Sunday, June 29, 2008

My MANy Bags News #18


Men's Fashion Gets A Feminine Touch At Paris Shows

(Seems the concept of gender bending in men's fashion has gained wide approval by designers in Paris for Spring Summer 2009 menswear. Dun we all love some inspiration from our more exciting gender counterparts to spice up our wardrobe? Have you got enough guts to inject a little femininity to your masculine style? Read the article below, it's an interesting report.)

PARIS (AFP) - The notion of wardrobe androgyny was the fitting theme of Yves Saint-Laurent's men's collection, the house that kicked off the just-ended Paris men's shows where men's fashion won a feminine touch.

At YSL, designer Stefano Pilati used quotations from Plato to explain why he combined female detailing with a masculine silhouette.

"The original human nature was not like the present ... the sexes were not two as they are now."

Pilati underscored the union of genders with a line for men made in fabrics normally worn by women -- crepe de chine, organza, shantung and silk voile, all fabrics which float rather than fall.

In an era obsessed with global warming and sustainable development, the 44 spring/summer 2009 collections displayed at the four-day men's fashion shows ending Sunday featured light airy see-through linens, silks and soft feathery cottons.

Bright colours, more often the domain of women's wear, also figured strong.

As Gay Pride marches took place across Europe, pink was popular in Paris.

Louis Vuitton, a house with a predominantly masculine view of the world, chose pink for shorts, pants and waistcoat, and even shoes.

A huge pink sail served as the backdrop for an otherwise frankly male take on fashion from Emmanuel Ungaro designer Franck Boclet, who said fuschia was simply one of the house's signature colours.

"I wanted a gay fresh style," Boclet said of what he told AFP was "a Paris 60s look" of hip-hugging tight-thighed pants, chequered suits, and the odd item in day-glo orange, bright blue or purple.

Making his menswear debut for Givenchy, the house women's designer Ricardo Tisci too went for shocking pink, throwing out a suit with socks, shirt and shoes in pink in a gothic-cum-romantic collection mingling masculine and feminine -- lace shirts over tattooed skin, kinky leather shorts worn with cropped leggings.

At the house of Lanvin, designer Lucas Ossendrijver won a standing ovation from hundreds of fashionistas in Paris' ethnological museum for light-looking, almost insubstantial suits that seemed crumpled all over.

At Dior, one of the most breathlessly-awaited shows, Belgian designer Kris Van Asche broke with the brand's iconic black, splashing deep gold, cobalt blue, fuschia and day-glo orange, shown on a gravel runway running between a line of tall trees.

His masculine touch saw the return of the leg-hugging straight pants first designed by his style-setting predecessor Hedi Slimane, as well as harsh laser-slashing in shirts and jackets, and minimalist small collars and tiny lapels.

For his own epynomous collection, Kris Van Asche too went for feminine detailing, with suits made in the light cottons normally used for shirts.

Some of the smaller more outlandish designers went further in blurring gender codes in fashion.

A newcomer to the Paris scene, Japanese designer Tatsuro Horikawa and his Julius brand put his very-manly men in biker boots, aviator hats and adventurer-style pants, while adding almost dress-length tunics and see-through shirts.

His models strutted the catwalk with long shawls rolled around shoulders and veil-like shawls draped over their heads. See-through shirts showed a black band around the chest, almost like a women's bra.

Gaspard Yurkievich, a favourite with the trendy Paris set, said he aimed "to reintegrate feminine elements in the male wardrobe." The result was a bouffant tunic worn over trousers and short jackets with lots of trim that resembled that womens-wear classic, the little Chanel suit.

Most ultra-daring were Romain Kremer with men in long transparent dresses in fluorescent shades, and Bernhard Willhelm with an unwearable medieval-style collection featuring long-haired men in tiaras and multi-coloured bloomers.

John Galliano, in typically provocative vein, offered kilts worn over bright leggings, another staple of the Paris shows.

