Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #203

Below: Desirable Valextra SS2011 Womens Bags... minimalist designs have always been the brand's DNA... (Food for thought, do these give off a Céline vibe? Who inspired who?:-P)

Below: The pink bag reminds me of Hermès So Kelly, while the tan duffel sends a Chloé Aurora Bag devaju...

Below: A refreshing summer palette of colours, such as power pinks to soften and balance off the architectural lines of the bags... Love it!

Below: Céline and Jil Sander SS2011 bags... reminds you of Valextra? (See first 2 bags)

Below: Hermès So Kelly and Chloé Aurora bags... distant cousins of Valextra's? :P (See 3rd and 4th bag)

Valextra Spring Summer 2011 Womens Bags

Before the rise of minimalist trends in womens fashion and bags, all thanks to Phoebe Philo's Celine 'frenzy', there is already one Italian luxury leather goods brand pursuing this design direction since many years. Valextra is the name and leather goods of optimum craftsmanship and clean lines are their game. On par in pricing and craftsmanship as Hermès, their bags are another 'holy grail' brand that many aspire to own.

For Spring Summer 2011, we see a refreshing palette of colours in Valextra's Womens Bag collection. From powder pink, to off whites, tan and navy... Valextra is sure to strike a fancy with fans of minimalist designs but wanting just the right amount of summery colours. These bags harbour an almost architectural design precision and construction, it's almost a work of modern art in my opinion. I love the collection.

However, there are some bags from this collection which creates a sense of devaju. The first 2 sends off a Céline and Jil Sander vibe, while the 3rd and fourth reminds me of Hermès So Kelly and Chloé's Aurora Bag. So who do you think inspired who? :-P

One thing's for sure, these Valextra bags are a standout of its own, in its simple beauty and modern lines, any time any day.

See the full collection of Valextra's Spring Summer 2011 Bags here on my facebook page:-)

Source: Valextra

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #156

Below: It's time to downsize your bags: Céline's Nano Luggage Shopper with a handy shoulder strap (in fabulous colour and materials) is a good reason to forgo those oversize bags! Love this green full leather version:-)

Below: I also adore this bi-material and multi coloured version. The linen, biege, tan and black leather works perfect! Shoulder strap is handy and works like a charm for those city girls on the move!

Below: Black may be conventional... but it's timeless and most versatile!

It's Hip To Be Nano: Céline Nano Luggage Shopper With Shoulder Strap

More novelty than the Céline Luggage Tote (too many girls seen with this bag, I feel it's becoming too expected), but shares the same charm as her larger counter part: The Céline Nano Luggage Shopper With Shoulder Strap is a refreshing take on the highly popular tote version (Sold out in many places!).

It's hip (literally hanging at hip level when shoulder slung) and cute and versatile for the girl on the move. I love it! Who has already gotten their hands on this elusive version of the Céline Luggage series of bags? I love the one in green, but most of all the one with the bi-materials and multi-colours:-)

Retails for JPY135,000 (Approx. SGD2104) at Restir, Japan (Tax exclusive). They still stock the full leather black version.

Source: Jak and Jil, Restir

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #155

Below: Further to my post yesterday on the 'Balmain Homme Varsity Jacket + Boots look'... Here's a little observation I made from Jak n Jil's New York Fashion Week street shots. During the recent New York Fashion week, I noticed not one but quite a few guys spotted with their Varsity jackets... Will this translate into a 'back to college' inclination to men's dressing soon? (I love his black and white version and creating a monotone colour story...even his bag is matching:-P)

Below: Varsity = college = young = colourful...

Below: A touch of soft pastel softens and surprise a usually 'jock-ish' look...

Below: Dandy touch with the cravat... style can start young, even when you are in 'college'...

Below: Stand out from the crowd with some eye popping colour...

Below: or Maroon and camel beige... Varsity Jackets is now on my style radar...

Below: Will Balmain Homme's Varsity jacket look from Fall Winter 2010 cause a wave of college inspired dressing? Only time will tell...

Below: Or have Prada SS2011's Varsity inspired leather shopping bags (customisation allowed for your initials) already herald the coming of those jocks and college chic?

Back To School: Varsity Jackets

I blogged about my inspiration of Varsity Jackets and boots yesterday. And today, I made a small observation browsing thru pictures taken by Jak and Jil, of guys during the recent New York Fashion Week.

