The Runway Sniper #19

Balenciaga Menswear Spring Summer 2009

Kudos to Nicholas Ghesquiere for finally allowing his menswear creations to see the light on a runway show. I read in an Arena Homme article that Nicholas do not believe in runway shows for men. He feels weird about it. So this came as a surprise when he slot in a few Spring Summer 2009 menswear looks for his latest womenswear show. Amazing. Although, I feel some cuts (the one on Cole Mohr especially) are too 'weird' and pushing the limit for me, there are definitely some interesting jackets amongst the sea of grey and black creations. I applaud his ingenuity in cuts and form. They are very form fitting and yet interesting, hinting at his usual sci-fi references. These menswear looks are very in tune with the women's styles, so I guess Balenciaga has finally align their fashion direction for both genders:-)

What is your view of the new Balenciaga collection?

Hate, love or on the fence?

Source: www.style.com

The Material Boy #167

Balenciaga Leather Zip Bag

This is one smart looking leather soft briefcase for all the corporate types that want to look stylish in and out of the boardroom. It's well proportioned, in black (which is the power suit colour to have a professional look!) and features the signature Balenciaga metal studs that adds a punk attitude to the otherwise serious looking bag:-) I also like the embossed looking stripe design that runs down the front side of the bag. Subtle but interesting.

If I wear a suit to work each day, I can see this working well in the office and then taking it out for play as well. Beautiful! I bet the leather will be as soft as the leather used in the motorcycle range of bags. A wonderful masculine man bag with an edge:-)

Update:
This bag is available in Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel for SGD $1799. One piece only! Hurry!

Source: www.brownsfashion.com

Retail price: UK 660 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com

Gender Bender #31

Louis Vuitton Porte Toile GM

After reading about this bag from Bagaholicboy, I remembered I saw pics of this bag a few weeks before as posted by Chuvaness. Somehow the bag left an impression on me and I was telling myself this bag could work for me, seeing it is grey with black leather trim and the printed words is kinda cute and as Chuvaness puts it, 'Margielic'. So it quirky fun with the bag.

I immediately went back online to search for more pictures. The bag made of canvas comes in 2 different sizes and also colours. Fuchsia and orange is out of the question for guys...so the black one looks sleek and neutral. The size seems giant against the model, so that is a good sign this bag could serve as a man tote.

One thing that bothers me...is the back of the bag...which has a ribbon like detailing. Arrrgggg...why do they put in this detail. If not, this bag is perfect for a guy! Okay, I will have to see the real bag in order to determine if this bag will pass the gender bender test.:-P

This bag is from the cruise 2009 season.

Source: Pics shot by Alex Vergara and posted on www.chuvaness.com

The Material Boy #166

Lanvin Beige Side Zip Suede Trainers With Copper Captoe

I blogged about this pair of Lanvin shoe in my previous post. But I saw this beige coloured version in Club 21 two weekends ago which I am more in favour of. I find the colour much easier to match up than the black and blue metallic one. However, I cannot find any pics of this shoe in beige colour then and hence no posts about it.

Designed with the juxtaposition of metallic leather and suede, this shoe has such a striking and yet appealing colour scheme. Although I like this beige version better, both colours are equally interesting. Lanvin just makes fantastic footwear.

Gosh, now I only need to fork out SGD $969 to take this baby home.:-P

Retail price: SGD $969. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

Source: www.barneys.com

The Material Boy #165

D&G Military Green Fur-Trim Down Jacket

Gorgeous! As you guys know, I am a fan of things with military influence. I like the olive hue of green very much. It's not only masculine and macho, but it sure is a colour that can match very well with a wide array of colours! To be honest, I usually get attracted if I see a military green colour clothing or bag or shoes. So of course when I saw this D&G Military Green Fur-Trim Down Jacket at www.neimanmarcus.com, I got swooned and drooling all over now.

Such a perfect hue of green, with a glorious fur trim around the hood (Detachable Coyote Fur from Canada to be exact). This is military chic made glamourous! The nylon material is polished and shiny, which makes the jacket gleam under dull winter days . There is also a small D&G cloth patch on the jacket to reinforce the 'military inspired' badges look. The fitted, short design with elastic bands on the cuffs and waist makes this jacket sporty and chic. Most down jackets make you look like Michelin man, but this D&G version makes you look suave and sleek!

