The Material Boy #84

Jil Sander Leather Rucksack

Backpacks or rucksack seems to a trend this spring summer season. I wonder how long this trend will last. Nevertheless, a backpack or rucksack offers a very functional hands-free option of carrying your belongings. Although I am not in favour of backpacks for myself, since I dun see the school college look suitable for me, but the backpack designs this season has me drooling at times. Just like this Jil Sander Leather Rucksack in nice steel grey colour. Made of soft supple kidd leather, the clean, uncluttered design with simple chrome buckle front pocket makes it both professional looking and yet versatile backpack for weekends. I love the subtle branding as well, which exudes understated sophistication. Definitely a good investment if you are looking for a backpack.

Retail price: UK 699 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

My Shopping Conquest #06

D&G Oval Buckle Leather Belt in Cognac Colour

After ranting countless times and racking my brains to make a decision whether to buy or not buy the D&G gladiator sandals, I finally found a compromise for myself in the form of a belt from the same leather range. This is suffice to keep me satisfied while I pass off the thought of buying the super expensive sandals. The belt is cool looking. Although meant for women, the simple buckle design works for a guy as well. This is not the first time I bought women's belt. The difference is in the direction they loop on the waist. Girls from the other direction instead of right to left for guys. However, the strategic placement of the D&G logo sideways on the oval buckle means you can wear it any direction without giving away the gender usage. Crafted in a rich cognac brown colour also helps to make the belt unisex. Love the shiny gold buckle and loop open studs. A bit of bling that goes great with blue jeans. Loud but restrained. Best of all, the price is affordable and not exorbitant like the gladiator sandals. I can now rest my shopping mind and wait for my next shopping spree during the spring summer sales!

Retail price: SGD$269. Where to buy: D&G Boutique at Forum, The Shopping Mall

My Shoe Collection #26

Paul Smith Canvas/Suede Leopard Print Hi-Cut Sneakers

It takes a 'brave' man to wear pink, more so for shoes and even more for shoes with leopard spot prints and tribal motifs. I dun know why I got this pair of sneakers. Maybe I was in a 'pink' mood when I acquired them. They do look fabulous on the feet and works well with jeans and even pin stripe pants for a dapper look. That said, these have been in the shoe box for a while now. I wonder when I will be 'brave' enough to take these out for a spin in town. I think soon. I feel I am ready to 'paint' the town 'pink'. Hahaha.

Made of canvas fabric and suede with brogue style detailing, it's English chic given a high street twist. Paul Smith sure knows how to have fun with his designs.

Retail price: SGD $399. Where to buy: Paul Smith Counter at Isetan Wisma Atria

The Material Boy #83

Raf Simons Eastpak Oversized Backpack

Following the footsteps of Adidas, Puma, Converse, here's the latest collaboration between a common street brand and a high profile designer. This time we see our long time school bag favourite Eastpak partnering with the ingenious Raf Simons (who did wonders at Jil Sander). Released under Raf Simon's own label, this birth child of both parties are a hot, constant runway feature on Raf Simons spring summer 2008 menswear collection. It seems the boys of Raf Simons is heavily infused with the theme of travelling and adventure. Backpacker style meets atypical innovative fabrics often matched with the highly coveted 'lego-block' sandals. And on the back of these carefree travellers are the Raf Simons/Eastpak backpack. It is offered in a variety of colours and styles.

The particular style I am recommending is all white. Raf Simons injected his ingenuity in a otherwise plain backpack and introduced a shotgun hole effect running throughout the fabric of the bag. Done in huge sizes, around three times that of a standard Eastpak backpack, it easily pass off as a travel bag for those mountain or 'rough' it out weekend trips:-) But I wonder if I will go hiking with such a pricey bag:-) Yes, the bag is not cheap. Collaboration is lucrative. A Midas touch from a famous designer could hike up demand and brand profile but most importantly pricing as well. You will be expected to pay 10 times more than a usual backpack from Eastpak. I guess transforming from common street label to cult label will see Eastpak reaping huge rewards from this gig with Raf Simons. Wonder what astronomical figures Raf Simons is billing Eastpak to get his name associated with the brand:-)

Retail price: UK 319 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

Gender Bender #18

D&G Agata Leather Shoulder Bag in Cognac Colour

Talk about bags that 'kick ass', this richly coloured leather bag in cognac colour sure fits the description. In a huge size, with chunky gold metal rivets and hardware, a laced leather handle and thick straps that extends out from the bag, it looks like the bag is ready to get into 'fashion war' with its other bag counterparts. The design is 'rugged' and not your typical girly sort of handbag. It's meant for women who wants confidence and also to kick some ass while looking chic:-P That is why I can see this bag also resting on shoulders of fearless guys who is not afraid to experiment with fashion.

I have tried the bag today. When stuffed fully to bulk up the shape, it feels like a duffel bag which is oversize and unisex. However, of course, the design is so much more unique than a normal duffel bag (Especially when used as a guy's bag). There is also a black version which is equally appealing but the rich cognac colour is the sure winner. Perfect for jeans and shorts and works incredibly well as an everyday bag.

Retail price: SGD $2499. Where to buy: D&G Boutique at Forum, The Shopping Mall