Latest from Vogue Singapore
Vogue Singapore
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Max Mara's resort 2026 collection is an ode to womanhood and Italian heritage Vogue Singapore
Under the vaulted grandeur of La Reggia di Caserta, Max Mara set the stage for a visual feast celebrating women through the cinematic lens of Italian culture: ornate, historic, and deeply Italian. The mood? Cascading marble staircases and gilded ceilings—the perfect backdrop for the its resort 2026 collection—a considered tribute to Naples and to the evolving codes of womanhood the brand has dressed since its founding. And to add to the shimmer of the evening, a lineup of stars showed up, including the likes of Alexa Chung and South Korean actress Lee Sung Kyung. Lee Sung Kyung at the Max Mara resort 2026 show. IMAXtree Alexa Chung at the Max Mara resort 2026 show. German Larkin Joey King at the Max Mara resort 2026 show. German Larkin Griffith's vision encapsulated elements of the brand's past, seen especially through archival references trickled throughout the collection. Starting with a collaboration that reaches into the heart of Neapolitan craft—in partnership with tie maker E. Marinella, Max Mara reinterprets vintage cravatte prints across silk pyjamas and oversized cashmere sweaters. Rendered on soft, fluid silhouettes, the motifs offer a modish expression of familiar codes—connecting storied heritage to the sartorial culture of the moment. Max Mara's 2026 resort collection was unveiled at the grand La Reggia di Caserta. Courtesy of Max Mara There's also an earthy sense of charm that runs through the entire collection—sun-faded pinks, powdery blue, off-white, and muted tobacco. Silhouette play was also apparent in the ensembles: f ull circle skirts came with lozenge-shaped pockets that jutted out slightly, lending a sculptural dimension to the silhouette, while some were paired with portrait-collared tops and matching strapless bras. There's a certain playfulness, too, in the rolled-up shorts—referencing Silvana Mangano's turn in Riso Amaro—reimagined with a polished, intentional edge. The tailoring shifts throughout, but the coats are a steady anchor—Belted, shawl-collared, funnel-necked, or fringed, they speak to the luxury brand's core—practical yet always poised. The range also sees a quiet contrast between ornament and architecture: strapless gowns in dense panno scattered with crystals, their silhouettes underpinned by boned silk gauze bodices that peek just above the neckline. The cherished Whitney Bag returns to the runway, reinterpreted in four new editions for the season. Courtesy of Max Mara Accessories extend that duality of refinement and utility. The Whitney Bag, a cherished silhouette since 2015, returns in four new editions, sculpted with cleaner lines and softened curves. Another standout accessory seen on the runway were silk scarves, printed with Marinella's reinterpreted archival designs, offering a more intimate and meaningful detail to any look. Together, these elements sketch a portrait of a woman who is empowered by history—a visual representation of Italian culture, heritage and cinema. Below, see some of the key looks from Max Mara's 2026 resort collection. Courtesy of Max Mara 1 / 12 Look 1 Courtesy of Max Mara 2 / 12 Look 2 Courtesy of Max Mara 3 / 12 Look 6 Courtesy of Max Mara 4 / 12 Look 8 Courtesy of Max Mara 5 / 12 Look 9 Courtesy of Max Mara 6 / 12 Look 10 Courtesy of Max Mara 7 / 12 Look 19 Courtesy of Max Mara 8 / 12 Look 21 Courtesy of Max Mara 9 / 12 Look 23 Courtesy of Max Mara 10 / 12 Look 28 Courtesy of Max Mara 11 / 12 Look 29 Courtesy of Max Mara 12 / 12 Look 43
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Vogue Singapore
Meet the three Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize 2025 finalists
This year, the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize returns to spotlight the brightest entrepreneurial minds reimagining fashion, sustainability, and technology across Asia and beyond. A collaboration with BMW, the programme champions fashion and beauty innovators building the future of design through cross-industry creativity, circular systems, and digital transformation. Applications came in from all around the globe, and after an intensive two-day bootcamp, ten standout businesses were chosen to move forward into a three-week mentorship programme. Participants had the valuable opportunity to work with esteemed leaders from world-class institutions, including Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at BMW Group, Corey Moran, Head of Industry, Fashion and Luxury at Google, Artaud Frenoy, Head of APAC at VEJA, and Nanette Wong, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Fenty Beauty & Fenty Fragrance, among others. Their