Are these college inspired dressing rising in favour with guys? Will it blossom into a 'back to college' phenomenon in mens dressing soon? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I am loving every look and possibility from this 'jock style' dressing. Make it dandy with soft pastels and a nice cravat, get some American retro hip or tough it up with boots and some rebel attitude. Suffice to say, Varsity Jackets are now on my style radar.

What say you?

Source: GQ by Jak n Jil, Balmain, Prada

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #154

Below: Love this guys look (as spotted during London Fashion Week 'Men's Day')... Balmain inspired 'Varsity Jacket + Boots' look?

Below: Spring Summer 2011 Balmain Homme collections sees similar bomber style jackets paired with jeans and boots...

Below: Fall Winter 2010 Balmain Homme also sees similar looks... college chic?

The 'Balmain Varsity Jacket+Boots' Look

I love the look of this guy, spotted during London Fashion Week 'Men's Day'. Wearing a Varsity Jacket, but not paired with trainers and instead, those tall military boots (presumably Balmain Homme FW2010/SS2011 inspired)! Love the touch of green with grey. There's a sense of a rebel attitude when paired with boots. I am going to try on this look. It's pretty easy to attain, but looking 'jock-ish' any day:-) And isn't that a good thing? Don't all boys want to be regarded as a jock (of course the nicer ones like Glee's Finn Hudson (played by Cory Monteith)) during their high school years?

Source: Wayne Tippetts, Balmain

The Material Boy #442

Below: I love these new accessories from Coach's Spring Summer 2011 Mens collection such as the tan coloured Hudson Case (Featuring a manila envelope style of fastening which evokes philatelic references from yesteryear) and those canvas anchor print wallets and pouches from the Sheldon Collection!

Below: For a handsome companion to the gym or weekend getaways, I would not mind the full leather Harrison Duffel or the canvas Hamptons Weekender!

More Coach Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags + Accessories!

Are you ready to part with more of your hard earned cash? It seems heading to Coach is going to be a very good direction for Visa card meltdown. I love these new bags and accessories from the Coach Spring Summer 2011 Mens collection. I need to track down any of those anchor print (I am a sucker for nautical themed designs) canvas pouches, passport cases and wallets. Love the vintage print with gorgeous brown leather trim. It's American Retro Hip all over again... Give me the white one any day! (The pieces is under the Sheldon collection)

Further to that, I would not mind toting those duffel bags, namely the Hamptons Canvas Weekender or the full leather Harrison Duffel! Both are exceptionally handsome in their own appeal... each fulfilling a good balance of form and function. Masculine aesthetics brought to a new level of charm.

More pics of Coach Spring Summer 2011 Mens accessories and bags up on my facebook fan page. (There's even exotics to fulfill those luxurious skin fanatics, the Python collection has many small accessories that will set you back a few zeros in your bank account.)

Coach's Men Accessories is starting to impress me:-P What say you?

Source: Coach

My MANy Bags News #311

Below: M Jeans, made exclusively for tall men (over 1.82m). Now tall guys will not face the frustration of not being able to find a well fitted pair of jeans! M Jeans founder, Mark Seeger has created the perfect cut after years of research and trials:-) Mark looking very cute in his modelling pics:-P

Below: Tall men or ladies who want the tall man in your life to look as good as Mark, please check out www.m-jeans.com!

Below: Love the label design and all the detailing... it's what makes a pair of jeans stand out!

Below: The red stitching and pocket design is looking incredibly good! Understated but distinctive:-)

Below: M Jeans branding marked discreetly on the buttons...

M Jeans Launches! Exclusively For TALL Men

I once had a real problem looking for clothes that fit me. Hard to believe, but there was a time in fashion history where menswear means outfitting for guys who have some muscles or at least some bulk. Slim guys like myself often find ourselves dwarfed by ill-fitting baggy clothing that swallows our slimmer frames. Thank goodness the fashion gods heard our pleas for help and sent forth a fashion genius, the name of Hedi Slimane who redefined menswear silhouettes. Even after his departure from Dior Homme, Hedi Slimane's slim fitted cuts and aesthetics remain a strong legacy in mens fashion. The idea of wearing more fitted clothes are welcomed by many more designers. Skinny jeans and slim fitted shirts have now become a staple in many fashionable mens' wardrobes.

