a guy's good physique in a way.. and again, it's neat. In my personal opinion, an efficient dresser (Okay, of which arises a question here.. Is there such thing as being efficient in deciding what to wear?? Well, in my case THERE IS!) keeps his/her appearance look sleek, uncluttered, with minimal layer of clothing to wear. As a strict believer of "function over form" philosophy, I would say their uniform is yet the best example. Minimalistic with a touch of style - and the right combination of contrasts and acessories (read: belt, helmet and boots).<br /><br />Another thing that I noticed with the uniform is that it exudes an authoritative look by:<br /><br />1 - Showing off the lean silhouette of the wearer which conveys strength and bravery<br />2 - Dark earthy colours which exposes military looks<br />3 - Thick fabric that adds to resistance and strength<br />4 - Big heavy belt makes them look so together (I have a black leather belt which looks just as those!)<br /><br />For I think Thai's police uniform as a well-thought design (despite of the thick fabric worn in hot weather, but afterall they are expected to be tough and being in a mobile sauna would not interrupt much with their day-to-day duties), here is an explanation of why it appeared so in an article -> <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/534351/i_love_a_manwoman_in_a_uniform_thailands.html"> I Love a Man/Woman in a Uniform: Thailand's Obsession with the Uniform</a>.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-50644215192938932092008-12-18T20:03:00.000-08:002008-12-18T22:26:58.664-08:00The girl behind GucciIt's Friday afternoon and I'm not so in the mood for some intense thinking. Internet surfing aimlessly is not really my thing; so here I am, yet for another rant on how fashion is not as a shallow subject as most would think (especially for the guys, we don't break your wallet for nothing). I will write another post for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of fashion :). <br /><br />I am more interested in sharing with all of you out there, my all time favourite Gucci girl, predecessor of Tom Ford; who else if not Frida Giannini! Here's a quick background on who she is and how she came about as a revolutionary designer; <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01bkeAyb3kb7B/610x.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 246px;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01bkeAyb3kb7B/610x.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />"Born in Rome to creative, intellectual parents — her father is an architect, her mother teaches history of art — Giannini has fashion embedded in her DNA. Her grandmother owned a boutique and she spent many afternoons after school styling the mannequins. She was encouraged to express her creativity early on by painting flowers all over her bedroom walls, which were whitewashed regularly so that she could reinvent her designs." - <a href="http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article582594.ece">Times Online</a><br /><br />"Giannini landed a job at Fendi in 1997, designing ready-to-wear before switching to leather goods. In 2002 she jumped to Gucci, where she oversaw handbags. In 2004 she was appointed creative director of accessories, which make up more than 80% of the company's sales."<br /><br />"Giannini, who replaced Alessandra Facchinetti as creative director of women's wear at the $2 billion luxury house last spring, is known for her talent as an accessories designer. Now she will have to prove herself in apparel."<br />- <a href="http://spectrumwomen.blogspot.com/2005/09/frida-giannini.html">Spectrum Women</a><br /><br />Being relentlessly inventive is one thing, but staying true to own's principals is another. While Gucci's previous collections are more sexually motivated - refer to most of its print ads, you'll get what I mean - Giannini keeps sexiness in her designs very subtle to its minimum. She is more attentive towards reality and wearability of her designs which had won appeals more against its Gucci Group counterparts like YSL, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney. What is more lovely about her is that, she deems to accentuate Gucci wearer's personality rather than materialistic possessions. According to Giannini, "Without a strong personality, you can have the most beautiful clothes in the world and you will never look right.".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JwueUoB0FJQQnmp4aEdvZ8VahFVtRUqFLJ_dIzL5hiC6mkxlkG2OHfhrg9IVzMvmFwSQIU1udUPJjJgHmQdIQH9pYghf2zAvHdI6j0nPOAIEqc3FN5xmMQ_YTEy8rnJIaRLRpmXgaoNr/s1600-h/gucci.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JwueUoB0FJQQnmp4aEdvZ8VahFVtRUqFLJ_dIzL5hiC6mkxlkG2OHfhrg9IVzMvmFwSQIU1udUPJjJgHmQdIQH9pYghf2zAvHdI6j0nPOAIEqc3FN5xmMQ_YTEy8rnJIaRLRpmXgaoNr/s320/gucci.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281369476004658626" /></a><br /><br />Even so, her fresh and humorous designs with slight androgyny is not much approved by the veterans(or should I say traditionalist?) and mainstream designers. Her Spring/Summer 2009 collections are criticized as unethical against fashion exclusivity for its "resemblance" with retailers like Zara.<br /><br />Her new rebranded Gucci is described for "the woman who enjoys life, successful in her job and leaves a lasting impression every time she walks into a room" as opposed to Gucci's previous image which she refers as "the footballer’s wife" kind. <br /><br />"What people don’t acknowledge is that ready-to-wear sales were slipping quite a lot even while Tom was still at Gucci, so you have to think, maybe you can look sexy just by baring your shoulders rather than exposing the whole lot. Maybe it’s not about the red carpet but about having a good time with your friends. Maybe the time for wearing shoes that make you feel destroyed after a few hours has passed. And while I’m not anti-celebrity, I’m not a Hollywood girl — and maybe it’s not the moment for just being a celebrity brand." - was what she said in her interview with Times Online. I could not agree more.<br /><br />Frida Giannini's magical touch is the epitome of looking fabulous with practicality. She also gave a word or two on how guys should improve their style. Taken from Esquire.com magazine:<br /><br />"The first thing I notice about a man are his shoes. Then I look at his watch.<br /><br />The most iconic figures -- Jean-Paul Belmondo, Steve McQueen, James Dean -- were all rebels. Without a strong personality, you can have the most beautiful clothes in the world and you will never look right.<br /><br />Sexiness is a very subjective thing. A man can be just as sexy in a buttoned-up suit as he can in jeans and a T-shirt.<br /><br />I would love American men to embrace a narrower silhouette in suits and coats. It's way more sexy for a man to wear closer-fitting clothes."<br /><br />(OK you guys should so take note of this. You better be.)<br /><br />Definitely one of a gem, inspiring Giannini empowers women through projecting the right image by mere construction and arrangement of shapes, colours - and probably popular sentiments like old school prints and cuts. Boyish yet feminine, extroverted yet reserved, fun yet professional - the kind of traits of modern women in this fast-paced challenging world, just like the rest of us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-14276198816092665982008-12-14T17:33:00.000-08:002008-12-14T17:35:10.626-08:00PopRina @ JUICE November<h2><a href="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/fashion/poprina/" title="PopRina">PopRina</a></h2><br /><br><br /> <small>Posted November 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pm by <strong>natashafoo</strong></small><br /> <p><a href="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bohemian-top.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1391" title="bohemian-top" src="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bohemian-top-199x300.jpg" alt="" height="300" width="199"></a><a href="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/yellow-sleeveless-bubble-top.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1389" title="yellow-sleeveless-bubble-top" src="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/yellow-sleeveless-bubble-top-198x300.jpg" alt="" height="300" width="198"></a><br><a href="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/poprina-dress.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1393" title="poprina-dress" src="http://www.juiceonline.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/poprina-dress-239x300.jpg" alt="" height="300" width="239"></a> <br><br /><strong>Text</strong> Kevin Yeoh<br><br /><strong>Images</strong> PopRina</p><br /><br /><p>Starting out in 2006, PopRina was the vision of Ell andKeri. Ell had her beginnings sewing baju kurung for Barbie dolls, while Keri developed a yen for altering items of clothing that came her way. PopRina thus merged the pair’s talents, mixing and matching silhouettes from the past decade with a young trashy vibrant attitude. Their label was able to create functional pieces that fit perfectly into the Malaysian wardrobe even as it looked towards fashion icons like Ida No, Roison Murphy, Madonna, Kim Gordon, Jane Birkin, Gwen Stefani and Kate Moss for inspiration.</p><br /><p>Priced at RM25 to RM40 per item and limited editions items at RM50 onwards, PopRina are a snap to own and are available from Osixnine, The Super Sunday Concept Store, Push Skate Shop and through her Kota Kinabalu distributor friends. </p><br /><p>E-mail the girls at poprina@gmail.com for inquiries or orders. You can also check out www.myspace.com/_poprina for updates.</p><br /><p>This report was published in the November issue of <strong><span class="pink"><span style="color: rgb(237, 6, 119);">JUICE</span></span></strong>.</p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-72423339223016838852008-08-27T21:20:00.001-07:002008-08-27T21:37:48.689-07:00Marriage is, indeed for the braveOK, today's post is a little too girly. It's got nothing to do with clothings, really. I've got it forwarded from a friend of mine and I could never got hold of finishing my current reading work if I do not share it with the rest of the women out there. I believe each one of us could learn a thing or two about ourselves and the man/the man to-be in our lives. Beforehand, be warned of the bitterness of the contents towards the opposite gender. At some point, she's right but I believe we are all accountable of our own actions. Don't rush yourselves to agree with everything that the journalist wrote but instead, sit back and make wise evaluations of them, OK! :D<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Today’s men not like our fathers<br />A Writer's Life<br /><br />By ARYANTI MOHD NOOR<br /><br />If before divorce was due to infidelity, abuse or disenchantment, nowadays the war cry among young women is that their husbands are lazy and irresponsible.<br /><br />ON MY flight back to Kota Bharu last week, I sat next to two young girls who were attending a company seminar. When they heard that I worked for a non-governmental organisation, they said: “Akak, please advise us, we have a problem.”<br /><br />One of the girls told me her predicament: her husband now uses condoms with her because he’s been sleeping around, and because he didn’t know where the girls have been and because he loves her, the wife, he’s protecting her. From disease.<br /><br />Wow. Is that love or what?