The Material Boy #436

Below: Affordable but packs a huge style, these Prada Printed Nylon tote bags are a must buy for Spring Summer 2011!

Below: Light weight and durable, in colourful prints... these nylon totes also feature leather handles which adds more refinement to previous versions from Prada...

Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Totes

The indisputable creator of desirable nylon totes has to be Prada... The brand shot to fame when they first manufactured those 'highly copied' black nylon parachute bags that is still to this day a highly popular bag design. Fast forward to recent seasons, the nylon material has taken on even more expressive incarnations with prints and colours on Prada's nylon creations, especially the tote bags.

First came the colourful 'Bring Your Own bags' eco friendly totes, now Spring Summer 2011 sees another batch of patterned tote bags (Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Totes) which have me giving my thumbs up! From arabic patterns to geometric combinations, these no frills tote bags comes with leather handles this time, adding a much welcomed refinement to the design. I love the blue arabic print version! I saw a suited guy in Bangkok carrying this bag and it fits just as nicely with smart styling as does casual weekend chic. The light weight and durable material is also most ideal to take away on holidays. There is an interior zip pocket for added security and handles can be shoulder carried if you have slimmer arms (I tested it for myself at the Prada Bangkok Boutique). All in all, I just love those colours and interesting prints!

These new Prada Prada Tessuto Stampato Nylon Shopping Totes comes in an array of patterns and colours besides the blue version, so I am sure one tickle your fancy. Retailing at Euro 250, they are affordable but packs a huge style. I want one!

Source: Prada, Saks

My Shopping Conquest #119

Below: 3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail... I am ready for my 'GETAI' (Lunar Seven Month Street Concert) Debut...

Below: Love the uneven length of the hem, creating a tail on the back, when worn...

Below: Intricately sewn sequins to form a cockerel image...

Below: 'Penguin' tail design which I love...

Below: As seen on the Spring Summer 2011 Mens show, but in a slightly different Cockerel motif... gorgeous!

3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Sequin Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail

I want to be alive... and rock the world...

That is why I got this 3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Sequin Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail. The longer shirt tail at the end created a unique silhouette for the otherwise simple t-shirt, hanging out of your blazers, adding the flowing flair as you walked. Like a tuxedo jacket tail... abeit a more flamboyant one...

I am getting 'cocky'!

(Get yours from Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Price SGD$360... great price for such a intricately crafted t-shirt!)

Source: myMANybags, Style

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #194

Below: Céline's leather cabas... more colours and materials??!? I am in bag ecstacy!

Below: Python skin adds a new level of luxe to the bags, even the belts! I also love the belts in linen and leather...

Below: A spot of striking blue to add visual impart to your summer wardrobe! Love the bi-colour and material small accessories too... the line and leather version is most fab!

Below: Anyone who spots the white and beige python version, please let me know!

Céline Spring 2011 Bags: More Pics!

Am I seeing what I am seeing? More Céline Leather Cabas in different colours and even more snakeskin variants from Spring 2011? I am in bag ecstacy! Lovely lovely colours... Céline's Leather Cabas is indeed understated glamour and luxe. I can have one for every day!

And the small accessories are getting more interesting, especially the bi-material pouches being a must have.

I'd take the white and beige python Leather Cabas anyday! Anyone with me!??

(More pics on my facebook fan page here)

Source: Céline

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #152

Below: The new French Vogue editor-in-chief, Emmanuelle Alt wears her signature skinny jeans with a gorgeous fur jacket, all accented with the fabulous Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt with Gold Metal Belt Loops... I love!

Below: I have the silver version!

Emmanuelle Alt Wears Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt With Gold Metal Belt Loops

The new French Vogue editor-in-chief out for Fall Winter 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris... Emmanuelle Alt is the epitomy of masculine/feminine chic. Wearing gorgeous fur and her signature skinny jeans, she added a touch of glamour with her Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt With Gold Metal Belt Loops . I have that belt in silver... now I want the gold version!

I adore her wearable street style, always inspiring.