Hence, I totally understand the frustration of not finding clothing that fit your body type. Little do I know beyond slim men, taller guys face this fashion problem as well. U might think, what ridicule am I blabbering about? Everyone wishes to be tall. Being tall is a blessing, especially when you need fixing a light bulb or tower over your peers in a crowded concert... so why is it a problem at all? Well from a fashion point of view, height is good, but when towering above the average, at over 1.82 metres, it means a TALL order to locate a pair of well fitted pants anywhere. And that includes men’s most quintessential piece of wardobe, a good pair of JEANS! Jeans are a must have for any guy!

Being over 1.82 metres and taller in height, conventional jeans cannot cater to the longer legs for these uniquely ‘physiqued’ guys. They are either too short or by choosing a larger size equates wearing a huge potato sack.

Fret not, tall men of the world... The fashion gods have answered your prayers. They have sent forth yet another saviour to solve another fashion crisis! This time it is none other than Singapore based, American export, Mark Seeger. He has just launched his new line of mens jeans, named M JEANS. Meticulously researched and tested, just for those taller men who never seem to be able to find a well fitted pair in any retail store.

Motivated by his disappointing store experience time and again, Mark started sewing his own jeans (wow, a man who can sew is impressive!). And with years of research in getting the right measurements, Mark perfected his version of tall men’s jeans. He became his own spokesperson by wearing them, and after seeing how great he looked in them, word got around and soon, hordes of tall men facing the same frustration start to make a beeline for his jeans.

Now Mark has officially launched M Jeans and offering them to all tall men of the world (He ships international from his website: www.m-jeans.com). M Jeans uses only select raw denim, no washes, rips or tears. The unique 5 pocket design exudes modest confidence and subtlety, embodied by hidden features such as suede pockets and vintage stitching. M Jeans are manufactured in 2 factories, one in Los Angeles, USA and the other in Guatemala.

“Suitable for the relaxed business-casual workplace. No longer do tall men have to put up with limited and inferior choices when it comes to jeans fashion.” Mark explained. "We want to give tall guys the confidence to be stylish and the ability to experiment with fashion like everyone else.”

Thank you Mark, the world just got more 'beautiful' now with more tall guys getting better fitted jeans:-) Get your pair of M Jeans online (USD150) at http://www.m-jeans.com/shop (M Jeans is sold exclusively online). But you can also email Mark (sales@m-jeans.com) to share your queries and concerns... He will be most happy to address any of your questions. Mark is very friendly and loves interacting with his customers.

Interesting trivia about M Jeans: The Finance minister of Thailand counts himself as one of M Jeans' customer. That should say a lot on how good a fit these jeans will have on tall men:-P

PS. Ladies, these jeans will be perfect for the tall men in your life... So shop away too!

Source: M Jeans

My MANy Bags News #310

Below: Dolce & Gabbana launches a book, Uomini, as part of Dolce & Gabbana Mens 20th Anniversary celebration... seen in the pages are some of the world's most beautiful men, such as David Gandy... flaunting his hot bod and of course, Dolce & Gabbana's sexy underwear. Someone hand me a tissue, I am nose bleeding!
(Click on pic to enlarge for better view!)

Below: Sebastian and Jesper Lund... 2 of my favourite male models... brothers posing in underwear? Oh my... must be awkard:-P

Dolce & Gabbana – Uomini

Dolce & Gabbana has always embraced the alpha male types in terms of the men whom they envision their clothes most suit. So it is very appropriate for them to celebrate these masculine archetypes and published a volume that seeks inspirations from these male beauty ideal which transcends times, trends and culture. Titled Uomini (= men), the book is a part of Dolce & Gabbana Mens 20th Anniversary celebration and supports Project EUPLOOS (www.linesonline.org)

Get ready for major nose bleed as you browse thru the pages of this beautifully photographed book, lensed by Mariano Vivanco both in black and white and colour. David Gandy, Sebastian and Jesper Lund, Miguel Iglesias... are just some of the beautiful male faces to grace the pages of the book. And bear in mind, they are either wearing Dolce & Gabbana's sexy underwear or nothing:-P

I shall leave you to peruse the book in its entirety and 'nudity' at your own leisure, of course after you get the book for yourself. But here's some pics (of course, more 'General' rated ones.) for your viewing pleasure.

I love the shot of David Gandy and the Lund Brothers!

More pics on my facebook fan page:-)

Source: Dolce & Gabbana

My MANy Bags News #309

Below: Burberry's Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show Video...

Watch Burberry's Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show LIVE Here Today!