Love it, love it. If only I can have more use for winter gear...I need to make an excuse to travel in winter more often:-P It does look good with my Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Treillis Bag:-P

Retail price: US $1095. Where to buy: www.neimanmarcus.com

The Material Boy #164

Kris Van Assche Mens Accessories Fall Winter 2008/2009

Interesting is the word I have to described Kris Van Assche's line of men's accessories for fall winter 2008/2009. Somehow, amidst all that understated appearance of the shoes, belts and ties...there is something quietly mesmerising underneath...slowly captivating me:-)

Let's start with the shoes, the brown high cut boots which appears plain and nothing out of the oridinary...but the colour being just a brilliant shade of brown. The strategic placement of the zippers twirling around the top of the shoe is like the icing on the cake...it becomes not only functional but blends naturally as an extension of the design rather that an after-thought. I felt that was really clever.

As for the high cut sneakers, the diagonal placement of the velcro straps again forms a skeletal pattern which are both functional and yet adds design appeal to the shoe. Again, functionality build on good design.

Next comes the belt, braided belts are nothing to shout about. We see those around all the time. But if you examine the way the leather has been braided...that is when you appreicate this belt. The braiding is really special and intricate! I would love to own this belt in brown. Would go great when you want to pull off an elegant look. The odd shaped buckle also adds a surprise to the otherwise formal looking belt. From these designs, I wonder if Kris like things assymmetrical. Maybe this is his inspiration. Strange thought but it somehow works

Lastly, I also like the ties. The very 'gentlemen' checks tie in the most dashing grey. I love the way the check pattern blends to the background and not get contrasted too much. Very pleasing to the eye and definitely makes the wearer look suave and sophisticated.

In summary, I love all these pieces from Kris van Assche. I wonder why it never got much exposure. Maybe it is too understated to form an impression. Why can't he make things like that for Dior? Did he keep all his better ideas for his own brand instead of Dior?:-)

What do you guys think? Dior Homme or Kris Van Assche is better ?

Retail price
1) White Sneakers: Euro $533 and available at www.luisaviaroma.com
2) Braided Belt: Euro $440 and available at www.thecorner.com
3) Plaid Tie: Euro $85 and available at www.thecorner.com

Source: www.krisvanassche.com

The Runway Sniper #18

Antonio Marras Menswear Spring Summer 2009

It has been brought to my attention that Club 21 mens will be bringing in a new label into their brand portfolio in lieu of the recent absence of several brands in their store. (Brands like DSquared2 and Paul And Joe are no longer among the offerings in Club 21 Mens. DSquared2 is going to get their own boutique in Singapore with a new retailer while Paul and Joe is simply not doing well in sales.) Apparently, my SA told me that Club 21 being the forerunner of Singapore's fashion retail scene, who is constantly on the lookout for new and interesting brands to offer to the fashionites of urban Singapore, will bring in Antonio Marras Menswear for Spring Summer 2009 season. Good news for us! We will have another new label to 'toy' around our dress up game here in sunny tiny Singapore!

I have not paid attention to Antonio Marras before. I have heard about him because he was the creative director at Kenzo womenswear. As for his own namesake label, not much exposure has been given, except on some runway looks magazine like Gap Press Men. But usually a single page feature. I have never detected what a gem of a designer he is! I check up on his Spring Summer 2009 offerings and am duly surprised at how wearable and quirky his designs were. Check out those school boy looks with cute shorts, vests and exceptionally fun brooches with a sartorial appeal. The clothes featured a wrinkled and washed treatment that somehow injects a certain nostalgic quality. These pieces feel like they came out of your family's treasure trove. I love the elegance and yet nonchalant mood the looks conveyed. Somehow I feel time transported to early 1900s. Beyond the clothes, the colour blocking style on the bags with muted colour tones are also very appealing. They look vintage especially with a touch of scarf tied onto the handles:-) Beautiful.

This is going to be one label I will be on the lookout for next season.