final pitch was presented to an internal jury composed of the Vogue Singapore and Brinc teams, alongside global investors. From this pool, three finalists emerged—Arxy, Authentified, and BioFluff—each chosen for their distinctive vision, clear roadmap, and capacity to spark real change. These three companies will now face the VIP jury, comprised of global leaders at the forefront of luxury, innovation, and design. Among them: Bettina von Schlippe, Vogue Singapore's Publisher-at-Large, Alexis Bonhomme, founder of Trinity Asia, Natasha Damodaran, Vogue Singapore's publisher, Rose du Chatellier, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Condé Nast, and Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design BMW Compact Class and Neue Klasse, BMW M. For Heilmer, whose team is pioneering BMW's next-generation vehicles under the Neue Klasse vision, the innovation prize reflects an aligned mission: 'BMW has a strong history and has always strived to resolve contradictions: to create a design that meets the spirit of the times and thus remains timeless. In many ways, the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize is aimed to bring about change in a similar way, and I am thrilled for BMW and myself to support this project'. He also emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary inspiration. 'For example, one person on our team builds skateboards, while another lived on a sailboat for two years—this is all part of indirect inspiration. These experiences feed into our collective design language—it's that creative discourse that drives innovation.' Indeed, the exchange of ideas between tech, fashion, design, and sustainability underpins the ethos of the programme, which culminates this October at Vogue Singapore's Next In Vogue gala. There, the winner will be announced and awarded a S$20,000 monetary prize, a feature by Vogue Singapore, a one-year membership at the Singapore Fashion Council, and—courtesy of VisitMonaco—a four-night stay at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, with dinner at the two-Michelin-starred Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac. The winner will also receive mentorship from Monegasque institutions such as MonacoTech and be introduced to a global network of investors and industry leaders. Below, read on to find about more about the three shortlisted businesses and their innovative visions. Arxy Artzy is the world's first fully immersive and interactive virtual showroom platform for B2B wholesale. Courtesy of Arxy Touted as the world's first fully immersive and interactive virtual showroom platform for B2B wholesale, Arxy is redefining how brands and retailers connect. By addressing the outdated and unsustainable nature of traditional wholesale—which relies on costly physical showrooms, international travel, and excessive sample production— Arxy offers scalable, sustainable, and cost-efficient tools designed to modernise the wholesale process. These entrenched practices not only slow down operations but also raise barriers for small brands and contribute to the industry's carbon footprint. Arxy's mission is to build a dynamic, collaborative, and tech-forward ecosystem that cuts costs, reduces waste, and expands reach—empowering the next generation of fashion creatives to thrive. Since its launch, Arxy has rapidly gained industry recognition. The company was selected twice by Vogue Business as one of the ten tech startups set to reshape the fashion industry, presenting at Fashion Futures in both New York and London. In early 2025, it unveiled a virtual talent showroom for Istituto Marangoni, earning press coverage and widespread interest; the institution has since engaged Arxy on two further projects and named them their exclusive technology partner in this field. Today, Arxy works with over 20 brands, including Veronique Leroy and Annakiki, and has attracted over 300 retailers across 36 countries, from LuisaViaRoma and Saks to well-established regional retailers. Most recently, the company was invited to showcase at the Global Fashion Summit 2025 and host a workshop in Jakarta, further cementing its place at the forefront of fashion's digital evolution. Authentified Authentified provides the back-end technology to connect brands, customers and secondhand marketplaces for efficient resale. Courtesy of Authentified Authentified is building the back‑end infrastructure to power seamless, brand‑led resale at scale. The platform integrates directly with fashion brands—such as launch partner Decjuba, which generated over 500 listings in its first week following its February 2025 debut—connecting them and their customers to established secondhand marketplaces like eBay. This integration enables brands to embrace resale on their