Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #174

Below: A look at the different pieces awaiting Lanvin/H&M fans come 23 November... I love this shawl collared blazer in white...Perfect for some dandy flair!

Below: Even these cropped checks blazers spots nice fabrics and design!

Below: Elegant shirts with detailing on the front...

Below: These t-shirts are going to be hot sellers! The leopard print ones has my name on it already!:-P

Below: The collection is truly conceived as a full wardrobe for the Lanvin men...so many different components to a sophisticated wardrobe for any guy...right down to the vest and cardigans...

Below: Or anorak and trench coat...

Below: Or navy wool overcoat and full suits for year end parties!

Below: This sequin tie is a must buy! As does the jogging pants!

Below: Bow ties are also not to be missed!

Below: Lastly, who can resist these gorgeous metallic coloured shoes! One pair per colour please!

Lanvin x H&M Fall Winter 2010 Menswear: Part 2

More pics for this most anticipated H&M/Designer collaboration. Here's a look at the individual pieces awaiting keen fans when the collection is launched. So which pieces have caught your eye? Which pieces have failed to capture your fancy?

I am surprised at the close representation of the Lanvin aesthetics and design for this fast fashion spin off. Amazingly, some of the fabrics (which Lanvin is most famous for fabric innovation) are really promising. The checkered fabrics are simply lovely!

For my shopping list, the blazers top my selections. Any one of those cropped blazers will make me a happy man, especially the shawl collared one in beige! As for accessories, you cannot beat the four metallic coloured lace-ups and those beautiful oversize bow ties. What about the sequin tie (which was first seen on the mainline)...but now at a fraction of the price... Love the jogging pants as well. I can seriously see myself wearing that. I also love the leopard print t-shirt or that tiger print version (Balmain?!?!) I think I want it all!

Start planning your shopping list. It's going to be mayhem to grab what you can on the launch day!

Below: One of the ads showcasing the menswear...

Source: H&M

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #173

Below: Lanvin x H&M Menswear due to be launched on November 23... Love those metallic purple lace-ups! The trench is a must buy too:-P

Below: Jersey pants? Cropped blazers with ribbon trim? So Lanvin! I love the casual and yet refined chic of the collection:-P

Below: I want the oversized bow tie and flower pin:-P

Below: Lanvin is synonymous with leopard print...so that top is a must have!:-P

Below: Dandy styles in a much less uptight way...love the bow tie again:-P

Below: Silhouettes are not as slim fitted as recent seasons... they are more reminiscent of early Lanvin menswear when it first started:-P The tuxedo is a key piece for any Lanvin fans...

Below: There's even a navy overcoat with gold accent buttons...and stripe scarf. Sailor chic? :-P

Lanvin x H&M Fall Winter 2010 Menswear

Finally, images of the much awaited Lanvin and H&M collection due for launch on 23 November are surfacing around the web. To the delight of all male Lanvin fans, menswear was included in this capsule collection and thru the lookbook, Lanvin's aesthetics was not at all compromised despite the lower price tag attached to the H&M collaboration pieces.

I would say the looks are more reminiscent of early Lanvin, where dandy spirit is exemplified thru modern interpretation of classic pieces. The recent Lanvin mens collections are tougher and darker. This H&M collection captures the early 'playfulness' and dandy spirit of french boys that Lanvin has always fancied.

Footwear with metallic accents and materials were almost firstly adopted by Lanvin and we see this H&M collaboration sending out beautiful pairs of lace-ups in metallic purples and blues! (I want!) The bow-ties are oversized, taking on the mainline's direction, while the slightly 'dishevelled' chic ever present in Lanvin menswear are also replicated. All in all, I cannot see the difference in the design direction, so it is good job on Lanvin for bringing their vision more affordable to their fans! Lanvin enthusiasts will be very very pleased.

I am unable to exactly decipher the material used for the pieces, but from initial looks, I see jersey cotton materials used in jackets(?) and jogging pants which is perhaps one of the reasons Lanvin and H&M can bring down the manufacturing costs and hence the pricing. It's one of those materials that Lanvin has been using all along so I applaud them for using this less expensive material rather than sacrificing on design. I love the trench coat, cropped blazers with ribbon trim and the leopard top which screams Lanvin without the huge price tag!

Extracts of GQ's interview with Lucas Ossendrijver (For full interview, read here)

"We didn't want it to be like a second line, a Lanvin-B. We didn't want to go in their direction; we didn't want to "do H&M". We thought actually that they would have to go high-end, instead of [us] going lower. We thought about the collection and what it should be. We actually thought the way when we started the menswear five years ago: really not to think of it as a fashion collection but more of a wardrobe. For every time of the day, for every occasion, there's a garment. We wanted to apply the same idea to H&M. It's really about wardrobe essentials for every time of the day. So there's a raincoat, there's a suit, there's some shirts, there's knitwear, accessories, shoes, ties, bowties. There's a single-breasted, a double-breasted, a tuxedo, a shawl collar. Everything is there. [chuckles] It's complete. It's really thought of as a wardrobe that can be mixed together."

And speaking of not comprimising on Lanvin's designs... Lanvin has even developed fabrics exclusively for this collaboration, right down to the laser cut techniques employed by the main line.

"We developed fabrics for them. I was really surprised actually that we had the possibility to do that because I was expecting a little bit more difficulty in adapting to their system. Are there laser-cut seams? There are actually! But I think it's only on the womenswear."