Check out this clip as Emmanuelle Alt speaks about her new role as French Vogue Editor-in-Chief... she loves Topshop! Can you believe it? Of all the fashion pieces she has access to:-) Love her more now!

Balmain belt with gold metal loops is available at www.restir.com

Source: www.style.com

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #193

Below: Christian Lacroix makes a comeback with a menswear collection for SS2011... Under the creation director of Swiss-French designer, Sacha Walckhoff... A collection that traces the effortless styles of a Parisian men travelling South to the sun kissed shores of the Azures and French Riveria...

Christian Lacroix Spring Summer 2011 Menswear

Christian Lacroix may be out of fashion action with the bankruptcy of his namesake label. Apparently his legacy has such profound influence on the french fashion scene that it lives on, albeit thru the vision of another creative mind at the helm and under new investors.

Surprisingly, the once famed womenswear and couture luxury brand will make a comeback not for the ladies, but for us guys.

Under the new creative direction of Swiss-French designer, Sacha Walckhoff, the first menswear collection is a real understated charm, although deviating much from the opulent collections Lacroix himself used to do for womenswear.

I must say, I love the new collection.

Set with inspirations from the South of France, towards the French Riveria and Azures, it's about the elegant style of a strong and sensitive Parisian man headed to sun drenched shores for a getaway. A certain “Joie de vivre”, a live and let live way of life “à la Français”.

Smart captain jackets, espadrilles shoes, fine popline shirts, sailor's pullover are just some of the fine pieces presented in the collection. Accents of acid coloured pinks and greens set against whites and navy evoke a cheerful sense of summer seaside escapade.

Sacha Walckhoff has injected romance in this new collection, enriched with a french attitude. If this collection takes off, Christian Lacroix might just be the new name to turn to for guys who appreciates timeless charms of a modern dandy.

Check out my Facebook Page for more pics of the collection. Love!
Remember to LIKE my fanpage for updates and exclusive content:-)

Source: Christian Lacroix

The Material Boy #435

Below: been a long time since I covet something from Louis Vuitton... this Monogram Impression Sac Weekend is now haunting me! Love the subtle monogram and moss green tones...

Below: Comes in a messenger bag style (Monogram Impression Besace, Price USD1460) as well, but I am not a fan, still prefer the sac weekend...

Below: The 2 bags as seen on the LV's SS2011 mens collection runway... the besace is huge!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Impression Sac Weekend

I am not usually a fan of Louis Vuitton. I was apalled by their sneaky acquisition of Hermés stakes, and I am not interested in their overtly brash monogram bags which is seen on practically everyone!

But this Spring Summer 2011 season, I can't seem to get this bag out of my mind: Meet Louis Vuitton Monogram Impression Sac Weekend! Crafted from denim fabric (treated and woven to give a vintage appearance) and leather accents... the colour of moss green and grey is to die for!

I seriously will not mind carrying these around on weekend trips...smart, masculine, luxurious, I can give myself all the reasons in the world to get this bag. Except of course, the exorbitant pricing puts me at bay... USD 2520?!?!?! I need Sugar Daddies!

But I love the bag.

Below: Watch these video clips featuring artist and tattooist Scott Campbell with all those LV SS2011 gorgeous pieces... I am envious!

Below: This 2nd clip has the sac weekend hanging on the rack in the design studio while Scott sketches! Love the bag...

Source: Louis Vuitton

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #151

Below: 3 bags for men. 3 bags to be wishlisted... #1 Trussardi Canvas Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve... doubles as a handy and fabulous clutch!

Below: #2 Pierre Hardy Canvas Geometric Print Large Pouch... instant abstract artistic flair!

Below: I got mine with red leather trimming!

Below: #3 Céline Leather Horizontal Cabas with size zippers... Timeless minimalist cool!

Wednesday Inspiration: 3 Men + 3 Bags

Researching for blog content today seems to bear little results for me today. So I decided to scour the cyberspace for some 'BAG PORN' (namely pics of real people carrying hot bags of the moment) and see what I can gather.

