"I'D RATHER BE" SS 2014 CAMPAIGN
June - July 2014
Our third collaboration with CommonThread Singapore centers around the theme of "I’d Rather Be" — who we'd rather be, where we'd rather be, what we'd rather be doing. We brought six tastemakers with six different sets of dreams and fantasies to Gillman Barracks, the old military encampment turned art cluster, and set about bringing their imagination to life.
Vanity Fair
Andrea Chong, Student, Necklace from Piesa, Dip-dyed Tote Bag from CT Essentials, Shoes from Allegrina, Watch from Komono, Bracelets and Rings from Duepunti, Sunglasses from Le Specs.
Andrea's got the visage of a sweet ingénue and what better way to play it up than with a fresh combination of sugary shades: a structured, powder blue jacket, pretty pink ballet flats and a yellow dip-dyed tote, accessorising further with bracelets and rings in matching hues. "My style is a mix of classy, casual and fun," the bubbly girl proclaimed, "and I get a lot of my inspiration from FUDGE magazine and social media influencers like Gary Pepper Girl." Positively brimming with energy and good vibes, the busy blogger is quite the go-getter, with her personal mantra being, "You gotta do what you gotta do to do what you wanna do". So what are her preferred off-duty activities? "Lie down on my bed, catch up on sleep and surf the Internet all day long," she confessed, chuckling. Guess we all need a break sometimes.
Street Kid on the Block
Melvin Lee, Works in Public Relations, Headphones from Urbanears, Sunglasses and Watch from Komono, Bag from Qwstion, Shoes from Praiaz.
Melvin's definitely a cool cat, decked in a monochrome ensemble and a bowl haircut that's all about pushing the edge. Going for a play on textures and layers instead, he expertly puts together a pleather T-shirt (over a white shirt), drop-crotch pants (over tights) and rubber sneakers. Sporty and sleek, it comes as no surprise that Alexander Wang and Calvin Klein's work rank as some of his favourites. "Winter is my favourite season," he shares, "I can go all out with piling layers of clothes on myself. Of course, that's hardly practical in Singapore when I'm sweating buckets dressed just in shorts and a singlet." Melvin's also a self-confessed city dweller, so winter in New York is probably his end goal. "But if all else fails, I'll just head to Bali for a retreat, or sip a cuppa in Melbourne, enjoying the slower pace of life," he concludes. Sounds like a dream.
Through The Lens
Celester Tan, Buyer, Jacket from K-Way, Sunglasses and Watch from Komono, Shoes and Bag from Bensimon, Wallet from Bellroy.
"I'm a sports person; I gym twice a week," shared Celester. "My style? Simple, comfortable, and somewhat trendy," he added. "I get my influences from foreign cultures and trends when I travel." That much can be deduced from his sporty outfit: a burgundy all-weather parka, cuffed chinos, white sneakers and a roomy messenger bag. A quiet sort of guy, Celester loves American TV dramas, Korean and Thai food, and would like to be able to fly — to save on the air fares, we suppose.
A Dive Apart
Diogo Pio, Online Marketing Manager, Jacket from K-Way, Watch from Komono, Shoes from Praiaz, Sunglasses from Hoola, iPhone Case from Wood'd, Bag from Bensimon.
The sun's always up for Diogo! The sports enthusiast is pretty involved in a range of heart-pumping activities although, he admits, he's "not very focused". "I play futsal every week in an amateur league plus I work out once or twice, and I also play squash and tennis sometimes," he counted. "Oh, I also cycle to work, though the electric engine helps a bit," he added, laughing. His style is therefore, understandably casual; he recounted how just a few years ago, he was wearing wide pants and surf brand shorts. Today, he leans towards more smart-casual ensembles, such as throwing on a parka as a lightweight jacket or pulling on rubber sneakers. Diogo's superpower of choice would be teleportation. "I can then work in Singapore, shop in New York, go out in London, take part in the on-going World Cup in Rio de Janeiro and finally sleep in Sydney, all in one day. Cool, no?" Very cool, and also sounds very tiring!
Tribute to Style
Stephanie Crespin, Fashion Entrepreneur, Necklace from CT Essentials, Pouch from Bensimon, Shoes and Watch from Triwa, Sunglasses from Hoola.
When one is exposed daily to a steady stream of beautiful designer apparel, it is easy to get overwhelmed by it all, which explains why Stephanie's getting back to basics with her outfits. Sticking to a largely monochromatic palette and in classic pieces such as her favourite skinnies, a simple breton top, a chic white blazer and high-tops, Stephanie admitted that it's been challenging finding exciting new additions for her wardrobe. "Amazing pieces come through the door of StyleTribute everyday and I have become a very difficult shopper," she confessed, "I purchase pieces only if they are genuinely unique." A recent inspiration is the luxe bohemian style of Talitha Getty, who was frequently togged in hand-embroidered kaftans and intricate kimonos and capes. "I still love going to vintage markets and second-hand boutiques to hunt for hidden treasures," Stephanie shared. 2014 has proved to be an adrenaline rush thus far, with successful fundraising, a move into a new office and team expansion just some of the milestones. "I've kept part of my 2014 resolutions, except for the slowing down the partying bit," she laughed. "I'll leave that up to 2015."