Source: www.adversus.com

Gender Bender #30

Marni Lambskin Double Handle Large Bag

Finally a 'bag candy' worth mentioning from Marni. It's been a while since anything from Marni caught my eye. The men's bag are really boring these past 2 seasons, so boring that I cannot be bothered checking them out anymore. Club 21 stocks a few Marni man bags from this fall winter 2008/2009 season. But nothing outstanding, practically bland.

But ladies bags surprises me from time to time. It's basically a ladies brand to be honest. But sometimes the ladies design transcends gender and guys can work it too! And this season, after browsing on the Marni website tonight, I was happy to announce my 'hunt' on the web was not in vain. Immediately I was drawn to this bag made from extremely supple soft lambskin.

The Marni Lambskin Double Handle Large Bag measures a whopping 50cm x 12cm x 30cm. 50cm in width is huge! No wonder the large description is used! So this is one tick on the criteria checklist for gender bending bags. Huge bag sizes are good for guys!

The bag comes with adjustable calf leather handles that slides into 4 brass rings(2 on front and 2 on back), with the lower part of the handles stitched onto the bag body. This somehow creates a folding design for the bag which makes the bag unique and clever. No unnecessary detailings required. Just a nice simple fold.:-P There is also a brass 'turn lock' closure for the top opening of the bag to provide added security for your bag contents. The inside is lined with nylon and features 2 pockets, one of which is zipped. This bag also comes with a shoulder strap for you to sling across your body so you can carry this bag in 2 styles:-) I love this feature in bags.

Lastly, the colour for the bag is amazing. The bag comes either in a tan brown tone aptly named 'Cacao and Desert Palm' (this colour easily matches almost any other hues for an outfit) or a neutral lighter warm grey 'Graphite and Dark Natural '.

A cool bag for cool individuals. Marni resonates best with creative types!

Retail price: Euro $1085. Where to buy: www.marni.com

Somewhere Over The Rainbow...

And That's Where I Will Be...

Soon....to see you again...'Big Ben':-P in Oct.

The Material Boy #163

DSquared2 Low Rise Skinny Jeans Fall Winter 2008/2009

I have not been missing DSquared2 since they were taken out of Club 21's brand portfolio for this fall winter 2008/2009 season. That is until I saw this pair of jeans in close details from the photos on this ebay auction by boombayeh. Oh my...it's skinny, it's a runway piece, it has interesting details like washed leather pocket flap, leather zipper pulls and most unique of all, a fray tartan patch sewn to one of the back pockets. Absolutely cute and interesting. D2 usually looks cheap and not worth its price at first glance, but if you study the item close enough, you spot many unique detailings which set them apart from other brands. And of course, denim is their strength and the cuts makes a man feel sexy! And with this ultra low rise skinny version, I am sure, you are going to raise a few brows and attention when you go clubbing in this.

Sexy! Can't wait for D2 to surface in Singapore next spring summer season for a full-on boutique!

(BTW, bid at your own risk...I am not 'advertising' for the ebay auction, I just like the jeans and am using the photos by the seller. They are very well taken to show the details.)

Source: boombayer

The Material Boy #162

Balenciaga Button Front Felt Jacket (Noir)

You can always rely on Balenciaga and Nicolas Ghesquière to come up with the most interesting cuts and best fit for winter jackets. I have missed out on a peacoat from last fall winter 2007/2008 season....so I wonder if I should get this Balenciaga Button Front Felt Jacket. But then again, what use have I for this jacket when I probably let it see the light once a year during winter vacation.:-)

But I love the cut and construction of the jacket. In a very 'sleek' non creased felt material, it gives a very nice structure to the wearer. Multiple buttons and clever design of the collar allows you to wear this jacket in different ways. The short length is very biker chic and yet sophisticated because of the construction and colour. But what ultimately makes it so tempting is the price...it's US $1277.78 (Approx. SGD $1750)...which for a Balenciaga jacket is considered affordable! Balenciaga jackets are extremely well made and usually cost over SGD $2000. So this is a steal for such a nice piece. Perhaps the felt material is less costly. Good for us, Balenciaga fans:-P

Retail price: US $1277.78. Where to buy: www.diabro.net

The Material Boy #161

Balenciaga Weekender Bag (Fall Winter 2008/2009 New Colours)

With each new season, Balenciaga injects a fresh palette to its range of classic weekender bags. This time, 3 luxurious new colour, that perfectly reflect fall's sombre, mysterious moods have been added. These new colours has got me mesmerised and craving for the weekender bag once again. Oh my...look at that 'Black Cherry' colour. A deep rich red reminiscent of juicy, luscious cheries or check out that purple hue of 'Sapphire' to add a sparkle of royal jewel tones. As for people who sticks to classic colours and yet want something less stale, there is a 'charcoal grey' hue that is sure to ignite passion in these bags again.

