Great Minds Think Alike #20

Below: The 'eldest' sister of the family... PS1 from Proenza Schouler...


Below: Hot sister of the moment... Mulberry's Alexa...

Below: The 'underdog' of the family... Chloé Elsie Bag...

Below: The 'latest' addition to the family... Miu Miu's deerskin version...

'We Are Family': 'School Boy' Messenger Bags...

'We are family.. I got all my sisters with me...' , Sisters Sledge

Introducing, big sister Proenza Schouler PS1, hot sister Mulberry Alexa, underdog Chloé Elsie and the latest new member fresh from Miu Miu. Indeed one big happy family. Who do you think look most 'identical'? Anyone for 'Sibling rivalry'?

Source: Proenza Schouler, Mulberry, Chloé, Miu Miu

My MANy Bags News #174

Chloé 'Mr. Paddington' Men's Bags

It is one thing to ride on the success of a good design from the past, but it is another to be a half baked effort and pass it off as the next bag sensation for 2010.

Chloé had a huge following with their women's Paddington bags and got everyone raving for one. That was many years ago. The bag is no longer of any interest to the fickle 'bag hag' community. So I wonder why they chose to launch a men's version now? Initially, when I first got word from the SA at the Chloé store at Ngee Ann City about these male bags, I was skeptical but have hopes that Chloé might update with something radical that could bring the Paddington range of bags back to popularity, even if it's for males.

Sadly, the pics I saw from this 'to be launched' series prove my skepticism correct and they are as boring as counting sheep. The miserable little lock reminds me of nothing from the ladies' series. It's just another safe design that reeks of departmental store lookalikes. Even the colour scheme of black and red is dated.

Sorry I am being harsh on these (despite my love for Chloé women's bags). But do not take guys as suckers, we do have standards on bags we carry:-P

Source: Elle China

My MANy Bags Lookbook #15

Tribal Trekker

Cold months will soon be over and it's time to head down to warmer territories and expand your horizons! Exotic escapes to the Asian jungles or the safaris are key trends for Spring Summer 2010. So for this long overdue post of mymanybags lookbook, my guy is draped in tropical ethnic themes. A guy on a 'pilgrimage' to another holy land of style!:-) Worn and overdyed Mihara Yasuhiro Jersey Vest drapes (with interesting 'braided' ends) over a Washed Wrapped Style Jersey Polo shows his carefree attitude. Balmain's harem style Khaki Coloured Wrapped Canvas Trousers allows him to brave the rough terrains in the tropics, as does the sleek Ankle Height Chloè Leather And Canvas Crossover Sandals. As a member of the great fashion tribe, he proudly wears his warrior tribal origins in the form of KD2024 Jaguar Necklace and Givenchy Studded Belt and Bracelets. To complete his travelling arsenal, the ultra chic Givenchy Optical Print Pandora Bag is there by his side with those amazing geometric tribal patterns!

Time to explore and conquer more 'fashion temples' all over the world!

Source: Luisaviaroma

Gender Bender #55

Below: Click on pic to view the details...it's simply gorgeous exotic leather for the eyes...

Chloé Large Elsie Bag In Python

Another top handle bag makes its way to my drool list. Exotics are catching my eye these days (hold your rotten eggs PETA! I am just doing my part to help save the economy!), Ostrich, Python, Croc (dream leather!) are just the ultimate indulgence of luxury shopping.

Top handle 'school bag' styles are slowly gaining prominence in the handbag world. Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag, Mulberry's upcoming Alexa Bag and many more are seen on the arms of fashionable women and man alike. So I am drawn to this 'school bag' style Chloé Large Elsie Bag in Python with a stunning whisky colour. Lovely gold tone hardware, beautiful scales of the leather and 2 ways to carry the bag... makes this a useful bag for day or night.

Chloè is gaining back its momentum with the fashion crowd... the Paraty bag is an interesting creation, and this Elsie bag is quite a looker too.

Source: Chloé

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #69

Below: Guy #01


Below: Guy #02

Below: Guy #03

Below: Ladies #01

Below: Ladies #02

At The Chloé Spring Summer 2010 Runway Show...

Paris fashion week has long been over, but what fascinates for a long time are the people who attended the shows. I never get tired of searching for inspirations on real people interpreting fashion. It's interesting to see who wears what and what goes with what. So here's some looks from the guests who attended the recent Chloé SS2010 show.