<br />So I sat there and did an Oprah. When we separated at the airport, I thought to myself: I should have become a Syariah lawyer instead of a writer.<br /><br />Over the past one year, so many people I knew divorced or were in the act of getting a divorce. If it weren’t the husband catching hold of me at the magazine shop, to ask me to speak to his errant wife, it would be my women friends calling or meeting me to break the news.<br /><br />Sometimes my readers email me and tell me things. It’s odd, but you never get used to the news of a divorce. To me, it’s heartbreaking to hear of a marriage failing beyond repair.<br /><br />The perennial question these women ask me, as well as their parents, my parents and aunts and uncles: what has happened to this generation of Malay men? “Why are they not like our fathers?”<br /><br />My brother single brother - AMN’s answer to this was that there was too much MSG in all the food the men ate at the mamaks. My father chuffed up and said, of course no man could be like him; he (my father) was The Original Malay Man. And my mother and some of her friends wonder why, why, why.<br /><br />If before divorce was due to infidelity, abuse or disenchantment, nowadays the war cry among young women is that their husbands are lazy, irresponsible and just want a flashy lifestyle.<br /><br />Since their wives are educated and working, duit rokok boleh la tibai kat bini (the wives can support them). And what even boggles the mind is that despite the lack of cash and employment, some of these men actually have girlfriends.<br /><br />I don’t get it. What kind of woman would want to date a lazy sod? I certainly don’t.<br />There’s the husband who beats up the wife to the point that her parents have to intervene, as he was starting to abuse his own child.<br /><br />What does the husband say to the in-laws? If they want him to stop and to divorce the wife, pay him RM1mil. The parents actually do, because they want to save their daughter’s and grandchild’s lives.<br /><br />Then there’s the harried wife with children who’s been married for over eight years. Every morning, the suami tersayang goes to work in a suit.<br /><br />One day the ah longs appear at the doorstep and threaten her and the kids and she finds out the truth: the blinkin’ monkey never worked in his life, and had been borrowing money from the sharks. He also had a gambling habit and a “‘lifestyle'.<br /><br />Then there’s the young cute husband who’s creative. He’s in “media”. Not only does he sleep and eat and live off his in-laws, later on, it is discovered that he bought his foreign degree from the Internet. Yes, he forged it for a few American bucks.<br /><br />Even stranger, the marriage was not consummated. Last I heard, “I’m still a virgin, Kak Dina.” Aiyoyo. (Why marry-lah if you’re not going to consummate it?) Oh yes, the husband said in a marriage, there’s no sex. Go figure.<br /><br />He’s too lazy to pray. He doesn’t want to work. He wants to stay home and watch TV. He does not contribute to household expenses. Baru nak apply for tender dah ada GRO. He expects the wife to pay for everything. He expects the father-in-law to pay for everything.<br /><br />I go to usrahs given by ulamas such as Ustaz Asri, Ustaz Kariman, Ustaz Arifin. You name it.<br />Even at the usrahs, everyone is asking why divorce is so high and why the current generation of Malay boys are not responsible. Unlike their fathers. And fathers-in-law.<br /><br />The funny thing is, when the wives give up trying to save their marriages and dive head-on for a divorce, these irresponsible boys suddenly rediscover religion and start behaving like pompous gits.<br /><br />At the court, one soon to be ex-husband tells the judge the wife is not a good Muslim. Sometimes she does not perform all her five daily prayers.<br /><br />The soon to be ex-wife then shoots back, if she’s not an isteri mithali what about him? His Friday night out with the boys and coming back reeking of beer and cheap women’s perfume?<br /><br />He then gets angry and tells her that he is STILL her husband, and he’s a Malay man, a Muslim one, so she better shut up. She tells him to go s***w himself and hopes he gets AIDS.<br /><br />The judge? Geleng kepala kot.<br />Just when I, Little Ms D, think it’d be nice to REMARRY, and then my mother can stop pestering me to marry the boyfriend, a story like this crops up and I run off. Marriage is for the brave.<br /><br />The quality of Malay men can’t have deteriorated that badly, no?<br />I see an old friend for tea. She looks like a walking aubergine. Brinjal to you. Her husband beats her up for the heck of it and to discipline her. I ask her, why did she marry him?<br /><br />She tells me: “Dina, I’m like you. Our fathers were diplomats. We had non-Malay boyfriends. But at the end of the day, semoden-moden kita ni, we think of God. So I married him because of bangsa dan ugama. I married a Malay man because I thought of akhirat.”<br /><br />She weeps and tells me: “Fat lot of good that did me.”<br />I don’t know why the new generation of Malay men are not like my father and his friends. They are practising Muslims, they’re successful, and they’re monogamous. They don’t beat up their wives. They brought their daughters up to rule the world.<br /><br />I’d marry someone like my dad and his friends, but that’s disgusting. Can you imagine having a son-in-law the same age as your dad?<br />So yes. Please. Someone, answer us. Why aren’t Malay men these days like our fathers? </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-61332334591614530802008-07-25T13:22:00.000-07:002008-07-25T13:55:20.913-07:00PopRina @ Remaja TV3Remaja TV3 - 14 Jun 2008<br><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="never" allowNetworking="internal" height="467" width="570" data="http://www.tv3.com.my/App_Themes/tv3/swf/FlvPlayer_570x467.swf"><br /> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" /><br /> <param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" /><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.tv3.com.my/App_Themes/tv3/swf/FlvPlayer_570x467.swf" /><br /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><br /> <param name="flashvars" value="flv=http://medprima.vo.llnwd.net/o18/u/tv3/sec/remaja/remaja_2008_013_01_cft.flv&title=Remaja/Episode 13/14 Jun 08" /><br /></object><br><br><br /><br />Independent Clothing featured in HHS Remaja, TV3 (5th July, 2008)<br><br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="never" allowNetworking="internal" height="467" width="570" data="http://www.tv3.com.my/App_Themes/tv3/swf/FlvPlayer_570x467.swf"><br /> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" /><br /> <param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" /><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.tv3.com.my/App_Themes/tv3/swf/FlvPlayer_570x467.swf" /><br /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><br /> <param name="flashvars" value="flv=http://medprima.vo.llnwd.net/o18/u/tv3/sec/remaja/remaja_2008_016_02_cft.flv&title=Remaja/Episode 16/5 Julai 08" /><br /></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-44104780767625780202008-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:002008-07-12T12:33:19.288-07:00Formal wear vs. work wear, or are they of similar beings?Okay, obviously this post came about as a result of my frustrations of discrimination against believing that 'baju kurung', one of Malaysia's national wear(or so it seems) , isn't the only option that is left to wear to work/study. Sorry to say this, but it is one of the cause for my reluctance of being involved with government agencies.. not that I am an anti but yeah, what's wrong with being simple and quirky(I dislike this word but had to put it up due to vocabulary-block, hehhh)? <br /><br />I was attending an academic function in a local higher education institute wearing a black shirt inside, a slightly fancy (detailed by waist-bow and 2 big buttons to pull the jacket together) but formal navy blue jacket, with an army green men trousers (imagine secondary school boy's uniform), clutched with a black belt with buckles; which to me was decent and I even feared of being overdressed being there with such attire. Upon arriving home, my mother greeted me with remarks like "Is that how you dressed going there?". Huh, mothers! And my dad was trying to give me a fashion advice just now, that is to wear baju kurung during my school/work days. Pro, indeed :P. <br /><br />There's no way that I'd look like these! (Picture use as a sample illustration only, I apologize if it displays your relatives or people that you know! Inconvenience is deeply regretted..)<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2377783470_925d184376.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2377783470_925d184376.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br /><br />Baju kurung, to me, is such a mess! I know that stating this might contradict my stand of embracing traditional values, tedious unnecessary things have to be put aside to give way to this fast-paced of modern world. Some things have to be kept simple in the name of practicality, which should be fine as long as moral boundary is taken into account when selecting your option. Imagine having to walk across blocks of buildings within a few minutes to get your office chores done with over-sized piece of clothes hanging around your feet, restraining every leaps of faith (OK I am exaggerating) you have to take... even more so, having to experience that under the heat of that blaring sun! Describing the situation itself had slightly suffocated me already! Another option is to make a long slit to the kurung's skirt but you'd be blamed for degrading the decency of baju kurung. Ahh whatever! And yeah, you won't smell as nice if you sweat a lot as there's not much ventilation if you're fabric is too thick and cheap! :P. I am so not against wearing kurung; there are times which required me to wear them throughout the weekend for kenduri, festivities, rituals and such.. but I am sure to be anywhere near a fan or air-conditioner to keep my temperature as cool as possible :D. <br /><br />As I have two different roles in the institute (role as a student and as a researcher), things are a bit tricky! I have to look professional but at the same time youthful and a bit child-like(I have to add the latter as I always am :P. Now let's do a quick research on what defines work-wear and formal-wear (professional). <br /><br />These (refer to image below) are also considered formal, but obviously I can't be wearing that to work, and they look hideous too! Hahahaha!<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bridaltheatre.com/images/promcollage3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.bridaltheatre.com/images/promcollage3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br /><br />These are great, but am not sure would get other staffs' approvals though (like I care!):<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa261/rockthetrend/WIDELEGPANTS-BELT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa261/rockthetrend/WIDELEGPANTS-BELT.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br /><br />What about this combination that makes it approved as work-wear? I plead myself not guilty!!