'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...

Kevin Goes To Burberry #13

Below: The queues outside the after party venue...which is the new Burberry global headquarters, Horseferry House. Impressive building!

Below: The knight symbol signage at the entrance, unmistakably Burberry!

Below: Every bit of detail was taken care of at the party too...even up till the lighting effects, which is also in the form of the Burberry checks pattern!

Below: Emma Watson lounging at the VIP area...I was lucky to have snap this pic before i got stopped by security!

Below: Christopher Bailey looking dashing in white. I truly regret not getting a pic with him when I am so close!

Below: The king and queen of 'street fashion' photo blog... the ever inspiring Sartorialist and Garance Doré!

Below: Lily Donaldson still looking gorgeous despite the 'merciless' flash which can expose all flaws! Model are 'special beings', they always look good no matter what...

Below: A huge turnout and I am sure lots of drinks flow thru the evening...

Below: Blogging suite for bloggers to have first hand coverage of the event and show...

It's Party Time!

Phew, finally after a 10 hour flight I have landed in Bangkok. Reached my hotel at around 7am. Am staying at the Tenface Hotel again for it's apartment style living and roomy interiors. But I was kinda disappointed when they mentioned a half day charge will be imposed as usual check-in time is 12pm. I know I have arrived much earlier but since they can accommodate me checking in early last year when I was here under the same circumstances, I wonder why this time they cannot. So I am not exactly pleased, since my London hotel graciously lets me into my room at around the same time. So perhaps I will have reservations from now on with the hotel, maybe there will not be repeat stays anymore:-) since they are so inflexible.

But off with my 'complain'...on with the long overdue pics from Burberry's after party on 21 Sep 2009! Was a fun evening, especially hanging out with my fellow blogger friends (u guys know who!) and 'stalking' famous celebs and fashion idols! Hehe.

My proudest moment that night was to be able to get a priceless snapshot with Carine Roitfeld. She is the best, great sense of style and a personality to match. Next is another of my idol, Mr Scott Schuman of Sartorialist fame and his girlfriend, equally talented Garance Doré. They were very happy when I told them they have been true inspirations! They happily took a pic with me:-) And last but not least, I had a face to face with top model, Lily Donaldson. I was getting out of one section of the venue and she heading in...and I screamed, "You are Lily Donaldson! I am a huge fan!". She wore a metallic silver jacket from Burberry and was looking impeccable.

Of course, other highlights including standing so close to Mr Christopher Bailey. I regret not having the guts to approach him for a pic. He's one of my most wanted idol to have a picture taken with now!:-P Next time, I hope! And then there is Emma Watson who was just one head beside me as I walked past her. Such a beautiful girl. Last but not least, Maggie Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and Anna Wintour...all left an incredible encounter for the event. Never have I thought I will see these much 'talked about' famous stars face to face.

The party was a blast. Burberry knows how to throw a mega fun party. Everyone had a great time and drinks was flowing...delicious food were served as does incredible music spun by Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn. What a fantastic night!

Many thanks to Burberry. And I even had the utmost pleasure to snag a shot with the PR person at Burberry who made all of this happen:-) Thank you Miles:-) Hope I did justice with all my coverage of the event and the show.

Enjoy the pics...

I will be basking away in Bangkok sunshine and a massage to follow to soothe these tired legs. Close to home but not yet.:-) Holidays are always hard to let go.

All pics taken by myMANybags

Au Revoir London!

Goodbye And So Long London!

Had been a full day without accessing the internet. I had been relaxing in my friend's countryside home for some of the most peaceful and well-fed weekend break. I had not had such good sleep and eaten so well. My friend has a quiet home and he is a great cook!

So after getting back to London yesterday morning, I was busy savouring every last minute of my time here in London. Shopping, sightseeing...thanks to my friend James who took me to the southbank for a wonderful 'excursion' to see Tower Bridge and the areas around it.

Will post more pics later! And I had wonderful last minute shopping done. Now wallet emptied, luggage packed...it's time to leave this wonderful city! But I will be back! London is a love love relationship:-P

Au Revoir! Bon voyage to me...

Next stop, the city of angels (Bangkok) for some jet-lag soothing massages and pool time!

See U guys in a bit!

My MANy Travel Inspirations: Paris Diaries...

Below: One of the major shopping districts of Paris...Avenue George V...This is the Hèrmes store, unlike the modern ones we see everywhere. It's a pleasure to step into a store with such history and heritage.