own terms: earning royalties, accessing valuable post‑purchase data, and driving ongoing customer engagement. Customers, in turn, benefit from a resale experience that's easy, trusted, and fully brand‑backed. With additional partnerships including Australia Post and Salvos Stores to support logistics and donations, Authentified is laying the foundation for effortless, circular fashion at scale. Since launch, the platform has grown to support over 1,500 registered users and has facilitated the sale of more than 1,400 items, with strong momentum across both brand and customer adoption. Authentified currently partners with Decjuba, Bared Footwear, Kivari, and Cambridge Clothing, with two more marketplace integrations in discussion. The team recently launched a live brand dashboard and has received positive feedback from major retailers during ongoing meetings. Recognition has followed swiftly: Authentified was selected for the eBay Circular Fashion Fund, named a LaunchVic Top 30 Best Newcomer, shortlisted for the AFR Sustainability Leaders Award 2025 (via Decjuba), and was a finalist at Power Retail Big Bash 2025 in both the Top Sustainability Initiative and Top Innovator categories. Biofluff BioFluff is the world's first 100% plant-based fur, shearling, and plush alternative. Courtesy of Biofluff Born from a bold ambition to phase out both animal-derived and plastic-based furs, BioFluff is the world's first 100% plant-based alternative to fur, shearling, and plush. Its flagship material, Savian, is crafted in Italy from flax, nettle, and hemp fibres—offering a high-luxury textile with a remarkably low environmental footprint. The material made its high-profile debut at COP28 in December 2023, appearing as part of Stella McCartney's Pre-Fall 2024 collection, where it garnered global attention as a pioneering sustainable innovation. Since then, BioFluff has continued to rewrite the rules of luxury by proving that plant-powered fashion can be beautiful, functional, and scalable. Momentum has only grown. In January 2024, BioFluff partnered with Ganni, showcasing the brand's Bou Bag crafted in Savian during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The company also took its first steps into interiors by unveiling an artisanal bench with Andrea Rosso's RedDuo during Barcelona Design Week. In November 2024, BioFluff initiated a working group with players in the toy and licensing industry, aiming to co-create a category-appropriate plant-based plush solution. Recognition has come from across the industry: the brand was a finalist for the 2022 LVMH Innovation Award, and most recently, BioFluff was shortlisted for the Drapers Sustainability Awards 2025, cementing its place at the forefront of next-generation materials. Learn more about the Vogue Singapore Foundation and subscribe to Club Vogue .
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
The bixie is the '90s-inspired haircut of the summer
What's a bixie, you may ask? Unofficially: One of the coolest haircuts of the summer. Officially: A hybrid between a bob and a pixie. In other words, the best of all worlds. Here, a look at what exactly makes a bixie a 'bixie'—and how to style it if you decide to make the chop yourself. Getty Breaking down the bixie cut The bixie has quickly become the most-requested haircut at salons. For good reason: 'It's a cut that combines the freshness and casualness of the pixie with the length of the bob, combining shorter layers at the nape of the neck and sideburns and leaving longer ones at the top and close to the face,' explains Spanish hairstylist and Redken ambassador Juandiegoteo. Think: A grown-out pixie or a choppy bob with face-framing bangs. Francesca Babbi With a vibe that calls to minds the It-girls of the 1990s like Winona Ryder, Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, and Victoria Beckham, it allows multiple variations depending on hair texture, bone structure, and desired length. 'It can be adapted to all types of hair and face shapes: play with the bangs and leave them down, tousled, or wavy to achieve a classic or edgy style,' recommends stylist Mar Peón of Menta Beauty Place in Madrid. Who can wear a bixie cut? While the bixie can be adapted for anyone, 'it's a cut that especially favours oval faces as it highlights the cheekbones,' says Juandiegoteo. He also considers it 'ideal for fine hair because it adds a lot of volume. And, it also works well with wavy and curly hair for a more casual style,' he explains. Felicitas Ordás of Felicitas Hair says it's also a great cut for anyone who wants to highlight their jawline, shoulders, and neck. 'With this cut, the nape of the neck and sides are lengthened.' Her advice: Comb it with the ends slightly outwards to give it a playful, gamine look.
