The Runway | Syomirizwa Gupta

The Runway designer boutique logo

For some time I have been curious to find out the thoughts of designers abroad upon Brunei, regarding their opinions and views of our local fashion scene. The launch of The Runway designer luxury boutique opened up this opportunity as I was able to personally meet them as well as gain insight on their creative backgrounds and collection. Before I get into the elements of this post, I'd like to give a huge, appreciative thank you to my dear friend Amal of Bohemian Brighties for inviting me to the launch party and taking the time to help a homie who can't drive out (Thanks Mal, if you ever need anything from me eg. an ootd photo, a hitman or Viet spring rolls, I got your back girl).

The Runway gives access to more Malaysian designers, those currently seen hanging on the frames include Syomirizwa Gupta, PU3 and Rico Rinaldi. Nora, the founder of The Runway makes this possible with "made-to-measure" sessions for the designer wears. I missed an opportunity to meet Rico but managed to catch up with Syomir and talk about the humble beginnings of the Syomirizwa Gupta fashion house. 

With the designer aka man behind the collection

Rack of Syomirizwa Gupta Cruise 2016

The cruise collection seen above was Frida Kahlo inspired as he explains set the colour scheme as well as story line behind his Cruise 2016 collection. The keynotes to this collection were discovering individual styles, empowering women through fashion prints as well as being progressive with cultural influence. This collection particularly strikes me as it had plenty of outerwear that was still light to drape on despite the climate in this hot ass region. I have been in constant search for statement outerwear that I can cling over because at times, I like to be extra but with a level of rational clothes for the weather. 

Conversing with Syomir about his fashion brand was a piece of cake because his enthusiasm overshadows and is obvious through the ways he explains his passion as well as interest as a unique style house.When asked about the initiation of the brand in Brunei, Syomir unfolds the growing interest of Bruneians upon fashion houses abroad as well as increasing expressive style purchases. It was refreshing to hear another designer mention the changing fashion interests of locals as well as how foreign brands are acknowledging that fact. To me, this was new information because a few years back, the fashion scene in Brunei was rather too small scaled or uncharted for the outside world to recognise. Likewise to what Syomir stated during our chat, "it's the people that make a lot of difference". 

Video of the short chat with Syomirizwa Gupta. Warning: Terribly low audio sound quality

TL;DR Syomir is a charming soul who finds inspiration from artistic culture and history. His collection is currently available along with PU3 and Rico Rinaldi at The Runway, Kiulap Brunei.

Vintage Gems

Location: Iman's Backyard @ Canterbury
Theme: Vintage Gems

18/07/2016

"The minute you think that your past was better, your present is second hand, and yourself becomes vintage."

Karl Lagerfeld said that it's okay for clothes to become vintage but it's not that great for people. This is exceptionally true when you've fallen into a deep nostalgic longing or even fascination for the past, ultimately leading you to lose interest in your present. I fell right into the trap when my iTunes suddenly started playing old tracks from The Strokes. It's an ill feeling and at times, can turn you into a very very lazy person.

It's cool to keep your clothes historic, just not your mindset.

vintage beret, cotton on florals, zara striped-t, vintage vest

vintage vest, f21 lace turtleneck, thrifted pants, deichmann shoes

topshop overalls, vintage top, the white pepper pink tote

thrifted adidas cap, vintage tshirt and jacket, new balances

Morocco Trip (Part 1)

I was in Morocco for more than a week and I had a really fun time. I tried some travel photography, something I have been trying to push myself to get into but I have very shaky hands so I hope hope hope these photos are sharp enough.

At first we stayed in the city of Fez for a few nights, the Medina itself was a historical site and a walking-only trap zone (come prepared). To be honest, I was sick throughout most of the trip and the sun was constantly on my visage, so I was pretty blinded by the light with a weak body and mind. I could barely see what I was taking photos of nor could I remember much of what I actually witnessed. Yet, Alina and I were very determined to have a good time. I just clicked my camera upon every angle I faced and looking back, they apparently turned out really nice. So scroll away!

FEZ, MOROCCO 

JUNE 2016

This is the place we stayed during our first few nights in Fez. 10/10 an amazing experience, great breakfast, nice people, nice tea etc. Search it up on airbnb if you're interested, if you meet Mohammed the host, please tell him Nina from Brunei brought you there ok.

Below are photos of the Medina, a labyrinth with random passages literally just appearing out of nowhere. This consisted of homes, markets, towers, mosques, the Al Karaouin university....a gargantuan region that basically looks like it is forever stuck in the ancient times. I felt like I was in an archaic maze and before I came to Fez, a lot of tourist reviews warned me about getting lost in the Medina. I'm aMAZEd we didn't get lost, the scene was authentically beautiful and appalling at the same time. At times, I had to put away my camera because I felt like I was intruding into their lives and also feared getting left behind as I was too busy snapping away. 

At the end of my stay in Fez, I had acquired two major attributes. One was a newly found passion for Moroccan history, Islamic art and architecture. Another, was a huge ass sunburn.....I attained largely the latter. Oh shiz