The Material Boy #484

Below: Look razor sharp with these new McQ Fall Winter 2011 jewellery collection... I need these leather double wrap bracelets with razor blade shaped hardware:-P

Below: Dog tag like Razor Blade necklaces are equally cool...

McQ Fall Winter 2011 'Razor Blade' Jewellery

Now we all have no excuse not to look razor sharp this coming Fall Winter 2011. Check out these ultra cool bracelets and necklaces from McQ's Fall Winter 2011 collection! For the first time, McQ is offering a jewellery range in addition to their very avant garde ready to wear pieces. This first jewellery collection (though meant for women, boys can wear them too!) sees dominant inspiration by the most mundane of dangerous objects, think razor blades and safety pins... given a distinctive bad-boy McQueen spin, turning them into menacing but interesting accessories.

I want everything... love the razor blade shaped hardware that will get you that 'don't mess with me' attitude and envious glances:-)

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

(McQ is available at Club 21b at Forum Shopping Mall, Singapore) Source: McQ by Club 21 Global

The Material Boy #483

Below: Now you can be convinced you want this Gucci FW2011 Brief Bag... clutch it as a murse or use it as a briefcase...

Gucci Fall Winter 2011 Brief Bag

Just in case you have forgotten how fabulous and versatile this 'transformative' Gucci Fall Winter 2011 'Brief Bag' is... here's more pics to tempt those hard earned $$$ out of your pocket.

Kwannam from we could grow up together is making sure he reminds you you need this bag.

The fab 'clutch+briefcase' is yours for USD1980:-) Anyone up for it?

(See my previous post on this bag from my Gucci Showroom visit here. More pics on my facebook fan page too.)

Source: Gucci, We Could Grow Up Together

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #230

Below: Balenciaga Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign...my favourite for the season...
(Click on pics to enlarge for better view)

Balenciaga Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign

I love the new Balenciaga Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign. The photoshoot captures the idea of contrast for the collection. While play in proportion and textures are a focal point for the ready to wear, the print imagery plays on contrast of patterns, colours and the setting of old vs. new.

Clinical white tiles opposing dark, morbid archways... dark against light, colours vs. monotones. The images embody a certain intrinsic artistic quality associated with the Balenciaga DNA, just like how Nicholas Ghesquière sculpt his creations.

Brilliant job, my favourite campaign for the season.

(The campaign is shot by Steven Meisel and starr models Liya Kebede, Milou Van Groesen, Carla Gebhart, Juliane Grüner and Liisa Winkler.)

More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Balenciaga

The Material Boy #482

Below: Mulberry's latest mens offering... the schoolboy charm, Mulberry Rockley Satchel...

Mulberry Fall Winter 2011 Rockley Satchel

New debut from Mulberry's Fall Winter 2011 Mens Collection. With the popularity of school boy bags currently still influencing many female bag designs (all thanks to Proenza Schouler's PS1 Bag!), boys are getting into the fun this Fall Winter 2011 season with Mulberry's 'mens look-alike'... The Rockley Satchel:-)

Crafted in rich chocolate/gunmetal smooth leather with brass tone hardware, complete with a vintage collegiate appeal, this is one bag that takes your on and off duty. I love the aplenty of storage compartments and even a padded pocket, perfect for laptops...a great daily companion, roomy enough to keep you organised but just rightly proportioned to be handy. (The size of width 38cm and height of 31cm ensures minimal hindrance!)

Highly recommended for boys on the go but most of all, love the studious and intellectual charm the bag evokes:-)

(The Rockley family also comprises of a messenger and holdall)

Source: Mulberry Retail price: £775. Where to buy: www.mulberry.com

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #183

Below: Hermés Twilly as a bracelet... the most affordable Hermès accessory you can own!

Hermés Twilly As A Bracelet

Have you ever loved the appeal of an Hermés bracelet(the likes of Collier De Chien, Kelly Double Tour and The Rivale) but found the pricing way out of reach? Well, with a little bit of imagination and creativity, you can enjoy some of that Hermés charm on your wrist and yet do not have to cost you an arm or leg.

Hermés Twilly to the rescue. Twilly is one of the most versatile and multi-functional accessory in the Hermés arsenal. Typically used to decorate or protect the leather handles of those precious birkins, however its usage extend way beyond. This little fine piece of silk can be worn as a scarf, folded as pocket square or even double up as a bracelet. It's the most affordable entry level Hermés that anyone could own. Just check out the pic above. This lady has successfully decorated her wrist and added that Hermés sophistication with a little twilly magic. Love the pink and Kelly strap pattern on her Trés Kelly Twilly. With so many Twilly designs to choose from, you can literally wear a different Hermés bracelet everyday!