<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/438708004_4601ee28e0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/438708004_4601ee28e0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br /><br />OK, after a few minutes Googling, I've came up with a satisfying answer from About.com (what's with researching based on only one source, yeah I am just plain lazy)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Your Company's objective in establishing a formal dress code is to enable our employees to project the professional image that is in keeping with the needs of our clients and customers to trust us. Because our industry requires the appearance of trusted business professionals and we serve clients at our site on a daily basis, a more formal dress code is necessary for our employees. You must project the image of a trustworthy, knowledgeable business professional for the clients who seek our guidance, input, and professional services.<br /><br />Formal Dress Code Guidelines<br /><br />In a formal business environment, the standard of dressing for men and women is a suit, a jacket and pants or a skirt, or a dress paired with appropriate accessories.<br /><br />Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your back, your chest, your feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business. In our work environment, clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. All seams must be finished. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable.<br />Dress Down Days<br /><br />Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, business casual clothing, although never clothing potentially offensive to others, is allowed. Clothing that has the company logo is encouraged. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally acceptable. You might want to keep a jacket in your office for the days when a client unexpectedly appears on a dress down day, especially if the client is wearing a suit.<br />Formal Business Attire Recommendations<br />This is an overview of appropriate formal business attire. The lists tell you what is generally acceptable as formal business attire and what is generally not acceptable as formal business attire.<br /><br />No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear to work. If you experience uncertainty about acceptable, professional formal business attire for work, please ask your supervisor or your Human Resources staff.<br />Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants<br /><br />Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants, pants that match a suit jacket, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable. Inappropriate slacks or pants include any that are too informal. This includes jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, shorts, bib overalls, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for exercise or biking.<br />Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits<br /><br />Dresses, skirts, skirts with jackets, dressy two-piece knit suits or sets, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, skorts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate for the office.<br />Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets<br /><br />Shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, and turtlenecks are acceptable attire for work if they contribute to the appearance of formal, professional dress. Most suit jackets or sport coats are also desirable attire for the office. Inappropriate attire for work includes tank tops; midriff tops; shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans; halter-tops; tops with bare shoulders or plunging necklines; golf-type shirts; sweatshirts; and t-shirts.<br />Shoes and Footwear<br /><br />Conservative walking shoes, dress shoes, oxfords, loafers, boots, flats, dress heels, and backless shoes are acceptable for work. Not wearing stockings or socks is inappropriate. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, and any casual shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office.<br />Accessories and Jewelry<br /><br />Tasteful, professional ties, scarves, belts, and jewelry are encouraged. Jewelry should be worn in good taste, with limited visible body piercing.<br />Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne<br /><br />A professional appearance is encouraged and excessive makeup is unprofessional. Remember that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so wear these substances with restraint.<br />Hats and Head Covering<br /><br />Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head Covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed.<br />Conclusion<br /><br />If clothing fails to meet these standards, as determined by the employee’s supervisor and Human Resources staff, the employee will be asked not to wear the inappropriate item to work again. If the problem persists, the employee may be sent home to change clothes and will receive a verbal warning for the first offense. All other policies about personal time use will apply. Progressive disciplinary action will be applied if dress code violations continue.<br /><br />Disclaimer:<br /><br />This sample policy is provided for guidance only. The provided information, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct.</span><br /><br />But the disclaimer doesn't guarantee the accuracy of my decision. So now, how do you guys think? Any two cents from government officials? Lecturers, perhaps? :D<br /><br />p/s: This is another witty article on Professional wear <a href="http://www.dba-oracle.com/dress_code.htm" target="_blank">http://www.dba-oracle.com/dress_code.htm</a>. Read if you have the time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-58342989747933061452008-06-29T05:32:00.000-07:002008-06-29T05:53:51.849-07:00Pop art with a local touchoriginal source -> http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/Article/index_html<br /><br /><br />Pop art with a local touch<br />MAX KOH<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix1?display=small"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix1?display=small" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Zul (left) and Adam at The Super Sunday shop<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix2?display=small"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix2?display=small" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Television personality Juliana Evans in her PopRina outfit for Anugerah Bintang Popular 2008<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix3?display=small"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.nst.com.my/SundayPeople/article/CoverStory/20080628125416/insidepix3?display=small" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Ell, one half of PopRina<br /><br />A group of youth turns to Andy Warhol and the quintessential Malaysian fruit, durian, for inspiration in their T-shirt designs. MAX KOH talks to the founders of PopMalaya and PopRina<br /><br />The motto on the T-shirt says it boldly: “Pakai buang, suka hati korang” (Wear it or throw it away, it’s up to you).<br /><br />Another has a picture of a durian with the line, “Eating durian is not a crime.”<br /><br />The T-shirt designs are the brainchild of Azizul Abdul Latif (Zul) and Izham Fazely Pakhorarazi (Ijam).<br /><br />Bored with their daily daytime jobs, they started PopMalaya two years ago, an independent T-shirt label designed to grab people’s attention.<br /><br />And they certainly did, with most of their initial designs sold out just through word-of-mouth and on MySpace.<br /><br />Independent musicians also took to wearing the designs.<br /><br />The duo was inspired to come up with PopMalaya by the 80s M. Nasir film, Kembara Seniman Jalanan.<br /><br />“The image of M. Nasir wearing a headband just resonated with us and we wanted to channel that carefree, hippie attitude in our designs. I mean, we didn’t know there were hippies in Malaysia,” said Zul.<br /><br />The duo then added the provocative tagline, Pakai buang, suka hati korang, that is sure to turn heads on the street. “I know it sounds a bit arrogant but that is the spirit that we want to channel to our buyers. The confidence. The carefree attitude,” adds Zul.<br /><br />Together with two other core members – known only as Adam and Azyzeer – PopMalaya was formed in July 2006.<br /><br />What sets them apart is that they try to inject local flavours into the designs.<br /><br />“We didn’t want to be another street wear label but one that reflected local culture and flavour. So our designs are eye-catching and modern but they also have local elements like the durian and sardine tins,” says Zul.<br /><br />One of PopMalaya’s earliest popular designs had a girl in a corner of the T-shirt and the label PopMalaya spelt out in Jawi.<br /><br />Another had the silhouette of P. Ramlee with the tagline Takkan Pop Malaya hilang di dunia? (Surely Pop Malaya won’t disappear from the world?)<br /><br />It is this unique combination of old Malay themes and modern kitsch art that continues to keep the brand chugging along. Add to the mixture the group’s creative marketing methods.<br /><br />“We sell most of our T-shirts at gigs and events. We also roped in independent band Free Love as our ambassadors. We try to get our brand out there as much as possible,” says Zul who works full-time for a shipping company.<br /><br />PopMalaya also has a sister brand called PopRina, which is headed by another dynamic duo – Nurul’alam Mohd Yaakub (Ell) and Noor Khairiah Baizura (Keri).<br /><br />Ell is an old college friend of Zul. “Just like PopMalaya, we wanted to merge the traditional Malay aesthetics with modern designs,” says Ell.<br /><br />She uses traditional textiles such as batik and songket and comes up with designs that are modern and hip. The colours are bright and most dresses have batik prints on them.<br /><br />“With PopRina, I want to draw people back to their roots. Nowadays, people seem to wear the same designs over and over again. PopRina offers something different by presenting Malaysian cultural tastes with the latest designs for women,” Ell explains.<br /><br />And just like PopMalaya, PopRina also has an equally provocative tagline: Awak terok! (You suck!).<br /><br />Ell explains: “We just want to show that PopRina is for the girl who is confident and outspoken.”<br /><br />Ell says she got started by watching her grandmother sew, back in her kampung.<br /><br />“I used to watch my grandma sew when I was a kid in Kota Kinabalu. My mother also taught me to sew baju kurung. What I try to do is to incorporate these old tailoring styles and modernise them for the youth today,” says Ell who makes all the clothes by hand.<br /><br />“We also make special designs for certain occasions and customers.”<br /><br />However, PopRina’s focus is still on street wear and the label tries to emphasise functionality, avoiding unnecessary elements like frills in the designs.<br /><br />Both brands are fast getting recognition as they have been featured in Razaisyam Rashid’s independent film Konsekuensi.<br /><br />PopMalaya was also featured in KAMI- The Series on 8tv while actress Sherry Ibrahim can be seen wearing PopRina batik dresses in Renjis on Astro Ria.<br /><br />“We were having a photo shoot in a club when Sherry saw our designs and liked our vibrant colours. She loved it so much that she wore it for the show,” says Ell with a beam.<br /><br />PopRina also made its red carpet debut when actress Juliana Sophie Evans wore one of its designs to the Anugerah Bintang Popular recently.<br /><br />The brands showed their designs at a recent Pecha Kucha night organised by British Council at The Annexe Gallery, Central Market, KL. The British Council is currently looking for its International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year, who will go to Britain to network with design industry preofessionals.