Thursday July 16, 2009
Ted Baker's abstract shapes
By WONG LI ZA
Ted Baker offers a clever play of colours and details for this coming winter.
IN all appearances, Ted Baker’s Autumn Winter 2009 collection follows a sombre note, possibly alluding to the current financial gloom. Even its press release made an indirect reference to this, stating the collection retains “a traditional British feel, the dark and stormy ambience mirroring our own wintry season.”
However, a closer examination revealed many inspiring designs that warranted a second and third look at the collection.
The women’s wear is characterised by stripes, panelling or floral prints, seen with ruche, frills and layering patterns. There are billowy sleeves and soft jersey drapes, while new abstract shapes are formed with bold structures and heavy pleating.
In celebration of femininity, hourglass silhouettes are formed with sculpted dresses and high-waisted pencil skirts. A thick-knit, turtleneck sweater dress also creates a slim silhouette.
Cool hue: Front buttoned top with billowy sleeves matched with dark pants and belt. The collection’s palette of colours largely consists of neutral greys, midnight blues, forest blacks and maroons.
What’s chic and simple is a black, fitted top paired with low-waisted, grey plaid pants. A front-buttoned top with billowy sleeves matched with dark pants also stands out.
A short, broad-striped dress, knee-high boots, shoulder bag and beret form a comfortable and chic get-up.
The collection also incorporates a clever use of pillar box red and lipstick pink to add colour to luxurious silk and wool mixes.
Two eye-catching creations are a red, V-neck dress with layered-frill detailing, and a monochrome ensemble with folds and ruche patterns.
Shades of fall come together in a multi-coloured squarish motif top paired with a frilly-layered skirt and red bag.
A harmony of colours is seen on a striped dress with cap sleeves worn with a thin belt.
Floral and plumage prints lighten the mood. Painting a pretty picture is a low neckline, floral dress worn with a thick, knitted cardigan.
Men are not left out in the Autumn Winter collection, as seen in the relaxed yet luxurious pieces worn layered or paired with hoods for a casual look.
Simple chic: Dress with front embellishment and string belt next to him, wearing a three-piece suit. Colours embrace the changing seasons with cloudy greys, jungle greens or deep cherry red.
To prepare for the winter chill, there are shawl neck collars and chunky cable knits while for outdoor jaunts, a waxed, front pocket jacket in heavy duty denim and a herringbone overcoat promise to keep you warm.
For a spiffy look, check out a well-tailored, dark suit with printed shirt and tie. Also in the collection is a classic black trench for a touch of sophistication.
Otherwise, go casual with a check shirt and jacket with flap, patch pockets matched with dark pants.
Ted Baker also carries accessories, children’s collections, fragrances, footwear, eyewear and watches.
Last year, the label was given the Superbrand status by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA) in London. It first started as a menswear brand in Glasgow in 1987. Since signing three new territorial license agreements in 2006, Ted Baker has opened stores and concessions in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Dubai, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The Autumn Winter 2009 collection will be available in September.
