Local, affordable and red-carpet ready
Actress Maisie Williams put spotlight on Charles & Keith bags in Hollywood recently. Here are other S'pore brands worth checking out
Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams put local brand Charles & Keith on the fashion map this week when she brought three of its bags to three Hollywood events.
It is not the first time an international celebrity has worn accessories from a local brand.
Singaporean fashion designer Ashley Isham has seen his designs on singers Florence Welch and Kylie Minogue.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, wore local fashion brand Raoul while on a visit here in 2012.
The Charles & Keith bags Williams brought to the Emmy Awards and other Emmy events were priced between $39.90 and $89.90. They have sold out online.
Do not fret, though. We have curated a list of red carpet-ready items designed by local brands that are not only glamorous but also budget-friendly.
CLOTHES
PHOTO: KLARRA1. V NECK BLOUSE WITH NECK TIE, FRONTROW BY KLARRA
$49
A trend that has been seen on models Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, this gorgeous blouse by Klarra is the perfect choice if you do not have a choker on hand. Pair it with a pair of white cigarette pants for a classy look.
Klarra, a local brand started by fashion influencer Beatrice Tan in 2014, has three labels: Klarra, Frontrow by Klarra and Boutique.
It has successfully expanded to other countries such as the United Kingdom, Thailand and Malaysia.
PHOTO: COLLATE2. EMPIRE WAIST MAXI DRESS, COLLATE
$269 (now $107.60)
This dress screams sophistication and elegance, with its structured neckline and fitted waist.
You will be all set for a red carpet event if you pair this with strappy high heels and a gold clutch for a pop of colour.
A fairly new brand, Collate was founded by Velda Tan, a social media influencer and founder of popular online shop Love, Bonito.
Collate first made its appearance at the Singapore Fashion Week last year.
PHOTO: MDS COLLECTION3. CLEMENTINE DRESS IN WHITE, MDS COLLECTIONS
$42.90 (now $30.03)
This affordable, versatile and delicate dress can take you from work to a night out in town.
MDS Collections was founded in 2007 by Georgiana Yeo and Joe Phua as an online fashion store. It has since expanded with physical stores here.
It has also branched out to other countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
PHOTO: KLARRA4. EYELET CUT OUT JUMPSUIT, FRONTROW BY KLARRA
$109
This may be on the pricier side, but a jumpsuit like this can flatter any figure or height.
Pair it with a statement necklace to jazz it up.
PHOTO: HYPHEN5. JILLIAN WAISTED DRESS PANTS, HYPHEN
$64.90
Say goodbye to spending hours in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear - this pair of white dress pants pairs well with any kind of top. Cropped, flared, off-shoulder, you name it.
Hyphen was established last year.
SHOES
PHOTO: CHARLES & KEITH1. TEXTURED ANKLE STRAP STILETTOS, CHARLES & KEITH
$85.90 (now $60.10)
This killer-looking pair of pointed heels with ankle straps adds spice to an outfit with its gold hardware.
PHOTO: MDS COLLECTION2. KIARA STRAPPY HEELS, MDS COLLECTION
$44.90 (now $13.47)
This pair of multi-strapped heels are simple but classy and versatile enough to take you from day to night.
PHOTO: MDS COLLECTION3. GRECIAN MULTI STRAP HEELS IN BLACK, MDS COLLECTION
$39.90 (now $11.97)
An absolute steal, these heels give off a gladiator vibe and will pair well with a little black dress and gold accessories.
PHOTO: CHARLES & KEITH4. MINK FUR STILETTOS, CHARLES & KEITH
$79.90
If you are feeling flirty, pair this beautiful pair of heels with a plain romper for a party-ready look.
PHOTO: CHARLES & KEITH5. CUT-OUT HEELED SANDALS, PEDRO
$93 (now $65.10)
This funky looking pair of heels may be a little too risky to wear for some, but it can jazz up any boring outfit.
Pedro was started in 2005 by the founders of Charles & Keith, brothers Charles and Keith Wong.
Initially targeted at men, it has since branched out to include women's shoes and accessories.
ACCESSORIES
PHOTO: BY INVITE ONLY1. CRACKLED QUARTZ SQUARE BRACELET, BY INVITE ONLY
$45
This delicate bracelet, made with quartz and matte rhodium plated chains, goes well with any other accessories.
Try matching this with a silver watch and you are good to go.
By Invite Only was founded by Trixie Khong in 2013 and each jewellery is carefully hand-crafted here.
PHOTO: OHVOLA2. FULL CUFF EARRING, OHVOLA
$49
This cuff earring may seem small, but it definitely plays a big part in making a bold look. Pair it with a silver cuff and necklace to match.
Ohvola was founded in 2007 by sisters Jolene and Lucinda Zhou, when Lucinda was selling dresses from a pushcart as part of her school's social entrepreneurship club.
Its items are designed and manufactured exclusively here.
PHOTO: CHARLES & KEITH3. CAGED CLUTCH, CHARLES & KEITH
$69.90
An unusual clutch like this will go well with both masculine outfits, such as a women's tuxedo, and more feminine pieces.
PHOTO: PART AND PARCEL4. EMBELLISHED CURVED BAR NECKLACE, PART & PARCEL
$10
PHOTO: PART AND PARCEL5. STATEMENT BIB NECKLACE, PART & PARCEL
$10
A simple outfit and minimal accessories are all you need when you put on one of these statement necklaces.
Part & Parcel was launched in 2013 and it sells apparel, shoes and accessories at affordable prices.
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