From staple to sexy

MERCERISED Supima cotton? Check. Hem that hits right at the hip? Check. French seams? Check. Eons ago, around the time when Kate Moss was the face (and body) of Calvin Klein rather than a reality show starlet, T-shirt shopping usually involved grabbing a six-pack of Hanes.

Blame it on the resurgence of American sportswear - whereby designers such as Calvin Klein himself, followed by Alexander Wang and his peers, have elevated ribbed cropped tops and bralettes into high fashion territory. Or the neo-Normcore movement, whereby after a season of supermodels and fashion insiders sporting grungy granddad cardis and sweatpants, style sophisticates are hankering for more refined versions of their fave comfy staples. Now, T-shirts, Oxford button-downs, jeans and other casualwear staples have undergone a glam facelift by brands dedicated to perfecting these everyday classics.

Feeding the shopaholic's insatiable thirst for high-end basics is new-to-market label, American Vintage. Not to be confused with a brand also known for its smorgasbord of tees - but more recently making headlines for being on the brink of bankruptcy, American Apparel, this boutique at Takashimaya prides itself on its brilliant basics. Despite its name, the brand hails from France and was established in 2005 by entrepreneur Michael Azoulay, who made it his mission to take the tee from staple to sexy.