I love the idea of Twilly as a bracelet. Simple but yet elegant and sophisticated. Even boys can adopt the look if you choose more sombre and neutral colours. I usually prefer smaller patterns as they wrap around better on smaller surfaces such as the wrist. Do not be afraid to play with bold colours too. You'd be surprise how bright hues can create a different look altogether. The possibilities are simply limitless. To add icing to the cake, opt for some Twilly Bijoux such as the medor metal square studs for some bling bling hardware to give CDCs a run for their money:-)

What are you waiting for, at SGD230... the Hermés dream is not that far fetch after all.

Source: Sartorialist, Hermés

My MANy Bags News #335

Below: Time for beach/pool and whatever doing nothing time...

It's Time For Sun, Sea And Sand...

Yes, after weeks of gruelling work schedules and countless hair pulling in the office... Kevin deserves a break. And he is doing just that today:-)

Sun, sea and sand awaits... blogging from the poolside soon:-) Happy Thursday to all!

My MANy Bags News #334

Below: A balance of discreet luxury and branding... introducing the Damier Infini collection from Louis Vuitton's Fall Winter 2011 range of bags...

Louis Vuitton Damier Infini

Logos are passé. Subtlety is key to wealth and taste. More and more brands are pursuing the minimalist route for their top range leather goods. The more savvy a customer gets, the less brash he wants himself to be. Quality becomes more paramount than branded initials of whom they buy into.

Good news for Louis Vuitton fans. Louis Vuitton has always been a perpetrator of 'logomania', so it is refreshing to see the brand moving into the territory of discreet luxury more and more. Introducing the Damier Infini, a Fall Winter 2011 collection of bags crafted from supersoft calfskin embossed with the house’s Damier check. No longer are the Damier Checks pattern screaming for attention, they are now imbued with a subdued luxurious charm. Discreet but identifiable, these bags has the perfect balance of branding and craftsmanship.

If you find yourself a fan of this range, rejoice... some of the best LV mens styles are included in the collection. Loving the Keepall (with shoulder strap) and the Porte-Document Voyage which are iconic and yet functional. There will also be small leather goods to compliment your travel style. Damier Infini will be offered in rich charcoal, red, and light grey.

Sign me up for that bright red Keepall... It's LVoe at first sight!

Damier Infini will arrive in Louis Vuitton stores from mid-August 2011. For Singapore fans, the collection will be launched in Singapore come September 2011. Look out for the collection at Louis Vuitton's first Island Maison in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post)

Source: Louis Vuitton

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #182

Below: This guy finally prove to me that Givenchy's SS2011 Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt does work on regular guys other than hunky latin runway models... He pulled it off!:-P

Givenchy Spring Summer 2011 Mens Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt

I never expect anyone other than those hunky latin Givenchy runway models (Good looking guys get away with anything) to pull off this Givenchy Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt. Leopard spots as a top is not to be 'trifled' with lightly unless you are blessed with dashing good looks and a fantastic physique:-)

This 'wild+fetish' animal print is usually associated with attention seeking queens and trannys. Coupled with stretch material, this Givenchy T-shirt means only the brave and the bold should only attempt this. In my opinion, it literally means no regular 'sane' male should ever try wearing it outside of the store dressing room.

That is until today after I saw this guy's pic.

He did it! I eat my own words... a normal 'person' actually looking incredibly chic and not trashy in this top:-)

I guess it is the way he styled himself. Pairing with a more 'gentlemenly' shawl collared jacket, simple chinos and a pair of eye-popping blue suede desert boots. This is the winning combination:-) Restrained and classic with nothing too overdone. Just the right amount of debonair to offset the brash leopard prints, making the pattern stand out and not overwhelm him.

Love it! Applause:-)

(If you are inspired by the Leopard Print Stretch T-shirt and keen to buy, here's your last chance.... get it at www.luisaviaroma for € 427.99 at 30% off!)

Source: Wayne Tippetts, Givenchy

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #229

Below: Let's check out the new Winter 2011 bags from Céline! Of course, I love all the leather cabas!

Below: New season, new Luggage totes!

Céline Winter 2011 Bags

I am always anticipating Céline's new season launches... we have seen what Fall 2011 will bring. Now it is time to let our hearts start pounding faster for their Winter 2011 collection!