<br /><br />Both brands are trying to save enough capital to open their own retail stores.<br /><br />“We hope to develop a full-fledged clothing line that will offer cardigans and jackets in addition to our T-shirts,” says Zul.<br /><br />For now, these T-shirts retail for RM30-35 and can be found in Dolls Store, The Super Sunday Store, Push Skate Shop and Defy Store at The Summit.<br /><br />PopRina can be found at Super Sunday and OSixNine in Subang Jaya and retails from RM25-40. You can also order them through www.myspace.com/popmalaya or www.myspace.com/poprina.<br /><br />Both brands have been touring as part of “Angkatan Baju Malaya”, a collective of independent clothing brands which is going across the nation to promote independent bands and clothing brands.<br /><br />Its previous stops were Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Kuala Terengganu and will end in Johor Baru on July 5.<br /><br />If you’re wondering what PopMalaya is all about, make sure you make a stop in JB! For more information, visit www.myspace.com/angkatanbajumalaya.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-25277788124013519942008-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:002008-06-03T12:55:08.597-07:00Of Helen Marnie and why we love her so muchI have this mutual crush with Helen Marnie of Ladytron since I've first listened to their album "604" (2001) for her blended sweet and icy dark look - a perfect balance! Well it goes with her frosty voice too. And, her makeup has never really changed from the first I knew her up to this day. I've always been checking out her hair-do and attempted to have mine cut like hers whenever I have my irregular visit to the hair salons. Normally it does at first but it automatically alters itself after I washed my hair leaving only resembling fringes. There is something with her style that truly attracts me. <br /><br />Now, lets have a preview of some shots of hers that I took it off their videos (source coming from http://ladytron.nettwerk.com/video) in chronological order.<br /><br />604 - Playgirl (2001)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_playgirl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Light & Magic - Seventeen (2002)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_seventeen.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Light & Magic - Blue Jeans(2002)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_bluejeans.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Light & Magic - Evil(2003)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_evil.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_evil2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_evil3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_evil4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Witching Hour - Sugar (2005)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_sugar1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_sugar2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Witching Hour - Destroy Everything You Touch (2005)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_destroy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />Velocifero - Ghosts (2008)<br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_ghosts_shoes.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_ghosts2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_ghosts3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/poprina/helen_ghosts4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/><br /><br /><br />From posted shots above, it is evident that her style association revolves around black, neatness, modesty and simplicity. I include black as a style adjective for its symbolic and subjective meanings. It could also mean a whole lot of things.<br /><br />Citing a source from <a href="http://www.egodevelopment.com/what-your-clothes-color-says-about-your-personality-type/" target="_blank">egodevelopment.com</a>:<br /><br />Black: <span style="font-style:italic;">The color of darkness is undoubtedly the most popular color in fashion. A man wearing black suggests elegance, authority and power. When worn properly, black clothing also conveys neatness, simplicity and great versatility.</span><br /><br />OK, maybe I should just state black. Hahaha! God, I must refrain myself from writing articles in the blog like writing a thesis! Anyways, Helen Marnie indirectly demonstrates all those traits mentioned above. Also, check out her expression in every video which I find very authoritative and powerful in contrast of her title as the disco queen. Another point worth noting is her style consistency in different clothings and the way she carries herself in those clips. <br /><br />Black, neatness and simplicity is just a combo example. I am sure Helen fancies wearing vibrant colours off-screen too. Generally, every girl has her own preference; but I personally think it is simplicity that truly outstands one's personality as it is herself that she carries, not the clothings outdoing her real appearance. We don't necessarily need expensive elaborate clothings to look good. The essence of wearing a garment is enhanced by having a modest personal style. And to be stylish is to wear your own personal style with confidence, like Helen Marnie! :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-10310056956723997772008-05-13T00:49:00.000-07:002008-05-13T00:53:20.542-07:00Angkatan Baju Malaya Goes on Tour 2008 - First Stop, Kuala Lumpur!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fsQ0AsgF9LI/SClIx_u9wJI/AAAAAAAAAAg/AlexDleavxY/s1600-h/ABM+Flyer+-+new.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fsQ0AsgF9LI/SClIx_u9wJI/AAAAAAAAAAg/AlexDleavxY/s400/ABM+Flyer+-+new.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199767268535156882" /></a><br /><br /><br />Angkatan Baju Malaya is a collective of young independent clothing labels in Malaysia which was established late in the year of 2007.<br /><br />It's naturally high time for these bright young things to unite and spread the love and good vibes!<br /><br />Among the stops that they'll be making are KL, Ipoh, Terengganu and Johor.<br /><br />Fueled by enthusiasm and passion, these Malaysian youths are very into promoting the arts and culture scene of Malaysia.<br /><br />Angkatan Baju Malaya aims to educate the masses with its own brand of unique perspectives and values in life through wearable artworks i.e. clothings, accessories and such.<br /><br />The Angkatan Baju Malaya Tour will feature rocking band performances, street paintings, silkscreen printing, graffiti demos and a bazaar full of goodies.<br /><br />Touted to be the 'Event of the Year', make sure you've<br />got the dates right and come down to show your<br />support.<br /><br />Remember, ABM needs YOU!<br /><br />++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br /><br />Admission for the event is RM25<br /><br />Venue: MCPA Hall (Chinese Assembly Hall), Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur<br />Date: 17th May 2008<br />Time: 1 pm till late!<br /><br />Creative features include:<br /><br />- PopMalaya/Evol<br />- Bima<br />- PopRina<br />- The Super Sunday<br />- Suicidal Clothing/Ironic Clothing<br />- Pattern Clothing<br />- I Heart KL<br />- Defy<br />- i'lektrik<br />- Our Happiness<br />- Dirt-tee Clothing<br />- Wearenvy<br />- Street Signal<br />- Junnu<br />- Corepeps<br />- ISU<br />- Blacksheep Clothing<br />- Cherpen<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Other famous rockin' acts:<br /><br />OAG<br />Force Vomit<br />Nao<br />The Otherside Orchestra<br />Analogsix<br />Second Combat<br />Moms on Strike<br />Mohd. Jayzuan<br />Azmyl Yunor & The Sigarettes<br />Arheum Revert<br />Restraint<br />Have a Nice Death<br />The Nite Act<br />Human ActuallyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-12823558186366220312008-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:002008-04-03T14:33:15.097-07:00Music genre and the way we dressI have always known that an individual's personality is indirectly reflected by which genre of songs that they listen to. I used to have a very narrow acquaintance acceptance because I only befriend with people with good pick of music. An avid addiction to highly energetic songs makes me a listener to only rock and all sorts of electro music, of which also makes me think that others who doesn't share similar tastes boring, uncool, no fun, you name it. Yeah shallow :P. Anyways, at the end of the day, it is the way you communicate with others and relating with their strengths and weaknesses that truly adds meaning to your companionships. <br /><br />For today's entry, I have an article to share which also justifies my aforementioned assumption. Got it from Elle Magazine Singapore March Edition. Based on the article, I am definitely the Rock Chick. So, it's your turn to find out which chick are you and perhaps this would make you finally understand your other female mates.<br /><br />Written by Shane Watson.<br /><br />IT'S ALL IN THE MUSIC<br /><br />"Can't keep up with fashion's fickle trends? Identify your inner song style and your life will be a perfect symphony - well, almost, says Shane Watson"<br /><br />Here's a little-known fact: One of the things that distinguishes who you really are is your Natural Music Genre (NMG). You're either a natural Soul Sister, Rock Chick or a Country Girl. Forget your CD collection: We're looking beyond that to the genuinely revealing signs. For example, Soul Sisters do cleavage as a matter of course, Country Girls use cleavage to get where they want and Rock Chicks don't deal much in cleavage because it doesn't work with their look. Also, Country Girls are romantic: they care about gestures and want to be whisked off their feet, whereas Rock Chicks expect angst and drama in their relationships. Meanwhile, Soul Sisters have no illusions and take their loving where they can. Getting the hang of it? This isn't about The Darkness versus Joss Stone: It's the way you're made that dictates the NMG you belong to.<br /><br />Why would you care? Well, if you're in denial about your NMG, everything - from your wardrobe to your choice of boyfriends - will be subtly out of kilter and there's a good chance you aren't fulfilling your true potential. You know that (rare) feeling when you slip on a dress in the changing room and - bam! - you can't believe that wearing clothes doesn't feel this good all the time? Well, if you have your NMG sorted, that kind of feeling should come into your life a lot more often. Equally, did you ever find yourself gritting your teeth when your boyfriend's sunny, artistic, outdoors-loving friends come over? That's because you're a Rock Chick who has fallen in with a country crowd. Now, there's nothing at all wrong with that, but if you're thinking of settling down together, think again.<br /><br />If you need to work out your NMG from scratch, just to be sure, the best place is with your wardrobe. The basic rule is that Rock Chicks want to look cool, Country Girls want to look pretty and Soul Sister want to look hot. There is no such thing as a skinny, neat Soul Girl or a Soul Girl who likes to wear neutral colours, flat shoes or her hair short and manageable. If you think you're a Soul Girl, you will have a fondness for makeup, funky rings, slinky fabrics and indulgent underwear. You'll also love your bed, your mother, flirting and dancing and be suspicious of people who use the gym and men who want to stay friends. When it comes to relationships, you'll never come within a mile of a country boy, but a rock 'n' roller is a real possibility.