Milan Fashion Week: GUCCI Fall 2011

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2011 rocked to a disco glam opening yesterday courtesy of Frida Giannini's gorgeous collection for GUCCI. On the high heels of the brand's 90th anniversary one could excuse Ms. Giannini's lack of fresh fashion vision by referencing the ever so popular 1970's glamour decade, one we've seen everywhere as a major inspiration point for Spring 2011. What we can all freely agree on, however, is Giannini's brilliant use of punch-packing color, pimp-worthy felt fedoras with feathers, and luxe fur jackets flying down the runway, making this collection everything a runway spectacle should be- sinfully decadent and utterly gorgeous in every way...

Runway images courtesy of WWD,
Close-up detail images courtesy of Style.com

The Material Boy #441

My 'Mr Porter' Wishlist

Mr Porter, the menswear shopping portal from the people who brought you Net-a-porter.com was launched exclusively to founding members last week. Free shipping anywhere in the world was offered as part of this exclusive launch... this makes refraining from shopping a huge effort to overcome.

So here's my wishlist from the newly launched shopping site... guess which item I bought on Sunday from my wishlist:-P

1. Lanvin Silk Pocket Square with Raw Edge – £38
2. Paul Smith Yellow Striped Silk Pocket Square – £20
3. Gucci Chevron Olive Coloured T-shirt – £141.67
4. Lanvin Taupe Silk Flower Buttonhole Pin – £83
5. Oliver Peoples Thick Rimmed Optical Glasses – £158.33
6. Balmain Short Sleeve Plaid Shirt – £321

If you are a founding member and have received their shopping e-invite with an exclusive link, hurry grab something before the free shipping ends today! :-P

Source: Mr Porter

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #149

Below: Anyone for furry 'bag friends'? Céline's Pre-Fall 2011 collection sees abundance of these furry bag charms hooked onto those delectable bags and clutches... I am already wishlisting it, have you?

Below: A touch of winter luxe on any bags, even small clutches! Me like!

Below: Céline's neutral shades in Black or whites are perfect to accent the colours in her pre-fall 2011 collection. Fur goes so well with tweeds, plaids and wools...

Below: I am definitely getting one to hook on to the clutches come next Fall Winter 2011...

A Tale Of The Furry Tails...

Over the past few seasons I have noticed the rise of the 'furry tail' bag charms in fashion. Often than not, they become highly coveted 'pets'... a cuddly companion to accompany your beloved arm candies. These 'touch-inducing' bag accessory can be traced all the way back to Fall Winter 2007 (all thanks to Gucci's Frida Giannini) as a smaller version endearingly hooked onto the bags at Gucci's Fall Winter 2007 mens collection. What a touch of winter luxe that sends me all the way to Paris to hunt one down for myself.

Below: I first notice our 'furry friends' debuting in Gucci's Fall Winter 2007 mens collection... smaller in size and in shades of brown to mimick the 'tails' of the racoon...

Fast forward to Spring Summer 2010, the full glory of these furry tails exploded into fashion stardom (not to mention collector's frenzy) with Louis Vuitton's multi-coloured and 'bank account' draining versions, bigger and better! I hear many were disappointed as these LV furry tails were some of the hardest to track down then. Demand was overwhelming despite their astronomical price tags.

Below: Louis Vuitton took these little 'furry cuties' to fashion stardom in Spring Summer 2010, multiplying them in size, splashing them in hot pinks and greens! Everyone wants them!

If anyone misses out on these charming furries, Fret not...

There is light at the end of the 'fashion tunnel'... Our furry tail friends are back with another 'season of vengeance'. Thanks to Phoebe Philo who proposes these furry bag charms as a key accessory for her Céline Pre-fall 2011 collection. A must-have in the collection that is seen on every look, fashionably attached to Céline's delectable clutches and bags. Call it a new level of minimalist luxe. I adore her black and white pared down interpretations.

I am signing up for one right this moment... anyone else joining me?:-P Winter 2011 please come fast!!!

Source: Style, Céline

My MANy Bags News #300

Catch The Live Stream Of Gucci Fall Winter 2011 Mens Show Today at www.gucciconnect.com

Gucci is one of the hottest ticket and most watched brand to present in Milan Mens Fashion Week. I know I will be watching the live streaming of the Mens Fall Winter 2011 collection today at 12.30pm, Milan time (or 7.30pm, Singapore Time).

Simply log on to www.gucciconnect.com or via Gucci's official facebook page www.facebook.com/gucci to view the show. Remember to RSVP for your 'E-ticket' prior to show time for pre-show access.

I know I will be 'virtually' there! You must too!

Source: Gucci

My MANy Bags News #295

Below: All my male shopping comrades, Rejoice! Mr Porter is finally launching next month. Become a founding member to receive exclusive privileges (Limited time only)...

MR PORTER Is Launching Next Month! (Read Below To Learn How To Become Founding Members)

Attention all fellow Fashion and Shopping comrades, the wait is finally over... one of the most anticipated retail news of 2011 is here! The NEW dedicated menswear online shopping site from the creators of the highly successful Net-a-porter, will be officially launched next month. As you may have heard about it before, MR PORTER will be the new online shopping portal to exclusive menswear brands, while leveraging on the expertise of online retailing, style inspirations and customer service of its sister site, Net-a-porter.

Before we welcome our credit cards to the wide array of savvy menswear brands represented by Mr Porter (from Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Gucci, Dunhill and Bottega Veneta to niche specialist brands such as John Lobb, E. Tautz, Lock & Co, Valextra and Swayne Adeney Brigg), let us answer Mr Porter’s calling and be amongst the very first group of fans to become founding members of this new online retail destination!

