A New Hue

By Melissa Trias, 2012-07

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We listen to dubstep, we eat at restaurants and bars called ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘Arcade’ and our clothes are now popping in neon colours. This is not a resurgence of the 80s acid years, it’s a celebration of our high-tech addiction. Welcome to the new age.

If you haven’t noticed already (although it would be surely hard to miss), fashion has recently undergone a surge of electrifying change. The Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows of Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, Mary Katrantzou, Marni, and Céline each displayed a blatant affinity towards neon pinks, greens, yellows and blues, and the night markets on the Shanghai streets likewise are flooded with neon apparel. Shoppers today no longer need to visit a traditional ‘brick and mortar’ store to get their retail fix; they need something bold and sharp, something that will make them stand out from the crowd. They need an extra dose of ‘pop!’

This style editor scoured the city this month and found that one of the best shops to ‘glow’ up your wardrobe is MIXR, a fashion-forward and digitally insightful concept store. At its core, it’s an e-commerce business that links a community of fashionistas, but its showroom offers a range of unique brands straight from Italy’s fashion scene (exclusive to their company) including Denny Rose, whose summer 2012 collection is dripping with neon hues.

Claudia Gaudiello, one of the founders & brand directors at MIXR is very enthusiastic about having this range of eye-catching creations in her store and talks about the trend that’s currently sweeping the international fashion scene. “There are no boundaries, just dare! If there is a game, it’s colour: who can wear it best?”

This trend playfully reflects the moxie and audacious sassiness of today’s fashion climate that is entrancing the young and the old. People don’t fear being loud anymore—they fear not being noticed. “I personally love the concept of ‘colour blocking’,” says Gaudiello, “But one should keep in mind the following tips: Do not to mix prime colours together, opt for white or black pieces to tone down the mix when needed and, if uncertain where to start, mixing the same colour in different shades never fails.”

Neon colours are ridiculously fun and instantly add a bit of excitement to your once boring outfit. Infuse a hit of pigment in your summer wardrobe and stand out this summer.

MIXR. 2F, Bldg 37C, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu. Tel: 5418 5870. Web: www.mixr.cn

If you’re

In your 20s: Dare to stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to wear a neon dress or an electric pair of neon trousers.
In your 30s: Add a cheeky splash to your outfit, with some neon heels, or a neon camisole.
In your 40s: Brighten your outfit up by teaming it with a nice neon silk scarf, or a nice chunky neon necklace.