<br /><br />Country Girls like to wear their hair up and collect retro dresses and pretty shoes. They love their bathrooms, have a strong sense of their femininity and, being real Daddy's girls, are old-fashioned in their approach to their love lives, tending to defer to men in relationships. They can be tough, but are good listeners because they're survivors. If you're one of their number, you'll have a tiered skirt in your wardrobe and stay in touch with all your ex-boyfriends who, at one time or another, have included Rock Boys, though never Soul Men.<br /><br />Rock Chicks favour their legs, so tight jeans and seriously short skirts are wardrobe staples. They like to hide behind fringes, hats and sunglasses and insist on an element of 'edge' in their look, even when they're heading off to visit a friend in hospital. They're always having men problems, work problems, money problems or losing things, while their mood and general well-being are as up and down as a Big Dipper. Their menfolk are almost always of the same NMG, but Rock Chicks are broad-minded when it comes to choosing a mate: As long as he's a party animal, they'll get along just fine.<br /><br />By the way, if you want to apply NMG test to men, then save time and start with their record collections - we guys are much simpler creatures to read rather than women ever could be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-47223953673781228622008-03-28T14:48:00.000-07:002008-03-28T16:29:21.198-07:00Fresh Labels 2008 - An Overdue Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fsQ0AsgF9LI/R-1-Hw5a4gI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/X40TMBpIazs/s1600-h/dsc0368hugekg5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fsQ0AsgF9LI/R-1-Hw5a4gI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/X40TMBpIazs/s320/dsc0368hugekg5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182937418023232002" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://jiokbrian.blogspot.com/2008/03/fresh-labels-sife-fashion-show-2008.html">Thanks to Jiok Brian for the photo :)</a></center><br /><br />Fresh Labels 2008 is another fashion show project that is held annually by SIFE Nottingham and this year, SIFE MMU contributed several independent designers in conjunction with their Art Market Project which is going to take place this April 1st until 3rd. So, if you happen to be around Cyberjaya on that day, please make a point to come and visit our humble booth :).<br /><br />On the day Fresh Labels took place, I arrived at 7.30pm as stated in the promotional flyer and came looking for Zul of PopMalaya with his fiance of whom arrived earlier. Zul clad in My Indie Rock Darling t-shirt covered with knitted plaid cardigan and Dila in her pre-90's artist's vest attire paired with jeans were dressed seemingly oblivious to the glamor of the event. I, normally prepared with every possible expectations of the event, applied very little make-up, eyes highlighted with metallic and black eye shadows completed with my M.A.C. nude colored lipstick - yeah the color is a bit passe for this Spring season but whatever ha! I wore my latest design, a crossover of kimono top, only tighter with my men trousers that I had it tailored when I was in Phuket. It is actually my favorite piece of the wardrobe. <br /><br />Anyways, after we've found each other and exchanged casual remarks, we decided not to wait for the rest of the crowd to arrive and proceeded to the queue aisle. We didn't know what to do as we're not used to get invitations to this kind of event so I just came up to the lady at the ticketing counter and told her we're in the list. Haha OMG I just said that! I felt trendy upon chanting the phrase "We're in the list." hahaha! This may sound absurd but yeah coming from the underground background, this situation can rarely be encountered unless we're party regulars :P. So yeah, next, this cute guy introduced himself as Chris gave us VIP tags (another reason to be OMG-ed) and ushered us to the VIP seats beside the stage. Check this out, we did have our own place to hang! Hahahah!<br /><br />We weren't expecting much as we've never been to any fashion show except the ones that we organized for the independent clothing labels but the VIP treatment made us feel good around that place. The VIP wasn't a big deal, really. It's just another fanciful experience, so why not enjoy it? :D. The event started with the DJ playing some cool house numbers with the likes of Moby remixed and stuffs in contrary with trance and overrated hip-hop.<br /><br />There were eight labels featured in the fashion show which comprises of PopRina, Sixpenze, MooMoo, PopMalaya, Sevendays, Dotiro, PurpleDotz and Tres Chic. PopRina was second in line followed by PopMalaya. Before my line's turn, I've got the chance to peek into the changing room for the need to accessorize the models with my Batik Hanky so as to add some personal touch to their styling. The room was very busy what with models changing their next attires, people busy searching for stuffs, people in between of makeup touch-ups. So yeah things were getting exciting and I was loving the adrenalines and movements that filled the room. In the midst of the hustles and bustles, the project leader introduced herself to me and apparently she was one of the models on the catwalk! How cool is that! People like her empowers fashion like Yves Saint Laurent did in his earlier career stage. We chatted a bit, not really a meaningful one but yeah I would love to talk to her some other time :). <br /><br />The models looked good in my clothings! I will attach the images as soon as I get them from the photographers. I even got to come up to the runway escorted by two models sporting my attire and bowed like real designers do! :D:D:D. Abundance flashlights coming from the photographers had really made me feel glamorous on the stage which is good as I am all the way for glamrock. By the way, are those related? Haha. When it was Zul's turn to bow he was all smiled and looked proudly at his fiance, upon escorted with the models hahahahh!! He even stayed longer than he should on the stage! "I was waiting for the photographers to finish taking up my picture", he claimed. *Rolls eyes..* <br /><br />Zul and Dila went home after the first half while I stayed until the show ends. Savoring the moments, enjoying the good music eventhough my hearing was almost impaired due to very close proximity to the speaker, observing the fine details of other designers work were all that could inspire and make my day. All in all, the event was superb and again, I can't wait to get a view of all the pictures taken during the event. Oh on another note, an acquaintance (I am hesitant to call her a fan because we're acquainted? :P) even came upon noting PopRina on the list of the runway :P. I was so touched by her presence and many many thanks to her for making an appearance! Thanks so much dear!<br /><br />I've always wanted a fashion show with an electro runway tracks and I got it right there! Hoping to get acts like Goodnight Electric and the likes from their motherland to feature in my fashion show in the future. I enjoyed the music (again), the proper systematic way of them organizing it, the models, the venue, the stage, the crowd, the photographer, everything! I am thanking SIFE for inviting us to participate in the fashion show. Hopefully we can collaborate again in the future. Danke peeps! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-12767878675232713282008-03-22T11:47:00.000-07:002008-03-22T11:55:03.107-07:00I Want My Pop! - An article by Junk MagazineSource from - http://www.junkonline.net/node/747<br /><br /><br />I Want My Pop!<br /><br />It’s a wonder how a chat between two friends can result in one of the most successful independent brands in Malaysia. It was in late 2005, friends Zul and Ijam were sitting down, talking about how they were fed up with their jobs, and wanted to do something different. Since both were interested in design, they decided to start a T-Shirt label, Pop Malaya, which is one of Malaysia’s pioneer independent T-Shirt brands,<br /><br />Mention the word ‘pop’ and images of popular culture comes to mind. That’s the gist of what Pop Malaya is all about, merging old Malaysian images with up-to-date, kitsch designs. Wanting to localise their brand, Zul and Ijam decided to have a Malaysian name instead of a foreign sounding one. Zul says, “The name of the brand was Ijam’s idea. We were brainstorming and watched this M. Nasir film, Kembara Seniman Jalanan. It was a movie about Malaysian pop culture in the 80’s and we took inspiration from it. In it, M. Nasir portrayed a hippie wearing a headband and all that, and we thought, ‘Hey, there are hippies in Malaysia.’ So we decided to play with the carefree attitude that Malaysians have and created a label out of it.”<br /><br />Pop Malaya’s designs takes familiar, traditional Malaysian images and injects some pop in it for a local appeal. So, you’d get the instantly recognizable image of theatre veteran P. Ramlee with a colorful background, T-Shirts with sardine cans ala Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans, and designs that draw inspiration from the Malaysian national flower, the bunga raya (hibiscus). “These designs are old school retro, yet represents pop art as well,” Zul says.<br /><br />It’s not unusual to see these T-Shirts don the bodies of KL-ites on a day out, but it was Pop Malaya’s very first design that got the brand noticed, and it is a design that still gets noticed today. The image of a girl’s face sits on a corner of the tee, with the words, “pop Malaya” in Jawi across it; is instantly recognizable as a Pop Malaya tee. This design was a hit when it made its debut in gigs and bazaars around KL, and also in a quaint little boutique in the Klang Valley called Wondermilk. It spoke for the brand’s zeal to take the traditional and make it more up-to-date and relevant in today’s society.<br /><br />It also helped that Pop Malaya was creative in its marketing methods. The label roped in Malaysian band Free Love as its ambassador .“All I did was ask Mohd Jayzuan (of Free Love) if the band was willing to wear our T-Shirts when they are on stage to help us promote it, and he said ok. Since then, I’ve given shirts to bands Elisabelle Tears, Sgt, Weener’s Arms and KLPHQ.” And it worked. Bands wearing these shirts got everyone talking, and people started taking notice of the brand. Interestingly, Pop Malaya has also sparked off new indie brands like EVOL (brainchild of Free Love).<br /><br />These days, word-of-mouth has helped Pop Malaya reach out to markets outside of Kuala Lumpur. Pop Malaya T-Shirts are now available in Johor, Jitra, and Kota Bahru.The story of how it all started captures the DIY spirit of the brand. “We had customers from outside of KL coming to buy our T-Shirts in bulk to re-sell it. And we thought, why not just make them agents so that they’ll get a commission?” Pop Malaya’s T-Shirts are affordable at RM30 each if they are purchased directly at gigs and bazaars.<br /><br />Today, the brand has expanded to include another six partners: GG, Arif, Adam, War, Hasa and Fesal. While Pop Malaya is actively coming up with new, funky designs to keep up with market demands (new designs are created to coincide with Pop Malaya‘s participation in new fashion + gig events), it wants to rely on its core designs to make a further impact to the market. “We feel that our core designs are strong enough to speak for themselves and are eye catching.” Zul says.