Once again, being a huge fan of Céline's leather cabas... I am immediately drawn to a new variants for this new collection. This time, my vote goes to the Céline's Black Gusset Cabas Mesh (which reminds me of racing cars) with its sexy black leather and traffic-stopping orange interiors. The zipped gusset mesh on the sides is interesting (like materials of racing gloves) and definitely the perfect bag for Singapore's F1 Night Race this September. Get set, ready, go... must grab!

Forest green colour and suede materials are also some of the new updates for my favourite cabas. Orange is the dominant colour for this Winter collection, often juxtapose with a basic tone to accent an unexpected pop of colour.

As for the ever popular Luggage Totes... indisputably, their new cousin, the Luggage Phantom steals the spotlight for Fall Winter 2011 season. I am already a fan of the grey version with fluro orange coloured piping, another ingenious way to introduce those bright orange tones. But if I were to pick a favourite, I'd choose the very 'huggable and furry' Cream Shearling Mini Luggage. It's a design which looked like your adorable teddy bear turned into a bag. How can you resist not bringing it home?:-P

Source: Céline

My MANy Bags News #333

Below: I love these new red Tod's x Ferrari Mens Gommino for Singapore's F1 Race!

Tod's x Ferrari Gommino

I have been tracking down a pair of red shoes... my search has just ended today with this wonderful piece of new from Tod's.

For all those speed loving fans of F1 Race... Tod's is launching a special cross over version of their famous mens Gommino with Ferrari to celebrate the event in Singapore. Check out the gorgeous red suede on this one! I want!

Tod’s Gommino was created with the intention of combining the classic Italian style with the comfort of a shoe that can be worn on every occasion. This casual-chic moccasin took inspiration from shoes worn while driving in the 50s. Its trademark is the sole covered by over a 100 pebbles. Refined, understated luxury, impeccable taste and enviable quality, all of which are sign posts that have always distinguish Tod’s. The special edition of the gommino is embellished with the Ferrari logo, and there will be a selection of 6 different styles and color to choose from (including the hot red colour as shown above)!

A unique window display will also be installed during the F1 period in September 2011 with inspiration taken from the race. The Tod’s x Ferrari gommino is exhibited in black and white chequered panels in victory podiums decorated with leather number. Can't wait to see the real thing!

Tod’s x Ferrari Gommino available at Tod’s PARAGON Boutiques in September 2011. Prices range from SGD 690-710 (The red pair as featured in the pics above retails for SGD690)

Source: Tod's

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #181

Below: Heed your 'highlands calling' this Fall Winter 2011... Tartans are here to invade your bags, shoes and other accessories!

Below: That Céline Tartan Cabas has my name on it! Love those Prada nylon totes too:-)

Highlands Calling: Tartan Patterns Are Invading Fall Winter 2011!

After browsing thru many lookbooks of Fall Winter 2011's accessories, one key pattern that dominated is tartan. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland, having clandestine origins where specific designs and colours are adopted by families and clans as a form of identification.

For Fall Winter 2011, designers have heeded their Highlands calling... sending an array of accessories from bags, shoes and small leather goods decorated with tartan patterns. Christian Louboutin added a touch of aristocratic clandestine charm to his infamous Rollerball Spikes and the new Roller Girl flats. Céline used a blue and green version on their highly popular luggage totes and leather cabas. Prada went all tartan crazy and splatter the pattern all over nylon totes, leather wallets and card cases.

Get ready your scotch whiskey and men in kilts... Tartans have arrived!

(Check out more pics on my Facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

Source: Prada, Céline, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin

My MANy Bags News #332

Below: A new begining for esteemed luxury shoe brand, Berluti with the appointment of Alessandro Sartori of Z Zegna fame as its Artistic Director... look out for the brand's first ready to wear collection in 2012!

Berluti Appoints Alessandro Sartori As Artistic Director And Will Launch A Ready-To-Wear Collection For 2012

Berluti, shoemaker since 1895, will be dressing the contemporary man from head to toe from 2012 onwards. Not only will Alessandro Sartori of Z Zegna fame be appointed as the new Artistic director, but he will designed the Italian shoe brand's first ready-to-wear collection. This is to allow Berluti to present a more complete wardrobe for their esteemed clients. Alessandro's new role will commence from 1st July 2011 and he will be based in Paris.

Alessandro Sartori graduated from the Milan Design School and was until now Artistic Director for the Z Zegna line at Ermenegildo Zegna. He will devote his skill and creativity towards the development of Berluti, respecting the values and history of the House.

