Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #207

Below: YSL's SS2011 Mens Accessories are a hit and miss... the bags are some of the most boring and (dare I say) most hideous? The saving grace comes from the shoes and small accessories... love the trainers and bracelets!

Below: I love the croc print leather trainers in tan colour!

Below: Partial perforation as a design detail? Still looking good on the shoes:-) The high tops is my favourite:-)

Below: Thick wedge soles are a key trend for footwear this SS2011... YSL has many designs incorporating this trend from sandals to leather shoes...

Below: The double tour bracelet with a Y clasp is still one of my favourites... now even more so in off-white:-)

YSL Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

What do you think of YSL's latest collection of mens' accessories? I cannot help but be disappointed by the bags. There isn't any surprises for the mens' range anymore. Many designs are merely being reworked from past seasons and the new ones are nothing worth going gaga about. The new textured bag with chain and a huge YSL insignia could earn a place amongst the most hideous bags ever made for men. In comparison, the blue nylon Hamptons Tote fares so much better, although the style has long passed its desirable shelf life. YSL needs new blood to design the bags, it has been going downhill since the longest time.

Beyond the negative bags collection, the saving grace thankfully comes from their shoes and small accessories. Trainers are looking good with sporty but refine designs. Love the pair of high tops in beige and brown with all those panelling designs.

If you have been looking for an alternative to Prada's Espadrilles Brogues (since too many people have them now), how about YSL's interpretation in dark brown and black?

The croc print leather trainers in tan colour is looking promising too, combining exotic appeal with sporty attitudes. The light blue pair with perforation details are also perfect for summer days.

YSL SS2011 Mens Accessories: Yay or nay for you?

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. Remember to support my fanpage by ‘LIKING’ if you enjoy my posts:-)

Source: YSL

My MANy Bags Lookbook #24

Below: New myMANybags lookbook for Spring Summer 2011!

Colour Rush

It's a flurry of colours this Spring Summer 2011 season. Much as I love the colour blocking trend, I do not see myself in head to toe outrageous hues. So I devised my own colour blocking style toning it down just a little. Using a white shirt as the base, I surround it with other more eye poping pieces and accessories to create the colour trend.

Martin Margiela White Plastron Shirt is plain but with an unusual longer back (like a swallow tail) for added detailing interest. Balenciaga's Mimosa RGH Triple Tour Bracelet gives a yellow boost against the bright Topman 'Yves Klein Blue' Slim fit Chinos. A Jil Sander Orange Colour Belt wraps around the waist, dissecting the white top and blue bottom while giving another layer of colour blocking. Finally, I accessorise the outfit with a pair of the hottest shoe of the season, Prada's Espadrilles Brogues, a cute blue Net-net Swallow Shaped Fabric Brooch and my favourite Céline Cabas Linen Stripe (for its subtle touches of blue and red).

I am having a colour rush!

(Check out my other lookbook posts here)

Source: Prada, Mr Porter, Balenciaga, Topman, Lane Crawford

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #205

Below: Here's a look at the upcoming Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories when amazingly Spring Summer 2011 has barely started... early bird gets the worm, start planning your Fall Winter purchases already!:-) Love these coloured felt pouches and bags. Felt seems to be favoured not only by Jil Sander but also Fendi Fall Winter 2011 (as totes!)

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories

We are barely into Spring Summer 2011 season and now thanks to the power of internet, I am able to share pictures of Fall Winter 2011 collections. And no, not runway pics from www.style.com. But pics of upcoming accessories from Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Collection.

Fall Winter's accessories collection seems to be a continuation of Jil Sander's strong colour themes from Spring Summer 2011. But now translated for autumn winter season with more tactile materials. Yellow is a key colour appearing in many bags and pouches. But felt seems to be a material that will play an important role for the collection, even used on suits for the ready to wear.

I love the fuschia pouches and folios (with a zipped leather front pouch). Well, if you have to go for colour, choose the strongest most eye popping hue for maximum impact! The shoes are also of noteworthy interest, especially the tall boots. They seem to be Siamese twins of loafers and boots... adjoining 2 classic mens shoe designs into a refreshing hybrid! Same for those lace-ups and loafer styles:-P Clever! Love the forest green colour too which is unusual for mens footwear.

