Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #195

Below: It's espadrilles rampage for D&G's Spring Summer 2011 Mens Footwear!

Below: The bags are not exactly appealing, sad to say...

D&G Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes And Bags

Espadrilles soles are invading mens footwear this Spring Summer 2011 season. From Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton to Prada and now D&G. It's espadrilles fiesta out there! Designers are going crazy with this shoe inspiration that dates back to the 14th century. Originating from the Pyrenees, these casual flats made in fabric and characterised by jute rope sole were once worn by peasants and now fashion fans all over the world.

D&G has basically taken the espadrilles and exploited them into as many incarnations as they can. With eyelets, as slip-ons, with Hawaiian fabrics, with gingham checks and denim... you name it, you have it.

It is nice to leverage on a classic design, but somehow when you overdo it without modifying too much to create a surprise, it lacked imagination. And these shoes can be from any other lower priced brands since fabric and jute rope are what they are. There can be no 'more luxurious' versions of these materials. I do love the gingham checks versions. But only if they are crafted well:-)

As for the bags, again... D&G shows they are not the best in bag design. The totes and duffels are often bland and lacked character.

I think I will stick to the espadrilles and ready to wear this time.

For more pics, go to my facebook fan page:-)

Source: D&G

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #150

Below: Dull winters are over, Spring Summer is here. The season where even men can 'bloom' in pretty flowers... Jil Sander Spring Summer 2011 mens collection sees flower prints in small or large formats splashed across shirts and t-shirts...

Below: Etro does their ethnic inspired paisley prints... for the ever flamboyant men...

Below: Love the blazer!

Below: Yohji Yamamoto does his take on flowers, seeking inspiration dating back to the Era of dukes and barons... brocade style paisley prints from balloony shorts to full suits to footwear...

Below: Club 21 mens, Four Seasons Hotel, stocks this pair of paisley Yohji Yamamoto shorts... love the baggy but tapered cut, do you guys think it's a good idea for me to flaunt the short?!?! :-P

Below: D&G brings their spin on flower themes, straight from picnic grounds and suburbia... white picket fences and desperate housewives and husbands?

Below: Take a holiday to Hawaii and say aloha to the tropical flora...

Men In Bloom

Spring Summer is here. Dull Winters are over (at least in the fashion calendar). So let nature takes its course and welcome back colours and flamboyance into our wardrobes.

This Spring Summer 2011, men are 'blooming'...and I mean literally blooming. So many flower prints running amok on the men's Spring Summer 2011 collections. Designers have unabashedly introduced flower themes from small paisley, big motifs to tropical Hawaiian prints in their collections. Boys, it's time to let your sensitive side flourish... time to outshine our dear female counterparts.

Are you ready to be a man in bloom?

Source: Style

The Runway Sniper #72

Below: An ode to the Coca Cola drinking and Mickey Mouse Cartoon watching generation... D&G Fall Winter 2011 Menswear is a fun and upbeat collection!

Below: Love the colours and those familiar iconography... kitsch but nostalgic as well! Drop crotch but skinny leg pants in a huge array of colours seem to be favoured by Dolce & Gabbana next Fall...

Below: I love my Coca Cola and Mickey Mouse anyday!

Below: Soft drinks and pop culture amalgamated so well together for the collection!

Below: Coffee, tea or Coca Cola me?!?!

Below: Mickey Mouse prints inverted on the oversized sweater... a touch of street vibe?

Below: Even the shoes are imbued with eye poping colours...

D&G Fall Winter 2011 Menswear

D&G looks to the 'Coca Cola' drinking and 'Mickey Mouse' cartoon watching generation for inspiration this coming Fall Winter 2011. American youth culture has invaded the Italian fashion house and it's a riot of candy coloured energy bursting on the runway. I love it!