Paris men's fashion saw fewer adolescent, waif-like androgynous types strutting the catwalks, with big names such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier opting for models who looked like grown men of at least 20.

And taking a stand against society's anti-ageism streak, Japan's Yohji Yamamoto and Belgium's Ann Demeulemeester chose to show men could grow old gracefully, throwing well over 60-somethings on the catwalks.

(Article from www.yahoo.com)

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #06




Trendspotting With 'The Sartorialist' In Paris

Another set of pictures showcasing what the chic men in Paris are wearing right now.

What has appealed to me so far:

1) Neck scarves - Seems men have become more 'vain' lately...scarves were usually the territory of women, but these days I see lots of guys wrapping one around their necks. It's a great look, makes the wearer look so refined and elegant. Or maybe boys scout?

2) Shorts and more shorts - What interests me with the guy with the rumpled linen pale blue jacket is he pairs it with cargo shorts. It does work!

3) Jackets and Blazers - The guy with the checkered suit, interesting choice. But I love his sandals the most. Pierre Hardy? And the guy with the interesting pleating detail on his navy jacket, reminds me of my Raf Simons blazer. (Which reminds me, I should check on my alteration progress:-) oh, I almost missed out...is he carrying a chanel handbag?

4) Vest and cardigan - Pair it up with shorts or even the chica Lanvin shoes! Love the metallic captoe:-) And pointy hi-cut boots seem to work as well.

(Source: www.men.style.com)

The Material Boy #114




Prada Glace Calf Leather C Tote

For fall winter 2008/2009, Prada introduces some animal accents to their bags in the form of patterns from the likes of crocodile scales to tiger stripes. I am not sure I am buying into this design treatment yet. It's intriguing, but seems not enough to get me excited. However, I am sure these bags will find their place with their loyal fans, as does all other prada bags.

The bag featured here, the Prada Glace Calf Leather C Tote is classified under the women's section in www.saks.com. I actually like this more than the men's version which has shorter handles. The men's version can only be hand carry which I find it's a chore. I like my tote bags to be able to slung over my shoulders. It's much more practical to be able to keep your hands free while carrying your bag.

What do you think of this Prada tote? A thumbs up or thumbs down? One thing for sure, I love the black and grey colour combination!

Retail price: US $1650. Where to buy: www.saks.com

The Material Boy #113


YSL White Leather Hi-Tops

I am obsessed with white shoes. Especially hi-tops. By now, I think I have reinforced this obsession pretty clearly in this blog:-) So introducing another white leather hi-tops that I have just discovered while surfing thru www.saks.com.

YSL makes great bags, and clothes. And shoes are kinda a hit and miss. I do like their super high heeled men's shoes. Now, I am also falling in love with their hi-tops. This white leather version has a more streamlined, sharper toe area which I find very sleek and elegant:-) A slight deviation from the more rounded toe shape for other brands.

Pair it smartly with skinny jeans or even pull it off elegantly with a nice pair of slim trousers. There are so many possibilities with white shoes. Other nice touches includes the script branding on the sides (like a signature) and the embroidered logo patch just above, which adds a bit of colour to the overall white.

Retail price: US $410. Where to buy: www.saks.com

My MANy Bags News #17


Prada Infusion D'Homme Fragrance - A Short Movie Project

In a continuation of the support in innovation and experimentation, Prada has commissioned nine directors from different parts of the world to create a series of short movie as inspired by the new Infusion D'homme fragrance. I love the clips as featured on the Prada website (www.prada.com), shows a different perspective on how different cultures interpret the concept and their own style and unique vision that is reflective of where they are from.

The french submission is my favourite. Named 'To Myself', it's a story of how one should set about fulfilling his life, dare to dream and to look forward and not backwards in life. Very meaningful and sweet.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The Runway Sniper #14



Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

It's seems disco fever hits Martin Margiela...sort of. Part of the collection are interesting pieces infused with saturday night fever, think circa 1970 when John Trovota still looks slim and slender and can shake his booty. The disco ball metallic mirrored effect is applied onto lapels of a well-cut jacket, on the bib of a basic white shirt and the most outrageous leggings, reminding me of Balenciaga's robotic C3PO leggings for Spring Summer 2007 womenswear.

