My MANy Bags Trendspotting #133

Below: Tom boys invade Spring Summer 2011 Womens' collections.
As seen at Balenciaga, street inspired versions...

Below: Tom boys as seen on DSquared2...power looks as straight out of the boardroom.

Below: Tom boys in a sporty way as seen on Isabel Marant... Girls want to play on 'boy's league':-P

Below: Since girls are 'stealing' men's style...boys have to 'fight' back:-P... How about some 'skirt-like' parka at Raf Simons... (This model seriously have me guessing his gender at first glance.)

Below: More skirts, anyone?

Below: White lace shirts at Givenchy...fit for a 'bride'...

Below: Skirts again...

Below: Sexy sheer underwear at Jean Paul Gaultier... male lingerie?

Below: Male or female?!?!? (Jean Paul Gaultier)

Spring Summer 2011: Gender Confused?

The 'Tomboys' are marching in full force! Girls ransacked the boy's closet while guys start looking like a 'girl'. Some are wearing lace shirts, some braved skirts and others get on some sheer underwear...

What on earth has happened in Fashion come Spring Summer 2011? Gender confused it may be but this is what makes fashion so fascinating:-P

Source: Style

The Runway Sniper #63

Below: DSquared2 Spring Summer 2011 Menswear. My thoughts - ' Oh that's a nice jacket with interesting colour combinations, I think Zara will have something similar next Spring Summer season. The models are cute nonetheless...'

Below: My thoughts - ' Love the look, I might have something similar that I can pull out from the back of my closet somewhere...'

Below: My thoughts - ' Blue blazer... been there, done that!'

Below: My thoughts - 'Pink jacket, I'll pass... neon green shorts... Marc by Marc Jacobs has one pair on sale soon!'

Below: My thoughts - 'I can easily substitute that silk shirt with another blue shirt in my closet...'

Below: My thoughts - 'Denim shirt... Topman or Zara should have that at a fraction of the price of this one!'

Below: My thoughts - 'Who's Julian? I might save lots of money printing my own t-shirts bearing my own name...'

Below: My thoughts - 'Sexy hunk in bed? LOOOOOVE!!!'

Below: My thoughts - 'The guy who bare his butt... Hot!!!'

Below: My thoughts - 'Pecs and tattoos... Mega Hot!!!'

Below: My thoughts - 'Those pieces I think I already have in my wardobe...'

DSquared2 Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

My thoughts as indicated with the viewing of each pic above sums up my review of the new DSquared2 Spring Summer 2011 Menswear collection. Low on surprise factor, but high on showmanship and presentation! Who else can get away with having half naked hunk showing his butt and doing sit ups (suspended on a bar) during a runway show? DSquared2! This collection themed around the American Gigolo oozes sex appeal and the dream lifestyle of the rich and beautiful. But however high the memorability of the show, the clothes unfortunately do not evoke any surprise... been there, done that, pieces you'd probably find in your closet from yesteryear or wait for Zara to come up with more sanely priced versions.

But I like the models. They cast the best guys around. Nose bleeding now..help! (watch out for the guy in bed showing his naked butt at 1:49 before putting on his shorts!)



Source: Style, Sonny Photos

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #47

Hugo Boss Sale Starts 28 May 2010

The Great Singapore Sale starts this week, so flexing those bank account muscles and give those magic Visa cards a good workout!

Hugo Boss end of season sale starts this coming Friday, 28 May 2010 in Singapore. Since DSquared2 is managed by the same retailer, Kwang Sia, so expect DSquared2 to have mark downs too!

Takashimaya is also having an extra 10% discount promotion with major luxury brands taking part. Bally, Burberry Agnés B, Kenzo, Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo are amongst the brands starting their end-of-season sales this week.

Source: Hugo Boss, DSquared2

Great Minds Think Alike #14

Below: DSquared2 Black Leather Ankle Boots (£585.00) vs...


Below: ...Mr. Hare 'Thompson' Ankle Boots (£425.00). Which one do you prefer?

