Hansel

by jeen on Thu, 16/10/08 03:09 UTC.

By: Yu Shan

Cite the name Hansel and the first connection would be Hansel and Gretel, the fairytale that everyone is familiar with. Not for Jo Soh, the design talent who named her womenswear label after her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, a stray pup she rescued.

Jo Soh, the designer behind label Hansel.

Singapore-based Hansel has received many accolades from industry critics, including the FRESH Designer Label of the Year at the Singapore Fashion Awards 2004, and a nomination for Singaporean Designer of the Year at the inaugural ELLE Awards 2006.

Her designs have also been spotted on the skinny backs of cool cats such as artistes The Veronicas, Emily Barclay and Fann Wong; as well as between the pages of fashion bibles such as Harper’s Bazaar, Russh, InStyle, Grazia, Marie Claire and many more.

We don’t blame them for wanting a piece of Hansel, for the typical Hansel piece exudes not only timeless elegance but also confidence and just the right amount of quirkiness to set the wearer apart from the crowd. (A pet gripe from me – why does everyone in Singapore own the same NeverFull LV bag? Or maybe it’s just sour grapes on my part…)

Nice Try (AW 06) had Jo Soh wowing the crowd at Singapore Fashion Festival 06 with breezy ruffled dresses, working the two-toned theme to its maximum. Models sported medals hanging from their necks, highlighting the sportif elements that were prevalent throughout the collection.

Candy Girl (SS 06/07) was a youthful and playful take on her style, featuring candy colored dresses and kicks. Juxtaposed with the prim librarian glasses and hair, it evoked images of a nice young librarian lady that reads to children by day, then whips off her glasses and lets down her hair to dance away the night.

Abracadabra (AW 2007) was a more sophiscated, work-chic collection that still manages to set off a fun vibe. The ruffled tiers that were a mainstay of her AW 06 collection reinvents itself here in layered tucks and cute bows. Turquoise pops of colour and nude shades proved particularly enchanting.

Captain Cheese (SS 07/08) is flirty and fun, perfect for the young working woman that favours sleek monochromatic piees and still wants to inject a dose of cheekiness into her every day style. It also marks the designer’s first foray into slouchiness, and we love her slouchy jumpsuits!

Peek into Jo’s history as a designer – In 1999, she graduated with first class honours in Fashion Design with Marketing from the esteemed Central St. Martins, alma mater of maestros such as Zac Posen and Alexander McQueen.

Going on to sew haute couture gowns for Tristan Webber in London, she also freelanced as a fashion stylist, illustrator, part time children’s art teacher and taught part-time in Singapore’s design colleges.

We love Jo Soh’s cheeky and slightly retro styles, but there’s also this fabulous competition that we had to bring to your attention.

Just take a picture of anything that is squarish in shape for Square-y Mary, send 5 shots to enquries@ilovehansel.com before 2nd Nov 2008, and stand a chance to win a Hansel Wardrobe worth $2000.

Plus your picture might be featured in a leading Australian lifestyle magazine!

For more detailed information about the competition, and to check out more of her award-winning designs, click on her adorable puppy.

Stockists:

SINGAPORE :

Felt
11 Stamford Road
#01-18 Capitol Building
Tel: +65 6837 3393