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Meet Bhavya Ramesh—the designer making Indian jewellery cool again
Jewellery is undeniably a vital part of Indian identity, culture, and heritage. Gold and silver heirloom pieces, like bangles and necklaces, have been passed down in families for decades. The practice of wearing ornaments for important festivals and ceremonies, that element of 'something old,' has always been a part of Indian history. But the Indian youth of today are seeking ways to stay connected to their cultural roots in ways that feel true to who they are now; for many, jewellery becomes that outlet where they can wear their heritage with pride—the perfect medium for self-expression. Yet the problem remains: traditional Indian jewellery while rich in legacy, often feels too ceremonial for everyday wear, whereas contemporary pieces, though easy to style, lack that Indian touch they so ardently seek. So when Bhavya Ramesh, founder, and creative director of her eponymous label, first began her foray into the world of jewellery production, this was the exact gap she decided to fill in. 'Jewellery in India is often bound by tradition. I wanted to break that, to make pieces that feel Indian in soul, but not in form,' she says—and this sentiment lies at the heart of her label. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh Known for her bold and avant-garde aesthetic, Ramesh's eccentric designs are downright audacious in form. From silver nail rings that twist into fierce armours, gilded sunglasses that depict peacocks, hair clips shaped like slithering snakes and necklaces that resemble dancing apsaras, most of her collections draw from mythology, science fiction, and fantasy. Though her designs are modern in form, but they still feel unmistakably Indian in soul. By producing in-house, championing ethical practices, and fostering close relationships with artisans in Jaipur, Ramesh ensures that innovation never comes at the cost of integrity. With a background in engineering, the designer has always gravitated towards creative territory. Today, with her brand headquartered in Mumbai and a growing list of high-profile clients—Ramesh is making traditional silver jewellery cool for a generation that wants to honour its roots without being weighed down by them. In an interview with Vogue Singapore, the Indian designer opens up about her creative process, design ethos and the story behind her eponymous label. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh What inspired you to start your own jewellery brand, and how did Bhavya Ramesh the label come to life? I come from an engineering background, not a design one, but I've always believed my pieces are well-engineered. The technical knowledge I carry has deeply shaped how I think about structure, form, and function—which has become the unique signature of the brand. At a crucial point in my life, I knew I wasn't built to work for someone else. There was a strong voice within me pushing me to create something of my own. When I began exploring jewellery, I was captivated by the richness of Indian craftsmanship and the traditional art forms we've inherited. I felt they deserved a fresh voice—one that could be understood and appreciated globally. Choosing silver as my medium was both a creative and strategic decision. It's timeless, valuable, and at the time, felt like a smart investment—even if the design journey didn't take off, I knew the metal itself would hold value. That blend of business instinct, creative expression, and technical grounding is what shaped Bhavya Ramesh into what it is today. You've spoken about sustainability and working with artisans in Jaipur. How do you ensure that your production stays ethical and true to your values as you expand your business? This was one of my biggest concerns from the very beginning—how to grow without compromising on ethics or integrity. One of the reasons I've been able to stay grounded in my values is because all our production is in-house. Nothing is outsourced. That gives us complete control over how things are made, how silver is treated, and how artisans are involved throughout the process. Since we work with metals, there's a beautiful circularity built into the system—everything can be melted, reworked, and reused. That naturally creates a more efficient and sustainable business model. But beyond that, what really holds it all together is the relationship with our karigars (artisans). They don't just execute my vision, they are a part of it. There's a shared purpose, and that emotional investment is what makes each piece not just ethical, but meaningful. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh Your designs are often described as bold and unconventional. What influences your aesthetic? The aesthetic of the brand wasn't something carefully planned or constructed, it evolved organically. It's deeply rooted in my personal journey, in a series of life experiences and emotions I felt compelled to express. Over time, that expression shaped a language of its own. From the very beginning, I've been driven by the desire to create something that hasn't been seen before in the jewellery space—especially in a country like India, where jewellery has existed for centuries but is often seen through a traditional or commercial lens. I wanted to break that pattern and bring in a fresh perspective—one that's raw, emotive, and unafraid to challenge convention. Can you walk us through your creative process—from ideation to the final product? My creative process isn't linear or fixed—it evolves constantly. Ideas often strike unexpectedly: from a passing conversation, a joke, a strong emotion, or just a random observation. That initial spark is where it begins. But once the idea is planted, I begin building a world around it. A big part of my process is the human body itself. The anatomy becomes a framework—the Nail Crown collection, for example, revolved entirely around nails; GlarerKillers explored the eyes; and Poison centred on the movement of fingers. Working hands-on with artisans is where the real magic happens. No matter how imaginative the concept is, its transformation into a tangible piece depends on how well it can be executed. That phase of experimentation—when two minds are in sync trying to bring a wild idea to life—is often where the most iconic pieces are born. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh From Ancient Aliens to GilGa, and now Naraka, your collections often feel mythical and cinematic. What's your process when translating storytelling into your designs? The story always comes first. I'm constantly drawn to worlds that are a little surreal, a little beyond reality—whether it's mythology, cosmic fantasy, or reimagined history. I think of these stories almost like scenes from a film: what would these characters look like? What would they wear? Ancient Aliens, for example, started with the thought: what if the gods we see in mythology were actually otherworldly beings? That led me to create pieces like headgears—bold, other-dimensional designs that aren't worn in everyday life but feel absolutely right in a mythical context. Jewellery in India is often bound by tradition. I wanted to break that, to make pieces that feel Indian in soul, but not in form. When someone wears one of these pieces, I want them to feel like they're stepping into a different version of themselves. That ability to liberate and transform through design is what I constantly chase. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh Tell us about a memorable celebrity encounter. One of the very first moments that truly stayed with me was when Aarti, the lead vocalist of Hiatus Kaiyote, messaged us. She was nominated for the Grammys and wanted to wear our nail blades. I remember being stunned, this incredibly powerful and genre-defying artist discovering our work and choosing to wear it for such a monumental occasion. That was my first brush with realising that something I created could travel so far, both literally and emotionally. Then there was Wisdom Kaye-W-I-S-D-M Kaye, who personally messaged us to say he loved the brand. He's known for his razor-sharp fashion sense and wears some of the most iconic designers worldwide. For him to not only see my work but want to buy it was surreal. I had to read the message twice. That kind of validation when someone you admire connects with your imagination is deeply empowering. You come from a non-fashion background and are self-taught. In your experience, is it necessary to formally study fashion or design in order to succeed in the industry today? It's a debatable question, honestly. I have a lot of respect for formal education, and I know it brings a strong foundation. But I also come from an engineering background, and that has given me analytical tools, technical understanding, and even the ability to build my own website and structure my business. That said, I don't believe a formal degree is the only way to succeed. Passion, vision, and a unique voice can take you just as far. I've seen many creatives thrive in spaces they were never formally trained in, simply because it was a calling. One advantage of being self-taught is that your creative process isn't shaped by any rigid structure, you build it from scratch, which makes it more personal. But yes, the journey also comes with mistakes and learnings that maybe a formal education could have streamlined. In the end, it's the drive that matters most—not the diploma. Courtesy of Bhavya Ramesh Most of Bhavya Ramesh items are sterling silver. How can we avoid our pieces from tarnishing, especially in more harsh, humid climates like Singapore? All my jewellery is made from solid sterling silver and that's a very intentional choice. Silver is a precious metal, an investment, and something I've committed to staying true to despite the challenges it brings, especially while scaling a business. Silver naturally tarnishes over time, particularly in humid climates like Singapore. But for me, that aging process is part of its charm; much like leather, it gains character. That said, for those who prefer a polished look, we include a silver cleaning cloth with every piece. A gentle wipe brings the shine right back. For care, I recommend storing the pieces in airtight pouches, keeping them away from moisture, and using anti-tarnish strips if needed. What's next for Bhavya Ramesh? Is there a new direction you're excited to explore? Opening our first retail store was a defining moment for me. It marked the transition from being an online-only brand to creating a physical experience. This year, we're planning to open at least three new stores, and each one will be entirely different. Every location will tell a different story, drawing from regional craftsmanship, cultural narratives, and unique interior techniques. We're committed to keeping the ethos of the brand intact-rooted, expressive, and experimental. I'm especially excited about the idea of bringing Bhavya Ramesh to Singapore someday. We have a beautiful clientele there, and I'd love to create a space that feels like an extension of the brand's world. This year is all about storytelling through space, silver, and soul. Shop Bhavya Ramesh here.