DSquared2 vs Mr. Hare

Such resemblance to each other. Both of these black leather ankle boots from DSquared2 and Mr. Hare feature a side button detailing. Inspiration or imitation? Who copied who? Or is it just another case of great minds think alike?

Which one do you prefer? DSquared's version has a taller heel, while
Mr. Hare's design is more classic and elegant.

Dsquared2 is now available @ www.dsquared2.com and Mr Hare is stocked @ www.oki-ni.com

Source: DSquared2, Oki-ni

My MANy Bags News #126

dsquared2 shop online new trailer from dsquared2official on Vimeo.

Dsquared2 Launches Online Store!

Good news for male and female D2 fans based in Europe, US and Japan...cos DSquared2's new online store ships to these destinations:-) (Unfortunately, Singapore is not on the list...sob sob)

What amuses me most from this piece of news (Thanks to Sean-Inc again) is the promo clip starring designers, Dean and Dan and hot model Jean Carlos. Besides speaking like a 'recording machine', Dean and Dan also had the pleasure of ripping Jean Carlos' clothes off...literally everything!

Cheesy but sexy. Who came up with the idea? I have to say it is very tacky, but fortunately fun to watch:-P

Source: DSquared2 via Sean-Inc

My MANy Bags News #107

Below: The new DSquared2 boutique is simply amazing, albeit overpriced!

Below: I really like the rustic wood exterior, signature of the rustic charm of DSquared2

Below: One of the entrance to Ion Orchard with Giorgio Armani duplex level flagship store on the side...still under renovation as of this post...

Below: The ladies will be thrilled...the new Miu Miu store is decadent and takes on

the design of the Europe stores...

Below: The very huge Burberry store on the same level as LV and Prada!

Below: Designer label heaven...big names like LV side by side with Prada and Burberry...one after another...

Below: Soon to be opened Prada Duplex level flagship store...can't wait...

(This is the 2nd level, the ground level is the main entrance)

Ion Orchard 'Expedition' Report

I finally had the time to check out the just opened (21 Jul 09) Ion Orchard Mall and oh my...the moment I step into the mall, past the gate from the underground train...I hear my heart beat faster and adrenalin rushing thru my veins...

It must be the sight and smell of brand new decor and many retail temptations that got me more than excited...I was exhilarated. I do not know where to start. Everywhere I turn, there is a shop to be checked out. The basement levels were dedicated to mid level or more affordable brands while the upper levels belong to the realm of luxury shopping! I walked past double level Zara, Topman and the soon to open Uniqlo. But I knew my first stop had to be level one where all the hot luxury labels are located. My first shopping expedition had to be the new kid on Singapore's fashion block, DSquared2! The shop did not disappoint. They stock almost a very extensive range of the new Fall Winter 2009 collection. I love the shop decor as well. It has many mirrors and a central area with a huge leather couch for shoppers to rest while contemplating their choices. Womenswear, shoes and bags are also stocked. However, one bad thing is the overly inflated prices they charge for each piece. I cannot imagine paying that much for something I can get for much lesser online or overseas. But I guess, it is the thrill of shopping in an actual DSquared2 boutique that might make me commit to my first purchase there. I had a quick browse as I still have many stops to visit:-) Within 10 minutes, I was out and proceeding to my next stop. I had a quick glimpse of the shops on the same level and I am happy to report, YSL, Miu Miu, Bally are all setting up base here. We are fast becoming a real shopping mecca of the region! One level up from the ground level, we find more big brand names like Herve Ledger, Marc Jacobs and many more. Upon finding my way in this new gargantuan shopping mall, I had trouble locating the must see Burberry boutique I mentioned today.