Below: Agnés B fans have to visit this huge store at Avenue George V too!

Below: Talk about French chic...even Sony Vaio laptops have croc embossed skin versions:-) I love it!

Below: The grand 'dame' of all luxury shopping and heaven for monogram fanatics:-) The infamous and unbelievably huge LV at Champs-Élysées

Below: The massive window display...the LV store is not only a landmark but an attraction by itself! I used it as a good navigational landmark...

Below: The busy and celebrated Champs-Élysées... a must visit if you are in Paris:-) Tourist trap it may be...you have to admire it's decadent retail splendour:-P

Below: Laduree along Champs Élyseés...hmm..macaroons...

Below: A driver's nightmare...so much traffic

Below: Arc De Triomphe...another Paris city icon

Below: I love the Centre Pompidou, a mecca of modern art masterpieces...the museum has a uniquer architectural style with an inside out concept:-) A true example of modern expression:-)

Below: Check out this artwork... Inspiration for Hèrmes' 'H' print?!?!


Below: Right now, a exhibit to celebrate female artists. Very interesting artistic expression seen thru the eyes of women artists...

Below: I love the splash of colours on this wall at the entrance to the exhibit...

Below: Escalators are kept to the exterior, like I am boarding a starship:-P

Below: Interior of the museum...huge venue, so much to see

Below: Interesting signage:-)

Below: Another 'love-hate' highlight of my Paris stay...my hotel, MAMA SHELTER

Below: Love the concept, interior design...my room with a narrow walkway to the bedroom area...

Below: Raw cement walls, 'scribble-print' carpet, huge mirrors and a Philippe Starck 'Ghost' chair, iMac as TV, free Wifi connection...

Below: Superman masks are lampshades?!?!?

Below: It's a room with huge floor to ceiling windows...perfect for exhibitionists or voyeurs:-P

Below: Mini kitchenette area...with almost 'useless' amenities

Below: White tiled bathrooms with heated towel racks, soft plush towels, Kiehls toiletries and a rain shower...divine!

Below: Remote control...and MAMA SHELTER icon, the 'chicken bottom':-P

Below: The bed is one of the most comfortable...I literally float while I lie down:-P The room is very dim and kinda ghostly with the 'batman and superman mask' lights

Below: Huge mirrors on both sides of the bed for those...ahem...kinky evening encounters:-P I should have invited a french hottie over:-) hahaha...
Everything is great about the hotel except for the less than ideal location (10mins walk to nearest metro, many train stops to main city center...for short stays it is not the best place when you need to conserve time. One more thing that sucks, I was denied photography in the lobby! Grrrr...)

Below: Au Revoir Paris...Gare Du Nord train station...
(I encounter the most idiotic feature of a public transport hub here. The toilets costs 1 euro (SGD $2.20) per entry. But the worst is when they put gates to restrict visitors. We are talking about visitors with huge luggages! Sucks! And to the rude toilet attendent...I wish you 'happy toilet cleaning' for the rest of your life.:-P)
So you see...Paris is a love and hate relationship. But one thing's for sure, I will still be back:-P So long Paris!

Paris...City Of 'Love And Hate'

I don't know how to describe my feelings towards the city of light now...there have been many frustrations alongside my recent short stay but yet there are many moments to relish. I think I have a love-hate relationship with Paris. Now that I am off the city, I kinda miss it. The busy streets, the noise, the crazy traffic...but the beautiful architecture, the handsome hotties all over and the cultured air that permeates the streets, it's perhaps all these contradictories that makes Paris a city that is one of its kind. Of course, there was never enough time to shop (I consider Parisian shopping the most indulgent and enjoyable) and do all the museums (a surge of bewildering inspirations from all the masterpieces). I regret not planning a day longer. I think now that I have mastered the complexities of travelling on Parisian metro (I gave myself less credit than I think I am capable of:-P), I can 'survive' longer stays in this marvellous city.

Here's more sights and sounds of one of my favourite city in the world, all in a day's work...:-P

All pics taken by myMANybags

My MANy Bags News #135

Dolce & Gabbana Pre-show Diaries: Youtube Press Conference SS2010 Womenswear

Before the actual splendour of the upcoming Spring Summer 2010 Womens Show, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce shares their inspirations and a sneak of what to expect on the runway.

