Sunday, 28 February 2010

One Of The Best Pictures Of Rachel Zoe...


Below: Click on pic to enlarge...


Rachel Zoe: I Love This Pic!

Quiet elegance... Stylist to the stars and famed, Rachel Zoe as captured by Stockholm Streetstyle. Rachel has been bombarded with lots of comments regarding her weight, but this new pic puts her in a new light. The smile, the calmness, a moment of respite in her car... the colours of lights reflected on the car bodice to the red she is wearing.... everything element played out well to create this 'knock out' pic (She looked really good. Very elegant.) The power of good photography, it's more than a documentation but one that evokes emotion and brings out the positive of the subject captured. I love Rachel Zoe and the Rachel Zoe Project. Go Zoe camp!

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

Shoe-gasm...


Christian Louboutin Freddy Flat @ London Fashion Week

I love to collect pics of Christian Louboutin's stunning Freddy Flats. One of my favourite shoes of all time. In this new pic, I love the berry red coloured pants which compliments the black and silver in a surprising way...

Source: GQ

Great Minds Think Alike #22


Below: Hot heels from the recent Versace Fall Winter 2010 Women's Show...



Below: Those shoes from Versace.... a 'Dejavu' from Fendi's Fall Winter 2009 collection...



Versace vs. Fendi Boots-heels

I cannot help but notice the similarity in design for those killer looking shoes in these 2 collections. Versace's latest offering from Fall Winter 2010 and Fendi for Fall Winter 2009. These heels with the tall leather harness around the legs is another Great Minds Think Alike?

Source: Style

Saturday, 27 February 2010

The Runway Sniper #54


Below: Invasion of the curvaceous models: #1 - Miranda Kerr
(hailing from Victoria's Secret camp)

Below: #2 - Doutzen Kroes (also from Victoria Secret's camp)

Below: #3 - Soon to be bride, Lara Stone...who also spots a real woman's figure...


Below: #4 - Catherine McNeil...


Below: Emphasis on the bust is a key highlight of Prada's Fall Winter 2010 collection... notice the details on the area...


Below: The bow detail on the heels is really sweet... as does the ruffles on the chest...


Below: I love the prints and the 'catty' 60's inspired glasses...


Below: Double collars as imported from the Men's collection...


Prada Fall Winter 2010 Womenwear

Highlights of the show:

1) The conversational topic at the start of Milan Fashion week: Prada's surprising casting of models for this Fall Winter 2010 show. Curvaceous girls typically unseen on Prada runways invade the territories of the usually much favoured slimmer, 'airfield-chested' counterparts. Welcome ladies of Victoria's Secret:-)

2) Clothes that celebrates a woman's assets. Sex appeal without baring it all. Librarian meets vixen. Sexy details to emphasize the bustline such as ruffles along the chest to pointy bra formations on raised waist are just some key examples. All this achieved while staying mostly covered up. Prim and proper ladies with a perverse streak?

3) A return to the classics. Gorgeous fifties and sixties references on skirts, double collared jackets and a-line dresses. Scratchy-grid patterns and patent leather on the clothing as well as bags. Dainty sweet-looking pumps (with bow details) for footwear.

4) Breasts:-P

What a cool kooky collection only Miuccia Prada can think of... I love it.

Source: Style, WWD

Friday, 26 February 2010

My MANy Bags News #199



Gucci And Jil Sander Next To Live Stream Their Fall Winter 2010 Womens Show

Grabbing your front row seats at Fashion Shows for Fall Winter 2010 Womens Fashion Week is as easy as a mouse click away. Fashion brands have now open up their exclusive catwalk presentations (once made privy only to fashion editors, buyers and VIPs), and everyone's invited. Fashion brands have subcumb to the power of new media and social networking platforms. This is NOW... welcome to the internet generation where information is instant and facebook or twitter is a given.

Mark your calendars. 2 major players of Italian fashion will live stream their shows.

Jil Sander today, 26 Feburary at 7.45pm (CET) via www.jilsander.com

Gucci on 27 February at 5.45pm (CET) via Gucci’s Official Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/GUCCI

You can also download the Gucci app (http://www.gucci.com/iphoneapp) or you can follow Gucci via Twitter (http://twitter.com/gucciofficial) .

Gucci's live stream will bring you even more comprehensive viewing pleasure with:
- 4 different camera angles that you can choose from with zoom capabilities for a closer look.
- A live link to Facebook where viewers can comment and share their thoughts.
- Real time text feeds on the inspirations behind the new looks, model names and facts on iconic references.

