JW Anderson x Topshop Launch - Singapore & Kuala Lumpur

Often that when a designer collaborates with a high-street brand, the big launch usually only happens in the brand's country of origin but it was my luck to be invited to Singapore for the only grand launch in Southeast Asia's to celebrate JW Anderson's capsule collection for Topshop recently. I'm always excited to view capsule or collaboration collections as usually designers are designing according to their preference under their very own label but when it's a collaboration, especially with a high-street mogul like Topshop, a designer has to balance the wearable factor as well as having their own identity in each garment's design. It's not an easy feat but a successful designer would be one who manages to capture the fashionistas' heart, and also the mass consumer simultaneously. 

An Ireland native, 29 years of age, Jonathan William Anderson initially wanted to pursue a career in acting only to stumble upon his love of stage costume. He then pursued menswear designing at the renowned London College of Fashion, and debuted his first collection at London Fashion Week in 2007. Chosen by Topshop as one of NewGen British Designer, be sure to see more of this designer's take on androgynous womenswear, considering his menswear design background. 

For this particular capsule collection, I love the choice of prints and color on the garments as it exudes individuality with practicality. You will surely not be a wallflower at a party when you combine a printed top, with another different printed bottom from JWAxTS collection. Surprisingly, it blends pretty well considering that both prints being strong on their own. There are still more monotonous pieces, especially the knits which looked comfortable for daily wear on almost any occasion, even in this unforgiving KL weather. The cutting and design is more 'boxy' or rigid, unlike most womenswear which has more flow but I love that you can wear a menswear inspired sweater from JWAxTS over a pleated skirt with a pair of creepers and still not lose your feminity. The price range was also affordable if you ask me, considering most designer collabs to hit a minimum of RM500. The pair of jeans from JWAxTS was priced at about RM300 which is reasonable. 

I also went to the Malaysian launching of JWAxTS and although the range was not as extensive as the one I saw in Singapore, the pieces that were brought in were mainly the notable pieces, and I definitely still love the turtle printed pants in red and white. I was in Singapore for merely about 24 hours but that was definitely an experience to remember, especially that we got to meet JW Anderson in person among other Singaporean fashion crowd. If there's something about Singaporeans that I love, would be that they're very fashion-forward and to see the way they dress on a daily basis gives me some sort of a joy to watch. Here are some photos I took from the trip in Singapore at the JW Anderson x Topshop launch party, right down to the one in Kuala Lumpur as well for your viewing pleasure =)

Pre-packing during a late night, I keep putting things back into the closet and only ended up with just two changes of clothes for a 24 hours trip worth.

We only had 45 minutes to get ready before we were whisked off for dinner at Paragon, and I ended up ironing my wrinkled shirt instead! 

Lucky for me, I brought the right color palette so I ended up doing a very quick smokey eye makeup cause I only had 5 minutes to put makeup on.

Bloggers and media, in a very fashionable 'catwalk' to our dinner place nearby the hotel in Orchard Road.

The super huge chocolate cake with marshmallows inside at PS Cafe, Paragon.

The event was held near the port, thus we were ushered into a warehouse that have been converted into an art space. The elevators were branded with the JWAxTS logo, and it was a cool concept to have us 'shipped' to an upper inside area for the party. 

Photo with JW Anderson himself! =)

Topshop also flew the band Chew Lips for a special performance at this party. They were really, really good live. 

There was a special pop-up store erected just for the party so invited guests could have first dibs of the collection on the spot. I didn't know this, only to find out much later =(

Singaporean female DJ Duo - Twoface were spinning for the night.

Memorabilia from the trip, an instant photo booth area so we can take photos and have it printed instantly on the spot. Love this, and so did everyone who were queuing all the way to the back.

What I wore: Spiked headband from ASOS, Blouse from ZARA, Skirt from H&M, Boots from Forever21.

JWAxTS can now be found at Topshop MidValley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. Make sure you go have a look at the collection! ;)

With the cutie blogger, Charis Ow at the JWAxTS Kuala Lumpur launching.

What I wore: Blazer from Topshop, Black top from Forever21, Pants from Covetz.com, Shoes from H&M, Accessories from Diva, Zalora Malaysia and H&M, Nail stickers from Zalora Malaysia.

Goodnight!