Masculine femininity, signature Dolce & Gabbana corset bodice look set to appear on the runway. And leopard prints will also surface as a key trend for next season! Get ready to unleash your wild side!

Exciting!

Watch the video.

Kevin Goes To Burberry #12

Parisian Shopping Time!

On Thursday...my only full day in Paris, what can you do to make the best of this short stay than SHOPPING! Yes, this is the life of a 'shopaholic'...the Louvre can wait, the Eiffel tower can wait...but shopping is a top priority:-P

A hop skip and walk...okay..maybe a long metro ride away and I landed myself in St Honoré, the premier shopping district of Paris. First stop is Hèrmes where I began my search for my elusive shopping 'hunt'. Miss out on the purchase in London and I had to track it down in Paris at all costs. Unfortunately, the store in Faubourg Saint Honoré did not have what I am looking for...but the helpful sales lady (for a change! London's Hèrmes staff was horrid service!) track it down at the Avenue George store. She also helped me to reserve the piece. I was ecstatic.

Before moving along to Avenue George where Louis Vuitton is along Champs-Élysées, I walked towards the Givenchy boutique next door:-) My first visit to an actual Givenchy boutique. Decor was immaculate...lots of mirrors and spacious:-) The elusive men's collection hangs on the rack beckoning out to me at every turn...

My sights set on another item...something I spotted in London and fortunately did not buy there. Paris prices are much lower! Thank goodness:-)

With help of friendly and beautiful SA, Sandra...I acquired my 2nd Givenchy item:-P Woohoo!

Next stop is Lanvin, Bottega Veneta, Gucci...I passed Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith and Laduree (macaroons). Time contraints:-( Sob sob.

Got my loot at Hèrmes Avenue George, walked past LV...and squeezed in a trip to Centre Pompidou. My day in Paris would have been perfect except for missing out on the appointment with Brieuc for LV's Jazz night. Darn...my hotel was so far out that I miscalculated the time and was late. Apologies Brieuc...:-P Next time!

Will be back to Paris soon! Love the shopping there.

Kevin Goes To Burberry #11

Below: I love this younger and more sassy Burberry Girl!

Below: The washed treatment lends an edge to the classic trench...love it:-P

Below: Ruffles, braiding, knotted straps...all part of the many fine details in the collection...

Below: The classic trench given a new intepretation...the braiding at the bottom is fresh and interesting

Below: One of my favourite looks...the colour is divine!

Below: For 'grunge' gals...this braided pants is for you!

Below: Amazing use of knots and braids...

Below: Luxurious furs...in fresh lavender colour!

Below: These knotted shoulders is enough to give Balmain a run for its money:-P Brilliant reinvent of the trench!


Below: I love this coat and all that shimmering silver...

MyMANyBags Top Picks From Burberry Spring Summer 2010 Womenswear!

After having had some time to go thru the runway imagery I received from Burberry's latest SS2010 collection...I made a little 'top picks' list of my own.

The new Burberry SS2010 Womenswear collection is all about shorter lengths, intricate drapes and reworked trenches..seemingly to let out a more youthful vibe for a younger Burberry girl:-P 'Twisted classics' as Christopher Bailey described his inspiration. Christopher definitely succeeded in making the familiar fresh and contemporary yet again.

Having dressed the likes of young rising stars such as Emma Watson, this is a great move to spread some Burberry love to a younger audience that might have not taken on to Burberry's more classic styles from previous seasons. The latest womenswear collection is a statement of sassy confidence while retaining soft femininity thru it's beautiful summery colour palette.

One of my most favourite part of the collection was to see the classic Burberry trench reinterpreted in so many varied ways. All over reef knots, knotted epaulette shoulders, braided details become part of the brands' most iconic garment. Washed treatment also adds character and a bit of grunge attitude. All these new reinterpretations contributed to new strong looks for a strong Burberry girl!

The pleasing summer fresh colours of the collection are also very 'delectable'. I can almost taste the sweetness of Spring Summer just by looking at these gorgeous pieces. A loop knot top with a braided bodice dress in limey yellow left a big impression on me. But what sends the collection to its climax is this one heavily textured silvery shortcoat that send many guests gasping their breaths. Indeed, a Burberry collection that ends London Fashion Week to a resounding success! Congrats to Burberry...job well done and thank you again for allowing me to be part of this once in a lifetime experience.

Enjoy the runway pics!

Source: Burberry