Taking a bit of effort navigating my way around, I landed back on ground level and soon had to get out of the mall in order to have a better sense of direction. That helps and I spotted Burberry right at the back of the mall, next to Wisma Atria. The new Burberry flagship did not disappoint. It's like an emporium of all things Burberry! The different sub-brands are housed in individual sections, like a room while cohesively sharing the same interior design aesthetics. I found the Burberry Prorsum men's section and needless to say, I was hunting for the grey tweed jacket I was eyeing. The prices are again very expensive, and since I am not sure about my travel plans for now, I refrain from committing to such a big purchase.

After taking a much needed dinner break, I decided it is time to explore the basement levels and check out my other more affordable fashion brands like Zara and Topman. I am delighted to report, these 2 shops took my breath away. They are HUGE! With 2 levels, one for the ladies and one for the men, you can find almost anything you need there. I especially love Topman. It's having such a good range and the environment is condusive for you to shop, shop and shop. I feel like I am in Europe shopping in mega flagships!

Here's some pics I have taken of my expedition today. Enjoy!

For readers outside of Singapore, if you are here for holiday or work...this is the place to check out if you enjoy shopping! Come now!:-P (Singapore Tourism Board better pay me some commission for helping to promote my country...all I ask for is perhaps a DSquared2 shirt? Hehehe)

My MANy Bags Lookbook #07

College Cool

Inspired by the 'school bag' style of Proenza Schouler's ultra cool PS1 bag...I have come up with an outfit that reflects college chic in winter. Think Harvard or Cambridge University in the fall.

Tweed jacket and wooly combinations are essential for insulating against the cold, but I have paired Burberry Prorsum's carrot leg wool pants with Ann Demeulemeester 'biker' style buckled leather trainers for some edginess. By tucking in the pant legs into the trainers, it will achieved an equestrian riding look but in a more contemporary and 'bad boy' way:-)

Marc By Marc Jacobs 'fingerless' gloves lends an air of nonchalance while DSquared2's checkered shirt and YSL's croc embossed leather belt adds to the mood of traditional college elegance from college boys of yesteryear.

Source: Luisaviaroma, Burberry, Antonioli, Colette, Matches Fashion

My MANy Bags Lookbook #06

'Winter Knight' In The City

For this edition of myMANYbags lookbook, the look I am going for is strong and bold...befitting a modern knight in his armor of chic fitted DSquared2 jacket, Lanvin tall boots and amazingly chic Ann Demeulemeester woven fringe scarf. Looking sharp and ever ready to brave the cold winter nights in the city...military inspirations from yesteryears, his medal of 'chivalry' in the form of Ann Demeulemeester's ribbon pin:-)

I can't wait for winter to do layering, and of course the holidays that's going to follow:-) Perhaps London? Perhaps Switzerland? I am excited.

See my other lookbook posts here:-)

Source: Luisaviaroma, Antonioli, Lanvin

The Material Boy #119

Dsquared2 Zig Zag2 Sneakers

Dean and Dan loves to do trucker, lumberjack chic or of any ultra masculine references. This pair of chunky boot style sneakers definitely fits the bill for trucker style or any alpha male types. A recurring classic, sometimes done with gaudy colours and many times a hideous experiment gone awry. However, this season, they managed to get the colour combinations right and it ain't half as bad! I love the combo of browns, whites and gold. The contrast of different materials such as suede, patent leather and calf leather is also appealing. There is also added bling and glamour when accented with beautiful gold hardware.

One thing noteworthy, the shoe has a very streamlined shape and wears the feet up pretty high. That means your pants and jeans will fall very nicely over them. That is a strength for this shoe design which I like:-)

D2 will be unavailable in Singapore this season. So if you want a piece of D2, get them online!

Retail price: US $425. Where to buy: www.saks.com

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #07

DSquared2 Fall Winter 2008/2009 Ad Campaign

If you take away the 'DSquared2' brand name, I would have thought this was Burberry's ad. Somehow, the Brit inspiration in DSquared2's Fall Winter 2008/2009 Men's collections is translating too well into the imagery and styling. Even the selection of models is deviated from the usual muscle boys that Dean and Dan Caten fancies. Very Burberry and less of DSquared2.