Upbeat and highly wearable, I almost see myself in every look. Especially love the kitsch but nostalgia-inducing 'Coca Cola' slogan pullovers, or those Mickey Mouse decorated nylon down jackets in blinding hues! These iconography will resonate so well and elicit a smile to those who live through this era. The fitted silhouettes, teamed with a new D&G proposal of drop crotch but skin tight leg (or simply Skinny Carrot Pants) trousers in candy jar colours are very welcoming. What a breath of fresh air from the sombre tones we have always been presented with during winter seasons.

With a collection this fun, I know I will be 'endorsing' myself to D&G for next Fall Winter, just as the brand has itself to Coca Cola and Mickey!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #183

Below: D&G Cruise 2011 shoes... love those with Gingham checks patterns!

Below: I love the D&G Spring Summer 2011 collection... Gingham checks patterns are so charming:-)

D&G Cruise 2011 Mens Bags and Shoes

Here's a preview of what's coming from D&G Cruise 2011 mens bags and shoes. I may not be a fan like I used to for D&G's very commercial collections, but undeniably, their superb cutting for menswear are redeeming qualities that kept me going back. I am a fan of their shirts... they fit the best!

For Spring Summer 2011, I have already pre-selected quite a number of looks I am coveting, since I am a huge fan of colours, checks pattern and holiday style! D&G's Spring Summer 2011 collection hit just the right notes for me. But before these desirable pieces hit the stores, it is time to shop the cruise season first. For Cruise 2011, we are given a taste of what's coming for summer. Design cues from the summer collection are incorporated into the cruise designs. I am already sold on the yellow gingham checks canvas shoes. Such a cheery feet companion for warm weather and very matching with shorts:-) I want!

The sand coloured suede loafers with blue gingham checks lining is another favourite, giving off a laid back vibe with a spot of colour. Love again!

As for bags, I am not too sure I like them. But for fans of the brand, these basic leather bags in bright summer colours are a great addition to pack your getaway gear! The blue duffel stands out the most for me. I am toying with the idea of the giant waist pouch that can be cross sling over the body... need to try that out:-)

Sale season is in full force... cruise season is following in hot pursuit... Let's shop some cruise seasons offerings while we wait patiently for summer season!

Source: D&G via Club 21 Global

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #121

Below: Something luxuriously furry for the ladies and perhaps some men
(that Versace bag is from the mens range:_P)...

Hairy Companions: Fall Winter 2010 Bags And Accessories

PETA will be fuming mad. Ladies will gleefully brag. And perhaps some men too will join the pack. You either love or hate it.

However, fur is here to stay much to the dismay of animal enthusiasts. Designers are going in full force with their pursuit of ultimate luxury. For this Fall Winter 2010 season, furry materials are presented in its full glory by many designers on bags, shoes and more.

One thing I know, whether is it real or faux fur, the look is definitely winter and supremely decadent. So take your pick. it's time for some furry 'companions'...

Source: YSL, Christian Louboutin, Loewe, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior

My MANy Bags News #245

Below: Exterior of the spanking new D&G duplex store at Mandarin Gallery, Singapore...

Below: Boutique entrance from the inside of Mandarin Gallery ground level...

Below: Women's section (top pic) on ground level... nice couch to rest your feet and ponder over your purchase at the men's area (bottom pic)...

Below: More store interiors... generous and glamourous retail space!

Below: The 2nd level dedicated to swimwear and active wear...

D&G Mandarin Gallery: Store Exposé!

Finally received official shots of the interiors for the new duplex+mega sized D&G boutique which opened a couple of months back. After more extensive renovation and inclusion of fixtures and furnishings, the space looked exceptionally spacious and luxurious! Definitely condusive to give those Visa cards a good workout:-)

The 'almost vacant' space it once was during the first few weeks of opening has now been delightfully transformed. I love the lush carpets and the metal shelfing structures which cleverly separate each area.

So if you drop by Singapore, remember to check out D&G at Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road. Now that the store is operationally ready, the important question pending now is: When will the official opening party befitting such a glamourous space take place? Count me in already!