<br /><br />With Pop Malaya on steady ground, plans for its sister brand, Pop Rina, came to birth a year after Pop Malaya lifted off. Three people - Ell, Keri and Olen - are responsible for the girl’s clothing line which comprises of pretty tops and dresses. Of the origins of the brand name, Ell says, “The word ‘pop’ stuck because we wanted Pop Rina to be associated with Pop Malaya, As for Rina, it is a vintage name, and it’s universal. No matter what heritage you are, people recognise it as a girl’s name.”<br /><br />Like Pop Malaya, Pop Rina infuses traditional Malaysian elements into modern designs. Taking inspiration from fashion from the 70’s, the tops and dresses have simple, clean lines with bursts of bright colours. Dresses have batik prints on them, and tops have minor details carefully hand sewn unto them. Each piece design usually starts off with fabric shopping where the designers will pick out interesting fabrics and thoughts on what they can do with it, before the actual sketching begins. An average of one collection which comprises 3 to 4 designs makes it way to the market every two months. Prices are also reasonable, with clothes priced at RM25 - RM40, while special, limited edition apparels are priced from RM50 onwards.<br /><br />Noneof the people behind Pop Rina has any prior experience in designing. For Ell, an interest in graphic design very much sealed her designation as one of Pop Rina’s creators. “I also have an interest in garments, since my grandmother and mother were tailors. My grandma was the fashion designer in my kampung. So I got my flair from them, and started sewing baju kurungs for my sister’s Barbie dolls when I was a kid,” Ell laughs.<br /><br />For now, both brands are looking to gain more exposure in wider markets and possibly overseas. Plans to open up a retail store are in line, and right now, both labels are just concentrating on getting their capital for the store to happen.<br /><br />Pop Malaya and Pop Rina have also recently have their clothes featured in an independent film directed by Razaisyam Rashid, titled Konsekuensi. Besides that, both brands, along with 16 other local brands have formed Angkatan Baju Malaya, a T-Shirt collective that will tour the country with gig performances and fashion booths starting 5 April in Kuala Lumpur. The Angkatan Baju Malaya tour will take them to Johor Bahru, Jitra, Ipoh and Terengganu. While the collective is currently looking for sponsorship to subsidise the tour, all of the brands are willing to go DIY, pool together and contribute to the tour, if that’s what they must do to make the tour happen.<br /><br />Both brands have come a long way to establish themselves as one of Malaysia’s more successful independent brands. Ell exclaims, “We’re all doing this is a part-time hobby. I can’t wait for the day when we can consider our current jobs as our part time jobs!” She and the rest might not have to wait that long. With their creativity, vision and hard work, it won’t be surprising that they become a brand that Malaysia can be proud of.<br /><br /><br /><br />Pop Malaya is available at Dolls Store, Super Sunday, Push & Skate and Deft at The Summit. Visit www.myspace.com/popmalaya<br /><br />Pop Rina is available at Super Sunday and OSixNine in Subang Jaya. Visit www.myspace.com/_poprina<br /><br />For more info about the Angkatan Baju Malaya Tour, visit www.myspace.com/angkatanbajumalaya<br /><br /><br /><br />Words Jolyn Photo ShermenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-41728515922776050042008-03-21T13:23:00.000-07:002008-03-21T14:51:46.716-07:00How to become a successful fashion entrepreneurI was browsing through a supposedly fashion magazine online profile. I was like really looking into the profile for it being unsophisticated and disorganized in contents placement. All the fonts are not properly sized and aligned, well in short was indeed unfashionable. And then, there was this section that captured my attention. It asked, "What does it take to be a fashion entrepreneur?". Yeah I would naturally be, as I am juggling my mind and soul to be one :D. The answer did look a bit emotionally written (or typed, technically) as it looked exactly like this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"HARD WORK. DEDICATION. EATING, BREATHING AND LIVING YOUR DREAMS, EVERY DAY. BEING RESOURCEFUL. TAKING RISKS WHEN OTHERS WONT. NETWORKING. RESEARCHING. BEING FOCUSED. BEING PERSISTENT. FORESIGHT. NEVER SURRENDERING. BEING FEARLESS. BEING A LEADER. INSPIRING YOURSELF. UNITING AND INSPIRING PEOPLE WHOM YOU MAY NEVER SEE OR KNOW. EVERY DAY.<br />"</span><br /><br />See? Simple as that. The fact that it is all typed in capital letters makes the expression a bit more heart-stirring, you know it's as if the guy was shouting "OK COME ON GUYS, LETS DO THIS BECAUSE WE ROCK!". To whomever that wrote it, I feel you man.. I feel you! He surely is as fashionable in everything he does as he can very well dress his words with that kind of simplicity! <br /><br />I like that he insisted to do all these inspirational stuff every day by stating "Every day" twice. I mean it might sound stupid but a constant reminder of everything is what we humans need, don't we? Every day, haha!<br /><br />And the coolest part is, this piece of advice (to me at least) applies to everything that we do everyday. To put extraordinary effort and dedication in what we do everyday from the moment you wake up in the morning, on how you pick your garments for the day, on your decisions of what to eat, on how would you communicate with people surrounding you everyday until you get home and ready to bed feeling good because you know you have done your best in everything you did that day. What awesomeness this is, isn't it?<br /><br />So yeah folks, lets strive to be better beings to the people surrounding us that we love and stay focused on what we wanted to achieve, EVERY DAY. I've personally put the quote on my GoogleTalk custom message because I wanted to be reminded to make a change, EVERY DAY!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-74031967849196169482008-02-02T08:52:00.000-08:002008-03-03T02:56:05.486-08:00Top Twenty Key TrendsMajor New Fashion Looks for Fall 2007 Winter 2008<br />Top Twenty Key Trends<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/photos/uncategorized/nicolemiller3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/photos/uncategorized/nicolemiller3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />1. COATS - A major trend is for coats - seek Cocoon volume, Trapeze A-lines or masculine lean tailored fitted coats.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/photos/uncategorized/check2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/photos/uncategorized/check2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />2. PLAIDS AND CHECKS - Big tartans and checks create punk influenced jackets, dresses, bags and coats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.handbag.com/bazaar/?module=images&func=display&fileId=55310"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.handbag.com/bazaar/?module=images&func=display&fileId=55310" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />3. ARMY & NAVY MILITARY - Sgt. Pepper - braids, brass, ornate pea coats, martial lines in black, navy, cream, olive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/runnickyrun/part%20II/2007%205%20Nov/metal-leggings-A5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/runnickyrun/part%20II/2007%205%20Nov/metal-leggings-A5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />4. GLEAM & SHEEN - METALLICS, LEATHER, PATENT, PLASTIC, RUBBER - shine, sheen, glow, glimmer and gleam.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/1536567227_c384eef3fe_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/1536567227_c384eef3fe_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />5. BIKER BABE - Leather multi zipper biker jackets, sans studs. Supple leather knee coats worn with skinnies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/images/2007/05/20/burberry_cacharel_fendi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/images/2007/05/20/burberry_cacharel_fendi.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />6. ARMORIAL - Clothes with hardware or reptilian textured leathers make the perfect warrior women.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/S2008RTW/AFERRETT/RUNWAY/00310m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/S2008RTW/AFERRETT/RUNWAY/00310m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />7. 1940s GLAMOUR GODDESS GOWNS - Grown up dressing for girls who emulate 1940s satin clad sultry sirens.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/madonna2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/madonna2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />8. SECRETARY DRESSES - Figure hugging midi dresses for hourglass bodies. Try sack, trapeze or pinafore alternatives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/F2005RTW/AMCQUEEN/RUNWAY/00030f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/F2005RTW/AMCQUEEN/RUNWAY/00030f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />9. OPULENCE - Pailettes and embellishment bulks-up to become passementerie. Deluxe gold trim overlays black.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://s.hostingprod.com/@letrainbleu.com/ssl/images/products/775_large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="https://s.hostingprod.com/@letrainbleu.com/ssl/images/products/775_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />10. SKIRT SUITS - Formal dressing made easy with matchy matchy jackets and full or pencil skirts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://polo.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pPOLO2-4108287_standard_v330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://polo.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pPOLO2-4108287_standard_v330.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />11. SHOOTING PARTY - Lighter weight country look tweeds, moleskin and corduroy separates, but for town wear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wmagazine.com/images/fashion/2007/11/fass_runway_01_v.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.wmagazine.com/images/fashion/2007/11/fass_runway_01_v.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />12. EQUESTRIAN - Sporting touches in boots and trousers. Think jodhpurs, crisp shirts, caps and riding capes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jargonchicago.com/img/ff/ff1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.jargonchicago.com/img/ff/ff1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />13. MAN ABOUT TOWN - Androgynous dressing in high-waisted man tailored pants, or tuxedo masculine trouser suits.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20071010/scarf1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20071010/scarf1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />14. GLOBAL NOMAD - Ethnic Mix - tribal look that evolves, refuses to die. Melting pot traveller clashing prints, patterns.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnAdIEVo-H99-xWSUBhAmswEnxm5kIFfJ6g1QsRpmjv_wiGuqIgzqxk6DeO4ziWu4AcJdjEe-dvtGelAPio8Y96qDTGJ8JXNRKy04pT_BCXszF6zax_GfeM94H8yYKW-bllR3HOTHYSA/s320/knit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnAdIEVo-H99-xWSUBhAmswEnxm5kIFfJ6g1QsRpmjv_wiGuqIgzqxk6DeO4ziWu4AcJdjEe-dvtGelAPio8Y96qDTGJ8JXNRKy04pT_BCXszF6zax_GfeM94H8yYKW-bllR3HOTHYSA/s320/knit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />15. WINTER WARMERS - BIG KNITS - Every wardrobe will succumb to at least one item from oversized knit ranges.