My MANy Bags News #57

Burberry Menswear Sport Collection Spring Summer 2009

If you want to mix British sensibility and sports functionality, there is no one better than Burberry who could do the job better! Introducing their new line of Burberry Menswear Sport Collection. With a rich history of providing functional weatherproof performance wear for explorers and sportsmen since its foundation in 1856, the brand is synonymous with quality, innovation and style. With this rich experience and now updated with modern aesthetics, the end result is something I deemed noteworthy for every outdoor loving dandy in modern context:-)

Am loving the range of looks of with super light weight parkas and bombers paired elegantly with running shorts, scarves or even slim trousers and hooded sweats. Fabric innovation have always been part of Burberry's heritage, hence this collection sees cool technical performance-enhancing fabrics ranging from waterproof nylon laminates, silk jersey to breathable nylon jersey. I ever expect jersey cloth to be woven from silk. This takes luxury to a new functional level.

The colours are very summer outdoorsy. Using a mix of Burberry's iconic palette of red, black and white in addition to greys, vermilion, yellows and marine blues, the colour range is both fun and sporty.

Besides the clothing, this collection also includes trainers, flip flops and even nylon bags.

All sporty gentlemen out there, this summer you have no excuse to look shabby whether you are running a marathon or charting your yacht out to the high seas! All thanks to Burberry:-)

My Bag Collection #46 (FOR SALE)

Mulberry Eliot Tote In White (FOR SALE: Email me to enquire)

This poor handsome Mulberry Eliot Tote in White has been a 'kept boy' since many moons ago (more than a month:-P), kept from the outside world and only privy to my eyes. So I thought now is the time to free him and officially inaugurate him into my bag family!

As I mentioned here before, this was one of the bags that got me excited about Mulberry this season. I was not very impressed when I first saw the pictures, but upon beholding in real life, this tote has a streamlined shape and slender depth that makes it very appealing. Made of soft grained leather and unlined, it spots comfortable length handles(long enough to shoulder sling) with leather grips for comfort. An internal pocket with zip makes for a handy compartment for small items. However, the slim shape is what sold the bag for me. Not cumbersome nor too huge like most tote bags, yet big enough to look proportionate on me for my daily use. That is why I had to run back to the store to buy this bag despite risking further 'baked beans' fate under the present bleak economic outlook. My search for a white bag has thus ended with this pristine bag, handsome in its own way, like a handsome prince in white leather(not horse:-P) and waiting to accompany me on a Hampton's-like holiday. I imagine myself enjoying carefree road trips and summer vacations. What a dream:-P

2 pieces were available in Singapore. One in Mulberry Hilton's store and the other in Changi Terminal 3. So it is highly unlikely for the 'twin brother' to make an appearance anywhere near mine.:-P Unless of course the distant 'brothers' gets imported from overseas. Yes, Mulberry's website to the rescue for those who are interested. Last I heard, these totes were selling fast, Navy being the last colour to be left on the Hilton store shelves after white and deep red.

I am fast becoming a huge fan of Mulberry. Who doesn't if they keep making great bags:-P

Source: Model shots from www.mulberry.com

Where to buy: Mulberry Boutique at Hilton Hotel

My MANy Bags News #56

Gucci Limited Edition 'Sloaney Bag' Collection

What better way to create hype and possibly more sales for a newly refurbished store than to launch a limited edition collection as a exclusive tribute to commemorate the store opening. Just as what she did for the revamped Rome's Via Condotti store, a range of exclusive, available only at the boutique, Frida Giannini too came up with the Limited Edition Sloaney collection for London's newly refurbished Sloane Street store.

The range pays tribute to London in the 70's, when Sid Vicious and the Sloane Ranger came together to define a great British era. The bags in this exclusive range comes either in rebellious Joy GG canvas bearing the Union Jack in all its glory or a more luxurious and mild mannered blue Guccissima leather or crocodile version. The Sloane Collection is completed with a luggage set, a trolley suitcase, duffel and other travel accessories. Time to rock and roll while you jet set away!

I love the blue and red combination with the Union Jack and crown symbol. Very punk brit. Though it reminds me of Goyard. The Sloaney Collection is sold exclusively at the Sloane Street store in London. Time to round up your UK friends if you want a piece of this!

Model Jordan Dunn was seen spotting the Joy GG Canvas version in the recent Milan Fashion Week. Cool for a sassy chick! Wonder how the duffel looks like...perhaps the most suited for us...the 'punk' lad.