Source: Club 21 Global

The Runway Sniper #62

Below: Invasion of the suburbia for D&G's Spring Summer 2011 menswear... Gingham checks in overdrive + picnic chic...

Below: Checks, checks, checks...love them as lining for the shorts which reveals when rolled up...

Below: Checks in different colours, and on jackets, shirts and more...

Below: But wear with discretion, worn in excess might end up making you look like you wore a table cloth...

Below: Aloha! Hawaiian prints adds to the off duty mood of the preppy 'nostalgic' collection...

Below: And not forgetting date nights with those beautiful 'desperate housewives' , pastel evening jackets are here to glam up the evenings...

D&G Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

After a round the world trip from the desert plains of wild wild west (Spring Summer 2010) to the Alpine slopes of Scandinavia (Fall Winter 2010), I was not expecting Suburbia to be of interest to the usually more showy D&G brand.

Apparently, 'Happyville' was exactly what D&G had in mind for their Spring Summer 2011 Menswear. Suburban dads and sons are ready for a picnic on their immaculately manicured lawns, with french loafs and groceries intact, clad overdrive in preppy gingham checks. The multi coloured checks fabric called Vichy, from the French town known for its production of cottons, appears in shirts, jackets, underlining in pants and shorts (which reveals charmingly when rolled up) and trims on practically anything. This optimistic and happy collection will make any 'desperate housewives' proud.

While living in suburbia, you take vacations. This time to Hawaii, worn as a 'trophy-like' showoffs to your envious neighbours upon getting back. 'Aloha' inspired florals decorated blazers, blousons, shorts and shoes which adds to the relaxed, off duty mood of the collection.

But beware, vicious gossips do go rampant behind those perfect white picket fences. Vichy checks fabrics may seem all cheery and charming, worn without discretion might garner talks behind your backs that you have 'insanely' adorned yourself with a table cloth. Something that might be detrimental to your sartorial credibility.

However, it's a 'risk' I am willing to take...those checks shorts and blousons in cutesy minty greens and pinks already have my name on it.

Source: Style, Sonny Photos

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #125

Below: D&G Fall Winter 2010 Mens Bags... Bag charms and quilted nylon anyone?

Below: The handles and design look a bit Prada-esque or even Coco Cocoon-ish? Yes? No?

Below: D&G Prefall 2010 Collection: 'Loewe Calle Bag'... is that chu?!?!?!

D&G PreFall & Fall 2010 Mens Bags

Sale season has barely begun for Spring Summer 2010 merchandise and now we are already getting a glimpse of what's on offer for Fall Winter 2010...

For next fall D&G sends puffy ski-wear clad hunks (pity they got all wrapped up under all the thick outerwear... no skin to be shown...sob sob) down their runways. As a result, this ski theme idea translates thru to the bag collection as well.

Lots of nylon and distressed leather. Waterproof, weatherproof and abuse proof. Sometimes, you just need a tough bag to bring along when you are up for some those snow cap adventures!

For prefall 2010, there are roomy duffels with a v front design (not bad for a nylon duffel), or totes in leather or nylon that is practical and sans the usual loud D&G branding. And 'Loewe Calle Bag'... Is dat chu? Wonder who in D&G approve this bag design for production? 'Copying' or greta minds think alike?

As for the Fall 2010 Bags, it's all in the charms... bag charms. Loving all those cute little trinkets that hangs on the quilted nylon totes. Prada-esque, Chanel Coco Cooonish... whatever you describe it, those charms are what sets these bags apart. The furry pom poms, 'mountain climbing' D-hooks and rope , phone wire looking charms etc. add colour and a sense of explorer attitude to the otherwise sombre winter collection. They almost seem like souvenirs you pick up from some hill tribes while trekking those ski mountains.

Anyone for some skiing adventure next fall?

Source: D&G