It seems every brand is trying to innovate and bring the best online experience to fashion fans everywhere!

Source: Jil Sander, Gucci

The Material Boy #370


Below: The ultimate travel blazer... Dunhill's Navy Double Breasted Camdeboo Mohair Blazer. No more time wasted on pressing during your trips...


Below: Kim Jones, creative director of Dunhill sent out an amazing collection for Spring Summer 2010... this blazer is one of my favourites...


Dunhill Navy Double Breasted Camdeboo Mohair Blazer

What if you can bring a jacket anywhere you go... stuffed and rolled inside your luggage for the long haul, but almost amazingly devoid of creases when you take it out to wear?

Can there be such an 'wardrobe miracle' in existence? Yes it does! Dunhill's Navy Double Breasted Camdeboo Mohair Blazer is ultimate jacket made for the wanderlust. Combined with decades of sartorial expertise in tailoring, this double breasted blazer has an impeccable cut while being empathic to the wearer's comfort. Made from Camdeboo mohair, the material is lightweight (no 'excess' bagagge!) and crease resistant, making it well suited on your body as well as inside your suitcase. Natural mohair also keeps you cool and the loose hand stitched interlining ensures optimal form-fitting comfort.

And to top things off, it comes in a smart Navy colour which is the most adaptable hue whether you are in the boardroom or lounge room. Double breasted design is classic and a key menswear trend for this season too.

The perfect garment? Almost. An Amazing investment? Most definitely.

Source: Dunhill

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #90


Below: If I have thighs like his, I will definitely wear shorts as short as his. Looks great with his slightly looser blazer... (I wonder why he has 2 pairs of glasses on him)


Below: Nothing beats being comfortable in a white shirt and khaki pants during warm days... sometimes simplicity is the best style


Below: The double breasted blazer, those big round frame glasses, the blue ankle length pants and his canvas bag... everything works in his favour to create a summer dandy look...



Below: Again, a simple white shirt is quintessential in any man's wardrobe. Short or long sleeve... The carrot style shorts playfully balanced being plain with personality...


Below: Get comfy in a wrap style baggy trousers and slouchy tee... simple layering works wonders...


Below: I like his harness looking vest under his blazer...


Below: A little creativity goes a long way... he added some bling with the chain on his otherwise plain white tank...


Below: Cummerbund for day looks... interesting:-)


Dress Less For More Style During Summer

Inspiration Friday... a series of simple, easy looks that I would wear for warm days. We have sunshine everyday here in Singapore, sometimes too excessive, so layering beyond 2 layers is out of the question. I like the simplicity of the looks, well suited for tropical climates as does summertime in temperate regions. Ready to work some shorts? The first guy with the double breasted blazer and short (and I mean SHORT!) denim shorts is so cool. Don't you just love sexy thighs:-P

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

Thursday, 25 February 2010

The Runway Sniper #53


Below: Military inspired collection from Topman Limted Fall Winter 2010. My favourite look from the collection which sends this gorgeous aviator style with shearling lined collar short jacket down the runway, or to my wishlist.... LOOOOOVE!




Below: Attention!!! I need this sweater with the zip details!



Below: Army green cargo
sweat pants...and boots... look for next season!


Below: Long johns never look this good and in wine colour
...


Below: Parka and fur collar... and military detailing...what's not to love...


Below: The pants has interesting seam details and looks so slim fitted...perfect...


Below: Gradation tones on the shirts with prints of bare tree branches, melancholy but colourful at the same time... I like this orange red version



Below: Burgundy trench and the belted look...


Below: Fur coats...wonder how much these will cost in Topman prices...I want one too...


Below: Skinny ripped jeans...juxtaposition of the luxurious and tattered...



Topman Design Fall Winter 2010


Divine intervention has come my way. I am destined to save some shopping money for next season, cos' I am falling in love with the latest Fall Winter 2010 Topman collection presented yesterday in London. It is a disappointing feeling to see a collection from a luxury brand, get all excited and then get traumatised by the price tags. But it is pure joy to know what was presented on the runway can be 'attained' in your wardrobe when they hit the stores. Topman's latest military inspired looks come with so many pieces I want for next fall! As Joe of 00o00 puts it, now it's only a matter of which runway piece makes it into production. I am crossing my fingers the pieces he picked made it to the store racks...cos' I love them too.