I am totally swooned over by these new colours. The deep red 'Black Cherry' colour is beckoning me most...Simply divine and gorgeous!

Retail price: US $1595. Where to buy: www.balenciaga.com

The Material Boy #160

Bottega Veneta Sile Lace-ups In Bianco Intrecciato Paladio Calf

Finally, the long-awaited catalogue of Bottega Veneta's Fall Winter 2008/2009 collections are up online at their website. Although the clothing is much too mature and formal for my taste, I do fancy a few of their bags and shoes. The baggy silhouette is just not my cup of tea. However, as usual, their strength in making great lloking accessories came through as usual.:-P

First up, my shopping radar from the collection is this pair of beautiful, drool worthy Bottega Veneta Sile Lace-ups in white intrecciato calf leather. Featuring the brand's signature woven leather as the shoebody and a wooden sole and heel in a raw untreated colour. I like the wooden sole's natural wood colour which to me, is beautiful and compliments the white colour very well. I would say this pair of lace-ups is more spring summer than fall winter. You can easily pair this with shorts for a summery resort chic:-P But then again, the classic design also works for fall winter looks.

Of course, such beauty in footwear does come with a huge price. Despite, the hefty price tag, I am sure investing in this pair of lace ups will ensure your money goes a long way in both style and quality:-P

Retail price: US $770. Where to buy: www.bottegaveneta.com

The Material Boy #159

Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Patch Accessories In Monogram Canvas

Ooooh, how fortunate! While I was obsessing about Louis Vuitton 2 weeks ago, I had wanted to buy a mini pochette for myself to compliment my bags. Pochette Milla PM was my first choice, but upon seeing it in real person, it's so girly and the chain is too long for hooking onto bags. Next in the line of options was the mini accessoires pochette in monogram canvas. I hesitated. And it seems my hesitation paid off. I finally found the replacement to the Complice Trunks and Bags series which was sold out in Singapore stores. I found an even better alternative! The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Mini Pochette Patch Accessories!

Check out the luggage prints on the canvas. So vintage and it does break the monotony of the monogram pattern, which makes the pochette more attractive:-) Absolutely have to have it. Read on www.louisvuittonaddicted.blogspot.com that this pochette will be launched in October. I can't wait!

Hopefully just before I travel to London!:-P Or while I am there.:-P Could be handy for air tickets and stuff. Or just to accessorise my bags.:-P Looks good with the Neverfull GM:-P

Retail price estimated to be AUD $400.

Source: www.louisvuittonaddicted.blogspot.com

My Shopping Conquest #26

D&G 'Teddy Bear' Gold Necklace
(Reveal from 'Weekend isn't weekend without bringing back a shopping bag')

It has been a chain of weekends that I have been spending money on all sorts of things. Though I keep telling myself that I must stop this 'trend' of shopping, it seems like my 'male shopaholic' test results did hold some truth and each weekend I have an urge to 'reward' myself with a purchase, be it big or small. 2 weekends ago was an advance birthday gift of my Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Treillis bag, then Mini Lin Key And Change Holder and of course, this past weekend, I totally refrain from splurging on anything. It seems fate has it otherwise. I was tempted again at D&G and this is what I end up with. Fortunately, the damage was minimal and I was in a way, happy that I got this, since I find it so cute and adorable:-P The more I see it, the more I fancy it:-)