For a limited time prior to launch, Mr Porter will is inviting you (my Readers) to become a MR PORTER Founding Member. Founding Members will receive such benefits as:

• Exclusive access to the site before it launches to the public
• Complimentary shipping on all purchases made during this period (my favourite!)
• Seasonal previews and MR PORTER exclusives
• Access to a team of Personal Shoppers for expert style advice

Hurry! I have already signed up:-) And you can too. CLICK HERE to sign up.

Remember you read it first on mymanybags.blogspot.com!

Source: Mr Porter

The Material Boy #427

Below: Something from Gucci that tickles my fancy...

Below: I love this Gucci Tartan Pattern Carré With Fringe! Look how gorgeous it drapes and wraps around the neck:-)

Gucci Tartan Pattern Carré With Fringe

Oh, what a fancy name for a scarf. I have not been featuring Gucci since a long while. Have passed my phrase for monogram craze and more 'run of the mill' luxury designs. But since playing around and caressing this Gucci Tartan Pattern Carré With Fringe, I cannot seem to get it off my mind. I have been collecting plenty of scarves over the past few seasons, from Burberry Prorsum, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin to Paul Smith and H&M... this Gucci scarf seem to leave me high and dry, reminding me of its presence time and again.

I think I have 'fallen in love' with the scarf. The strips of blue against the greys and blacks evolving into subtle GG monogram with a background Tartan pattern is a sure winner. Coupled with the sheer size and fluffy fringes, it dramatise and wraps so cosily around one's neck. Voluminous but never suffocating, basic but not boring...this is one scarf that keeps you warm all seasons (thanks to the material of light weight wool and silk).

Oh scarf, please be on sale this markdown season! I need to add you to my collection. Perfect to stock up for my next winter season holidays:-)

Source: Gucci

Retail price: USD350 (or SGD 560) Where to buy: Gucci Boutique

GUCCI Vintage Web Medium Boston Bag

Delicious caramel camel color, and fab signature stripes. I like this. I really like this. Gucci Vintage Web Medium Boston Bag

New York City Fashion Windows

CHANEL

GUCCI

PRADA

PUCCI

Images by RedPoppy

My MANy Bags News #282

Below: Marni Store Opening Cocktail Party this Friday, 29 Oct 2010, with limited edition bags
to commemorate the occasion...

Below: Consuelo graced the event personally...and beautiful Mediacorp actresses all dressed to impress were also present to lend their star appeal!:-P Love those graphic Marni dresses!

Below: Nice belts and brooches...anyone did retail therapy that night?

Below: Happy guests shopping and sipping champagne...:-)

Below: Consuelo looking relaxed and happy, same for the guests who brought home a goodie bag too!

Below: Glamour is the word for all Gucci parties, especially new store opening at Marina Bay Sands!

Below: Spanking new store with bright and glistening interiors lined with many Gucci merchandise... The crocodile Bamboo bag is a head turner! Gorgeous!

Below: Store exclusive chain strap sling bags in eye catching colours... A wall with a whole range of Gucci Bamboo Bags... it's time to shop!

Below: 29 October also marks the opening of the 'Bamboo Retrospective' exhibition which lets you have an insight into this iconic handbag in fashion history...

Below: Highlights of the evening... meeting beautiful and friendly Jeanette Aw and the gorgeous Brazilian model whom I raved about at Dior MBS Opening... Meet Christopher (right) who spots sexy facial hair now...:-) (Thank you Bagaholicboy for taking the pic!)

29 October: It's An Auspicious Store Opening Day!

Yes, not only is last Friday my birthday...but it seemed to be an auspicious day for brands to celebrate their store openings as well:-) Gucci and Marni both had their new store openings at Marina Bay Sands and Paragon Shopping Mall respectively on this very special day.

I was privileged to be invited for both glamourous events, however, due to the conflicting schedule, we arrived late for Marni. Nonetheless, we still had a blast frolicking the many quirky pieces of talented Marni creative director Consuelo Castiglioni while sipping champagne:-)

Here's pictures of what has transcended before our arrival.... a well attended event with Consuelo gracing the occasion personally and our 3 beautiful Mediacorp celebrities adding that extra sparkle with their star appeal! Guests were also happy with their goodie bag (I wonder what is inside!:-P) and being able to savour in person the many delectable fashion goodies in the new Marni store. (Check out those brooches! I like!)
As for Gucci, the Marina Bay Sands store was all decked out in full glamour to await the many impeccably dressed guests that attended the event. Champagnes and canapes flowed thru the evening while we happily fondled the 'STAR' bag of the evening, the Gucci Bamboo Bag, a reinterpretation of the classic design by Frida Giannini, now made even more glamourous and contemporary for the modern women.

The night also marked the opening of the travelling 'Bamboo Retrospective Exhibition' which traces the history of this iconic bag. The exhibition will take you on a journey to view vintage products from Gucci's own archives, together with archive photography of personalities, including Ingrid Bergman and Vanessa Redgrave, carrying the Bamboo throughout the years.

This unique exhibition lets you learn about the story of this iconic bag, its place in fashion history, while at the same time, being able to enjoy the "New Bamboo", a 21st century version of this classic handbag made relevant by Gucci's Creative Director, Frida Giannini.

2 highlights of the evening, of course, number 1, has to be meeting local mediacorp actress Jeanette Aw who in person and on screen is equally beautiful, with a friendly personality to match. She gladly obliged to picture taking sessions with our whole 'blogging entourage'!:-P So gracious and approachable:)

I also caught up once again with the cute male model from Dior Homme (now spotting facial hair! So man!)....and ever so cute. Now I know he is from Brazil and named Christopher:-P Even got a picture with him. Hello Christopher!

Thank you to Gucci and Club 21 for the gracious invites. May both stores enjoy huge success and make Singapore the fashion and shopping destination that will see our luxury retail future a super bright one!

Source: myMANybags, Club21 Global