Jil Sander is definitely getting back its groove, all thanks to continuing collections of originality and outstanding concepts by Raf Simons. I welcome this new attention given to the brand once again.

See more pics of the NEW collection on my Facebook Fan Page. Show your support by liking my page:-P

Source: Jil Sander

My Shoe Collection #52

Below: Meet my new shoe love... Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers... my studded Freddy Flats have a 'mate' now!:-P

Below: I welcome a Christian Louboutin brown shoe box anyday!

Below: Love the graphic B&W houndstooth and zig zag patterns printed on haircalf leather while being trimmed with eye popping red patent leather piping:-) Jazzy cool!

Below: Back view of these beauties... always wanted to own a pair of Rantus shoes from Christian Louboutin... now my wish is fulfilled!

Below: Metal cutout of Christian Louboutin branding...

Below: Seems the highly popular french brand's shoes are not made by the french, but Italians...

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers

Every fashion fan dreams of wearing some red soles any day. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes are like holy grail shoes for luxury shoe enthusiasts. Everyone wants one pair. With the launch of a mens collection, guys have joined in the lusting for Christian Louboutin shoes as much as their female counterparts.

I am one of them. And I want one pair. No make that 2 now:-)

Yes, welcome my second pair of Louboutins after my beloved studded Freddy Flats. Meet my new Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers, acquired during my recent Bangkok trip in mid January. (Never expect myself to locate a pair in the land of smiles since there were no Christian Louboutin boutiques in Bangkok! Cloud 9, a multi-label store in Gaysorn Plaza stocks a small selection of Louboutins.)

Love the contrasting black & white houndstooth and zig zag patterns, all trimmed with red patent leather piping for a striking pop of colour. Snappy and graphic, it's eye catching in a monotone way. The haircalf material also adds a lush and tactile appeal while softening the street edge of these highly coveted shoes.

I am in shoe heaven! Shoe treat yay!:-)

Source: myMANybags

The Material Boy #445

Below: Brogues are huge right now with all the stylish men attending recent Fashion Week... spotted on so many guys! I love this pair of Church's Bi-coloured Leather Brogues now on sale at Mr Porter!

Below: 'Jazz up' any outfit with these black and white brogues!

Below: Brogues are the heroes for Fashion Week dressing... from New York to Milan to Paris... guys are embracing this shoe design. Be it Prada's quirky super hot thicked soled espadrilles brogues (sold out in many Prada stores all over the world)...

Below: Or classic ones with wooden soles but crafted in the most unusual and refreshing of colours...

Below: To the conventional brown ones befitting a true gentlemen... Brogues are huge! I want a pair:-)

Church's Bi-colour Leather Brogues

If you have observed the stylish men attending recent fashion weeks (from Fall Winter 2011 mens to the recent womens fashion season in major fashion cities), you will notice that a lot of guys are getting back to classic dandy dressing. And brogues is their footwear of choice. Be it Prada's super hot thicked soled espadrilles versions or classic ones with wooden soles such as those from famed English shoe maker, Church. These shoes are now a must have if you want to be a modern dandy!

You might think Church's is an old man's brand and not something befitting a younger and more adventurous fashion male... think thrice! I just found this pair of super chic and fun Church's Bi-Colour Mens Brogues on MR PORTER. I love the bi-colour (Black and white) designs and the slightly thicker contrast rubber soles. This is comparative to Prada's creepers version, but less quirky and more timeless. They simply exude a jazzy charm which is fun and never conservative.

I am in love. Now I need to find that £241 (excluding UK VAT) to send this lovely dandy companion my way. Anyone, just buy something from my bag sale blog so I get the $$$! Haha:-P

Meanwhile, grab yours at MR PORTER now... I forsee these flying off the 'online' racks fast!

(Fashion trivia: Church may be English...but it's owned by Prada Group. You can be sure the brand is definitely heading into the new millenia while retaining it's traditional and sartorial roots:-P)

Source: Mr Porter, GQ

The Material Boy #443

Below: Who wants this pair of tough but statement making Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals?

Below: Featured on almost every look on the SS2011 Mens runway, a must have piece that exudes masculine luxe!

Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals

This has been one of my favourite footwear for Spring Summer 2011. After looking and scrutinising the details on the pic above, I am even more convinced I love this pair of Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals. I love the detailing. From the cris cross straps to the 2 rows of eyelets on the front panel and the brass buckles... it screams tough and luxe!

