Through the Grapevine: November 2024

Nohbody, AKSU, Rue Miche, APARA, Suku Home, and more

The fashion calendar for October and November is packed with exciting fashion weeks and showcases, creative brand collaborations, and concept store debuts. Here is a look at some standout happenings.

‘Through the Grapevine’ is a monthly round-up of fashion events in Southeast Asia, from collection launches to exhibitions, showcases, pop-ups, and more.

Singapore

Nohbody
’Acolyte’ Bags Launch

Singapore-based brand Nohbody has just unveiled Acolyte, a new lineup of sling bags handcrafted from recycled and repurposed fabrics, such as tablecloths and curtains. The collection draws inspiration from the landscapes in Japanese video games such as Final Fantasy, Nier: Automata, and Resonance of Fate, capturing the earthy and neutral tones of sand, trees, and wildflowers. The selection of bags is available on their Instagram store as well as offline at Anteiku Studios until 3 November.

Jakarta

‘Republik Sebelah Mata’ collection by Sejauh Mata Memandang in collaboration with Eko Nugroho. Images courtesy of Jakarta Fashion Week.

Jakarta Fashion Week
21 to 27 October 2024
Pondok Indah Mall 3

Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) 2024 presented an exciting lineup that celebrates both established and emerging talent, featuring standout brands like BIN House, Adrian Gan, Oscar Lawalata, Studio Jeje, fbudi, and ANW. Among the highlights were brand collaborations including Aesthetic Pleasure and Mahija, Sejauh Mata Memandang and artist Eko Nugroho, to the debut of newcomers MTW and AA Levach and Drunk Dad in the Lobby. Adding to the experience, Dewi’s Luxe Market Pop-up featured a selection of local brands.

TOTON 2025, A showcase by Pears. Image courtesy of Pears Magazine, taken by Torik Danumaya.

A highlight of the event was TOTON’s highly anticipated S/S 2025 collection, presented in a special installation, in collaboration with PEARS magazine.

Offering a more intimate approach for visitors to interact with the pieces, the installation showcased Toton Januar’s creative process. Highlighting the Batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, the collection focused on Toton’s signature use of upcycled fabrics and accessories crafted from broken ceramics that adds a depth of sustainability and craftsmanship to the display.

AKSU
‘Bara’ Collection Launch
15 November 2024

Known for its distinctive approach to weaving the cultural fragments of Indonesia’s ancient tribes and lesser-known communities into modern wear, AKSU celebrates traditional craftsmanship through its designs. Their upcoming limited collection, ‘Bara’, draws inspiration from the Mbojo tribe of Bima in East Sumbawa, embracing traditional rituals that symbolise life transition and healing. The collection will be unveiled on 15 November, along with an exclusive private viewing at their studio.

Ho Chi Minh

Rue Miche Store Opening
9B Phung Khac Khoan, Dakao,
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Rue Miche, the latest addition to Ho Chi Minh City’s retail scene, is a multi-label concept store that adds to the city’s shopping experience with its selection of homegrown brands. Showcasing talents such as AEIE studio, AAH Midnight Club, Matchii, waa.studios and Subtle Le Nguyen, Rue Miche also stocks exclusive pieces from designers like Elena Ngn that offer a fresh take to the local fashion landscape.

Philippines

APARA, ‘COLLECTION09’ collection. Image taken from APARA’s Instagram.

APARA
’COLLECTION09’ Launch
1 September to 31 November 2024

Based in the Philippines, APARA embodies a ‘less-is-more’ philosophy, presenting a small-batch collection that celebrates simplicity and elegance. Their latest release, COLLECTION09, showcases essential everyday pieces like the flowy wrap-around skirts, breathable cotton-linen tops, and light outerwear. The collection is available at their space in Power Plant Mall, R2 Level Bridgeway in Makati, through the end of November.

Bangkok

Thailand Fashion Week
29 to 30 November
Benedict Studio, Bangkok

Thailand Fashion Week makes its biannual return. The event spans various categories, including Couture, Homme, Femme, Avant-Garde, Accessories, Footwear, and Jewelry. With a lineup of exhibitions and runway presentations, the event promises to be a celebration of fashion creativity and innovation, highlighting both local and international talents.

More information about the event here.

Gentlewoman x Blackdog
’Rebirth and New Beginning’ Collection Launch

In an exciting collaboration, Gentlewoman joins forces with Blackdog to present ‘Rebirth and New Beginning.’ This collection offers a fresh take on femininity, through a vibrant play of colours and prints that rolls into tote bags, flared trousers, and flowing slip skirts and dresses adorned with embellishments of orchids and anthuriums. Shop the collection at various stockists across Thailand or online at Gentlewoman and Blackdog BKK’s official websites.

Melbourne

Suku Store Opening
HOME by Suku
82 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

Following the closure of their Dream Baby flagship store on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, the Indonesian-Australian loungewear label has reinvented its retail presence with an intimate by-appointment showroom in Collingwood. This new venue focuses on providing a tailored shopping experience, showcasing their recently launched Spring/Summer 2025 ‘Airport of Love’ collection alongside their signature tie-dyed bamboo beddings and loungewear crafted by Indonesian craftspeople using traditional techniques.