The Material Boy #528

Below: 3.1 Phillip Lim's 31 Hour Bag in 2 tone colours is the epitome of urban cool! I love the tan and black combination...

Below: Because of it's simplicity in design and well thought out sizing... the bag transcends gender and looks just as good for the boys

3.1 Phillip Lim '31 Hour' 2 Tone Leather Tote

If there ever is a bag that best exemplify urban cool, I'd pick 3.1 Phillip Lim's 31 Hour Bag! It was love at first sight when the bag debuted its imagery earlier this year. Now the stocks have arrived and I am seriously tempted.

The simplicity of design, unique fold-over zip opening and interesting metal rod zipper pulls all adds to the allure of the bag. Made of soft supple calfskin leather, the slouchy silhouette speaks volumes of its effortless cool. Because it is so modern and genderless in appeal, men and women alike can fit this roomy and functional arm companion to their busy urban lifestyle. Take it to work, look chic off duty or whisk away on a weekend getaway, 3.1 Phillip Lim's 31 Hour bag fits all these needs and more.

Best part of it all, you do not have to break an arm or leg to own this lovely arm candy... at an affordable £606.34... everyone can enjoy a piece of urban cool attitude anytime! I want the 2 tone versions which has an amazing colour blocking effect. The tan and black combination is highly recommended:-)

Now in stock at Net-A-Porter: Check out the Tan and Black or Black and White version!

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Source: Net-A-Porter, Coolspotters

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #256

Below: Hermès scarves are one of my most anticipated collection to discover each season... for SS2012, Coco Rocha demonstrates the beauty and versatility of these amazing scarves in their lookbook...

Below: Hermès scarves are a work of art worthy to be worn or even framed as a display...

Le Carré Hermès Spring Summer 2012

One of my most anticipated unveiling of new seasonal collection has to be for Hermès' gorgeous scarf collection. Not only are the intricate designs a work of art (worthy to be framed anyday), Hermès also produces the highest quality in their silk and printing techniques. Hermès colours and precision in printing are unrivaled, offering stunning scarves in an array of luxurious materials from silk twills, silk jersey, cashmere/silk mix and more.

For Spring Summer 2012, Coco Rocha fronts their Le Carré SS2012 lookbook, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of Hermès scarves. Wear it as a dress, wrapped in as a head scarf or simply drape around the neck for a touch of flair and drama... you cannot help but fall in love with these square pieces of luxurious fabrics.

New designs that catches my eye include the 'Ceintures Et Liens', 'Tendresse Féline', 'Saut D'obstacles' and my favourite, a must have 'Tout En Carré' Folk Shawl in Cashmere and Silk.

Below: My favourite for SS2012... Folk Shawl in Cashmere and Silk, Tout En Carré' ... gorgeous print of horses which is iconic to the brand:-)

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Source: Hermès

The Material Boy #527

Below: Another pair of red soles to get your heart palpitating...

Christian Louboutin ‘Rantus’ Woven Stamped Leather High-Tops

Can't a guy ever get enough of those coveted red soles? I fear the answer is NO. Christian Louboutin shoes has made women weak in their knees...but guys subcumb to the allure of Louboutins all the same!

I think I am having another 'Christian Louboutin shoe-gasm'... this time in the new Spring Summer 2012 version of the classic Rantus Leather High-Tops but with a stamped woven leather pattern effect. Spikes may be a huge draw, but sometimes a guy just need to dress down and not be at the forefront of attention. This pair of Rantus high-tops will be the ideal shoe to give such a breather. In simple ivory white... these smart shoes takes you from casual to formal in a heartbeat. 'Simply goes with anything' are the best words to describe. LOVE!

The subtle but interesting stamped woven pattern has gotten me drooling over the pik boat designs already.... but now I want this Rantus version as well:-) Christian Louboutin shoes... it's an official addiction:-)

Below: Comes in Pik Boat design... which is also a favourite!

Browns Fashion stocks this pair at £475 (with UK VAT).

More pics on my facebook fanpage.

Source: Browns Fashion, Christian Louboutin

The Material Boy #526

Below: Lanvin SS2012 Leather Derby Lace-ups with displaced shoe laces... my new shoe lust!

New Shoe Obsession: Lanvin Derby Lace-ups With Displaced Shoe Laces

Burberry Prorsum's woven leather cork sole shoes and Prada's rhinestone studded golf shoes may have been the most eye-catching and coveted mens shoe this SS2012, but I fear my interest in them has waned. So many people now own them and the feeling of novelty is no longer as strong. So I am turning my shoe obsession to these Lanvin Derby Lace-ups with a deliberate displaced shoe laces 'randomly' tied on the side. Messy in a planned way... creating a raw effect that exemplifies the idea of beauty in imperfection. Something Lanvin has been propagating all along. Just look at all the raw seams and unfinished details on their ready to wear, that made Lanvin unique and different from the rest of the menswear brands.