Bohemian Rhapsody
Lara Hernandez, Marketing, Necklace from Piesa, Bracelets and Sling Bag from CT Essentials, Sunglasses and Watch from Komono, Sandals from Havaianas.
Lara has two big loves in her life. "I love to travel. I moved to Singapore because it's so central and easy to travel around the world from here," she shared, adding. "I also love to sing; I was in a choir for 12 years. Music is my life; if nothing is playing nearby, I sing." Her bohemian inclinations are reflected in her choice of dressing: a flowy maxi skirt, embellished flip flops, layered bracelets and a long, drop pendant necklace, all in vibrant colours. Not one to fuss over her outfits, she prefers to keep things simple and feminine. After all, time can be better spent reading a book, preferably with historical references, or trying out new food (dumplings, Pad Thai and sushi are some favourites). Lara is also the proud owner of a two-year-old Maltese dog who flew all the way over from Barcelona, her hometown. "She is the cutest dog ever!" Lara exclaimed. "She helps me not to miss my family so much."
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
A look at what went on behind-the-scenes at the "I'd Rather Be" CTxSHENTONISTA campaign shoot.
A Shentonista Project and UNIFORM Production
featuring Andrea Chong, Melvin Lee, Celester Tan, Lara Hernández, Diogo Gomes Pio, Stephanie Crespin
Makeup & Hair by Rick Yang
Makeup & Hair Assistance by Airin Lee
Makeup & Hair Assistance by Airin Lee
Music by Les Enfants - "Celest (Instrumental)"
For the full campaign, click here.
"Journeys and Beginnings" SS 2014 Campaign
March 2014
Colour Play
Matthews, Accounts Manager, T shirt from Thread 365, Shades from Hoola, Wallet from Bellroy, Shoes from Bensimon and Watch from Triwa.
We haven't seen someone do an all-denim look quite so brilliantly in a while. The trick, it seems, is to play with one and only one aspect – in this case, colour. Matthews essentially pulled on pretty basic pieces – shirt, bomber, straight-cut jeans – but in varying shades of denim's classic hue. The effect is simple yet striking. "I look to form, function and minimalism in my dressing," said the rather goofy guy, "and I don't really have style influences. I just observe people and flip magazines occasionally." Matthews is a big snowboarder who wishes he could teleport so he can perfect his boarding anytime, anywhere. "If you don't try your best at everything, you wouldn't be good at anything," he insists.
Nonchalance Personified
Veena, Student, Bag from Bensimon, Shoes from Allegrina, Necklace from Piesa, Bangle from CT Essentials.
Veena is undeniably a looker. From her porcelain skin and lustrous locks to her long limbs and poised demeanour, she cuts a wholly feminine figure that is both youthful and elegant. It's an interesting contrast to her predominantly monochrome, minimalist outfit, although each piece stands out on its own. Her blouse features a curved cut hem and shoulder cut-outs, her shorts feature an overlaid skirt flap - nothing too dramatic but yet with enough detail to elevate the look. "I look to blogger Rumi Neely for style inspiration. I adore her undeniable nonchalance, she's one of the few who can absolutely rock just a simple cami-and-shorts with boots outfit. She's got a real eye for minimalist styling with unique textural twists and she's very real and relatable." Admitting to a serious case of the sweet tooth, Veena keeps her figure trim with gym, Zumba and dance class. She's also careful with her diet when she can - right now she's obsessed with Graze boxes. "They're compact little cardboard boxes of healthy snacks that get mailed to me every week. Basically I browse their website and rate their snacks and they send my favourites. It's the highlight of my stress-filled weeks at boarding school," she mused. "They also drain my bank account!"
A Casual Type Of Formal
Dainius, Model, Shades from Komono, Bag from CT Essentials, Wallet from Bellroy, Slippers from Havaianas, Watch from Komono.
What we love most about Dainius' outfit is his nonchalant take on formalwear. His cuffed pants, slightly loosened tie and yes, flip flops, were both surprising and endearing, showing that you too, can pull off a blazer combo in warmer weathers. Having grown up in Soviet Union times, Dainius watched mostly European movies and the style of leading men such as Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon made an impression on him. "I like the clash of British style meeting Italian fashion," he quipped. Danius is quite the bookworm and gym bunny at the same time. In his free time, he is either reading ("If I could, I'd like to finish huge amounts of literature in five minutes.") or working out (Crossfit, boxing, outdoors-y stuff). A driven and motivated intellect, he believes in constantly bettering oneself. "'Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday', that's what I feel," he shared. Being so far away from home though, is there anything he misses? "I have an exotic black cat at home, I miss it a lot!"