“Since 1895, Berluti has always been the most prestigious shoemaker in the world. Its renown, its history, and the quality of its creations are unrivalled in the Men’s universe. I am extremely proud to have been chosen to develop this emblematic House. " Alessandro declared upon his appointment

Antoine Arnault commented: “In respect of Berluti’s fabulous history and legendary customers, in keeping with this exceptional heritage, we are at last going to dress the contemporary man from head to toe. Berluti and the LVMH Group welcome Alessandro; we eagerly await his first creations.”

Berluti shoes are top of the line, with a trademark leather finish of a unique sheen that is reportedly highly original and difficult to replicate. These are shoes that the most discerning of gentlemen covet. Berluti pride themselves with a long list of illustrious and eclectic customers, from artists such as Pablo Picasso to filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg. Prices are just as exclusive, pay anything from SGD$1600 - $2900 a pair.

Berluti store in Singapore is located at #01-19a Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Tel: 6304 1329.

Source: Berluti via Club 21 Global

Great Minds Think Alike #31

Below: Glitter shoes... Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin?

Glitter Shoes: Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin?

Jimmy Choo has just launched their new Fall Winter 2011 mens shoe collection. I must admit, I am not very thrilled with what I saw. It seems the shoemaker of choice for women worldwide has come a little too close for comfort to our favourite red soles for this season's offering.

One good example... check out this Black Glitter Slip-ons by Jimmy Choo... dejavu again? Besides the similar type of material for the shoe, do you also feel a strong akin in the shape of the shoe, to a certain Christian Louboutin's Rollerball Spikes in Silver Glitter? (Take away the spikes and they are like 'evil twins' born to different parents.)

You decide... great minds think alike or inspired?

However, I must admit, the black glitter does present a glamourous option for handsome tuxedos! Love the ensemble:-)

Jimmy Choo Black Glitter Slip-ons retails for ￥71,400(inc. tax), approx. SGD1081. Christian Louboutin Rollerball Spikes in Silver Glitter is priced at USD1295 (SGD1900).

Source: Jimmy Choo, Restir, Christian Louboutin

The Material Boy #481

Below: Fall 2011 sees lots of red based colours for my favourite Céline Leather Cabas! Fluro Orange in python looking fabulous...

Below: or red and khaki colours in smooth lambskin...

Below: or royal blue with burgundy tones... I love them all!

Below: Check out the red python bi-colour version as well! There's also some rubberised material in 'cloudy' colours which I am not too sure... kinda looking a bit cheap...

Céline Fall 2011 Leather Cabas

They say an apple a day keeps the doctors away... well for me it's a Céline Leather Cabas (or more) every 180 days (a season:-P) keeps those shopping blues away...

That's exactly what I planned to do, since I have officially declared myself a Céline Leather Cabas addict.

For Fall 2011, Phoebe Philo seems obsessed with crimson colours... from fluorescent orange in python to primary red against khaki to Royal blue with Burgundy. Red based colours are taking centre stage for these pre-fall season beauties.

I have already set my sights on the bi-colour lambskin cabas in Primary Red and Khaki. Simply stunning, but with just enough of a neutral Khaki tone to ground it down. It's mine, it's mine!

Source: Céline

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #228

Below: Mulberry unveils an enchanting fantasy filled Advertising Campaign for Fall Winter 2011...

Mulberry Fall Winter 2011 Ad Campaign

Ooooh, I love the new Fall Winter 2011 Advertising Campaign by Mulberry. These beautiful ad imagery bring a sense of surreal fantasy, of those enchanting Enid Blyton stories I read as a child. The whimsical setting of a debilitated English Manor surrounded by oversized birds, owls and foxes also add another layer of story telling for the Mulberry's FW2011 collection concept.

Besides being captivated by the still images as shot by acclaimed photographer Tim Walker (and starring models Tatiana Cotliar and Julia Saner), the campaign video is equally a visual treat and I highly recommend all Mulberry fans to watch it.

Tim Walker’s distinctive style, which plays with proportion to blur the edges of reality, was inspiration for the crew that created the still imagery and also this 52-second short film, now showing on Mulberry.com.

The video features some innovative visual effects by Framestore which is fascinating. The director starts by recording swooping video camera moves of the environment. Using blue-screen technology, they then separated some of the props from the main set, allowing them to create a series of overlaying sequences to complement the rich visual texture. By using a 3D tracking process, Framestore worked these extra assets into the filmed shots, creating a fantastical and innovative combination of the 2D cut-out animations and a live 3D environment. The unique finished film captures the mood of Tim Walker’s luxury-meets-fantasy perfectly, taking the viewer on a magical journey into Mulberry's darkly beautiful new season.