Here's Tim Blanks' (from Style.com) review of the collection (I always love his writing. Insightful words and interesting interpretation, all very Tim:-P)

Topman At Attention
Topman has been a major underwriter of the growing men’s fashion scene in London, as well as a participant in the MAN group show that, in the past, helped designers like Kim Jones to find their feet in the business. Today, the last day of London fashion week, Topman finally flew solo, with a whole show devoted to the label’s Fall collection. It was brilliant. Kudos to design director Gordon Richardson and his creative team, but the shadowy genius behind the presentation was stylist Alister Mackie. He took the same military track as Christopher Bailey at Burberry, referencing the precision, the cut, the color scheme of army uniforms from both world wars. And Mackie proved, like Bailey before him, that there is no better-looking coat than an officer’s coat. The parkas were pretty cool, too. But the collection wasn’t simply a soldier’s story redux. While Topman was still part of a group show, there were restrictions on the breadth of the offering. Today, Mackie was able to show some great knitwear and ombré prints that looked a little like war-blasted terrain, or maybe just trees in winter. Either way, a reminder that Mackie is a dark soul. But, thinking of the many collections he’s brought his unique tweaks to in the past—Marc Jacobs, Fendi, McQueen, Lanvin—he’s just
about the best natural asset Topman could have right now.
- Tim Blanks

If Tim blanks approves, so do you!

Source: Style, Getty

Funny Commercial...Old Spice





Smell Like A Man, Man


Forget all your designer fragrances... Old Spice wants you to throw away those 'girly scented' nasal concoctions and start smelling like a real man...

Funny way to get the message across...hahaha. *Ouch* at the 2nd commercial!

Source: Old Spice

My MANy Bags News #198


Below: Shearling Funnel Neck Aviator Jacket - £2,195


Below: Soft Shearling Funnel Neck Aviator Jacket - £2,395 (The reverse Shearling effect is amazing!)


Below: Military Doeskin Aviator Coat With Double Collar - £2,795 (My favourite design out of my top 8 picks. The design is masculine and will fit perfect on slimmer guys:-P)


Below: Military Doeskin Great Coat With Shearling Panel - £1,895 (Interesting contrast with shearling and the olive drab doeskin material.)


Below: Quilted Shearling Cropped Aviator Jacket - £2,195 (The quilted design makes this tough looking leather jacket look much more refined and elegant. Reminds me of Chanel:-p)


Below: Brushed Sheepskin Cropped Great Coat - £2,395 (So cosy and huggable!)



Below: Curly Shearling Cropped Jacket with Giant Collar - £1,895 (Feels like wearing a teddy bear, warm and fuzzy but chic!)



Below: Patchwork Shearling Trench Coat - £5,495 (Though pricey, it is so beautiful and luxurious! Balmain probably charge you double the amount if they have something similarly luxurious.)


Pre-order Burberry Fall Winter 2010 Womens Outerwear Collection


Ever jealous of celebrities and socialites getting first wear of runway clothes way before it hits the stores? Well here's your chance... Burberry's Fall Winter 2010 Women's outwear is up and ready for your pick, and you can wear them in 6-8 week's time:-) Having said that, you might have to blast up your aircon or escape to Antarctica as it will probably be spring by then. The weather might prove too warm for those gorgeous pieces:-P Nonetheless, owning a piece from the runway 6-8 months before any others can buy them in stores is a real thrill. I would do that if only menswear get such online sales initiative. When will boys get to have all the fun? Lucky girls!

Pre-order ends 26 Feb @ www.burberry.com. Expect 6 - 8 weeks for delivery. Give Kate Hudson or Claire Danes a 'run for their money':-P

Source: Burberry

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Great Minds Think Alike #21


Below: Kate Hudson in a fabulous Burberry emerald mini dress at Burberry's Fall Winter Womenswear Show in London...


Below: Balmain's infamous 80's inspired emerald mini dress as worn by Natasha Poly on the runway..


Burberry vs. Balmain Mini Dress

It's not the hemlines of Kate Hudson's gorgeous emerald Burberry mini dress (that she wore to yesterday's Burberry Fall Winter 2010 Women's show in London) that catches my attention. Nor its' red carpet worthy glittery material or how gorgeous it looked on Kate.

It is the immediate recollection back to a Spring Summer 2009 Balmain mini dress in a similar emerald shade with all its bling and sparkle. Great minds sometimes do think alike, most likely unconsciously. Nonetheless, one's more demure, the other's more unabashedly 'trashy' but gorgeous.

What do you guys think?

Source: Burberry, Balmain

My MANy Bags News #197


New York Times' Cathy Horyn On Christophe Decarnin: The Shy Guy Behind Balmain's Success

Calendar marked! 4th March 2010 will be the day 2 of my most favourite french brands will show their Fall Winter 2010 Womens Collection. Balenciaga in the morning (10am) and Balmain in the afternoon (3pm).