Priced at HKD5200 (Approx. SGD667), would you invest or pass on this 'widely featured on the SS2011 runway' sandals?

Source: Lane Crawford, Burberry

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #201

Below: I love Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign as shot by Daniel Jackson. Ollie Edwards looking very suave in Bally's new collection under the new creative direction of Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz. (Click on all pics to enlarge for better view)

Below: Constance Jablonski, one of my most favourite female models (love her look!) stars in the womens campaign... Camel colour is huge this season in Bally...

Below: ...as does colour blocking... the blue shoulder bag is one of the designs from the minimal and chic, Riviera collection...

Below: Love the camel tote Constance is carrying in this ad!

Below: This Bally tote is growing on me!

Below: The colourful and vintage inspired Bally Riviera Collection...

Bally Spring Summer 2011 Mens/Womens Ad Campaign

Fresh minds and vision at the reins of Bally, has re-ignite my interest in this Swiss luxury brand. Designs have taken a more minimal and restrained approach, forgoing excessive detailing and streamlining the look. Although the bags and shoes for womens bears a certain resemblance to Céline, there are still some noteworthy pieces that got me excited. See my post on the Bally Spring Summer 2011 Womens Bags here.

The Riviera collecton of bags with coloured leather panels and trimmings sends off a summer vacation vibe, while those Céline-alike totes and bags, have a certain modernist charm that even I would not mind carrying myself. One of my favourites, the camel coloured tote was featured alongside Constance Jablonski (also the face of the ad campaign), which is simply fabulous! All those colours on the ready to wear are also very welcoming and on trend for colour blocking frenzy this SS2011 season.

As for the men, super handsome Ollie Edwards fronts the mens' ad campaign, looking all brooding and ever so charming. The restrained collection shows off classic pieces from the brand's archives, reworked to fit into our modern age. Bags, shoes and ready to wear are highly wearable and suited for the savvy men on vacation anywhere. There is a certain nautical/Sahara desert feel to the pieces, with camel, navy and whites as predominant colours. Clément Chabernaud gracing the pages of the lookbook also helps the collection to have an even more convincing appeal. Love anything Clément is wearing anyday!

Below: Watch this video on Bally's new creative directors, Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz, explaining their inspirations behind this Spring Summer 2011 Mens collection...

Below: Bally has done well with the casting of models for their Spring Summer season, choosing Clément Chabernaud for the mens lookbook is a wise choice, Clément always makes me want anything he is wearing! I want that scoop neck tee with the graphic stripes!

Below: I love the tote bag too! The blue leather trim on the sides and the camel coloured handles with white canvas is easy on the eyes and exude a summer nautical charm.

Check out my Facebook Fanpage for the full series of Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign.

Source: Bally

The World's Largest Shoe Gallery @ Selfridges

Back in September 2010 a few new Shoe Galleries opened up in London, thus crowning shopping mecca Selfridges&Co the biggest shoe department in the world! With over 5,000 shoes to choose from I can't help but wonder just how on earth would I choose? Well apparently I can:)
Absolutely loving these two...

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
Wedge ankle boots

MULBERRY Floppy
Bow ankle boots

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #199

Below: Givenchy SS2011 Womens Accessories and Bags are as appealing as any other season from the fashion forward brand... Love the details and the unusual shapes for their bags... such as this range with clever use of zippers as a key detailing...(Top: Antigona Duffel, Below: Elme Tote)

Below: Leopard prints continues to charm the fashion crowds... love the Nightingale with the gradation print from back to colour...

Below: A refreshing change for this SS2011 season, Givenchy introduces colour for their bags and shoes, no longer restricted to the goth and dark colour palette:-P

Below: Glamourous clutches for any evening parties! Love the one in Gold leather... the transparent acrylic buckle contrasted with metal is fabulous!

Below: I love these bracelets! Any of them will do for me!

Below: Who knew zippers can make such interesting design and details? Gorgeous!

Givenchy Spring Summer 2011 Womens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

If you think Givenchy is always goth and dark, think twice for this Spring Summer 2011 season. The women's accessories seem to have catch on some of that colour fever for this season, with a few of the classic bags, such as Nightingale and Antigona being offered in bright lime green and turquoise.