The object of my affection is none other than, this sweet D&G 'Teddy Bear' Gold Necklace! Totally bling with gold chain and an ultra cute Teddy Bear pendant. Gold screw studs adorn the arms and legs of dear Teddy, giving it a somewhat punk and rock look. Originally from the Spring Summer 2008 D&G collection, I hesitated for a while to buy this necklace as I would feel silly to pay full price for past season items. But the SAs reassured me that jewellery collections are never on sale. There may be an occasional promotion for the jewellery pieces but not full on end of season sale prices for them. And in a way, I agree, jewellery knows no seasons and trends. It's either you like it or do not. I like the teddy bear design. There nice detailings such as engraving of the brand name on the Teddy pendant and also markings on the necklace hook. The rectangular chain design is also unique. Hence after a walk about Orchard Road (my way for pondering over purchase and avoiding impulsive buying), I went back to D&G at Forum Shopping Mall and brought the necklace home:-) But not before my 'Bangkok Dangerous' movie:-) which was great action!

Retail price: SGD $280. Where to buy: D&G Boutique at Forum Shopping Mall

Kevin Goes 'Downtown'!

I Took Mini Lin 'Downtown':-P

Yes, yesterday, I decided it was YSL time to shine this weekend. Hence, the YSL Downtown bag is going shopping with me. Hook on my Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Key And Change Holder and I am ready to go!...Perfect combination of colour and proportion for the bag and pouch. I also went to LV Hilton Hotel with the intention of buying the Pochette Milla PM or Mini Pochette Accessoires. However after trying it onto my downtown bag, I find the Pochette Milla too long a chain. The Mini Pochette Accessoires too 'aunty-looking' on my downtown. In the end, I decided...maybe the canvas monogram is just not my cup of tea. Perhaps I only like limited edition items. Especially after seeing all the exciting items on offer at Club 21 Mens. There is this Lanvin shoe that is getting me excited. And I tried on a Margiela bag which is interesting. Blackjack has got a Tsumori Chisato Bag that is also very beautiful. Yikes, so many temptations.

And I wore the recently acquired Zara nylon windbreaker I got on Monday (Tried it last Sunday to model my Treillis:-P), looks really nice. Love the plaid pattern. A good cheap buy!

(Today I am wearing Top Shop V-neck tee, Zara Plaid Nylon Windbreaker, D&G Skinny Jeans and 'Love' Bracelet', Vivienne Westwood 'Diamonté' Skull Necklace, Gucci G Horse Head Buckle Belt, He By Mango Sandals.)

Weekend isn't weekend without bringing back a shopping bag:-)

Yes, It's A Shopping Bag!

Back to my usual rounds and support of all things Club 21. The fashion gods of Club 21 stores have finally switched my allegiance back to them. Their 'seductive powers' are not to be underestimated. Louis Vuitton...you are no match for Club 21:-P Look how far you slip down the Kevin's fashion allegiance chart.:-(

So here I am succumbing to the temptation and paying 'tribute' at one of Club 21's brand temples, namely D&G. Guesses? Or no guesses?:-P

Fashion Inspiration - Pen And Men's Non+No G

Men's Non+No G, Pen and... 'Bringing Home The Birkin'!

Yesterday was an evening of 'brain food' shopping:-) I finally got my hands on the book, Bringing Home The Birkin by Michael Tonello. Hurray! I got it together with my friend, Willis who is the SA, regularly helping me to 'secure' Gucci items:-P We got the book together at 10% discount! Ordering from www.amazon.com is cheaper but it takes too long. We both agreed spend approx. SGD$5 more, we can immediately avoid all the hassle and lay our hands on the book. I read a few chapters of the book this afternoon while sipping cappuccino at Coffee Bean. It was such a fun read. Very interesting. Can't wait to find out what happens.

And I also got a copy of the latest issue of Men's Non+No G which is a bi-annually special issue focusing on trends of the season. For this fall, we see lots of Prada, Jil Sander, Lanvin editorials and articles. And of course, what I most look forward to is the supplement which comes with the magazine. It has all the coolest drool worthy accessories being featured. How I first spotted the Balenciaga motorcycle bag a few years back is thru this supplement from this magazine. Very good fashion spreads. I wish I can read Japanese!

The other magazine, Pen is bought last weekend. I adore the fashion editorials in this latest October issue. Very well done. Again, it features all the key trends. Very inspiring.

So that's my fashion inspiration as of now! Kinokuniya is the place to get these:-P