It's time of the year again for another Burberry collection to debut to the world. At exactly midnight (12am) Singapore time today (21 Feb 2011), Burberry will live stream their Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show, straight from a new venue at London’s Royal Park of Kensington Gardens. Furthermore, the entire runway presentation can be viewed live as well on the iconic huge Coca Cola Screen at Piccadilly Circus. How's that for another innovation? Burberry is forever surprising us fans and also keeping their show formats as fresh as ever.

But if you reside outside of UK and cannot partake in all this live action, fret not. Burberry has enabled live stream viewing of the show on my blog:-P Thank you Burberry! Can't wait to see what fabulous ideas Christopher Bailey will send out for Fall Winter 2011. We have seen the menswear, I am excited what the girls will get:-)


Tune in at 12am (Singapore time) here for the show. Countdown has begun!

Source: Burberry

The Material Boy #441

My 'Mr Porter' Wishlist

Mr Porter, the menswear shopping portal from the people who brought you Net-a-porter.com was launched exclusively to founding members last week. Free shipping anywhere in the world was offered as part of this exclusive launch... this makes refraining from shopping a huge effort to overcome.

So here's my wishlist from the newly launched shopping site... guess which item I bought on Sunday from my wishlist:-P

1. Lanvin Silk Pocket Square with Raw Edge – £38
2. Paul Smith Yellow Striped Silk Pocket Square – £20
3. Gucci Chevron Olive Coloured T-shirt – £141.67
4. Lanvin Taupe Silk Flower Buttonhole Pin – £83
5. Oliver Peoples Thick Rimmed Optical Glasses – £158.33
6. Balmain Short Sleeve Plaid Shirt – £321

If you are a founding member and have received their shopping e-invite with an exclusive link, hurry grab something before the free shipping ends today! :-P

Source: Mr Porter

The Runway Sniper #74

Below: Watch the runway video of Mulberry's highly anticipated Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear Collection!

Mulberry Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear And Runway Video

Emma Hill is known to draw references for her Mulberry collections from the most whimiscal of inspirations. From Valley of the Dolls (Fall Winter 2010), to Garden blossoms of Spring Summer 2011 and now Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox for her latest Fall Winter 2011 Collection.

The English countryside takes centrestage, as does its mysterious inhabitants, where the runway show was held in a hedgerow and hillock-daubed Ballroom at Claridge’s Hotel yesterday (20th February 2011). Hedgerow animals such as foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels; trees filled with birds; a wooden catwalk, benches and a garden shed; and plenty of toadstools of all shapes and sizes form a fantasy-like setting that transports the audience to the mood of the collection.

The ready to wear pieces are fabulous and may be commercial in some aspects, but they were never the heroes of any Mulberry collection. The bags are the true 'scene stealers' of the runway. And this season, we see a welcoming change, as in a more controlled colour palette and patterns for the collection. Less brash and more sophisticated, these new arm candies, the likes of highly popular Alexa bags and its sister, Tillie, appeared in camel, moss green, bright turquoise (my favourite!) and gold during the catwalk. Which ones to pick? The choices are aplenty! One thing’s for sure, once I get more information, I will definitely share it here to all Mulberry fans.

But for now, I love the turquoise coloured bags... Especially the new rising star of Mulberry, Tillie (Those trompe l’oeil metal buckles are now seen on belts and jackets!) How fresh for dull winters!

Full set of runway pics on my facebook fan page.

Source: Mulberry

My MANy Bags News #308

Below: Victoria Beckham spotted with Céline! And she has those metal cuffs I am so obsessed over...makes me so jealous!

Below: Céline Box Leather Bag...

Below: The Céline metal cuff which I am obsessed over now! So hard to find!

Victoria Beckham Spotted With Her Céline Box Leather Shoulder Bag And Metal Gold Cuffs

Mrs Beckham, one of the most watch style stars of our time seems to have catched on the Céline fever as well. Not only is she seen exiting her Manhattan Hotel clutching her Céline Large Box Leather Bag...but on her wrist is my current obsession... those highly elusive Céline Gold Metal Cuffs which I absolutely must track down a bigger size for myself!

Love! Now I have more reasons and conviction that I need to get myself a larger gold Céline Metal Cuff Bracelet... I sold my small size today... so sad to part with it after so much trouble locating it and utilising all the personal favours!

Source: Upscalehype

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #202

Below: More pics from Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Mens Lookbook... starring Clément Chabernaud...
(Click on all pics to enlarge for better view)

Below: Hi-cut trainers with square perforations... off goes all those weary red and white canvas stripes... a welcoming change:-)

Below: Modern and clean lines abound in the collection...

