Monday March 30, 2009

The 70s show

By S.S. YOGA

A blast from the past hits the racks of homegrown fashion label Seed.

WHAT goes around comes around. Nowhere is this more true than with fashion. And if we’re lucky, the bad styles don’t come back. The fashion gods have been merciful so far; at least bell-bottoms have been sent to sartorial hell for eternity!

For spring/summer, Seed takes heed of that maxim and revisits the 1970s with its menswear designs while the fairer sex get a look-in with the 1980s.

Pick-me-up: Fuschia jacket, and mustard yellow shorts.

For the trendy woman, the Eighties sassy, sexy feel is explored through flowing shapes, unstructured cuts, asymmetrical lines and feminine details like tiers and ruffles.

According to Padini Holdings Berhad creative director C.Y. Cheong, the key-looks this season include jumpsuits, off-shoulder dresses, bustier tops and dresses, tailored vests, slouchy pants and pleated pants.

Meanwhile, the colour palette is steered towards grey, white and soft pastels coupled with dusty floral prints and polka dots that lend a refined edge.

The continuing nod to vintage sees boxy silhouettes with details such as pleats, frills, gathers and exposed zipper trims. Signature pieces include pencil skirts, loose tunics, sleeveless cardigans, tailored shorts, narrow shoulder jackets and pleated pants.

“As it should be a season for ongoing fun, Seed has given the gals an option to play with their wardrobe choices with our casual collection with different style directions that are still imbued with femininity and sensuality,” explains Cheong.

Seed is one of the brands showcased at the Fashion and Glamour on the Red Carpet event on April 2 at Pavilion Pit Shop in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Other fashion labels and designers to be featured are Eclipse by Sonny San, Carven Ong, Nicholas (a Singaporean label at Materiel), Melinda Looi, Zang Toi, Tangoo and Gallo by Thian.

The Pavilion Pit Stop – which is in conjunction with the Malaysian Grand Prix (GP) season – is showcasing a series of events from April 1 to 5; partnering brands include GH Mumm, Enrich Malaysia Airlines, Mastercard Worldwide and EON Bank Pavilion Card. Besides fashion, visitors will be captivated by an array of entertainment, racing-themed activities and retail experiences. Pavilion will be the centre of excitement this GP season, having hosted the official launches of the Kuala Lumpur GP City 2009 and the nationwide Malaysia GP Sale.

Back to Seed, Cheong says the menswear range is more evenly divided with one direction for spring and another for summer. For spring, it’s all about 1970s lounge styling with a modern take of the period. For summer, it veers towards nautical and old school boy styling. Key looks include single breasted suiting mainly in white, tailored shorts, combination fabric shirts, bib front shirts, piping collar shirts, contrast piping cardigans, bib front pullovers, slim pants, striped shirts and polo tees. Trims and piping make appearances on jackets and shirts. And to pull off the look, it’s all about layering.

The usual suspects: (From left) White suit with V-neck grey top, spaghetti strap bustier print dress (on her), black cardigan and shirt matched with pants and pink bustier dress (her).

Making the colour list are white, black, blue, navy, grey, brown and green with sky blue appearing as an accent colour. For summer, it’s dominated by a flashy turquoise palate to give a playboy feel to it.

The casual collection is all about two moods – relaxed and preppy. Simple dressing with touches of chic-luxe styling is the way to go.

Must-haves include skinny pants, shorts, striped shirts, oxford shirts, waistband and irregular striped polo tees, print tees, poly fleece or reversible jackets, hoodies and V-neck sweaters (that are striped or sleeveless).

White is the common motif as are stripes and checks. Navy blue, coral pink, pastel pink, deep red and black make up the rest of the colour menu.

Seed’s spring/summer collection will be showcased at Pavilion Pit Stop’s Fashion and Glamour on the Red Carpet event on April 2, in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.