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0703/a_amparis_0312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0703/a_amparis_0312.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />16. QUILTED, PADDED & PUFFA LOOKS - Practical glamour for winter cosiness. This is edgy when styled well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://p-models.com/photos/photo_1105.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://p-models.com/photos/photo_1105.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />17. MONOCHROME - Black with white optical effects, grey knitwear and tailoring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/dkny6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/dkny6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />18. BLACK ON BLACK - Black texture is laid beside other textures. Matte against shiny, or dull against shimmering black.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://timesonline.typepad.com/style/images/2007/10/06/cast_ss08_0414.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://timesonline.typepad.com/style/images/2007/10/06/cast_ss08_0414.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />19. COLOUR - Jewel colours, bold brights - orange, coral, pink, red, emerald green, amethyst and purple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/images/articles/story/runway_purple_april5_adj02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/images/articles/story/runway_purple_april5_adj02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />20. PURPLE - Any tone, any shade as long as it's purple. Amethyst, aubergine, puce, purple, mauve, lilac, lavender.<br /><br />You are reading an original fashion article by Pauline Weston Thomas at www.fashion-era.com ©Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-56808607192153906882008-01-15T07:02:00.000-08:002008-03-02T08:54:01.156-08:00PopRina @ BernamaIndie: Youths' Expression Of Their Generation (January, 2007)<br><br><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/electricpulse/hooded_babydoll.jpg" alt="" height="287" width="190"><br><br>STYLISH… A model wearing contemporary dress with songket detail from Pop Rina collection at "Power Jiwa: The Unglamorous Fashion & Roll Show". Indie fashion is now in demand among the youngsters. Pix: Soraya Jamal<br><br>By Soraya Jamal<br><br>KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- A group of youths in their 20's were clad in T-shirts with provocative slogans and designs. A sweet-looking girl strutted in a 60's-inspired dress with songket motifs while her friend was in an outfit heavily influenced by Japanese pop culture.<br><br>At a glance, those who attended the "Power Jiwa: The Unglamorous Fashion & Roll Show", a music and fashion extravaganza, were not much different from the youths loitering around shopping complexes.<br><br>But there was more to it when one observed the backgrounds of the crowd who were mostly students from prestigious universities and also professionals such as lawyers, lecturers, doctors, graphic designers and even civil servants.<br><br>What brought them together that evening were the apparel with the 'indie' labels on show.<br><br>But what exactly is 'indie' label?<br><br><br><br>INDIE LABEL<br><br><br><br><br><br>The term 'indie' has its roots in the word, independent. Historically, 'indie' denotes records released under independent labels, in another words, independent musicians and bands that aren't signed to big record companies.<br><br>Now, the same thing is happening in the fashion world. Product-wise, indie labels don't differ much from commercial labels in the market but what sets them apart is the philosophy which emphasises individuality, self-expression and most importantly, exclusivity.<br><br>It is not something new especially in countries like Japan, United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.<br><br>As emphasised by Power Jiwa organiser, Azizul Abdul Latif, 30, "mass production is a big no-no for this group".<br><br>"The essence of the indie label is that every product is produced solely according to the designer's idea and creativity. If it's made for the mass market, it's no longer considered indie label," said Azizul, who represents Pop Malaya, an indie label collective.<br><br>In short, everything about the indie label, from the idea, concept, product to business plan, is developed organically without interference from corporate or profit-centric entities.<br><br>"In terms of quality, it may not be on par with the commercial brands because the indie label is not produced systematically in factories. We go to printing services for T-shirts and button badges, while for shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, bags and the rest, either we sew them ourselves or send them to the tailors," he explained.<br><br>As for Stephan Poon, in his 30's, who heads the Amorfixx Republic label, going independent means producing brands that are not and do not want to be commercially popular.<br><br>"It is not an easy thing to achieve," he said.<br><br>"No matter how good your label is, making it big in the industry is almost impossible and that is why there is a big group of independent labels that work together for mutual benefit.<br><br>"Regardless of race and ideology, you can see how they stay independent, yet still help each other," said Poon.<br><br><br><br>LOCAL SCENE<br><br>There are no official figures available on how many indie labels exist in Malaysia currently after being in the scene here since two years ago.<br><br>In the Klang Valley, besides Pop Malaya and Amorfixx, there are more than 20 active labels such as Spunkz, Defy, Scorn, Black Fryday, Junnu, Lestat, Good for Health and CrazeeCause, each with its distinctive ideas.<br><br>The design influences are anything from sub-culture, street wear, music, extreme sports, graphics, art and literature, to strong anti-Zionism slogans which can often be seen on T-shirts.<br><br>They sell their products at the flea markets, art markets, music events and selected stockists and stores. Indie labels rarely come under companies or own stores and the most effective promotion method is through word of mouth.<br><br>Internet services such as MySpace.com and blogs are great promotional tools for these independent brands to directly reach their customers.<br><br><br><br>WHY FANCY INDIE LABEL?<br><br>For Azizul, interest and self-satisfacton are the main reasons for his involvement in producing such a fashion line.<br><br>"Society has mistaken us as rebellious and it's certainly a wrong perception," he lamented.<br><br>Most indie label designers and initiators choose to be independent because they do not want any hindrance or interference, especially in the creative content.<br><br>"For example, many of the designs under the Pop Malaya label use Arabic calligraphy incorporated with Pop Art. It's hardly acceptable for the commercial market but since we're an indie label, no one raises any question," he said.<br><br>Poon is of the view that society's perception of them is something trivial because the reality is, an indie label will only appeal to its audience and crowd.<br><br>"The most important thing in the indie label is the message that you want to disseminate, to assure and educate your target group.<br><br>"It doesn't matter how they interpret, the most important thing is what they interpret," Poon said.<br><br><br><br>POP MALAYA<br><br>The idea to develop Pop Malaya came about two years ago. During that time, a lot of Ipoh kids were really into 'bundle' clothing from Japan where despite their unique designs and high quality, they were still affordable.<br><br>"Their designs were simple. They also copied ideas from the west but how come they became so popular? From there, we got the idea to start a similar apparel line but with a local twist," Azizul said.<br><br>The name Pop Malaya was inspired by a popular Malay film in the 80's entitled "Kembara Seniman Jalanan" and to it was added a street smart motto "Pakai, Buang, Suka Hati Korang" (Use, Discard, As You Like).<br><br>"Establishing the name and products as well as strengthening the ideas and concepts are more important than reaping profits," said Azizul, who is a procurement officer with an established shipping company during the day.<br><br>Besides Azizul, who is responsible for branding, Pop Malaya is complemented by Ijam who handles the design and concept aspects, and Jijie and Adam as designers.<br><br>Pop Malaya has a sister brand, Pop Rina, an indie label catered specially for the ladies. Pop Rina's latest collection incorporates traditional fabrics like songket and batik and can be previewed at www.myspace.com/popmalaya.<br><br>Amorfixx was started by Poon who was teaching the art to Fatso B, Yang, Horng and Han.<br><br>Realising the exceptional talent of the three lads in their 20's, Poon formed Amorfixx collective seven months ago.<br><br>He is actually more of a mentor who generates the concept and provides guidance to the collective while the business and artistic aspects are handled by the rest.<br><br>With RM5,000 as initial capital, Amorfixx records almost RM1,000 revenue per month from its only outlet in Jonker Walk, Melaka. They are now looking at expanding their market.<br><br>Competitively priced from RM29.90 to RM69.90, Amorfixx products can be purchased online at www.amorfixx.com.<br><br><br><br>CHALLENGES<br><br>There will be challenges in every effort, and the indie labels are not spared.<br><br>Ironically, competition from established and popular labels is not one of them since both have their own own market segments and followers.<br><br>"The main challenge is funding. Indie label entrepreneurs fork out their own capital that is often limited. Dividing time between a day job and the indie fashion venture is also quite demanding," Azizul said.<br><br>"The business is also very risky, as there is no guarantee that your products will be accepted, especially with the mentality of and lack of appreciation from society at large."<br><br>But it's different in Indonesia. Citing an indie label in Bandung, Azizul said: "The people there appreciate local art products, but it's different here in Malaysia where most people are still reluctant to pay for artworks.<br><br>"In Bandung, the manufacturing facilities are vast since a lot of international brands have production units there and the local indie labels can exploit the opportunities available."<br><br>He said a lot of Bandung's indie labels generated hefty profits even though there were no less than 200 indie labels there.<br><br>"We need at least seven to eight years to achieve that level. The indie label is still relatively new in Malaysia," he noted, adding that it was any indie label entrepreneur's dream to make the venture a full-time career and main income earner.<br><br>For Amorfixx, getting people to spend on the indie fashion labels is another issue besides educating them to appreciate these labels.<br><br>The future and prospects of an indie label depends on its community although the potential is huge.<br><br>"We believe that if it's done sincerely, it will be great. There definitely will be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," said Poon, brimming with confidence.