The soles of these shoes also spot a trompe l'oeil effect, creating the illusion of a heeled sole if you observe closely. They will go so well with that amazing Lanvin peak-shoulder pinstripe blazer (£1,863.59) and skinny leg Olive green cotton twill biker trousers (£298.71) from Mr Porter! Love the look:-P

Below: This look with Lanvin's peak shoulder pinstripe blazer and olive green skinny leg biker trousers will go so well with these unique shoes... I want this look!

Luisaviaroma stocks the shoes for €631.82.

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Source: Luisaviaroma, Mr Porter

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #255

Below: Jil Sander Fall Winter 2012 Mens Bags and accessories... these pieces are seemingly designed with the power executives in mind...:-P

Below: Corporate type shoes given an interesting twist with details like boot soles and acrylic heel... Dressing for the office can be less boring:-)

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2012 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

With the Euro debt crisis looming on everyone's minds and the world's economy in shambles, Raf Simons seem to share the same sentiments and his Fall Winter 2012 Mens collection for Jil Sander... his final swan song, echoed these thoughts.

Men of power in the corporate world became his inspiration. Raf Simons sends out a darkly handsome collection of immaculate tailoring with leather heavy themes for their ready to wear. Suiting styles as armor for the modern men of power... those who control the finances of the world. Protection from the woes of the volatile world economy are now paramount, where dollars and cents and balance sheets matter even more.

Seemingly, Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2012 mens accessories match up to those aesthetics. Get ready for 'make believe' lunch bags, austere looking portfolios and boardroom worthy totes for busy executives. Shoes take on a twist with interplay of rugged details such as soles from military boots hybrid with classic brogues. I love the coloured soles which gives a breather to the sombre deep browns and blacks recurring throughout out the collection. Acrylic heels are also an unexpected detail for lace-ups... Raf Simons probably want to say corporate dressing does not have to be dull and stuffy afterall. There can still be some twists to make office life a little more interesting:-)

I am interested to see if those 'lunch bags' will be well received... given everyone is tightening their belts anticipating a slowdown in the economy:-P It will be a true test to see if fashion wins the day amidst shrinking budgets...

More pics of Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2012 mens collection on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Jil Sander

The Material Boy #525

Below: Get yourself into some seafaring summertime moods with these Balenciaga SS2012 bags in the new Azur colour! Balenciaga Azur Colour For Spring Summer 2012

What do summertime remind you of? For me, summer means beautiful blue skies, breezy seas and some island action vacation... what better way to show your love of summer than wearing the colour that evokes those vacation moods:-)?

Balenciaga's new Spring Summer 2012 colour of AZUR does just that and more... brightly hued in a 'sea foam' blue... you are sure to feel vacation ready anytime you carry these gorgeous Azur coloured bags!

Mens clip (£325/SGD730)? Day (£585)? Or the new Squash S (£815) (a small boston style bag with shoulder strap perfect for the active guy on the go)? Gimme a summer ready bag anyday:-)

Source: Balenciaga

The Material Boy #524

Below: Luxury trekking styles for the urban explorer... my new shoe obsession: Louis Vuitton Safari Sandals in Masai Damier Canvas... Love the pop of red and blue!

Louis Vuitton Safari Sandals in Masai Damier Canvas

I now have a new shoe obsession. Window shopping over weekends is never easy on your wallets. Look what I spotted yesterday after a trip to the LV stores here in Singapore.

I am in love with Louis Vuitton's Safari Sandals in Masai Damier Canvas. Burberry Prorsum's disappointing construction for their Cork-soled Tapestry Jacquard Fabric Lace-ups has led me to shift my shopping radar for statement shoes (The rolled edging on those Burberry shoes are simply too painful to walk in).

These Louis Vuitton's Safari Sandals are instantly identifiable with those vivid red and blue Masai Damier canvas that is featured prominently over the Spring Summer 2012 runway show. The Masai Damier checks is a key design detail for LV's new SS2012 menswear.

It's trekking style meet luxury... high grip rubber soles matched with gold tone and plastic buckle (Think Timberland given a million dollars makeover) with eye popping colours that gives this pair of sandals an interesting mix of aesthetics. Wear them with shorts or rolled up khakis for an urban explorer attitude. I want them! At SGD1320... I guess you will also not find plenty of these treading the streets alongside you. So exclusivity is a major plus:-)

Brilliant new collection by designer Kim Jones. LV is now back on my radar.

Source: Louis Vuitton