The Runway Sniper #65

Below: Dries Van Noten's take on Skinhead and mod styles for his Spring Summer 2011 Menswear collection... The looks border on grunge and refined mens tailoring...

Below: Snow washed denim are the rage in this new collection. It's everywhere in denim vests, jackets, jeans and shirts...

Below: There is somewhat a sense of refinement contrasted against the hard edge 'grunge' looking denim...

Below: Besides acid wash, hand painted watercolour blotches by a couture atelier reinforces Dries Van Noten's refined aesthetics and artisanal crafting. Never just some 'rumble and tumble' uncouth treatments...even for 'Jackson Pollock lookalike' splatter...

Below: Love the grey cardigan with the untreated tan leather belt on the side...

Below: Skinheads in Mr Dries mind looked less 'hard edge' and more 'polished'... double breasted jackets are often contrasted with shorts and boots...

Below: I really like the tweed like material on this suit. It's actually a nylon/cotton blend that's lighter...

Below: Club 21 buyers' insider look from the Dries Van Noten showroom... one of them trying on the snow washed denim shirt... yay or nay? Looking promising to me...

Below: Window pane checks worthy of savile row are also key accents to the collection...

Below: Knotted slim belt look with that gorgeous 'tweed' looking fabric...

Below: Fans of scarves can have an 'orgasm' now...:-P

Dries Van Noten Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

Do I ever see Mr Dries Van Noten into grunge, skin heads and fifties mod style? Highly unlikely, unless some mid life crisis takes over and one decides he wants to shave his head and ride a Harley at age 52.

Well, in fashion, you never say never. That is exactly what Mr Dries Van Noten send out for his Spring Summer 2011 Menswear runway... snow wash denim, paint splatter patterns (watercolour blotches hand-painted by a couture atelier in Lake Como), biker/military style boots and closely shaved heads. I guess being always a 'romantic' at heart (evident in his collections' refined flair and ethnic inspired fame), Dries makes his interpretation of 'grunge' and 'rough', albeit in a very 'gentlemenly' way. The snow washed denim pieces often juxtaposed with classic tailoring (think double breasted jackets and tailored shorts), window pane checks (worthy of savile row) and tactile choice of tweed-like fabrics (which is actually nylon/cotton blend), Dries Van Noten's grunge man is never a slop. He's a refined skinhead who embraces his softer side and can be as chivalrous as any cultured man does.

I am not entirely convinced about this direction of Dries Van Noten. But as in all his collections, it's the details that matters. The looks may be half way between hard edge and refinement, some of the accessories such as those slim untreated tan leather belts, tan coloured bags and charming fabrics will still beckon out to fans any day. The snow washed denim shirt, as does the window pane checks scarves, are suddenly looking promising afterall (all those showroom shots by Club 21's buyers brings new light to the collection!).

Source: Style, Sonny Photos, Club 21 Facebook

The Material Boy #399

Below: Love these pockets squares of London Maps and Polka Dots from Paul Smith... Quirky and fun:-)

Below: Examples of how pocket squares work wonders on a simple blazer. Imagine this gentlemen with his polka dot pocket square... the look will somehow lose out on some charm and colour...

Below: The lace edging adds focal point to his otherwise plain denim blazer... Pocket square works wonders!

Paul Smith 'Polka Dots' And 'London Map' Pocket Squares

I deemed the pocket square one of the most inexpensive and effective male accessory when it comes to dressing up. Adding colour, personality and perhaps some functionality (to offer to any damsels in distress during emergencies...the fairer gender will appreciate this, trust me:-P), this little piece of silk fabric does amazing wonders to a man's debonair charm. I know I like my pocket squares colourful and quirky. Something contrasting will be most ideal. A plain suit jacket simply comes alive when colours and patterns start to peek playfully out of that front pocket. It's a talking point, it's a focal point, it's a style defining accessory without all the frills.

Paul Smith being the 'English dandy' brand with all its eccentric English charm and humour have come up with some must-have pocket squares. Varying sized Polka dots, free spirited sketches of London Maps, they are playful and colourful for any day. Me want!

Source: GQ by Tommy Ton, Por Vocaçåo

Inspiration Tuesday...

