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updated 5 Sep 2013, 04:38
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Thu, Sep 05, 2013
ST Urban
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8 brands popular with K-pop stars
by Rohaizatul Azhar

KOKONTOZAI (KTZ)

What: The British label is known for its edgy pieces such as neon Aztec-print dresses and wacky headpieces. The designer duo behind the label, Marjan Pejoski and Koji Maruyama, were also responsible for the infamous swan dress Icelandic singer Bjork wore to the Academy Awards in 2001.

Also spotted on: Lee Ji Hyun (better known as Qri) from girl group T-ara, G-Dragon and the members of male group Super Junior.

Where to buy: Selected styles are available at Glamour Inc, 59 Eng Hoon Street, 01-55.

BOY LONDON

What: This brand symbolised the underground punk movement in Britain in the 1980s. Today, caps with "BOY'' emblazoned on them, as well as the brand's graphic motif T-shirts, are popular with youngsters in the clubbing circuit, DJs, as well as edgy K-pop stars, including the members of Bigbang, Girls' Generation and 2NE1.

Also spotted on: Boyband members Yong Jun Hyung from B2ST and Kim Sung Gyu from Infinite.

Where to buy: Actually, 04-06 313@ somerset

THOM BROWNE

What: The American label is known for its signature slim-cut suits, which feature cropped flat-front pants that expose the ankles and shrunken-sleeve jackets that reveal the wrists. The brand gained true K-pop-worthy status when G-Dragon of Bigbang wore three looks from its fall/winter 2012 collection in his music video for the song, Crayon.

Also spotted on: Sandara Park from girl group 2NE1, and boyband members Jung Yunho (better known as U-Know Yunho) from TVXQ and Jung Dae Hyun from B.A.P.

Where to buy: Surrender, 02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade; www.mrporter. com; Club 21, 01-01 Four Season's Hotel.

JEREMY SCOTT FOR ADIDAS

What: The American designer is known for his outlandish designs and funky collaboration collections with German sportswear label Adidas. His loud and clashing prints make for good stage outfits for K-pop stars and his funky winged sneakers have been worn by girl group 2NE1 and f(x)'s Amber. Lee Chae Rin (better known as CL) from 2NE1 is considered Scott's muse.

Also spotted on: The members of Shinee and EXO.

Where to buy: Limited Edt Chamber, B2-23 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

JOYRICH

What: Launched in 2007, the American brand is known for its kitschy pieces which feature graphic prints and bold colours. The loud and funky designs were first spotted on 2NE1's Gong Minji (popularly known as Minzy) in 2011.

Also spotted on: f(x)'s Victoria Song and Krystal Jung, as well as boyband Shinee's Lee Jin Ki (better known as Onew).

Where to buy: Selected pieces from the brand's fall/winter 2013 collection will be available at Actually, 04-06 313@somerset, from mid-August.

CHROME HEARTS

What: Well-loved for its edgy accessories which feature fleur-de-lis (French for "flower of the lily"), skulls or dagger motifs, this American brand has been spotted on several K-pop stars. Its founder, Mr Richard Stark, is good friends with K-pop groups, Bigbang and 2NE1, whose members have been spotted wearing its pieces both on and off stage.

Last month, Chrome Hearts teamed up with 2NE1 to launch a special collaboration collection which is available only in South Korea's Shinsegae Department Store.

Also spotted on: Singers Rain and Se7en.

Where to buy: The US-based label is not available in Singapore but you can buy the products from its stores in the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, Seoul and Taipei.

GIVENCHY

What: The French label's pieces, which feature star motifs, images of rottweilers and leopard prints, are popular with international celebrities, including Kanye West, Chris Brown and Rihanna.

The rugged, street-chic looks hit the K-pop jackpot after Bigbang's Taeyang wore the label's fall 2011 pieces in the music video for his song, Tomorrow.

Also spotted on: Members of 2NE1, Bigbang and boyband C-Clown.

Where to buy: 01-41 Paragon.

MODE CREATION MUNICH (MCM)

What: Originally founded in Germany in 1975 as Michael Corner Munich, the label was bought by South Korean firm Sungjoo Design Tech & Distribution in 2005 and renamed Mode Creation Munich (MCM). The South Korean connection led to many K-pop stars, including Rain, Se7en and 4minute's Kim Hyun A and Ga Yoon, donning the label's products. Each item is easily identified by prominent MCM logos.

Also spotted on: The girls from 2NE1, boyband MBLAQ's Lee Joon as well as T.O.P and G-Dragon from Bigbang.

Where to buy: Changi Airport Terminal 2, Departure and Transit Hall.

 


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