American label Bebe fashion (pronounced "bee bee") features a diverse range of designs in its Spring Fever Spring 2009 Collection

Wild Thing: Two safari-inspired outfits from Bebe's spring collection 2008

Eclectic Mix of spring fashion from Bebe

By WONG LI ZA

WHEN the theme of a fashion launch is Safari Chic, naturally earthy and khaki hues spring to mind. And since it's a spring collection, it seems only logical to include floral designs and pastel shades.

American label Bebe (pronounced "bee bee") features a diverse range of designs in its Spring Fever Spring 2009 Collection.

The line-up exhibits strong prints, neutral hues and floral designs to meet the various needs of the modern woman. Fabrics include plush textures such as high quality silk, knit, stretch sateen and rich jersey.

In keeping with the Safari theme are Kenyan-inspired creations featuring heavy animal prints and khaki suits. Shades in this range are predictably camel, beige, brown or black.

A standout piece is the leopard-face print tube dress that looks comfy and sensuous.
The design also comes in a slash neckline, waist-gathered top which, paired with a pair of pants or jeans, would make a great party outfit.

Colourful caftans and floral butterfly print dresses form the brighter side of the collection.

The tops come with feminine ruffles and slit-sleeve designs in colours ranging from fuchsia to striking blue.

For casual get-ups, skinny distressed denims are stylishly paired with short caftans or racerback tanks.

Those looking for a sharp office outfit might be interested in the vest and pencil skirt combo with fringed detailing.

The Spring 2009 collection also has some fitted and structured jackets which, matched with short pants or denim jeans, create a pared down look.

Current Bebe chairman and founder Manny Mashouf opened the first Bebe boutique in San Francisco back in 1976, filling a niche that was neither junior nor bridge, and he hasn't looked back since.

The Shakespearean phrase "to be or not to be" inspired Mashouf to choose the name of the fashion label.

Interestingly, the word Bebe means "woman" in Turkish and the Persian name for the queen in a deck of cards.

Celebrity clientele of the label are believed to include Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez.

The label Bebe entered Malaysia in September 2007 and is also found in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

* Bebe boutiques are located at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, and 1 Utama -Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Cute and cuddly fashion - Glamorous Barbie, Jet Set Barbie, Sporty Barbie, Vintage Barbie, Rock Barbie, Classic Barbie

Cute and cuddly
Jaspal has come up with the first ever collection of Barbie-inspired women's apparel and accessories.
Stories by WILLIAM K.C. KEE [email protected]

IF you have always envisioned dressing up like a doll, more specifically Barbie, here's your chance to take it up a notch. Jaspal, the Thai fashion label, has collaborated with Barbie to create a limited edition line of clothing and accessories to commemorate the doll's 50th anniversary.

"For five decades, Barbie has inspired girls of all ages to dream, discover and celebrate their girlhood from fashion to fantasy, in a
world without limits," says Viseth Singhsachathet, the assistant managing director of Jaspal. "We feel honoured to be part of Barbie's 50th anniversary celebration and hope the Barbie by Jaspal collection, captures the essence of today's fashion," adds,Viseth.

"A lot of effort was put into designing this special collection. We were truly inspired by Barbie's innate fashion sWle through the years, and felt strongly about using this inspiration to design a contemporary collection of clothing and accessories for the modern woman to enjoy."

Jaspal, which made its debut in Malaysia last year, is the only brand outside the United States to do a Barbie-inspired collection. Last
February, a fashion show that paid tribute to Barbie was held in Bryant Park, New York, featuring designs by 50 couturiers including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Rachael Roy, Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui.

The Barbie by Jaspal collection consists of six mini capsules:

Glamorous Barbie
This range includes Jaspars classic dark denim high-waisted skirts and hot pants. To be worn with black T-shirt with lace puff sleeves, the collection features a screen-printed logo and sequined graphics.

Jet Set Barbie
The nautical-inspired capsule is perfect for summer outings. Featuring red, blue and white stripes and placement prints, the pieces can be worn with a white knotted belt with a dangly anchor pendant.

Sporty Barbie
Inspired by sports, this capsule include hooded velour jumpsuits in hot pink; T-shirts with 50th Barbie Anniversary logos and grey made cotton fleece tops with colourful minia- ture prints.

Vintage Barbie
The vintage-inspired capsule is romantic and glamorous. Fabrics are printed in multi- colour designs using a wet-on-wet technique. When dry, it is reprinted again with different coloured designs ranging from diamonds, stars to ribbon-inspired graphics.

Rock Barbie
This essential 1980s punk rockinspired capsule include a black tank top and a white printed cropped off shoulder T-shirt, worn over bleached jeans and finished off with a classic studded leather belt and heels.

Classic Barbie
Featured in this capsule is a short sleeveless, cotton satin puff-ball dress with pleated folds at the bodice. It is worn with a crystal encrusted bow belt.

Besides the clothes, there are also Barbie accessories. Choose from handbags made of mock crocodile skin and colourful shiny leather, or casual shoes with Barbie's signature logo.
Any which' way yeu desire. (Clockwise from left) Top with lace sleeves matched with denim skirt; T paired with white overalls; short sleeveless, cotton satin puff-ball dress with pleated folds at the bodice worn with a crystal encrusted bow belt; and nautical inspired ensemble in red, blue and white, worn with a white knotted belt.