Inspiration Tuesday: 'Dark Aspirations'

I am inspired by this guy's simple style, a mix of formal, informal... rough edge with some elements of refined men's dressing. Blazer with black skinny jeans, destroyed tee underneath and combat boots. But for Singapore's hot weather version, I would do it with a pair of gorgeous Ann Demeulemeester 'Bondage' style strap sandals while adding some luxe factor with Hermès Collier De Chien in exotic Ombre Lizard. Of course, all is set and ready to go with the ever style worthy Givenchy Pandora Bag... (the full look which I have done a sketch to illustrate:-p)

Source: Ann Demeulemeester, Hermès, Givenchy, Easy Fashion

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #51

Club 21 Spring Summer 2010 End Of Season Sale: Members Preview Starts
1 July 2010

Yes, it is finally here... after almost all your Visa Card 'ammunition' have been exhausted from other sales, Club 21 is starting theirs at a very late date this year. Mark your calenders if you are a Club 21 cardmember, preview sales starts 1 July 2010. An extra 10% discount will be added on to the existing discount for that day. Grab your style steals the likes of Lanvin, Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Mulberry and many many more. This is the sale that is worth all the prior self restraint...

Sale will be open to the public thereafter on Friday...

(Last I know from last Sat's visit to Club21 mens... neon yellow Balmain jeans (SGD $2400 before discount) at size 29 is still available... Dries Van Noten Tie Belt (similar to mine) at SGD $550 (before discount) is awaiting ownership and Mihara Yasuhiro Ankle Wrap Lace-ups, size 26.5 and 27 at SGD $940 (before discount) are pending your feet...)

Source: Club 21

My MANy Bags News #244

Below: Luisaviaroma currently stocks these black calf leather studded loafers...

Update: Giacomorelli Studded Leopard Haircalf Loafers

I just got more information from Vittorio of Giacomorelli who has kindly shared more information for these 'to-die-for' studded loafers in gorgeous leopard haircalf.

These loafers will retail for €380 and will be distributed and sold in selected stores, the most accessible to international buyers being www.luisaviaroma.com. However, luisaviaroma currently only stocks a black calf leather loafer with studs at €314.17. I hope more styles will soon be offered at the online retailer's website. Giacomorelli is also planning to set up their very own online store which is targeted to be operational by end July. So stay tuned! Meanwhile, any interested parties can email info@giacomorelli.com to check on availability and international delivery.

For this first Fall Winter 2010 collection, there will be a total of 7 styles where style number 1, 2 and 4 will each be offered in 3 different colours. Production run for each design are limited (100 pieces maximum for each style). However, for the upcoming Spring Summer 2011 collection, there will be 2 very limited styles going for a exclusive run of just 30 pairs. The possibility of collaborative designs with some major brand names are also in planning. I have yet to receive the lookbook for their Spring Summer 2011 collection. But once the images are sent to me, I will definitely share them here.

Here's a little background information about the designer and the business partners involved in creating Giacomorelli:

Giacomo Morelli is a new and young designer who was born in Italy 24 years ago. After high school, he left his own town and studied in the Marangoni fashion school in Milan, developing his ideas and honing his acute sense of style.

Upon graduation in 2009 and finishing his fashion show in Paris, he started gaining valuable experience from working with some famous brands before embarking on his own label. Having always the dream to create his own line of shoes, Giacomo Morelli began developing his shoe designs as early as 2009. Hand made in Italy, the quality and innovative designs caught the attention of Vittorio and Roberto in December 2009 where they use their industry expertise and experience to help Giacomo distribute his shoe line to well known retailers all across Italy. The GIACOMORELLI brand name was hence born. With the help of the good business strategy by Vittorio, these beautiful shoes has now been introduced to reputable buyers and customers worldwide.

For pictures of the Fall Winter 2010 collection, check out www.giacomorelli.com.

A big thank you to Vittorio for answering my queries:-)

Source: Giacomorelli

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #139

Kenzo Fall Winter 2010 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

Complimenting his Ready-To-Wear collection which is inspired by the goofy allure of comedic actor and director Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot, Antonio Marras continues an eccentric play of colours for his Kenzo Fall Winter 2010 Mens Accessories Collection.