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Vogue Singapore
5 fuss-free hairstyles to try for those off-duty a.k.a greasy hair days
In a perfect world, we would wake up every morning with flawless, perfectly styled hair. Unfortunately, in Singapore, where sun-soaked days and high humidity are the norm, a girl can only dream. Oily, greasy hair is a common beauty concern here. We've all been there—mentally calculating whether today warrants a hair wash based on our busy schedules, from office meetings to weekend plans. This kind of girl math feels tougher than an actual math problem. And on those days, having a few go-to hairstyles up your sleeves might just be a life saviour. Hair that looks flat and oily can be daunting to work with. But when paired with the right styling products, greasy hair can hold its own just fine. It's not just about covering up those oily roots—it's about reviving our mane without making it look like a last-minute fix. We asked make-up artist and hairstylist Rolana Lim how she tackles those tricky in-between wash days. Her answer: strategic product placement. 'Rather than applying dry shampoo all over, I focus it only on the crown where volume is needed,' Lim explains. 'Then, to bring back a healthy finish, I apply a shine mist or oil like the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil through the mid-lengths and ends.' Her go-to products? Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo paired with Gisou's signature oil—a perfect combo that keeps the hair feeling fresh without leaving that chalky, powdery residue behind. So, if you're struggling with your scalp's natural oils, fret not; we've got you covered. From sleek buns to twisted updos, below, see Lim's curation of the best hairstyles for greasy hair. @amandaleehair 1 / 5 Elevated slicked back bun A favourite of top supermodels, the slicked-back bun is the perfect hairstyle for days when your hair has a mind of its own. 'I start by brushing the hair tightly into a high ponytail, then twist it into a bun and pin it securely,' Lim says. The secret to keeping it from looking sloppy? A smooth, taut base. For the final touches use a boar bristle brush or some styling gel to tame any flyaways. Getty 2 / 5 Half-up, half-down bun Perfect for individuals with shorter or shoulder-length hair, this hairstyle is great for those who want to disguise their oily roots, but still want to show off their tresses.'Pull the top half into a small knot or bun, and let the rest fall naturally,' says Rolana. 'To control any flyaways, I use a bit of R+Co Dart Pomade Stick, or spray hairspray onto my fingertips to smooth things down.' It's the kind of look that says you didn't try too hard—even if you did. @jessica_mccormack 3 / 5 Sleek pony braid Greasy hair, meet your new best friend—the sleek pony braid. This hairstyle is a fuss-free solution that not only embraces your hair's day-old texture, but turns it into an advantage. 'Pull the hair into a low ponytail and braid it straight down. Keep it sleek and tight around the crown—that's what gives it edge,' Lim advises. Spray a bit of hairspray to achieve that snatched look. Getty 4 / 5 Twist updo This retro hairstyle works exceptionally well when you're dealing with excess oil production at the roots. 'Take small sections from either side of the head, twist them back and pin them in place,' Lim suggests. Let a few wisps fall loose at the front to soften the look. @kimkardashian 5 / 5 Half-up, half-down pony When you want the best of both worlds—hair off your face, but still some movement—go for a half-up ponytail. 'Section off the top half and tie it back. You can add volume underneath if you want more lift, or leave the texture natural,' Lim says. This style is a great way to look pulled together without putting in a lot effort.