But despite the over the top pieces that were the leggings, most of the collection are really wearable and beautiful pieces that are strangely alluring to me. I have caught on Margiela fever. That ensemble of a beige trench with skinny white pants (with piping on the side) and a horse shoe buckle is so ravishing. That off white pea coat is to die for as well. I will definitely have to pay more attention to Margiela's work from now on.

The Material Boy #112



Gucci Leather Belt With 'Knight Armor' Crest Buckle

Seems the knight armor is one of the recurring symbols Gucci is leveraging on since fall winter 2007. They even made an actual life-size version of the armor for their Gucci Hysteria Video featuring Lily Donaldson. All those GG engravings on the shoulder plates...how cool.

So now I am in love with this new belt for Gucci Fall Winter 2008/2009 collection. It's a men's belt, so no worries. I love the triangular crest and the antique finish to the brass buckle. Definitely adds a touch of royalty and chivalry to your outfit ensemble:-)

Retail price: US $255. Where to buy: www.gucci.com

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #05



Trendspotting With 'The Sartorialist' In Paris

The tailored jacket and shorts look continues in the french city. Did you ever notice there is such an influx of jackets and shirts with piping along the collars and cuffs these days? White shoes...I like.:-P

And the washed look seems so relaxed and non contrived. I love it. Just dun overdo it and look like you have not showered in years.

(Source: www.men.style.com)

My Bag Collection #33




YSL Odeon Jeans Fabric and Suede Tote (SOLD)

On Friday night while I was purchasing my YSL bracelets, a bag caught my eye because of the nonchalant, effortless chic that is so Yves Saint Laurent and french. Based on the runway looks for cruise 2009 and spring summer 2009, the collections presented by Stefano Pilati was that of clothes that is non contrived and looks like they were favourite pieces that has been worn and loved by the wearer time and time again. I was very attracted by this thought of style.

At first, when I laid eyes on this YSL Odeon Tote, I was not impressed as it lacked shelf appeal and looked a bit messed up. But while I was waiting to be served for the bracelets, I took every bag on the shelf and have a try. Trying is free anyways.:-) This is what makes shopping fun eh? (Perhaps, 'fun' really does have a price. One that will mean depleting my bank account further. So maybe not too much 'fun' next time. Hahaha.)

To my pleasant surprise, this Odeon Tote bag suddenly becomes very attractive when carried. The grey hues and the mix of jeans material with suede juxtapose with matt brass hardware makes for a understated and yet stunning combination. This bag is perfect representation of effortless chic. It's like your favourite bag that accompanies you for many years, a bag that earned more character thru each year you used it. The simple and subtle YSL branding is also not overbearing and looks just right to not look like a last minute deisgn thought. Everything was very well thought of. Although I did not buy the bag immediately, secretly in my mind, I have already made up the decision to buy it. Nonetheless, I want to sleep over it to avoid impulse buying and by the next morning, I was very sure that I really liked it.

At 50% discount (I paid SGD $520), I happily brought the bag home. This will be one bag I can use for travel, throwing around daily while looking very french chic along the way.:-P

Retail price: SGD $1040. Where to buy: YSL Boutique at Paragon

The Material Boy #111


Lanvin White and Grey Nylon Hi-Tops

For guys who find the metallic coloured Lanvin Hi-tops a bit too much to bear, fret not, Lanvin does have more subdued colours with their coveted sneaker range! This grey and white nylon hi-top is similar to the copper coloured captoe version but in a different colour scheme. Still chic and stylish...one of the most sought after shoes for spring summer 2008. Better grab the chance to own it before the season ends.

