Lauren Jasmine’s sophomore collection injects fun into the corporate wardrobe.
Contributed By Yong Yung Shin
Designers Liyana Johan (left) and Hazel Chang. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN JASMINE
Straddling a professional image while having some dressy fun can sometimes be hard, and Hazel Chang knows it. Having established the multi-label boutique Eclecticism in 2006, the 27-year-old Singaporean designer has expanded her turf to include the workwear market under the label Lauren Jasmine.
After a successful debut in November 2010, it recently launched its sophomore collection, titled “Live.” Meshing Chang’s eye for classic silhouettes with the quirky touches of her co-designer, Liyana Johan, 25, the collection was inspired by a desire “to empower women at the prime of their life to live with zest, optimism and passion, and embrace all the pleasures and opportunities of life that are open to her,” says Chang.
The result is workwear that is appropriately professional with an element of youthful fun—many are reversible, some can be worn back to front, while others can be easily converted from daywear to evening ensembles. Different fabrics are paired with sharp silhouettes; oversized pleats and drape elements that take the monotony out of the typical work wear ensemble are used to good effect. Other styles include fitted jackets, wide-legged pants and flattering belted dresses.
Each piece is playfully tagged with a positive or interesting word starting with the letter “L,” such as Love, Linger, Laugh, Lavish or Light. Prices range from S$99 for tops to S$299 for jackets.
Chang’s preference for classic silhouettes with unique detailing and versatile styles are reflected in pieces such as the reversible Love jacket. “It has a nice structured fit. On the conservative side, it is black with a colorful print. On the more fun side, it is almost completely printed with black trimming.” Another two-in-one creation is the Laser skirt, the cut of which “is very flattering as it can show off a tiny waist and flares out to give an hourglass shape.” The pleats along the waist can be worn facing upwards or folded down. As for Johan, her choice picks from the Live collection includes the reversible Lift blouse with collars and fake pockets.
“We understand what women want—something effortless, exclusive and comfortable yet fashion-forward. Every piece is carefully designed and tailored to reflect these qualities to help our customers look sharp in the boardroom while living it up over the weekend,” says Chang.
Lauren Jasmine’s third collection, “Wanderlust” is set to launch in July.
Dressing Smarts
Hazel Chang’s tips for dressing well.
What are some of the basic rules in jazzing up your working wardrobe?
Accessorizing is important. Throw on a scarf, belt, some jewelry or carry a bag with a bright pop of colour to make your look stand out.
When buying work wear, look out for classic pieces that have unique detailing. This ensures that your outfits remain elegant without being too trendy or too boring.
Wear high heels to complete your entire look. If you prefer ballet flats, pick a design that stands out.
How do you ensure that you don’t come across as too informal while you’re trying to have fun dressing up to work?
Make sure your outfits are well-cut and fit you perfectly. Baggy and ill-fitting clothes make you look too informal. It helps when your clothes are well-made and the quality of the fabric is good.
Ensure that your hair and makeup is also presentable.
Ensure that your hemlines aren’t too short and that your necklines aren’t too plunging. To be safe, have a jacket or blazer to throw on for any situation.
What’s your advice to prevent that “I have nothing to wear” situation in the morning faced by many?
Have a few go-to outfits that you know will always fit you perfectly, which you always feel good in. Many women in this scenario prefer dresses for the ease and convenience. From these safe pieces, you can dress it up with accessories or layer it with other pieces to create a whole new outfit that looks different.
Invest in accessories. This can change up the outfits that you already have.
Buy pieces that are versatile and that can be worn in more than one way. For example, a couple of LJ styles are reversible so you have additional options in the morning. We also have pieces where you can adjust an attached scarf to obtain new looks.
Lauren Jasmine
#02-03/04 Pacific Plaza
+65 6735 5234