All eyes are especially set on Balmain to see what Christophe Decarnin will send out the catwalk for Fall. Will it be a repeat of the time-tested success formula or will we be surprised with fresh directions? Questions are always floating around on whether Balmain will sustain their appeal and continue to resonate with the fickle-minded fashion crowds. Spring Summer 2010 was a spot on for the key military trends of the season. That seem to have placed Balmain in a recurring position as the sought after label of the season again. The collection have been stocked by more retailers, featured and mentioned in many editorials while also inspiring aplenty knock offs. I am excited to find out if 'Balmainia' will rage on.

Before the upcoming runway show can 'answer' these questions, I found an old article written by the well respected Cathy Horyn of New York Times that sheds some light on the shy man who brings us those US$1500 jeans and US$3000 t-shirts. What makes Christophe Decarnin's designs tick that propelled 'ailing' Balmain into a retail success story? Read on:-)


Here's the abbreviated version as featured on Fashionologie. To read the full 7 page article on New York Times website, click here. (Do note that this article was written a while back so some things may not be that updated.)

He's the man who brings you $1,500 Balmain cotton t-shirts — and those are the cheapest; They go up to $3,000 if you want sparkles. Balmain is the word on everyone's lips — buyers, fans of fringed boots — and the fervor is reaching a fever pitch. Christophe Decarnin came out of nowhere to head the house in 2005, and with every collection he does for Balmain, sales have doubled. Cathy Horyn does a profile of the "colorless and shy" designer in the Women's Winter Fashion issue of T Magazine, examining why Balmain has been so successful in such a short time, especially when Decarnin took over the ailing house from "the fiasco of its last designer, Laurent Mercier, who liked to dress up as Jayne Mansfield and have people call him Lola." So who and what does Decarnin, with his "French permagloom, his pale arms crossed over his white T-shirt, his black hair in greasy strands," and his "short, pathetic answers" have to thank for all the success?


The supercool girls.

"Balmain has become the label of the supercool girls . . . the girls in London and Paris who work as assistants at fashion magazines, design studios and P.R. firms, or who have some terrific family-tree connections they swing from. They’re 21 or 22 years old. Anyway, they’re crazy about clothes. Julia Restoin Roitfeld, whose mother is Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue, wears Balmain. So does Eugenia Niarchos, Olympia Scarry, Gaia Repossi, Dasha Zhukova and Charlotte Casiraghi, a daughter of Princess Caroline."


Vogue Paris.

"French Vogue has had a lot to do with Decarnin’s success. He says so. Balmain clothes appeared in spreads throughout the August and September issues, for instance. Roitfeld and her daughter wore Balmain to the Cannes Film Festival last May. To someone outside the magazine world, it’s as though the editors — Roitfeld and her lieutenants Emmanuelle Alt and Marie-Amélie Sauvé — have taken this relatively isolated man and molded him in the image of French Vogue."


The quintessential French quality to his clothes.

"Decarnin’s clothes are unabashedly French. If I see young Bardots and Birkins bobbing around St.-Tropez half naked, I’ve seen precisely what he wants me to see. In their cut and fit, in their energy and implacably dirty sex appeal, these clothes could not have come from anywhere else but France — and not even France but Paris."


Even those sky-high prices.

"A pair of jeans costs about $1,400, while a beaded jacket can cost $15,000. In the Balmain boutique in Paris, I admired a gorgeous black leather motorcycle jacket, free of studs and other embellishment. I blinked at the price: $7,000. At some level these kinds of prices are offensive. Decarnin said the prices reflect the quality of workmanship and fabrics, as well as the company’s limited structure. But just as hip-hop sounds triumphant about money and superstar privilege, maybe those high prices are part of the message: My stuff costs a lot."


So why has it taken so long for Christophe Decarnin to become this successful?

"‘I think success in life is half your personality and half your talent,’’ Emmanuelle Alt said. ‘‘He has the talent, but the personality. . . .’’ She smiled. ‘‘You know, if you always stay in the shadows and don’t have the connections, it’s more difficult. Some people have a lot less talent, but they push themselves and go out and meet people.’’ Decarnin said he never goes to clubs. He once went to St.-Tropez but it was years ago, he said.

(I do agree on Emmanuelle Alt's comment about a person's success is half talent and half personality. Indeed, if you stay in the shadows, the road is much longer before you get noticed. Insightful:-P)

Source: Fashionologie, New York Times