Style News: Miffy-themed bling, new Singapore menswear brand Anon, Birkenstock steps back to 1920s

By Invite Only launches Miffy collection

Singapore jewellery brand By Invite Only debuts its first character collection on Sept 18, with 15 Miffy-themed designs spread over two drops. The brand, known for its affordable accessories, friendly to those with sensitive skin, will release the second collection on Oct 2.

In all, four necklaces, five pairs of earrings, three bracelets and four rings will bear the likeness of the bunny Miffy. The collection is a nod to the Mid-Autumn Festival legend of Chang’e, who drank a potion that floated her to the moon, with pet rabbit in tow. Prices range from $59 to $109.

The gold Miffy Stardust necklace ($79) is a cutesy standout with a Miffy pendant that sits between shiny star accents. It is made from 18K gold-plated eco-brass and cubic zirconia, and also comes in silver or rose gold.

The Starlight charm bracelet ($109) is finished with star-shaped charms and iridescent synthetic moonstone, in keeping with the cosmos motifs. Every piece comes packaged in an exclusive Miffy box.

Info: Available online at www.byinviteonly.shop, in stores at Ion Orchard and 313@somerset, as well as TikTok Shop (vt.tiktok.com/ZSD8jvd3D/?page=TikTokShop) and Shopee Mall (https://fave.co/4pjcpyM).

Menswear for the unflashy gent

There is a new menswear label in town. Home-grown brand Anon hit the scene in late July and is the brainchild of three founders: Shereen Koh, a former designer at local womenswear brand Love, Bonito; Leonard Lee, interior designer and husband of Love, Bonito founder Rachel Lee; and Hayden Chan, who started popular set design studio The Love Studios.

The label launched its second collection on Sept 4, featuring a crop of clean, quiet and crisp shirts, a solid-colour jacket and a pair of wool-blend trousers ($89 to $229).

It is unruffled prep for the Singapore man who wants to stand apart without standing out. That distinction is reflected in the label’s name. Anon is a nod to anonymity, but also stands for “a new order of normal”, or non-conformity that does not go for garish fads.

The emphasis is on classic design that is easy to move in. This means lightweight fabrics, like the refined pique cotton of its short-sleeved polo tee – for a softer hand feel – and neat tailoring details.

The same polo has a spread collar and removable stays for optional structure. The hem is curved for a more flattering silhouette rather than the blockiness of a typical polo. Each drop is a capsule of six pieces, meant to be versatile enough to dress down or up.

Info: Available online at houseofanon.com

Birkenstock channels Berlin cool

German brand Birkenstock, known for its cork-soled footwear, is going for bows and buckles in its new, old-Berlin-flavoured collection, launching on Sept 11.

The Birkenstock 1774 Becomes Berlin collection draws from 1920s Berlin, the interwar period that was an unlikely cultural wellspring. There was the Bauhaus movement that saw off fussy architecture, Marlene Dietrich – one wry eyebrow raised – coming of age as an actress and swelling nightlife.

The collection comes with a deep, moody palette – burgundy, black and purple – inspired by early 20th-century furniture and vases.

There is plushness in the suede covering of the Maria sandals ($600), which reboot one of the brand’s archival, faintly Mary Janesy-looking styles.

One sandal style features two white satin bows, a far more girlish take than Birkenstock’s usual brand of orthopaedic cool. The Florida sandals ($870) have daintier all-black bows. That is the flirty 1920s for you, when hemlines were going up and women were enjoying their first years of suffrage.

Art Deco-tinged buckles can be found on three styles of sandals – the Arizona Velvet ($940), the London Suede ($655) and the 222 West Suede ($870).

Info: Available online at 1774.com

Kylie Cosmetics’ cafe takeover

American reality TV star Kylie Jenner’s make-up brand, Kylie Cosmetics, is taking over Greek cafe Alani for eight days in September in a first for the brand.

The rooftop cafe in the Central Business District will be serving up a summer menu of pinkish food, close in colour to the brand’s latest arrivals – the glossy lip kit ($55) and hybrid blush ($40), available for sale at the venue.

On the table are squid ink crumpets, candied rose petal and pink peppercorn cinnamon rolls, and matcha cookies with freeze-dried strawberries. Each set meal is served with a drink, a mocktail or a cocktail, and Kylie Cosmetics samples.

There is a photo booth as well as watercolour workshops ($55 a session). The first 50 guests at the cafe will receive a $20 voucher that can be used to buy any Kylie Cosmetics product. Those who spend $150 or more will get a free set meal.

Also on show is an exclusive preview of the 10-year-old brand’s upcoming experiences in 2025.

Info: 04-09, 5 Kadayanallur Street; open: Sept 11 to 14 and Sept 18 to 21, 11am to 3pm (Thursdays and Fridays) and, 9.30am to 2.30pm (weekends)