Bonne Année 2012!

Below: Welcome a bountiful and successful 2012 for all my readers!

Happy 2012!

In less than 12 hours, it will officially be 2012... A new year and a new start:-)

I want to wish all my readers a fantastic new year ahead, stay fabulous, gorgeous and healthy and marvelous all year long! And of course, fruitful, bountiful shopping adventures always:-)

Best Wishes,

Kevin @ myMANybags

My MANy Life's Inspirations #14

Below: Which male star is your pick for best dressed for 2011? Mine's super hot Ryan Gosling! (Clockwise from top: Ryan in Green Gucci suit at 'Ides of March' Premiere, Salvatore Ferragamo at Cannes for 'Drive' Photo call, Gucci SS2012 for 'Crazy Stupid Love' premiere, Leaving airport in a leather jacket and dropped pants...)

Who Is Your Best Dressed Guy Of 2011?

2011 will be over in less than 24 hours. Over the past year, we have seen many style savvy male stars dressed to impress at many levels, providing paparazzi worthy news and fashion inspirations for all. Not to mention selling a brand's image and making them desirable.

So who is the best dressed male star of 2011 in your opinion? For me, Ryan Gosling tops it all! This super hot, super sexy, super versatile actor not only looked good on screen, but in real life at events sweep everyone off their feet with his immaculate wardrobe choices. 'Photoshopped' he is, hotness he is more... love his facial hair and tussled hair anyday!

Ryan made Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci shoot up on fashion appeal at movie premieres and red carpet events. He simply outshines all his actor peers, outdoing them in colour department (his choice for pale blue and green suiting made him a stand out!) and suave looks. Thank you Ryan for being so easy on the eyes and being a style inspiration for 2011~

Do you agree with my choice? Who will be your pick?

More pics of Ryan's hotness on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Zimbio, Upscale Hype

The Material Boy #510

Below: One of my top sale picks from Mr Porter... Kitsuné Western Denim Shirt is a timeless classic updated with great cut and fabrication!

Kitsuné Western Denim Shirt

Mr Porter has started their much anticipated sale since Boxing Day. I had not had the time to browse the sale (with all the wine and dine gourmet onslaught I am subjecting myself now while on holiday)... but upon my second shopping scouring, this Kitsuné Western Denim Shirt immediately caught my eye!

Which guy does not look good in a denim shirt? It's as good as your indispensable jeans. Somewhat crease resistant and rugged for all occasions, but dressed it up with a blazer for a dandy twist. And this Kitsuné version features a gorgeous texture on the denim fabric and crafted in Japan! Love the western details which I guess got inspired by the wild west romance of 'Brokeback' mountain:-)

Now at 50% off (£114.58)... it's a must buy for an item that will stay relevant for many years to come:-) Get yours here!

More pics of Kitsuné FW2011 Mens Collection on my facebook fanpage.

Source: Kitsuné, Mr Porter

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

Merry Merry Christmas

It's Christmas eve today... I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my dear readers happy happy holidays and may Santa bring you the most wonderful surprises this Christmas.

Enjoy a good time with family and friends! Here's a card I designed for you guys... Thank you for all your kind support for my blog. My little cyber space of shopping blabberings would not be where it is without you guys.

Peace and have fun:-)

Enjoy this Christmas video courtesy of Burberry. Love the song:-)



Best wishes from Kevin:-)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #247

Below: From one actor to another... Miuccia Prada has chosen Michael Pitt as the face of her SS2012 mens collection:-) Loving the 50's inspired looks and prints!

Prada Menswear Spring Summer 2012 Ad Campaign

After Tobey Maguire for FW2011, another actor gets cast as the new face of Prada's SS2012 campaign. This time Michael Pitt known for HBO series Boardwalk Empire gets the honours!