Below: The tote is not canvas as it seemed... it's woven leather (adds to the weight, prefer canvas) and costs SGD4290. Yikes! Bad move on pricing in my opinion, who will pay this amount for Bally bags? But it is fabulous!

Below: Love these deck shoes with chunky soles...especially the ankle height ones with the blue panel...

Bally Spring Summer 2011 Mens Lookbook

Here's more lookbook pics from Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Mens Collection with Clément Chabernaud coercing you to do some serious Visa Card swiping...

Nautical inspired colours and patterns, sporty and modern menswear that are ready for any adventurous but stylish man, ready to set sail into the Mediterranean.

Love those hi-cut sneakers with square perforation, as well as the white ankle height deck shoes with a huge blue panel. The woven leather totes are streamlined and clean (but ultra expensive!), utilising subdued hues of white, beige and navy for a nautical aesthetic. I like!

Full set of images from the lookbook on my facebook fan page here:-)

Source: Bally

My MANy Bags News #307

Below: (SOLD) Brand new, protective sticker still intact, Céline Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet for sale! Hot off the lookbook of Céline's Spring 2011 collection. Not available in Singapore's Céline's Boutique... so this is your chance! Click here if you are interested in owning this fabulous accessory!

Below: Just got it today...but too small for me:-( Sob sob... but my lady colleague tried it and it fits perfect! Lucky ladies!

Below: As seen on the Spring 2011 lookbook... gorgeous bracelet to glamourise any outfit in an understated Céline way!

Céline Spring 2011 Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet FOR SALE! (SOLD)

Gorgeous piece of Céline Spring 2011 Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet finding a new home! I cannot fit into these bracelets despite the dimensions given... I guess I was too excited in getting these that I did not think about the sizing properly. I think I need a Large size instead of the small I got.:-( So now I am looking for that lucky girl (or lucky guy!) to own this fabulous accessory! So sad, I cannot fit! Not sold in Singapore Céline boutiques and there is a long waitlist if this ever hits the stores. Don't miss this chance! This bracelet is brand new with transparent protective sticker still intact (The pictures above shows the transparent plastic film). Email me @curveorange@gmail.com if interested.

(Another way to gauge if you fit is to compare it to Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet in PM size. Hermès is oval in shape with diameter widest at 5.4cm. This Céline is round shape and is widest at 5cm. If you find wearing Hermès Clic Clac H at PM size too loose, then this Céline will probably fit you perfect:-P I wear Hermès Clic Clac H at PM size and it is just right, hence why this Céline is too tight:_(

Click on the sale link here for more pics and info. on my bag sale blog. And do check out my other items for sale here, from Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Loewe, Bally and many more!

*Update: The Cuff Bracelet has found a new fabulous owner:-P

Source: Lookbook pics by Céline

The Material Boy #440

Below: Love these Coach SS2011 Mens Hamptons Canvas Totes. The vintage inspired prints and patterns are so charming, I want all four!

Below: The retro chic appeal is combined with functionality and a timeless design to make this a handsome men's tote (Comes with shoulder straps which is not shown in the pics)

Coach Spring Summer 2011 Mens Hamptons Canvas Tote

If you have been a longtime reader of my blog, you would have notice I am a huge fan for nautical and military themes. Be it in bags or ready to wear. And I love tote bags, especially canvas ones. Recently I have acquired a new penchant for retro hip, all thanks to Ace Hotel (I am so inspired by Ace New York right now) that I love a touch of historical inspiration in designs.

While browsing thru Coach’s new Spring Summer 2011 Mens Accessories, I spotted these amazing Hamptons Canvas Totes, updated this season with nautical stripes and interesting camouflage patterns (formed from their ‘C’ initial). But designed in a way where they evoke a nostalgic appeal. The grommet detailing on the sides reminds me of canvas sails reinforced with similar metal rings exuding an even more vintage workwear feel.

These totes scream lust! I want all four (my favourite being the nautical stripe design)! Perfect bag for toting around anywhere, functional and chic:-) Best of all, they retail for HKD3450 (approx. SGD560). And if you are wondering where all these good design aesthetics come from for this American luxury brand, well... Reed Krakoff (I have raved about his gorgeous Boxer Totes) is at the helm of the design department. Hence, I am not surprised I have fallen for Coach's man bags too!

Source: Coach