My Shopping Report Card #02

My 'Spring Summer 2008 End Of Season Sales' Shopping Report Card...Part Deux

Finally Club 21 will be marking down their spring summer merchandise this week. Starting Thursday with preview sale. :-) Lucky me, I got a even earlier 'preview' from some of my favourite stores and I was able to get the stuff I really liked before the actual preview sale starts:-)

Here's the list I amassed today (Top to bottom):

1) Raf Simons Black Ruched Blazer
(Gorgeous blazer with such interesting ruching details on the back. Very smart and timeless becos of the black colour. Pending alteration to shorten and tighten sleeve to make it an even better fit!)
- SGD $1133.37 (30% off $1799, plus 10% off sale price)

2) DSquared2 Purple 'Fuel Injection' Polo Tee
(I got this polo as this will be the last season Club 21 will be stocking DSquared2. I always love D2's tops as they fit me really well even when I am slim. We in Singapore will have to go thru fall winter season without D2 as the new retailer will only set up shop for SS 2009. Hence, I grab the polo when I can.:-) It sells out very fast as usual, especially during sale. And Singapore's F1 racing is fast approaching..so most appropriate to get into the speed racing frenzy! :-P)
- SGD $263.97 (30% off $419, plus 10% off sale price)

3) DSquared2 Motorsport Themed Necklace
(This necklace has cute motorsport icons. And it's in a dog tag style. Furthermore, with 3 tags on a single chain, I can choose which one to mix and match:-) This looks really cool with tees! And I love jewellery!)
- SGD $188.37 (30% off $299, plus 10% off sale price)

4) D&G Audacious Fit Grey Skinny Jeans
(Sale time is best to stock up on jeans. I have too many pairs of jeans...so paying full price is not necessary anymore. Hence, if there is a good fit at a great price, I will get jeans. This grey coloured skinny fit jeans is so slim I had to get a size up from my usual waistline!)
- SGD $358.47 (30% off $569, plus 10% off sale price)

5) D&G White Front Pocket Shorts
(I love white shorts. They go with everything and is nonchalant in style. This pair of tailored shorts has front pockets with zippers, sort of like a hybrid of tailored styles and cargo shorts:-) Works great with tees and sandals!)
- SGD $339.57 (30% off $539, plus 10% off sale price)

6) D&G Black And White Silk/Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt With Contrasting Trim
(I was not really convinced when the SA try to recommend me this shirt. I was skeptical about the busy print. But he insist that I try it on as it looks different when worn. And he was right, what is lacking shelf appeal looks great on a body! The slim fit and the contrasting black and white satin trimmings makes this very interesting. London mod style? It's cool. And the silk and cotton fabric is light weight and comfortable. I just fell in love with it!)
- SGD $484.47 (30% off $769, plus 10% off sale price)

(To top off the sale purchases, D&G is using a limited edition shopping bag for purchase of 3 items or more. It's flower print on actual canvas...so you can reuse it as a nice tote for simple casual weekend around town or beach.:-) A new free bag for me?:-P)

Overall Score: 9/10

I think this time I have done really well. Only setback is that I have to alter my Raf Simons jacket. The jacket fits perfect on the body, just a bit too long for the sleeve. It's one size up from what I usually wear..but the very slim cut makes it perfect for me, except the sleeves. The alteration alone will cost me SGD$50 for the shortening and SGD$20 more for narrowing the sleeve. Grrr...it's expensive!

The Material Boy #41

Dsquared2 Military Leather Tall Boots - Fall Winter 2008/2009

Finally a better pic of these 'macho' tall boots I am drooling over since my last post on DSquared2. I prefer the taller brown ones. There is something about the many eyelets and high cut of these boots that makes me crave them badly. I think this is such a cool look. Especially when I am holiday in winter. It would warm the legs and would look great on a tall guy like me.

Keeping my shoe radar on high alert when next season arrives. Another sought-after item after the Balenciaga open toe boots which I missed. Grrrr...