Styled with a resemblance to James Dean, that infamous quiff, on Michael, sets the mood for the Prada's 50's inspirations of Hollywood Icons for these SS2012 ads. The campaign explores the language of male role models from the rock star to the playboy, from the self-reflective introvert to the engaging and humorous farceur. It also reflects contemporary men who work when they play and play when they work. The boundaries are no longer clear – as the campaign’s simple props and gestures emphasize.

Modelling some of the most striking pieces from the runway... Michael adds a personality to the pieces, bringing forth a new depth of visual resonance beyond pretty faced models. I love his brooding, sometimes dorky expressions... encapsulating the 'kitsch/nerdy' element expressed in memorable collection. U either love or hate it.
Most noteworthy are the prints gone wild... graphic illustrations of dancing couples, florals to geometric shapes in vivid colours update the classic menswear pieces, making them once again highly desirable. I am sure that printed shirt shown above is going to be a 'street style' darling in the coming months!

(More pics of Prada's SS2012 Ad Campaign on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: Prada, Fashionista

My Shopping Conquest #126

Below: It's here! Balenciaga Giant Arena Bracelet with GOLD hardware and the new Hamilton leather...
my dream came true this holiday season!

Below: A special edition created for the Holiday collection 2011... See the difference of the new Hamilton leather and gold hardware with the regular Rose Gold agneau leather version... I love my new bracelet!

Balenciaga Holiday 2011 Collection: Giant Arena Triple Tour Bracelet in Bordeaux Hamilton Leather And GOLD Hardware

X'mas time is here! What better time than the festive season to pamper yourself with some shopping treats:-)

This year, I managed to get myself something really special from Balenciaga. If you have been following my blog, you would know I am a huge fan of Balenciaga's Arena Giant Triple Tour Bracelet. I love giant arena studs, especially those in rose gold. So imagine my joy and excitement when I found out Balenciaga released a special holiday collection this year end with not only a new leather called Hamilton, but also actual GOLD tone hardware instead of rose gold!

This is like a dream come true. I have always longed for gold studs on Balenciaga bracelets. Rose gold is a balance of vintage and luxe charm, but gold hardware is pure luxury and glamour. Against the new Bordeaux coloured Hamilton leather (thicker with gorgeous graining on the leather), the gold hardware stood out even more. This special edition is truly the ultimate Balenciaga bracelet for me. I was so thrilled to be able to snag the last piece in my size at the Singapore store.

This is indeed a brilliant start to x'mas! :-)

Balenciaga Hamilton leather comes in colours of Gris Poivre, Glycine, Rose Bruyere, Ciment and Bordeaux (the last 2 are the only colours available with GOLD hardware). (Check out my facebook album for pics of these gorgeous hues and the bags offered with the new Hamilton leather.)

(More pics on my facebook fanpage + comparison pics with the regular agneau leather and rose gold hardware. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #246

Below: Check out Louis Vuitton's charmingly sweet SS2012 ad campaign... you cannot help but love it:-)

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012 Ad Campaign

Sweetness to perfection is what I would described the latest Louis Vuitton SS2012 Ad Campaign. The whole look and feel of these ads are so ‘eye candy’ delicious, you might run the risk of wanting to bite a chunk off it. The sweet and dominant pink perfectly encapsulates the girly essence of Marc Jacob's SS2012 creation for the ladies.

“The spirit of our Spring/Summer 2012 collection is reflected beautifully in this new ad campaign,” says Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Marc Jacobs. “All the tone and texture of the collection – the lightness, the prettiness, the broderie anglaise, the millefeuille layers of organza – are recreated in these wonderful images by Steven Meisel. It is all very soft and very sweet, yet at the same time very bold and very graphic.”