A Little Bit Of Street
Audrey, NIL, Shades from Hoola, Bag from CT Essentials, Shoes from Praiaz, Watch from Komono, Necklace from Piesa, Headphones from Urbanears.
Audrey names New York style icon Olivia Palermo as one of her key style influences. "There's something understated in her style, she doesn't look like she's trying too hard yet she owns her look," she explains. We think Audrey does the same, pulling off her boldly-patterned blazer with much ease and confidence. Her ensemble also consisted of a striking red fabric necklace, pink laceless sneakers – a key item in her urban-chic look – and a plain canvas tote that kept the whole look pulled together. "I'm a mix of eclectic and classic, but there will always be that little 'street' in me," she concedes. Audrey is currently committed to taking care of her health ("My memory has been like a goldfish's; very bad recently!"), making cold pressed juices and looking up healthy recipes. She's also living conscientiously according to this quote by author Napoleon Hill – "If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way". "I believe the larger purpose of being is to be able to make a difference to the lives of others. Previously, I had a strict and conventional mindset on what this means, but I now see that it can be in any form as long as it is done with the best of intentions."
Gotta Catch 'em All
Mahdhir, Consultant, T-Shirt from Thread 365, Jacket from K Way, Shades from Hoola, Pouch from CT Essentials, Wallet from Bellroy, Shoes from Praiaz, Watch from Triwa, iPad Case from DODOcase, Headphones from Urbanears.
This is a guy who just can't stop smiling and laughing, evidenced by his wide grin above. Easy-going with a sharp sense of wit and humour, Mahdhir's preferred choice of attire is a relaxed mix of basic pieces, in white, grey or blue. "I look to how the Swedes dress and the Japanese too, there's something so simple but eye-catching and quietly unique in what they do," the boyish lad shares. He also confesses to being a Buzzfeed and Beyoncé addict. Mahdhir's real handy in the kitchen too. "I enjoy walking around in nice supermarkets, imagining cooking up feasts for close friends." So if he were a food item, he'd be a? "McDonald's apple pie. No specific or clever explanation but I just have a connection with it," he says firmly. "But actually, I wanna be a Pokemon character," he exclaims. "Specifically, Rapidash or Charizard!"
Not Your Average Geek
Sofia, Student, T Shirt from Thread 365, Shades from Hoola, Bag from Bensimon, Slippers from Havaianas, Bangle from Piesa, iPad Case from DODOcase.
Sofia's quite an enigma. She's really girly: ballet since young, a signature cat-eye winged eyeliner look, and a dog lover ("The love of my life is Hugo, my extremely handsome miniature long-haired dachshund who's a notorious pizza thief!"). And then she has all these interests that don't quite fit the feminine archetype: she's studying Game Art and Design ("My parents don't bat an eye when I stay up till 3am playing games!), she's obsessed with anything and everything to do with the Lord of the Rings franchise ("I'm a fanatic; I dissect every minute detail of the extended movie versions, play the soundtrack non-stop and have a shrine of LoTR swag.") and she's into sailing ("Master and Commander is next on my reading list and the latest pirate-themed Assassins Creed game is balanced atop my PS3.").
Her multi-faceted and effervescent personality is impressive, and it reflects in her personal style, which is a youthful and vibrant mix of feminine (a draped, wrap skirt, a pink lip) and fierce (a leather-sleeved moto jacket and yes, those are flip flops she's wearing so nonchalantly). Sofia names the French Vogue team as her key influences, their signature, uniform style being a look she aspires to. Her fashion interests also go beyond the surface – the talented student is involved in the start-up of an eyewear line called Hoola. Phew, where does she find all that time! So if she could have a nice dinner, who'd she invite? "J. R. R. Tolkein, hands down! I'd get the inside scoop on Middle Earth. I'd also invite George Lucas and the heads of Bioware and beg them for an internship," she enthused, unsurprisingly. "I'd make Hugo wear a cape and use his awesome Jedi mind tricks to get them to say yes," she deadpanned. This girl is something.
Behind-The-Scenes
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Here's a look at what went on behind-the-scenes at the CTxSHENTONISTA campaign shoot, where we celebrate the uncommon common people and their aspirations.
For a look at all the previous features from this campaign, click here.
A Shentonista Project and UNIFORM Production
featuring Audrey, Matthews Chang, Sofia, Mahdhir Mustafa, Veena McCoole & Dainius
Makeup & Hair by Rick Yang
Makeup & Hair Assistance by Nicki Fu
Music by Landon Austin - "Ready for Anything"