Source: www.gucci.com

The Material Boy #258

Givenchy Fall Winter 2009/2010 'Bondage' Shoes

In a dark collection that exemplifies Gothic inclinations and bondage fantasies, Riccardo Tisci once again turns out a collection of mind boggling alpha male styles which challenges perceived masculinity. Beyonds the 'editorial-inspiring' ready to wear, the footwear is also one of the focal point of his Fall Winter 2009/2010 Men's Collection for Givenchy.

Bondage is the theme. And the shoes sees themselves tightly wrapped around creating a 'mummified' design. The most 'disturbing' of course is the thigh high boots with glittery texture that definitely will be 'highly contested' item for all drag queens or attention seekers alike.

However, the low cut lace-ups offers a refreshing take on men's shoes design, and in fact could look uniquely interesting among the conventional offerings we see from everywhere. Definitely a collection for the bold and those who harbour 'fantasies':-P

I do want to check out the low cut versions. At least they look normal enough while being indifferent.

Source: www.menstyle.com, www.givenchy.com

YSL Bag...

YSL Leather Messenger Bag

If anyone is interested in the YSL bag that was blogged about here recently, here's another pic of how the bag looks shoulder slung on a guy...

Looks cool. But the model may be wearing the wrong outfit to match the bag.

Nonetheless, the saving grace is the YSL bag. Does not look too small when shoulder slung.

Anyone buying?

Thanks to fellow reader Mayhem for the pic!

The Material Boy #257

Lanvin Richelieu Shoes In Denim And Leather

Can denim shake off the stereotype of being the working man's fabric and be elevated into the wardrobe's of elegant gentleman and modern day barons? Yes, it can! All thanks to Lanvin!

I never expected denim could look so refined until I see this pair of Lanvin Richelieu Shoes. This feels right at home at a black tie event as much as a day out about town. Dark denim and black leather on the shoe paired out seamlessly to offer a sophiscated take on your typical black leather lace-ups, except less 'stuffy' and conservative.

LOOOVEE Lanvin shoes. They surprise me time after time. Well, except that 'diseased' beaded trainers...

Retail price: Euro $550. Where to buy: www.colette.fr

The Material Boy #256

Raf Simons Show Sandals

For guys who want fashion that could come from many light years in the future, only one name can proudly proclaim their innovation and out of the world design: RAF SIMONS.

I applaud Mr Simons take on men's sandals for Spring Summer 2009...this could be what modern day gladiators will wear if there were ever a movie doing a take on futuristic warriors, ala Blade Runner style.

High paneled leather sides gives a winged look (Hermes, the god, not the brand, of the future would be proud!), elastic bands to ensure a perfect fit, sleek cleans lines for an almost architectural design all makes this sandals one of a kind. Definitely for the style innovators, people who leads rather than follow. But make sure you ready £479 in order to lead the fashion pack.

Retail price: UK 479 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

My Shopping Conquest #57

Below: A happy Bottega Veneta purchase:-P

Below: The understated brown packaging...

Below: Peekaboo!

Below: Yes...it's the Intrecciato Leather Coin Purse I have been lusting about!

Below: I chose the rich reddish brown hue of Tea colour to compliment my orange coloured accessories...

Below: I am amazed by the handwoven leather's craftsmanship...

Below: Bottega Veneta discreetly stamped on the leather lining inside...true to the brand's slogan 'When your own initials are enough...'

Below: Useful 3 compartments for cards or coins...

Below: One last look and I am enthralled by it's beauty and craftsmanship...

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Coin Purse In Tea Colour

Been out of action for the past 2 days, all thanks to a super lethal stomach flu bug. Yikes. These nasty living organisms odd to be rendered extinct in the world.

So beyond that, I am glad to announce I am back to blogging after neglecting my 'sacred shopping duty' to entertain and save this 'material' world amidst the 'flu bug invasion':-)

Here's my latest contribution to Singapore's economy from last Sunday's shopping...

A little piece of exquisite Italian craftsmanship, as represented by this gorgeous Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Coin Purse In Tea Colour. I inspected this leather wonder up close and personal and I must say I am truly impressed with the handwork. Every stitch was perfect, every weave precise...leather is soft and supple. It simply exemplified luxury even for such a small little piece of Bottega Veneta product. To be honest, I was duly surprised by the pricing of this coin purse, to think it is almost the same design as LV's zippy coin purse (with 3 compartments and all around zip) and in full leather and yet less pricey (the Graffiti version costs half an arm and leg at SGD $665!).