In an intriguing echo of the previous season, the SS2012 advertising campaign once again takes up the narrative of the fashion show, continuing it from the point where the woman steps daintily off the pure white fairground carrousel and into the pastel pink paradise of a nearby ice cream parlor. Like the vintage limousines of the Fall/Winter campaign, this vastly different setting – painstakingly recreated in a New York studio, complete with a mouth-watering array of Chantilly-topped sundaes – provides the perfect showcase for the deliciously sweet, airy concoctions of Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Up-and-coming models Daria Strokous and Kati Nescher are the lucky pair chosen to sample the parlor’s assorted delights while wearing some of the season’s standout looks, including romantic broderie anglaise dresses, ladylike shifts embellished with strass, studs and 3D flowers, and sorbet colored suits with white lace collars. Accessories, too, feature prominently in the nine visuals, foremost among them the Lockit bag in sheer nylon voile that opened the runway show, the Speedy in powdered, whitewashed crocodile, and the pointed-toe mules in pastel shades with metal toe caps, dainty laces or rows of tiny buttons.

Playful and romantic... a perfect example of how fashion always paint a dream, coercing you to be mesmerised. This LV dream is one that I will gladly fall head over heels for. Definitely a standout and a tough campaign to beat for other brands:-)

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: Louis Vuitton

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #245

Below: H&M SS2012 Menswear... Orange is a strong accent colour that refreshes the nautical inspired looks for the coming season. Love the combination of navy blue and orange! This look below is inspiring and refreshing colourwise...

Below: Breton stripes and parka... you are ready for sea faring days next summer!

Below: Shorts and chuny navy knits... perfect attire for being on deck:-)

Below: If nautical is not your game... how about patterned pants which will be all the rage next season...

H&M SS2012 Mens Lookbook

If there is one key word that sums up the new H&M SS2012 mens collection for me... it's orange:-)

Yes, orange is infiltrating many looks for the new H&M menswear collection next season. Matched up with the nautical influences comprising of dominant blues, orange works like a charm as the accent colour, sparking off a refreshing visual appeal.

Chunky shawl collared navy knits, bright red nautical parka, tailored shorts, navy doubled breasted blazer... these are just some pieces and basics that guys never tire of. H&M made sure you get refreshed with all these wardrobe fundamentals with the help of a zest of bright crimson tones. Once again, Orange to the rescue!

For me, I will keep a close eye for the contrasting striped sleeve navy blazer (shown below) or even that Prada inspired wedge sole shoes... I think these 2 pieces will fly off the shelves next season:-) Of course, orange pants a must have too.

Below: Contrasting sleeve blazer... I will be eyeing you!

Below: And also those Prada inspired wedge sole shoes... finally a more affordable version!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: H&M

My MANy Bags News #358

Below: Hermès celebrates the opening of their new boutique at Scotts Square this weekend with a guest appearance by French graffiti artist, Kongo...

Below: Who got their customised nametags or photo taken at the Kongo booth?:-P

Hermès Scotts Square Opens This Week With Guest Appearance By Renowned Graffiti Artist Kongo!

Another Hermès store makes its debut in Singapore this Friday! This time the new store opens at the latest mall, Scotts Square on our sunny island. To commemorate the opening of this new orange heaven, Hermès invited renowned French graffiti artist, Kongo to demonstrate his artistic talent and customised name tags for guests over the weekend. Kongo collaborated with Hermès this FW2011 to create the Graff Hermès scarf which I am a huge fan! He even 'graffiti' the hoarding of the new Hermès store before the official opening, creating much buzz along Orchard Road.

Besides meeting Vietnamese born, Kongo, there is a Kongo photo booth ready to get you styled with an Hermès scarf and then picture taken for you. Who managed to get your photo taken and Kongo to customised your very own name tags? Lucky you!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: myMANybags, Hermès

The Material Boy #509

Below: What's in store for Christian Louboutin SS2012 Mens shoes? Read on! All the pics from the preview I attended on Friday... I love these all metallic mirrored silver leather Rollerboy Spikes:-) Or the Gareth Metal brogue captoe leather lace-ups...

Below: My new obsession for SS2012... Christian Louboutin Pik Boat shoes in both leather and gingham checks...

Preview: Christian Louboutin Spring Summer 2012 Mens Shoes!