Now on sale at www.aloharag.com. They do ship international!:-)

Retail price: US$399 (markdown from US$665). Where to buy: www.aloharag.com

The Material Boy #110



Martin Margiela Leather Lace-Ups


You might be wondering why I am recommending another pair of lace-ups. It seems all lace-ups are more or less the same. But hold that thought for the time being...have a look at this pair by Martin Margiela. The leather flap where the laces are, wraps all around the shoe which is unseen of. What an interesting reinterpretation of a classic design:-) One of a kind and yet aesthetically beautiful. It is this sort of little quirky take on a classic design which sets things apart.:-) And I believe Martin Margiela has done well with this pair of lace-ups. I especially like the white leather version, which is so french riveria and playboy chic. But for the more classic types, the dark grey version works great as well.

Now on sale at www.aloharag.com with a 40% discount!

I am a Margiela fan now!

Retail price: US$447 (markdown from US$745). Where to buy: www.aloharag.com

Gender Bender #24


YSL Large Overseas Tote in Brown Deer Skin

Today I was in YSL Paragon again. Their 50% markdown for selected items are just too hard to resist. I have been eyeing on a nice YSL jeans fabric and suede tote bag so I just had to go back to check it out. While in store, I took the opportunity to check out some of the ladies range, checking if there will be any bags that might be suitable for guys. YSL bags such as Muse and Downtown bag have been welcomed by the male gender as man bags and I have seen quite a number of stylish guys toting those bags around.

Well, my 'bag radar' did not fail me today. I found another stunning YSL bag that works well for guys because of the huge size and design. This time the spotlight is on the YSL Large Overseas Tote, featuring a 'drawstring' style opening, but with a chunky brass chain and lock instead. Made of soft deer skin and comes in basic hues of brown and black, this huge full leather bag looks robust and yet interesting for a man to carry despite it being a ladies bag. The dark colours definitely makes it look unisex. The chunky chain fastening the bag can be adjusted so you can expand the opening of the bag which helps to make the bag more 'tote like' for guys.

(On a side note, I have to also point out that the overseas bag having significant amounts hardware could overwhelm you if you cannot pull off the look. The gold contrasted against the dark leather colour is very outstanding. So you must try the bag to see if it works for you. Personally, I tried it for myself and hence I love it. Perhaps, I have a more flamboyant style. :-P)

Now going at 50% discount, it is even more tempting to buy this bag (and the oversize muse and downtown bag as well!). If only I have not splurge on 4 bags this sale season, I would snap it up in an instant.:-p I am now a huge fan of YSL, french chic is effortless and elegant. I love it.

Retail price: SGD $3400. Where to buy: YSL Boutique at Paragon

Friday, June 27, 2008

Great Minds Think Alike...#04



Louis Vuitton Mongramouflage Keepall and Trussardi Military Print Duffel

Seems like boys in the army have sparked off inspiration from designers in LV and Trussardi. LV is launching the Mongramouflage range while Trussardi has their eyes set to launched their own version of the military camouflage pattern for Spring Summer 2009. Which one will you pick? From the small runway picture, Trussardi's bag looks promising. But I think the 'battle' is easily won by LV, since there is already so much hype about the Mongramouflage before it even hit the stores.


My Shopping Conquest #13


Paul And Joe 'Tiger Tooth, Monkey Skull, Mineral Shell' Necklace

Sale time is the best time to stock up on jewellery. Necklaces and bracelets are like finishing touches that could enhance a look. With my new acquisition of the Dries Van Noten military duffel bag, I wanted to complete the safari look with a necklace that looks like it was formed by pieces and trinkets found on expeditions. This Paul and Joe necklace perfectly sums up the style. Made of 3 trinkets on a silver chain, a 'tiger tooth, a 'Monkey Skull' and a mineral stone-like seashell, it is interesting and have a strong sense of explorer chic.

At 37% off (I paid SGD $188), I knew I had to buy it. I only commited to the purchase after taking some time over lunch to ponder the decision. So I know I did not make an impulsive buy.