You are definitely getting more of your money's worth with Bottega Veneta than Louis Vuitton's canvas pieces. Perfect for spare change (but you do need to take care about the light coloured leather lining getting stained by dirty coins.) or some cards and dollar notes:-)

Here's a little trivia about the brand which I never knew (as googled on wikipedia):

Bottega Veneta was launched by Vittorio and Laura Moltedo in 1966. However interest in the brand declined during the 1990s so in 2000, the Moltedos brought in British designer Giles Deacon to shake up the languishing house. According to Deacon, the interview took place on a bed at the George V in Paris, and he got the job because Laura Moltedo liked a picture in his portfolio, of a budgerigar driving a Rolls-Royce. Under Deacon the company launched a successful line of Ready-To-Wear clothing,[citation needed] but in July 2001 Tom Ford persuaded Gucci Group to buy Bottega Veneta. Ford moved Deacon to Gucci womenswear, and German-born designer Tomas Maier took over at Bottega Veneta. With Gucci's support, Bottega Veneta has reclaimed its leading position in the luxury leather goods market.

Giles Deacon used to head Bottega Veneta? Oh...I learn something new each day...

Retail price: SGD $470. Where to buy: Bottega Veneta Boutique at Takashimaya

The Material Boy #255

Prada Cervo Zip Tote

It's been ages since I did a mention on Prada bags. Seems less and less outstanding designs are coming out of the brand. Nothing worthy of mention until now.

I spotted this lovely classic Prada Cervo Zip Tote on Neiman Marcus's website. I don't think I have seen this bag in Singapore's store. I love the vintage effect on the leather. The uneven brown dyeing treatment creates a vintage feel and imbues the bag with personality.

The simple design makes it a real classic as well. With buckled handles and ring brass hardware, the bag also comes with a hanging luggage tag and lock. It is indeed very old world charm that is worthy of any modern day dandy. I see this classic overnight bag transcending trends and will remain a worthy piece in your collection for many years to come.

Retail price: US $1950. Where to buy: www.neimanmarcus.com

Mandarin?...Who's Afraid Of U!

Singapore's New 'Speak Mandarin Campaign' TV Commercials

I love these TV commercials for the latest 'Speak Mandarin Campaign' for Singapore. I wonder which advertising agency came up with the idea to use 'non-native speaker' kids to narrate in chinese:-P And the tagline that signs off translate into: Mandarin?...Who's Afraid Of Who!(literally):-)

So cute...those lovely faces and it goes to show if a foreign kid can feel no fear in speaking mandarin, there is no excuse for chinese adults to do so too!

Enjoy the ads! I laugh each time I see these:-P

Source: www.youtube.com

The Material Boy #254

Marc By Marc Jacobs Coral Sun Cotton Twill Shorts With Piping

My love for orange colour this season has been made widely known here:-) Now beyond leather goods, it extends to selected clothing items as well:-)

Look what I found to perfectly match up with all the orange leather goods I amassed over the last 2 months, it's a cute and cheery Marc By Marc Jacobs Orange Cotton Twill Shorts With Piping. I have seen this pair of shorts at the Marc By Marc Jacobs store in Ngee Ann City, but in bright neon like pink. I think that colour is too over-bearing and perhaps I do not have the courage to flaunt it yet. So this pair of coral sun, in simpler description, Orange shorts will be a good alternative. Colours are bright and not too overdone. I also like the piping design which gives it that sartorial (tuxedo) flair. Will make your summer attire have just that bit of zesty boost of colours! I wonder why Singapore stores always do not bring in colours or designs that I like.

Retail price: US $158. Where to buy: Nordstrom

Model Talk #02

Below: Larry Scott

Below: Mark Venderloo

Below: Werner Schreyer

Below: Youth needs to be 'invested'...

Then And Now...Male Supermodels
(Guys...Better Slap On More Of That Anti-Aging Cream...)

Hedi Slimane did a photoshoot on male supermodels of yester-years for Vogue Homme recently. Look what time has done to these once gorgeous hunks we adored... Seems the female supermodels like Claudia, Linda, Naomi have fared better. Thanks to Sean's post for hitting my alarm to be more vigilant about my 'maintanence' routine.

Reminder to myself: With immediate effect, I need to start regular use of my newly acquired Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Source: Sean Inc., Hedi Slimane,