Trend Setter

Thursday June 21, 2012

Keep The Statement Simple

By Zieman

Some of us would go all out to make a fashion statement.

One bold accessory on your wrist, a branded watch or a handbag can make all the difference between looking runway-model glamorous and looking like you've been hit by a cheap accessory truck.

Even slipping on that black number is a statement of sorts. It's all about what you want to tell the world without really having to speak. But how far would you go or how much would you spend to make that statement 'heard'?

Fashion experts Aaron George Von Jolly, Ridzuan Ismail @ Wanpa and Khoon Hoi feel you don't have to burn a hole in your pocket to make the right fashion statement. They say, mix and match. Everything you need is in your closet.

Simple yet grand from Aaron Von Jolly's collection

For Sarawak-born fashion designer Aaron George Von Jolly, a fashion statement is definitely more than just what you have on, "Ultimately, it depends on a person's attitude, character, inner sophistications and the level of refinement the person carries. But of course, first impression is most important. How well you understand your body and choosing the right colours, cuts, textures and patterns are what counts. The social circle you are in is also a plus point when you make a fashion statement," said this 32-year-old designer who runs the Von Jolly Gallery in Bangsar with his 56-year-old uncle, Raymond Von Jolly.

According to Aaron, this new season emphasise a lot on bright colour palettes like Chilli red, pale orange and bright navy blue. "Colour Blocking is an 'in thing' now. The sudden feature of a particular colour that clashes with the other homogeneous is the craze now. During my varsity days, we were taught to use and combine colours from the same family in a colour chart at any one time when you dress up but this is no longer the case now. Fashion is forever an evolving subject," he explains.

Colour Blocking is an 'in thing' now, says Aaron Von Jolly

Accessories, Aaron says is a personal taste and is often dictated by a person's cultural background or social income. "As a whole, we Malaysians generally love to over accessorize. We often opt for more shiny, silkier textures while the Europeans would generally be more excited over matte textures."

As for what's in this season, "This Spring/Summer sees a lot of shift dresses. The textures are definitely lighter to suit the warm climate. Other detailed elements are the simplified weaving -- originated from the Japanese origami, sudden cut out of sleeves and bigger pleats," Aaron tells us.

But you don't have to follow the trend to look trendy, says Aaron "What is nice on others might not necessarily look nice on us. These days, the younger generation tend to gravitate to the same kinds of clothes and style which at the end of the day, will just make them look boring. There is no personal touch."