Retail price: SGD $299. Where to buy: Club 21 Men at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shopping Conquest #12



YSL Bracelets

In a matter of a week, I acquired 3 YSL bracelets. Not that I plan to purchase so many bracelets at one go...but it all started with my hunt for one. I had wanted a simple leather bracelet which I can wear daily and had a subtle, elegant style. My first thought was to head to YSL. French chic and elegance embodies the brand and I was sure I can find something suitable.

So last Sunday (22 June 08), I decided to make a trip to YSL store at Paragon. I spotted some leather bracelets that fit my requirement. In the end, I shortlisted the choice to 2. One was a brown leather lace knotted design (which was on 30% discount off $270 at $189) while the other was of a woven leather style (a classic design which is not on sale, the SA told me it was $150, but later found out it was cheaper). I was contemplating, I love both. I was trying on different sizes and took my time to decide. I had a really beautiful and friendly sales advisor attending to me so I was not pressured at all to make a hasty decision. She suggested to me what her preference was, that of the knotted design. At first, I agreed to her recommendation and was almost going to pay for the bracelet, but at the last moment, something struck me and I asked to try the woven version again. It seems deep down inside I found the woven version resonating with me better. After the second try, I was fully sure I like the woven version better and hence decided to buy that. Surprisingly, the SA told me she quoted me the wrong price and it was cheaper at $110. What a good price!

This is how I bag the first YSL bracelet.

Today after work, I decided to go check out the knotted leather bracelet again. I have been thinking about it the past week and I knew I had to get it. There was a grey version which I thought could be unique. I had suspected that further markdowns of 40% could take place for YSL and Gucci. My shopping instincts was was right! Selected merchandise was indeed marked down at not 40% but 50%! More than I expected:-) I felt such a relieve that I did not buy the knotted bracelet at 30% few days back. I would be so upset.

Anyways, I tried on the grey version. But it came with silver hardware which is not really outstanding. Furthermore, my skin colour is too close in terms of shade as contrasted against the grey leather. It seems lost on my wrist. Not as outstanding as the dark brown version I originally tried the past Sunday. My choice was clear. Dark brown is the colour. And at such a good price of 50% markdown, I just could not pass up on bargain. Such a good buy. Since most YSL bracelets in store are on further markdowns, I tried on a unisex chunky silver charm bracelet as well. At only $155 out of original $310, it was also a good buy. I really like the graffiti style 'YSL' branded charm. Although the heart charm looks a bit girlish and becomes busy together with the graffiti charm, I thought to improvise and convinced myself I can remove the heart charm if I were to wear it. The SA on hearing my idea, further reinforced that I can turn the heart charm into a pendant for a necklace. What a brilliant suggestion. What more could I say, except to bag it as well.:-P

And this is the story of how I got my 2nd and 3rd YSL bracelet, all in less than a week:-)

Retail price:
1) Brown Woven Leather Bracelet - SGD $110
2) Dark Brown Single Knotted Leather Bracelet - SGD $135 (50% off SGD $270)
3) Silver Talisman Bracelet - SGD $155 (50% off SGD $310)

Where to buy: YSL Boutique at Paragon

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #04






Trendspotting With 'The Sartorialist' In Milan

Here's a few more looks that caught my eye and I could see myself in.

Top on my list, Neil Barrett's getup (first pic)...perfect casual elegance. A black blazer with tapered shorts and thin belt. I could pull this off with my Raf Simons blazer and my CK or black Helmut Lang shorts (will do a post on this pair of shorts soon, the pockets are very unique!). I am inspired! Can't wait.

Another thing to note, purple shoes again.

Check out those copper Lanvin shoes as well. Seems that guy is wearing Balenciaga silk boxers and the yellow backpack. Interesting. Love the neon yellow cardigan by Philip Lim.