Brick red, forest green, mandarin orange and yellow reinforce the optimism of the collection. Vintage inspired briefcases in vibrant reds and oranges are refreshing for an otherwise sombre male accessory for the office. Duffels and school bag style totes are crafted with classic plaid fabric adding a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the fifties.

One of the most eye catching offering from the collection are those patent red leather high cut boots which are definitely not for the faint hearted. I wonder if any guys are bold enough to brave the attention? Surprisingly, those boots do looked amazing and not garish on those runway looks:-P

Source: Kenzo

The Runway Sniper #64

Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

"The “B” for Balmain motif, half-covered by a rampant tiger, spelled out the once grand Paris couture house that the designer Christophe Decarnin has transformed into a hot property. This new punk-inspired logo on T-shirts, on the back of a hoodie, or on shorts fits right in with the torn jeans that could be worn with a leather jacket trimmed with safety pins. Even if he wants to turn his back on formal wear, Mr. Decarnin needs to look forward, rather than back to those familiar rebel years."
Suzy Menkes, New York Times

Well said, Ms Suzy.

Dear Mr Decarnin, you made your statement with Balmain Homme. We are fully aware of your obsession with biker styles and surplus stores. We know you are very proud of your iconic and exceptionally overpriced jeans that everyone covet. We know you love indulging in moments of nostalgia that you want to share with your fans... but enough is enough... I think for Balmain Homme to survive the fickle minded fashion circuit, I plead for you to move forward as per Ms Suzy's advice. Refresh, reinvent, inspire... it's how you stay fresh in this cut throat and ever evolving industry. How many pairs of biker jeans do you want us to stock in our closets? How many biker jackets, combat boots and 'moth hole' ridden t-shirts can we own? Let us see new ideas from you next season, okay? I have full confidence in your ability to present new styles for Balmain Homme, while retaining the brand's DNA.:-P

PS. I still like your impeccable styling on the collection. May not be revolutionary... but it's what guys love to wear. Especially that 'rocker meets disco' silver jeans!

Source: Slamxhype, WWD

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #114

Below: Camouflage print... my current obsession. Be a standout, wear Camouflage this spring summer season! Love his suit jacket and matching tie...

Below: American designer Michael Bastian has been proposing this masculine pattern for his Spring Summer 2010 collection...

Below: And real guys are wholeheartedly embracing the 'tough luxe' look...

Below: And Michael Bastian's introduction of this military pattern juxtaposing with sartorial wear dates back to his Fall Winter 2009 collection... Camouflage shorts with blazer looks are spotted in the recent Milan Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Fashion Week...

Below: The 'fashionising' of the camouflage print has propagated the adoption of this unique tough/luxe mix by many guys for Spring Summer 2010 season. (Runway pic from Michael Bastian's Fall Winter 2009 collection)

Stand Out In Camouflage Prints...

Military uniforms, the epitome of masculine expression, are not exactly a fresh concept for high fashion. High fashion has always been intrigued and inspired by military garments' functionality and details. Each season, we see hints of the military in different quantities and interpretations. For this Spring Summer season, Camouflage prints has risen to the 'ranks of trends' alongside the olive green hue. Originally created with practical reasons to hide soldiers from enemy eyes, it has now become a big standout fashion statement.

The current 'fashionising' of the camouflage print started when Michael Bastian introduced the pairing of aforementioned patterned pieces with sartorial wear (way back in Fall 2009), creating a unique balance of toughness and refinement. Tough luxe has now crept into the closets of many fashion savvy men as evident in the abundant looks spotted with this military pattern over Milan's Spring Summer 2011 Mens Fashion Week.

Ironically, the camouflage pattern originally intended to mask the wearer to their environment has now become an eye catching fashion statement where everyone takes notice.

I need this camouflage hunting jacket with elbow patch from Michael Bastian. And yes, that matching tie will be welcome any day even if Singapore's weather might mean you sweat like a sauna wrapping up your neck. I am obsessed with the look now. NEED!

Below: Mr. Wooster, Men's Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus effortlessly pulling off his Michael Bastian camouflage jacket with a matching tie... I need to hunt down a similar one soon!

Source: All the pretty birds, Style, GQ by Tommy Ton