That said, most of the designs in this new collection still retain a strong goth chic and glamour factor. Especially noteworthy are the use of abundant leopard prints from bags, shoes to bracelets and belts. Feline appeal is in! I love those leopard printed textures in haircalf and some even directly on the leather. There is a new tote design in the collection, called the Elme, with contrast paneling, of exotic skin/calf textures against smooth calf or patent leather. The shape of the Elme is structured and clean, with a handy shoulder strap to help share some weight onto shoulders if necessary. Details are very important in Givenchy;s collections, they often have the most original hardware design, which I adore and pay attention to (Love Antigona's huge triangular chunky studs and the triangular hook on the shoulder flap bag, which is most interesting! Check my facebook fan page for pic of this shoulder bag). It's what makes their bags so appealing.

If I am to pick my most favourite of this collection, it has to be the bags and shoes which cleverly utilise zippers as a key design element. From front panel stripe on Antigona and Elme bags (and clutches too!), to straps on heels, it is a fresh interpretation on creative use of zippers. Love!

Givenchy can never disappoint. This is yet another proof why their bags are always top on my hot picks.

Check out my facebook fan page for the full collection. Remember to like my page to get exclusive content updates.

Source: Givenchy

My Shoe Collection #51

Below: Stocking up for Fall Winter 2011... Boots from www.asos.com, gorgeous find at a great price!

Below: Boots are always in style no matter what the season, it's just practical to wear for Winter season since it is warm! Check out my new ASOS Brown Leather Military Tall Boots... all the way up mid calf!

Below: Zippers on the side for easy wearing!

Below: This pair features lace-up holes and then hiking boots style fastening at the top! It's a combination of details which I love, with tarnished leather for an aged feel!

Below: I wear UK size 41.. the boots cut small, do note... the boots (in black) is now on sale for £39, hurry! Must buy!

Below: Get your tall boots and you are ready for these Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks! My favourite out of the collection...

ASOS Brown Leather Military Boots

Fall Winter season is the best time to hunt down boots, especially the tall mid calf ones that will be too warm for summer season. I own a pair of Zara Black Leather Boots which I took it for a spin in last December's Tokyo trip, I decided to stock up on a brown coloured pair as soon as I saw this one at www.asos.com.

Below: My Zara pair which I wore to Japan last Dec was not as tall as these ASOS ones... love them!

It's taller, more aged and will serve me well for next Fall Winter 2011. At £65 (Now on sale at £39! You have to grab it! Click here) a pair with free shipping (got this in December when they had the free shipping promotion), this is a bargain! I love the aged brown leather (wear them and kick around without worries of wear and tear!) and long laces that extends to become hiking boots style fastening. And if you think wearing these tall boots are going to be a hassle, the boots feature side zippers for easy wearing, how thoughtful! Also wear it with laces done half way for an even more nonchalant look (like what Balmain is doing on the Fall Winter 2011 lookbook):-P Boots are just cool to play around!

Stocking for coming seasons is what I do sometimes, seeing how I am going t0 try these 2 Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks (see above) in 8 months time....:-P

Source: myMANybags, Balmain

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #198

Below: Dior Homme SS2011 Mens Shoes... love the more casual direction this Spring Summer 2011 season is taking. Use of wooden coloured soles and more causal designs are welcoming for summer season...

Dior Homme Spring Summer 2011 Mens Shoes

Dior Homme sums up modern menswear at its finest. Contemporary and forward are often key words used to describe the brand, first made famous by Hedi Slimane. Blacks and greys are almost always present in their collections.

For Spring Summer 2011, I am very surprised that Kris Van Assche toned down the usually more streamlined direction of his Dior Homme Shoe designs but pursue a slightly softer and casual aesthetic, just in time for summer season. Browns and beiges with muted hues, wooden soles and canvas fabrics are used to offset the polished, perforated leathers...giving a fine balance in modern summer styles.

I love the shape of the pointy lace-up shoes, but I love even more the wooden soled soft leather versions (in brown and black) that just beckons to be worn sans socks. The sandals are seemingly a modernist take on gladiator designs with ankle height and multi-straps. The pair that gives an illusion of a sock worn with the strappy sandal is interesting, but perhaps not my cup of tea.

Check out my Facebook Fan Page for the full collection. Some drool worthy sneaker styles will definitely put fans on a buying frenzy!

Source: Dior Homme