Lastly, all the man bags that real people carry. It's a lot of totes. Have you got yours already? The guys with the red shorts and the ink splash white shirt are wearing Marni. I am amazed I can identify the brands of the clothes. I must be 'crazy about fashion' now.:-P

(Source: www.men.style.com)

The Material Boy #109



Gucci Brown Monogram Carry-On Duffle

Another bag candy from Gucci for me.:-) This heavily studded carry-on duffel bag in brown GG fabric definitely strikes a cord with the flashy side of me. Somehow all the hardware in brass and silver got my attention. I thought the amount of detail incorporated into the design of this bag is meticulous. And I love customised hardware on bags which makes it very exclusive. The bag is comfortably big(at a good size at 50 x 15 x 40cm) and perfect for toting it around day to day. Safe to say, this bag has all the qualities that appeals to me. I especially fancied the way the bag opens, it comes with a buckle closure strap running across the calf leather bag flap which resembles the Hermes Birkin's way of opening the bag. I wonder if that will be inconvenient since the buckle strap runs around the bag. However, as compared to Birkin, which is less understated, this Gucci bag is a lot more rock & roll and loud.

The colours of the bag is very complimentary to winter styles and hues. It has a certain medieval knight feel, like a piece of ancient armor transformed into a bag. For those who goes for ultra luxe, there is also a croc skin version that oozes decadence:-)

Retail price: Euro $1890. Where to buy: www.gucci.com

The Runway Sniper #13









Gucci Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

Frida Giannini's idea of the Gucci man is getting younger. In this new collection for Spring Summer 2009, she wanted luxury and youth co-existing seamlessly together:-P So she sent her Gucci boys down the runway in luxury resort inspired styles that is infused with exuberant acid colours and sensory overload of tropical inspired motifs. Imagine sipping curaçao, dancing to the psychedelia induced tunes of MGMT while partying away with beautiful people in Ibiza. This is what I get when I saw the collection.

Lots of things coming together, sometimes too overwhelming. But somehow I get excited by it. I love the energy in the clothes. It makes you feel you are on holiday and holidays are always a happy thing to enjoy. These flamboyant playboys strutting down the Gucci runway are clad in wildly decorated floral skinny pants/jackets, coloured croc lined heels and paired with bags that could come in the full spectrum of the rainbow hues. Love that Hawaiian inspired canvas tote with turquoise coloured leather handles or the huge travel style tote bag in shocking pink trim.

Although there are lots of hits as well as misses (some bags and clothing do look tacky!), and a lot of people question the creativity of the collection, I find most of the clothes very wearable and appealing. The vibrant colours and the lush feel of the looks more than made up for the basic designs in the pieces. It's luxury in excess! Like they say, when you have it, flaunt it. This is definitely a collection to fulfill the desires of the exhibitionist minded.

I am already eyeing on the bags, shoes, belts and the spectacular waist-dyed jeans. I see my shopping list getting longer and longer.:-)

(For pictures of the full collection and reviews by the experts, go to www.men.style.com)

Monday, June 23, 2008

The Runway Sniper #12









Prada Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

Prada is one of my most anticipated collections for the Milan shows season after season. Although I may not entirely agree to her aesthetics, but her highly philosophical and conceptual interpretation of menswear leaves me feeling in awe of how intricate her mind thinks.

For this collection, it seems once again, she challenges the way a typical modern male should dress. Following the footsteps of her highly androgynous fall winter collection, came another take on the gender bending style of dressing she seems to be in favour of at this moment. The boys are draped in oversize cropped blousons/parkas suspended on the neck by what seem like a bikini strap. The elongated polo tee borders on the edge of it being either a shirt or a skirt. However, her accessories are still one of the best to be seen on the runways. That amazing oversize nylon tote of suede and brown leather is probably my most coveted. Other designs came in as leather versions of totes and messenger bags, but given new life in a brand new colour of deep Prussian blue.

This is a collection that for me, will not be taken as a whole. It may seem too far fetched for a guy to wear some of the looks. But break it down from its entirety, you see beautiful parkas, perfectly tailored pants/jackets and gorgeous shirts. And of course, the bags the shoes which will probably be the best sellers that everyone wants a piece of.

(For pictures of the full collection and reviews by the experts, go to www.men.style.com)




 

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