I went to the launch of the new clothing line Lulu Bare yesterday, held in the hip confines of Emerald Hill.

One of my favourite streets in Singapore I think, I always feel a slight pang wondering around here as our family used to own a few of these shophouses and, sadly and very much to my detriment, do no longer.

In a wonderful borrowed space lent by the wacky, sometimes bespoke, furniture shop Fred Lives Here (think side tables with cow’s legs, lime green armoires and ghost chairs as well as more traditional pieces)…

….Lulu Bare was formally introduced to Singapore by it’s co-creator, owner and designer Claire Alves who, along with her Dubai-based sister, has come up with this label in an effort to fill the yawning fashion gap they’ve noticed in both countries: the mid market.

I actually think this is quite a genius and un-catered for concept.  I mean, if Gucci’s a tiny bit out of your budget (yup), but all the high street giants bore you to tears, you do need somewhere local to look for beautiful and well designed dresses.  By no means bargain basement, Lulu Bare is about proper fashion at proper prices and both Claire and her sister have designed each and every piece (Claire worked at Chanel for ten years, just to give a bit of background).

I loved this, (below) which she wore last night ($310):

[Printed silk jacquard bow dress – it actually has cotton in it too]

And this was a close second but was a little too much like formal workwear for me…if I bought it I would feel the need to accessorise it with a full time and very proper job (dangerous):

Lulu Bare at Fred’s, 108 Emerald Hill Road, is only a pop-up shop, which closes tomorrow (Saturday 6th October).  To buy anything from the collection, visit their online store at lulubare.com.