<br><br>Whatever their reason and desire, be it creativity, individuality or self-expression, young people like Azizul and Poon are manifesting the spirit, courage and exuberance of their generation.<br><br><br><br><br><br>Their efforts should not be perceived as rebellious just because they choose to be different, as they set out to fulfil their dream in the ever-changing, exciting fashion world.<br><br>-- BERNAMAUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-25530318806511280362008-01-15T05:46:00.000-08:002008-03-02T08:53:37.088-08:00PopRina @ R.AGE, The Star<a href="http://www.rage.com.my">www.rage.com.my</a> January, 2007<br><br />Funky Business<br><br />BY YAM PHUI YEE<br><br />AT FIRST look, PopMalaya's T-shirts' funky street style is the most striking. If you care to look closer, the local elements and quirky text will make you chuckle and fish out some money to bag them home.<br><br /><br />One T-shirt has the image of a man wearing a songkok with a stalk of rose in between his teeth, while another bears the words Takkan Hilang Pop Malaya Di Dunia on a silhouette of P. Ramlee.<br><br /><br />Meet the founding members of PopMalaya, Izham Fazely Pakhorarazi (Ijam) and Azizul Abdul Latif (Zul).<br><br /><br />The inspiration for PopMalaya came while Ijam was watching a video of an M. Nasir song. The two friends talked about a T-shirt business and started experimenting with wacky T-shirt designs inspired by everyday life.<br><br /><br />"It's been nearly a year since we started and people are really responding to the things we do. It's surprising," said copywriter Ijam, who also does conceptualisation for the brand.<br><br /><br><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="7" width="174"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://www.rage.com.my/archives/2007/1/26/regulars/007872639.jpg" border="1"> </td></tr><tr><td><br><div class="caption">PopRina, the sister label of streetwear brand PopMalaya, adds street style to otherwise traditional designs. </div></td></tr></tbody></table>With other members like Jijie, Adam and Arif, the teammates play multiple roles to keep things going. They even roped in Ipoh-based indie band Free Love to be their brand ambassador. Don't panic if you see Jawi text on the cheeky shirts, it simply says PopMalaya (read it from left to right). "Not many people know how to read Jawi now, it's a dying form," said Ijam. Besides putting the T-shirts on sale at shops, gigs and events, PopMalaya also offers online shopping on its MySpace account.<br><br /><br />"I've gone out to Keramat (in Kuala Lumpur) just to deliver one shirt. We have to make friends with our customers," said Zul, who gets around on public transportation. The shirts are sent out for printing at the moment, but PopMalaya looks forward to bigger plans in 2007.<br><br />"We want to set up a website and roll out more designs. Hopefully we will open a printing studio too," Ijam said.<br><br /><br />The indie streetwear scene is gaining momentum as more designers emerge. PopMalaya sees people who share its passion as spreading love, not competition.<br><br /><br />Thanks to the feminine touches of Nurul'alam Mohd Yaakub (Ell) and Noor Khairiah Baizura (Keri), PopMalaya now has a sister label called PopRina for the ladies. How about adding a hoodie to a baju kurung, sashaying in a short songket skirt and having a white bohemian top to your collection?<br><br /><br />The girls said that besides infusing street style into feminine clothing, they would use traditional textile in their designs while maintaining wearability.<br><br /><br />And since PopMalaya has a thing for taglines - it uses <i>Pakai Buang Suka Hati Korang</i>, which is translated wear it or throw it, it's your choice - PopRina's tagline is <i>Awak Terok</i>(you suck).<br><br /><br />"Arrogance sells," said Ell, grinning.<br><br /><br />PopRina will be in the stores next month, and it looks like the guys have more ideas brewing for baby clothes.<br><br /><br />"We will play up a lot of colours, unlike the pastel baby clothes in the market. The tagline will be <i>Anakkau</i> " said Zul as the gang roared in laughter.<br><br /><br />PopMalaya is available at Dolls (opposite Metrojaya, BB Plaza in Kuala Lumpur), Wondermilk at Damansara Utama (Petaling Jaya) and Free Love Productions at Yik Foong Complex, Ipoh. T-shirts range from RM25 to RM35.<br /><br><br />Log on to www.myspace.com/popmalaya for more informationAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-86518951409844100682008-01-02T21:25:00.001-08:002008-03-02T05:23:01.974-08:00Awak Terok!!Awak Terok!!.<br /><br />Or 'You suck!!' in English. Considering the criticism phrase in the tag line, some might be taken aback by it - why did PopRina chose that for its brand? Seeing that all our designs and the image that we portray looks like a hipped up girl-next-door kind, of which is contradictory with the tag line, I felt compelled to at least write an explanation of it so that I won't forget and divert my explanations to the rest of the world in the future. So yeah, here comes the explanation.<br /><br />Awak Terok!! isn't as bad as you think. It is just an expression for a gutsy individual to point out when she (yes, I address the subject as a female) senses something is not right. It is a portrayal of a set of bold and aggressive characters in a person. On a quirkier note, it could mean that anyone who is not wearing PopRina apparels has a suck-y fashion sense. It's a total clannish, I know :D. Anyone would also exclaim, "Hey, awak terok!" upon teased by their peers. So yeah it could mean anything at all and I like the line as everyone from all walks of life can highly relate to it in one's everyday life. But back to the first explanation of "Awak Terok!!", I am somewhat obliged to implant the spirit to be outspoken to the girls out there. And bear in mind that being outspoken is not similar to being rude or foul-mouthed in attitude (eventhough being foul-mouthed gives you the privilege of being obeyed by everyone because they're scared of you!). It is a matter of having a set of principles and sticking to it through thick and thin in this harsh journey of life. Do the right thing and speak up when something needs to be corrected. In Islam as well, there's a phrase saying "Amar ma'aruf nahi munkar" - <span style="font-style:italic;">enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong</span> - in the Qur'an (Ali-Imran:110).<br /><br />As obvious as it may seem, we need to be reminded of our capabilities sometimes and this is exactly what I am doing. So yeah girls, remember, "Times are changing, girls can do stuff now." (taken from The Anchorman).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-30243069509547469562008-01-01T04:48:00.000-08:002008-03-02T05:22:40.611-08:00Introduction of PopRinaUrm, copy-pasted from my write-up archives heh. :D<br /><br />It all started as soon as we realized that most retailers sell simple sophisticated clothes with insensible price. Current everyday clothings lack of local identity in them; hence we decided to do something about it! We made the blueprints, shopped purposeful textiles and started prototyping in late 2006. That was just for fun. Anyways, operation had officially started June, 2007; aggressively promoted September 2007.<br /><br />We're all about functional fashion. Less frills, ribbons and whatnots. Each cut has its objectives, well we do give way for some dainty details - not wanting to be a nazi here. No offense to whom that may concern! It's a girls' clothing line of which conceptualize simple and vintage designs in our clothes; not forgetting to add some local touch to it so that people would go, "look! they only have that in malaysia"- kind of thing. We aim to converge vintage fashion with modern arts and music. We translate, from our points of view, the sound of synths, beats and that scientific feeling into viewable things such as colors and shapes. Imagine what would our aunts/moms/grannies (if you must) wear in their youth, dancing to that electric tunes or whatever that sounds edgy. Nusantara textures and patterns rock!<br /><br />PopRina consists of Ell and Keri. Ell started her designing activity since she was small sewing kurungs for her sister's Barbie doll while Keri upon so frequently altering almost all clothes in her posessions.<br /><br />PopRina’s designs signify a bold personality. So yeah, anyone who wears PopRina, we go girl! - Mereka Terok!! XD<br /><br />Email us at poprina@gmail.com or msg us for orders/inquirie!<br /><br />Terima kasih! Danke schon! Thanks!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6532044846743212344.post-86474576614261574072008-01-01T04:21:00.000-08:002011-05-10T09:10:27.291-07:00PopRina's CredentialsJune 2006 - Power Jiwa - Unglamorous Rock n Roll Fashion Show. Fashion show for a local event, its a fashion show plus music performance gig.<br />
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January 2007 - Featured in local press The Star - an article entitled 'Funky Business'.<br />
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January 2007 - Featured in Bernama - an article entitled 'Indie: Youths' Expression Of Their Generation'.<br />
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June 2007 - Figure8 - Local event organized by local magazine (Junk). Also a fashion show cum music performance gig.<br />
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January 2008 - Youth '08: We are the Trendsetters - Local Malaysian government-endorsed event. Also a fashion show cum music performance gig.<br />
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Feb 2008 - Endorsed an apparel for heroin in local independent movie, Konsekuensi by Razaisyam Rashid<br />
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March 2008 - Featured in local lifestyle magazine for Kuala Lumpur, JUNK Magazine. 4-pages feature on the label.<br />
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March 2008 - SIFE Malaysia - Nottingham Charity Fashion Show - Participant for the fashion show representing local street designers.<br />
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May 2008 - Television interview on local talk show Remaja - 'Usahawan Muda'<br />
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June 2008 - Featured on the New Straits Times, Sunday People edition - 'Pop Art with A Local Touch'<br />
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September 2008 - Endorsed costume for Sherry Ibrahim on local television drama on astro RIA entitled Renjis.<br />
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January 2009 - Youth '09 Fashion Show - Youth festival fashion show participant.<br />
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January 2009 - Collection Launch "Maiden of Bambaazon" @ Hedonisco launch fashion show party<br />
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May 2009 - Endorsed costume for Tania Zara on local lifestyle magazine, InTrend.<br />
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November 2009 - Creative Cluster Fashion Show - Borneo International Trade Fair<br />
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Jan 2010 - PopRina New Collection/Fashion The Masses - The Deadlines<br />
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Jan 2010 - Featured in Breeze Mag for New Year edition, PopRina's take on Sabah fashion scene and technologic awareness.<br />
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May 2011 - Fashion spread featured in Breeze Mag for Kaamatan edition.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0