For all this effort and creativity, you just need to fork out prices ranging from £14.99 for a T-shirt to £149.99 for a suit. And we are talking about Lanvin! It's a crime not to buy if you have the chance!

Someone...please please help me get some Lanvin x H&M pieces later in the month! I love the looks, especially the accessories:-) Such French charm (even the model has a moustache):-P

Source: H&M

My MANy Bags News #257

Lanvin Collaborates With H&M For Fall 2010

Check out this video of Alber Elbaz speaking about his reasons why he agreed to a collaboration between Lanvin and H&M.

I can't wait to see how Alber translates his astonishing draping and cuts to lower priced clothing production the likes of fast fashion. From the interview, it seems prices may not be as cheap as previous collaborations.

" It wasn't a project about a dress going for less, but I think I love the idea of H&M going luxury, rather than Lanvin going public..."

I love Lanvin...and I am still praying for the day H&M hits SG shores. For fans waiting with bated breath for this collaboration, mark your calenders, Nov 23 is the date. Start making friends in H&M abundant countries. This is not to be missed! (And boys, we are included too.)

Source: H&M

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #57

Below: Lovely Spring Summer 2010 menswear collection from H&M!
Those patterned pants and hats reminds me of Dries Van Noten...

Below: H&M's 'Comme Des Garcons' Inspired Pleated Skirt anyone?

Below: My favourite look of them all. The colours are stunning, with the oranges and burnt reds. The tie dye scarf is a must have!

Below: Harem pants/drop crotch shorts...maybe? Seen a lot of fashion forward guys wearing these lately...

Below: 'Billowing' scarf for some dramatic effect?

Below: Rodeo time! Yee haw!

Below: Ethnic looks are the key trends for SS2010

Below: Love the patterned fabric of the hat and that tan leather jacket!

H&M Spring Summer 2010 Menswear

This affirms that we need H&M in Singapore. Where are you H&M?!?!?! Our numerous new malls need you here! We need H&M's on trend and most updated fast fashion styles here!

H&M Spring Summer 2010 looks (as modelled by Tyler Riggs) are a winner... with many inspirations from the key runway trends of Milano and Paris. From Trussardi's dandy cowboys, Bottega Veneta's tie dye resort islanders to Comme Des Garcons pleated skirt trendsetters, you name it, you got it!

I am in love with those light weight tie dye/printed scarfs, the slim fit brightly hued blazers and that fringed shoulder suede jacket. Need need need!

Which look do you lust most?

Source: The Fashionisto

My Shopping Conquest #90

Below: H&M, the heaven for real bargains and great style:-P A 'must-shop' destination for London!

Below: Where else can you find a fine Black Corduroy Blazer that fits so well and costs only £29.99!

Below: 'Obligatory' dressing room modelling shot:-P

Below: Roll up the sleeves for a more casual look:-P

Below: And where else can you also get a v-neck sweater for £9.99? Only H&M... we need one in SG!

Below: H&M Store in Knightsbridge, London. Opposite is the mega Burberry store and a few steps away, Uniqlo, Benetton and then the fame Harrods:-P

H&M Black Fine Ribbed Corduroy Blazer + Grey Cotton V-neck Sweater

What do you do when you come across a clothing with all the right cuts, at price that sets you back only as much as your full day of meals, looks more expensive than it is, comes in a sophisticated black colour and you feel like a million dollars wearing it?

Grab it. It's a 'crime' to forgo such great buys. H&M is the name. The £29.99 black fine ribbed corduroy blazer is the object of mention.

On my last day in London (during my recent trip), I almost committed fashion blasphemy to even think of missing out on this one. But one last minute enlightenment from the shopping gods above save me from 'eternal regret':-P

We need to all pray for H&M to come to SG shores now. Where else can you find such sharp looking blazers for just SGD $70? Or even a grey V-neck sweater for SGD $24 (£9.99)?

All pics by myMANybags

'Ka-Ching'...And Counting...

Evidence Of My Recent Descent Into Supposed 'Bankruptcy'...

Yes, London and Paris may seem fun...but nothing beats the thrill of hearing the sounds of credit card sliding against the reader or the arm wrestling of multiple shopping bags. So I did my fair share of contributing to the much needed economic stimulant of UK and France's retail sector.

Wah la...the proud family portrait of my recent shopping 'madness'!

From left to right, the 'culprits'...Hermès, H&M, COS, Givenchy, Goyard, Lauduree at Harrods, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs and Hermès again...

*Glurps* at the thought of the upcoming credit card bill...oops...

The Material Boy #328

H&M x Jimmy Choo Men's Collection

Finally some preview of the much anticipated H&M collection from Jimmy Choo! Typically only a women's brand, Jimmy Choo's H&M pieces includes menswear as well! Great news and a welcomed new option for male fashion fans worldwide. Finally the boys can own a piece of Jimmy Choos!

However, it seems the boys is going to live with very basic pieces, as from what was previewed.
Black blazers, leather jackets, T-shirts...clean lines, somewhat bland. Fortunately, the use of the bright blue helps inject some visual excitement.

Having said that, the shoes and bags is a different story. These are very drool worthy and I am keenly attracted to the buckled biker boots and the leather bag with the studded shoulder strap! We need H&M in Singapore! The collection will be launched on 14 November.

Source: Sean-Inc, Paolosavi