SEEN@FRONTROW

What: the collaboration between seen and FrontRow.

We adore FrontRow for their selection of casual cult brands;

We both adore Ksubi for its raw edge and energy.

So FrontRow is dropping in to set up a pop-up store right here in seen@dempsey.

Together we're launching Ksubi:

Ksubi (previously Tsubi) is an Australian cult brand that has made its name with raw, gritty, sensual ad campaigns, and deliberately distressed and torn denim casual wear. Their range of eyewear is no less bold.

And in Front Row's Americana-themed pop-up store:

ChouetteX Hello Kitty: crystal-encrusted watches in the shape of the hottest little kitten;

W/A, a new menswear line by Woods &Woods, by local designer Jonathan Seow;

and structural heels by United Nude.

Plus Ksubi's range of prescription glasses will be available exclusively at seen@dempsey.

RSVP at marketing@seenatdempsey.com!

Hearts and Hands : charity event

seen@dempsey saw its signature long table put to good use on Saturday, 10 April 2010. The table was completely laid out with cakes so beautiful they could make you cry, and savoury items that whet the appetite.

Such was the labour of love from Hearts and Hands, a group of "avid bakers and cooks" as they call themselves, hoping to do an annual cookout for charity. Donors from the Law Society were invited to partake of this private reception.

The donations arising from this hearty meal will go to the new building fund for Eden School, previously known as the Singapore Autism School.

Ms Denise Phua, MP for the Jalan Besar precinct, gave her speech as guest-of-honour. She spoke of how children with special needs should be given a dignified education, and beautiful schools that normal children envy, not despise.

The principal of Eden School thanked all present for their support, and described the upcoming building at Bukit Batok, with facilities to help the children learn working skills such as a Mr Bean kiosk and a farm. The present school building at Yuan Ching Road is a former secondary school.

seen@dempsey owner Lionel Boh was presented with an artwork done by the children of Eden School.

The (normal) children who came along with their parents were kept busy and happy with floor chalk, face painting, and lego.

Speaking to Eden School's principal, I learnt something new from her:

"These special children view the world very differently from us," she said. "Sometimes I think they are the ones who see things the right way, and we have to learn from them."

Still these children have to learn to cope with life in our world, from things like how to be calm in chaotic situations, to being equipped with specific working skills like manning a beverage kiosk. It is a different kind of education they have to master, one that is far removed from the Higher Chinese, Integrated Program and GEP results that normal children and parents get stressed about trying to achieve.

Thank you, Eden School, for showing us that we have much to learn.

Russian Spring in the City

We went all out to bring a Russian Spring into seen@dempsey for the local Russian Club last Saturday. "Spring for Russians means tulips," we were told. So our boutique was splashed with bright tulips, fresh and in livid color. We also had the extreme privilege of receiving Soviet champagne through one of our guests, which we hear is sweet and reminds the Russians of home.

It was an afternoon of beautiful people, cars, and yes, beautiful eyewear.

The Lotus Evora made a flashy appearance.

Everyone had fun trying on a pair or two.

sex and the city 2

The most striking thing about this poster? Not the white dress, not the golden shoes, but those shades.

Mykita in collaboration with quirky design maestro Bernhard Willhelm.

Its name is Franz, and it's limited.

Set in an aviator shape and accessorized well, these mirrored lenses are no longer just for cyclists.

With famed stylist Patricia Field putting them on SJP in what is only the most fashion-centric series-turned-movie, I can forsee these selling out in minutes.

That is how trends are made overnight.

MAE PANG

seen@dempsey loaned frames and shades to MAE PANG, one of the 25 handpicked labels to be groomed in Singapore's first fashion incubator programme. The 25 labels occupy the 2nd floor of the brand new PARCO extension of Millenia Walk, and officially launched yesterday, 31st March 2010.

Behind MAE PANG is 24-year-old Pang Ai Mei, who graduated with a diploma in fashion design from Lasalle, and was accepted into Central St Martin's degree program before putting it on hold for the Fashion Incubator.

Her pieces definitely cater to a niche audience, with bold cut-outs and detailed pleating. The debut collection features oddities like nude ruched leggings and black snakeskin layers.

For more information on MAE PANG, click here.

--

Yellow frames and moss-green tortoiseshell frames: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Frosted pink shades: Derek Lam