I had the pleasure of attending the preview of Christian Louboutin's Spring Summer 2012 shoes on Friday. How can a big fan like myself miss out on having a first hand look at the upcoming creations of Monsieur Louboutin:-) I am glad I attended the preview... since I have already identified a few pairs which I want badly!

To sum up the new collection, I can safely say is it's going to be a riot of fun next season:-) The preferred styles of Christian Louboutin's new collection for men continues to revolve around those amazing spiked designs. Louis spikes trainers take on a collegiate feel with varsity style lettering (SGD2200) or 'No Limit' leopard haircalf decorated with a regal blazon (Flipside is crystal studded) (SGD2500). Mirrored metallic leathers in multiple colours (SGD1600) are also a hot favourite in terms of material for these wildly fun shoes. The spikes are of course, taking centre stage... ranging from gold to silver, big and small.

Below: The new Louis trainers... in a whole riot of colours and materials. Wildly fun shoes for next season... (Perhaps too loud for my taste but some of you might fancy them:-P)

If you continue to be bewildered by Christian Louboutin's Rollerboy Spikes... ready yourselves with an all mirrored metallic silver version that will steal the limelight from your peers. Or like me, covet those Pik Boat shoes (SGD1100). I am especially drawn to those blue gingham checks version which balances the spirit of French Rivera summer with some spiky street edge. Gorgeous, it's a must have in my books!

For those looking for something beyond those over-the-top designs, you may fancy the smart Gareth Leather Lace-ups which features an actual metal brogue captoe. Gareth will definitely see you party ready any day! On the casual end, try on those striped Papi Hugo Espadrilles featuring a embroidered blazon with 'C.L' initials... as if symbolic of your loyalty to the Christian Louboutin boy's club. Wear them on deck for any seafaring adventures or simply lazing around town on weekends.

If the shoes mentioned above are not suffice to meet your high standards of approval, how about a shoe that can come off as an art piece as well as footwear? Meet the Collage Trash collection which will be offered in Alfred Flat lace-ups, Louis trainers and even an iPad case. The collection creatively features a unique collage artwork made from everyday 'discarded items' the likes of paper strips, metal foil, wrappers and threads, all piece together to form an interesting artwork. Every piece is unique in its expression, no 2 are alike. Olivia Palermo has already been spotted with the women's version of these unique shoes!

Below: Classic stripe Papi Hugo espadrilles or highly artistic 'Collage Trash' Alfed Flats......

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: myMANybags

My MANy Bags News #357

Below: I may not be a fan of Justin Bieber... I am a huge admirer of his Christian Louboutin Alfie Flats in Gold Glitter!

Justin Bieber Wears Christian Louboutin Alfie Flat in Gold Glitter!

I may not be a fan of Monsieur Justin... but I am a huge admirer of those ultra attention seeking Christian Louboutin Alfie Flats in Gold Glitter. Those shoes are just made for the stage or those who sees everyday in their life as a superstar! Justin wore them at The 28th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade”... I guess they reinforced his stage pressence.

Get a pair (USD895) and be an instant star... that's the magic those red soles can do!:-P

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: Upscalehype, Christian Louboutin

The Material Boy #508

Below: I found a nice Burgundy coloured cardigan after obsessing over the look from yesterday's Marni shirt post). Topman to the rescue... Zac kept himself warm and dashing in Topman Burgundy Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan while promoting his new movie, New Year's Eve in London.

Topman Burgundy Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan: Worn By Zac Efron!

I got very inspired by my blog post on the Marni Graphic Tile Print Shirt yesterday. I love the matching of a Burgundy coloured outer piece over the printed shirt. Hence, I was on the lookout all day to scour for one. Thank the shopping gods, I found it... all thanks to Topman and Zac Efron! Looking cute and comfy in Topman's Burgundy Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan, Zac kept himself warm and dashing in London while promoting his new movie, New Year's Eve.