Here's 3 delectable arm candies with pics of real people flaunting them (from the recent Mens Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011). These bags have been on my shopping radar for the longest time. One I already welcomed into my bag harem, the other 2 will one day make their way there.

Bag #1: Trussardi 1911's Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve (Euro 190) is just a cool classic. Military themes for men just comes back again and again. This laptop sleeve from Trussardi is from their classic range (Thanks to Milan Vukmirovic). Use it as a protection for your beloved laptop or simply as a handsome clutch for that bit of military luxe. I love the material and print since I own the belt and can attest to the quality. This will make 'camouflage calling' complete!:-)

Bag #2: Pierre Hardy's Geometric Print Canvas Pouch (SGD290) provides an abstract, artistic uplift to any ensemble. The spot of colour be it red or blue adds a colour interest, while holding just enough to get you thru any of your days. The gold tone zip is refined and the luxurious lambskin lining is delightful to touch. I know I love mine!

Bag #3: I was not attracted to the landscape format of the famed Céline Horizontal Leather Cabas with side zippers (SGD1950) before. The stiffer leather and side zips made the otherwise soft and slouchy tote bag structured and no longer appears easy and simple. However, this image of this guy using the bag changed my mind. Look at the way he zips it half way thru, creating the attitude of nonchalance for the bag. The size is well proportioned for a man and the gold tone zips enhance the luxurious feel of the understated bag. Now I am adding it to my wishlist!

Source: Style, Stockholm Streetstyle, Céline, Pierre Hardy, Trussardi 1911

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #192

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens collection offers controversial take on iconic bags... such as the 'Grunge Birkin' (I named it that!) which I adore till death! Need! (Price is SGD1490)

Below: Even Céline's Classic Box Shoulder Bag is not spared! How's that for bag sarcasm??!?

Below: Love this duffel shaped handbag given a military spin with those canvas 'backpack' straps... Those sculpted heels and leggings are super cool too!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Further to my post on the 'Grunge Birkin' from Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens Collection... here's official pics from the brand's lookbook. Gorgeous and witty take , not to mention bold (imagine all the backlash from H Fans!) take on one of the world's most iconic and distinguished bag. If you noticed, not only the Birkin was 'remodelled' but even Céline's highly popular Classic Box Bag is also being reinterpreted!

How's that for bag 'politics'?!?!

Fun and witty I must say. Take it at a humour perspective and I really love it. Beyond the 'controversial' bags, the ready to wear pieces from Mihara Yasuhiro's womens collection are also very interesting. A bit of dishevelled glamour added with a military, equestrian feel. Check out those stockings and the amazing sculpted heels. Mihara Yasuhiro is always high on originality and creativity, sometimes unexpected such as his sarcasm at iconic bags.

Inspiration for the collection:
The Miharayasuhiro SS11 collection takes its inspiration from the artist Georgia O’Keefe and her early work ‘Black Iris III’. The collection is both representational and abstract as it explores the relationship between Eastern and Western culture and the paradox of the wearer’s strength and fragility.

The collection comprises three broad styles. Tailoring, military, and work wear.

Masculine tailoring, trench coats and structured jackets are transformed with floral printing. Reminiscent of O’Keefe’s style, the flowers not only fill the garments with shape but also remind us that this is lived in and not simply an object.

In contrast to the structured tailoring, the military garments strike feminine silhouettes. Layers of silk drape sensitively to create safari jackets and dresses reminiscent of the Japanese kimono. Floral camouflage created with Mihara’s technique of woven photographic print delivers traditional dress for a new era.

Washed denim shirts evoke O’Keefe’s personal style, a style which is reinvented through drop-neck shirts, washed denim jeans and frayed jersey garments. All of which give the sense of time over which these garments have been worn.

The rugged and artistic energy in this collection is finally channeled into a collection of minimal chic shoes and traditional footwear takes on a new image. Tasseled loafers become pumps and wooden soles float on clear acrylic heels.