Watch it here!

Also remember to check out the entire series of Mulberry's Fall Winter 2011 Print Ad Campaign on my facebook page. 'LIKE' my facebook fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Mulberry

Great Minds Think Alike #30

Below: Dog wars for Fall Winter 2011... will Givenchy's Rottweiler or Balenciaga's Alsatian emerged as the winner? Who will you vote for?

Dog Wars: Givenchy's Rottweiler vs. Balenciaga's Alsatian

Man's best friend have moved into the spotlight for the latest craze in fashion this Fall Winter 2011. Givenchy was the perpetrator for putting our beloved dog pals as new superstars of the runway. Now we see Balenciaga doing similar. Just check out these 2 wool jumpers from the 2 brands:-P

Is this a case of great minds think alike? Or fashion conspiracy?

It's dog war time. Who will emerge the winner? Is it the growling Rottweiler from Givenchy or the handsome Alsatian from Balenciaga... Time to take sides! Share your vote by leaving a comment here:-)

(Givenchy Rottweiler jumper costs HK$3590, Balenciaga Alsatian Jumper is priced at £438)

Source: Matches Fashion, Lane Crawford

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #227

Below: Giacomorelli Fall Winter 2011 mens collections... More spiked designs for studs-crazed shoe fans!

Below: Giacomorelli Fall Winter 2011 mens collections also sees classic brogues given a new fresh spin with bright coloured accents... Love these... especially the pink haircalf panel design...

Below: I dig these trainers which features a more original studded details... the pair with python skin is TDF!

Below: Dejavu anyone? New colours for the leopard haircalf studded loafers...

Giacomorelli Fall Winter 2011 Mens Shoes

Giacomorelli... a promising young shoe designer from Italy whom I first blogged about here, has just shared with me his latest Fall Winter 2011 Mens Collection. I had coveted those amazing Leopard Haircalf Studded Loafers, and this new season, we see the designer tapping yet again on the appeal of studded designs currently still raging in men's footwear.

The new fall winter 2011 collection offers plenty of studded options to appease any shoe fan, from trainers to loafers and lace-ups. All of which have redeeming qualities despite some resembling a little too close to those infamous red soles. My favourites are the 2 trainers bearing only simple spiked panels on the sides against leopard haircalf (one of my favourite materials) or the studded shoe lace panel against python skin. Both of which are more original and interesting.

Besides studs, get ready for a flash of eye poping colour, bright orange piping and fuchsia pink haircalf panellings on classic brogues which create an interesting dichotomy of tradition vs. funky. Time to get yourself som attention wherever you wear them.

Check out more pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Giacomorelli shoes are stocked online at www.luisaviaroma.com

Source: Giacomorelli

The Material Boy #480

Below: I love these new Prada Fall Winter 2011 plaid patterned nylon totes!Below: Comes in red (Black Stewart) or a more subdued blue (Black water)... and retails for SGD590. Hurry down to Prada's Ion Orchard boutique in Singapore if you are keen!

Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Plaid Pattern Nylon Totes

Remember my excitement about my purchase of Prada's very light-weight and handy nylon tote from SS2011? Now I can get double the excitement with these gorgeous bags making a return for Fall Winter 2011 in new plaid patterns! Love the red hued black stewart or the stunning sky blue macrae colours! Designs are very much the same as SS2011, except the leather handles have been changed to Prada's signature Saffiano leather and at a higher price tag of SGD590 (instead of SS2011's SGD470). Plaids are synonymous with preppy chic and abundantly seen on the Fall Winter 2011 runways. So grab yours... I know they are going to sell out fast:-)

The black stewart and black water colours are now available at Prada Ion Orchard. Hurry!

Below: I also tried on Prada's Fall Winter 2011 Metallic Lurex Polo Shirt, which I love. (But they costs as much as those highly coveted Prada Espadrilles Wingtips...yikes!)

(On a side note, I tried out the Prada Fall Winter 2011 runway metallic lurex polo tee... and I have to report, they are gorgeous. Very nerdy and preppy glamourous... interesting statement piece that has already seen Bryanboy and Pelayo Diaz each adorning the shimmery styles... However, be prepared to part with SGD1360 for the short sleeve version and SGD1490 for the long sleeve style. Comes in metallic blue on blue or brown with blue collar. What do you think? Worthy of investment?)

Source: Prada, Style