Now I want both this cardigan (only £44) and that Marni shirt. The burgundy colour will bring out prints very well. The fact that Zac Efron chose to wear it, makes the cardigan even more a must-have!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' and follow my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post or want to get the latest updates.)

Source: Topman, UpscaleHype

The Material Boy #507

Below: Prints obsessed... This gentlemen pulled off Marni's Graphic Tile Shirt shirt with a pop of colour from his burgundy coloured cardigan. Now I am in love with the shirt...

Below: Marni creates some of the most interesting graphic prints... look up close and you can feel that artistic vibe:-)

Marni Mens FW2011 Graphic Tile Print Shirt

Lately, I am obsessed with prints. Maybe I am psyching up to the incoming explosion of prints for Spring Summer 2012. But you do not have to wait till next season to start getting into the prints mania. Get your hands on some pieces right now, especially with end-of-season sales raging full on. Buy ahead, save some budget and get the look before anyone else.

I love this Marni Graphic Tile Print Shirt available now at Mr Porter (£249.99). The shirt will soon be on sale, so ready your clicks when Mr Porter's international sale starts (Their US site have commenced their markdowns, so the international site will follow soon). I know I will be counting down if my size is still available. Who bought that size 46!?!?!?!? Grrrr... (Knuckles crackling...)

The gentlemen featured in the above pic does not help in easing my disappointment.... I love how he matches the printed shirt with a simple Burgundy coloured cardigan, perfectly exemplifying Marni's preppy chic. Bravo to Marni!

More pics on my Facebook fanpage.

Source: Marni, StreetFSN, Mr Porter

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #244

Below: D&G turns to the world of scarf prints for their final collection of SS2012...

D&G Spring Summer 2012 Mens Bags And Shoes: The Final Collection

For D&G's final swan song, designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce turns to the charming and colourful world of scarf prints as inspirations. An explosion of intricate patterns, colours and silks juxtapose with rough out denim (a huge part of the DNA of D&G) created memorable and bold pieces befitting their last collection.

Besides the onslaught of scarf prints on ready to wear, these classic patterns were also splashed all over bags, hats and shoes. Moccasins were the favoured footwear for SS2012, offered in many bright colours and of course, scarf prints. Do you find the scarf inspiration an overkill or just right to make a statement next season?

I myself will adopt the looks sparingly. You do not want to appear like a belated 'X'mas tree' in the heat of summer:-)

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

Source: D&G

The Material Boy #506

Below: A key look from Lanvin SS2012 that features my top 2 picks for next season... must have!

Lanvin Spring Summer 2012 Menswear: My Favourite Look

Today is officially the last month of 2011... End of season sales have sprung up all over the stores. Are you ready to start your shopping list afresh and plan ahead for SS2012? I know I am!

I shall begin with one of my favourite looks for SS2012. Lanvin has created some of the most interesting and wearable styles that I covet dearly for next season. The look above tops my wishlist. Outstanding detailing with the sleeveless top that displays an ethnic pattern on the bottom, worn asymmetrically, peaking out beautifully under the smart pin-stripe blazer. That blazer has a leather fastening tab and exposed seams which is exceptionally 'Lanvin-esque'. The innovative cut and details does not end just yet, pay attention to the unique bulge created at the the shoulders which give it a more pronounced shape. I deemed that a 'heroic shoulder'... every guy envies broad shoulders that portray a sense of protection and masculinity:-P I need that jacket!

Below: Loving the ethnic pattern on this sleeveless top that can be worn asymmetrically under a blazer... the pattern will peak out nicely under:-)

Below: Lanvin continues to make the best mens jackets... modern take on pin stripes with a leather fastening tab and exposed seams. Most importantly, the 'bulging' shoulders give it a 'heroic silhouette':-)

Available at Lanvin. Be prepared to part a hefty chunk of your hard-earned cash for both pieces, but u will live a Lanvin legacy that is priceless...

(Check out my facebook fanpage for pics of each individual piece. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

Source: Lanvin