This collection tells the story of a woman’s strength established through time. Encouraged in abstract thinking, educated in expression and inherently feminine.

Mihara Yasuhiro is available at Club 21, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore (Women's store)

Source: Mihara Yasuhiro via Club 21 Global

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #150

Below: Dull winters are over, Spring Summer is here. The season where even men can 'bloom' in pretty flowers... Jil Sander Spring Summer 2011 mens collection sees flower prints in small or large formats splashed across shirts and t-shirts...

Below: Etro does their ethnic inspired paisley prints... for the ever flamboyant men...

Below: Love the blazer!

Below: Yohji Yamamoto does his take on flowers, seeking inspiration dating back to the Era of dukes and barons... brocade style paisley prints from balloony shorts to full suits to footwear...

Below: Club 21 mens, Four Seasons Hotel, stocks this pair of paisley Yohji Yamamoto shorts... love the baggy but tapered cut, do you guys think it's a good idea for me to flaunt the short?!?! :-P

Below: D&G brings their spin on flower themes, straight from picnic grounds and suburbia... white picket fences and desperate housewives and husbands?

Below: Take a holiday to Hawaii and say aloha to the tropical flora...

Men In Bloom

Spring Summer is here. Dull Winters are over (at least in the fashion calendar). So let nature takes its course and welcome back colours and flamboyance into our wardrobes.

This Spring Summer 2011, men are 'blooming'...and I mean literally blooming. So many flower prints running amok on the men's Spring Summer 2011 collections. Designers have unabashedly introduced flower themes from small paisley, big motifs to tropical Hawaiian prints in their collections. Boys, it's time to let your sensitive side flourish... time to outshine our dear female counterparts.

Are you ready to be a man in bloom?

Source: Style

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #149

Below: Anyone for furry 'bag friends'? Céline's Pre-Fall 2011 collection sees abundance of these furry bag charms hooked onto those delectable bags and clutches... I am already wishlisting it, have you?

Below: A touch of winter luxe on any bags, even small clutches! Me like!

Below: Céline's neutral shades in Black or whites are perfect to accent the colours in her pre-fall 2011 collection. Fur goes so well with tweeds, plaids and wools...

Below: I am definitely getting one to hook on to the clutches come next Fall Winter 2011...

A Tale Of The Furry Tails...

Over the past few seasons I have noticed the rise of the 'furry tail' bag charms in fashion. Often than not, they become highly coveted 'pets'... a cuddly companion to accompany your beloved arm candies. These 'touch-inducing' bag accessory can be traced all the way back to Fall Winter 2007 (all thanks to Gucci's Frida Giannini) as a smaller version endearingly hooked onto the bags at Gucci's Fall Winter 2007 mens collection. What a touch of winter luxe that sends me all the way to Paris to hunt one down for myself.

Below: I first notice our 'furry friends' debuting in Gucci's Fall Winter 2007 mens collection... smaller in size and in shades of brown to mimick the 'tails' of the racoon...

Fast forward to Spring Summer 2010, the full glory of these furry tails exploded into fashion stardom (not to mention collector's frenzy) with Louis Vuitton's multi-coloured and 'bank account' draining versions, bigger and better! I hear many were disappointed as these LV furry tails were some of the hardest to track down then. Demand was overwhelming despite their astronomical price tags.

Below: Louis Vuitton took these little 'furry cuties' to fashion stardom in Spring Summer 2010, multiplying them in size, splashing them in hot pinks and greens! Everyone wants them!

If anyone misses out on these charming furries, Fret not...

There is light at the end of the 'fashion tunnel'... Our furry tail friends are back with another 'season of vengeance'. Thanks to Phoebe Philo who proposes these furry bag charms as a key accessory for her Céline Pre-fall 2011 collection. A must-have in the collection that is seen on every look, fashionably attached to Céline's delectable clutches and bags. Call it a new level of minimalist luxe. I adore her black and white pared down interpretations.

I am signing up for one right this moment... anyone else joining me?:-P Winter 2011 please come fast!!!

Source: Style, Céline