Totto-chan

I really like this delightful book which showed me what 'education' means in the truest sense of the word. The role of educators is to identify each child's unique traits and talents and develop them to their full potential through meaningful activities, and not to force a formulaic style of teaching on them. Discipline is always a consideration in education, but sometimes people forget that children are children. Totto-chan's precociousness means that she risks being labelled with a complex, when she is actually just inquisitive and eager to learn. Her supposed behavioural problems also make her teachers overlook her strengths, namely her kindness. The headmaster of Tomoe Gakuen (the school she transfers to) recognizes this fact, hence his common refrain, "You're really a good girl, you know."

The book ends with a feeling of sadness as Tomoe burns down during an American air raid, and a sense of the unknown regarding what is to come. This is the excerpt, which is simple but eloquent:

"Totto-chan was lying down in a crowded evacuation train, squeezed in amongst adults. The train was headed northeast. As she looked out of the window at the darkness outside, she thought of the headmaster's parting words, "We'll meet again!" and the words he used to say to her time and time again, "You're really a good girl, you know." She didn't want to forget those words. Safe in the thought that she would see Mr. Kobayashi again, she fell asleep.

The train rumbled along in the darkness with its load of anxious passengers."

New shoes

My very first pair of Converse high-tops! They seem to go with practically very outfit I own.

Grocery bag

I sewed this grocery bag complete with inner lining out of my dad's old shirt and painted leaf motifs on both sides- a green fern for spring, and a red maple leaf for autumn. To finish, I pinned the fabric owl brooch I bought from my friend Shu Ning for a cute touch. Isn't she (I think of it as female) a wee thing? I should give her a name. Check out Shu's other whimsical creations at www.flickr.com/momshoo or http://momshoo.etsy.com/. For local buyers, her line is carried at Doinky Doodles in Bali Lane and a Concept Story in Haji Lane. I'm going to carry this bag with me when I go grocery shopping in California. My dad didn't even recognize that it was his shirt!

Reckless Ericka

Singaporean label Reckless Ericka debuted its line in the Blueprint show at Audi Fashion Festival. 'Reckless Ericka' is a fictional character invented by the designers, which makes for a catchy, fun name. I think the logo is simple but effective as well. For its debut collection, the theme was 'Brit kid goes to India', which I take to mean interpreting all things British from an Eastern perspective. Hence you get elements like the Union Jack splashed on a dress, but not in an overtly obvious way. I like the styling and set of their lookbook, some photos of which you see here. It's just fanning my desire for Doc Martens- both the black and floral ones are rad. By the way, they offer great men's pieces as well and the clothes can now be bought at their website. Definitely a label to watch.

Geometry

The set is really cool, no? I think the bright blue boxes make for a really striking graphic effect. The rectangular frames contrast perfectly with the circles on my top.

I love wearing prints- stripes, checks, florals, graphic shapes etc. I'm still looking for the perfect checked shirt, though. I'm also loving my gold leaf necklace and cuff- vintage from my mum's jewellery box- and my perfectly simple gold sandals. Yup, I FINALLY found the right ones. People seem to like them as well and I can see why- the shape is classic and elegant, the metallic hue adds polish, and overall they are perfect for this unbearable heat that's been happening lately. It's so hot that I've taken to going sleeveless.

Into the Deep

The first image is a work of art by Francisco Infante-Arana & Nonna Gorunova who execute stunning outdoor sculptures and installations with mirrors. The way the mirrors catch the light and interact with the conditions of the environment is fascinating.

Ads and Editorials- Comme des Garcons, Marc Jacobs and Rodarte

I don't post much about ads and editorials but here are three that I like for their design and concept. I think one has to think about how to translate the key garments of the designer's collection for the season into arresting images to achieve a good ad campaign. Sometimes this means focusing on a certain special detail or feature of a garment eg. the beautifully-draped back of a Rodarte dress. The clothes will definitely be perceived differently from when they are on the runway as ads offer a static, two-dimensional presentation. There would be stronger brand identity and coherence if the theme of the collection is incorporated. In the second Rodarte ad, the slasher influence is hinted at with bold splashes and drops of blood-red ink that lend it a striking, modern graphic quality as well. Ads offer creative space and possibilities for stylists, photographers, graphic designers, typographers etc. to collaborate and achieve a beautiful and effective result.