Guy #1: I thought YSL's downtown bag has lost its allure... but this guy manage to keep the bag relevant by matching it to his 'boot-y' ensemble, which is a key trend of the fall winter 2009 season. Hence, the bag somehow looks 'refreshed' again... All it takes is a bit of inspiration:-)

Guy #2: Lanvin hightops from SS2008 with a suit? Colourful ties to match? Interesting, I must say.

Guy #3: Acid wash jeans, Balmain inspired...man who wears them:-) Goes well with his studded shoes nonetheless...:-P

Ladies #1: Chloé fans, I must say...but those Chloé bags are a sight to behold. Especially the Kira Medium Leather Bag with shoulder strap and chain detail around the base. Chloé is getting back the fashion fans support lately..hope the glory days of the brand will be back again!

Ladies #2: Alexander Wang is also another designer to watch out for. His creations are favoured with models. And Club 21 mens even stocks the men's collection for Spring Summer 2010... so you can be sure Mr Wang is going to be a name to remember. His fall winter 2009 Coco duffel are such hot sellers and seen on so many fashionistas attending fashion week. On Pedder at Ngee Ann City still stocks the bag. (But it seems too many have surfaced and the novelty is kinda lost.)

Source: Chloé

My MANy Bags News #48

Chloé Has Launched A 'Mr Paddington' Mens Accessories Collection

From www.honeyee.com, I stumbled upon this piece of news...Chloé has launched a men's accessories collection recently. I used www.babelfish.com to translate the Japanese text, and the information I gather is that this collection is aptly named Mr Paddington (Presumably, after their hugely successful women's Paddington bags, the one with the big lock.). This is what I translated from the Japanese text.

'The fan long-awaited men's line appears from series Mr.PADDINGTON of Chloé attention. As a men's collection of popularity collection PADDINGTON of [kuroe], it is sold with period limitation up to 2/14 of the Saint Valentine's Day 'Mr.PADDINGTON'. Gathering topic even among them the men's bag of the new work. 2 types of duffel and [toto] are sold, develop with 2 materials of the [uotsushiyudo] calfskin and the metallic calfskin. Needs as a men's back have been satisfied sufficiently even from the size impression and the aspect of durability. In addition, [uoretsuto] 3 type, key case, business card holder and bracelet etc in the midst of sale."

I wonder if it is really limited edition seeing the range is sold within a limited period of up to Valentines Day.

But to be honest, it is not of any loss if you did not get any. I do not think the design is something too lust worthy. Just another bag gimmick to sell more bags. If Chloé wants to enter into the men's market, they should work harder to design more exciting and most importantly, signature styles.

Source: Honeyee

Gender Bender #15

Chloé Elvire Patent Lambskin Boston Bag

Another desirable bag from Chloé that works for men as well! Love the little bits of detailing that makes Chloé bags unique...this time, the interesting frilled tabs where the handles are attached. It has a doctor's bag style of magnetic opening, which I love and another cross strap slide in closure for added security. I also love the way the handles are being designed, a loop then with brass rings to create an interesting detailing. The entire bag is made of black patent lambskin, ultra soft and very beautiful in an understated way. I totally will be able to work this bag with my tall frame. Especially so, when the size is a generous 33cm(h) x 49cm(w) x 25cm(d). This non-frivolous designed boston bag is chic without being too feminine and will be practical to use daily.

Retail price: US $2280. Where to buy: www.diabro.net

Gender Bender #14

Chloé Large Audra Zipped Tote in Elephant Colour

It's been a while since I did a post on the 'Gender Bender' category. Have not been able to spot any bags of late that works for both genders. That is until this morning while surfing on www.diabro.net, I found this beautiful patent lambskin Audra Zipped Tote by Chloé! I adore the colour, strangely named elephant, but most of all, the patent lambskin, which is soft and yet luxurious. Signature Chloé style of chunky hardware has been applied to the design of this tote bag. Featuring oversize leather studs on the side straps and a brass turn-lock which adds a lot of fun and appeal to this lovely tote. The details are not at all girly, so guys can rock the bag too!

At a size of 34.5cm(h) x 40.5(w) x 19.5(d), it will fit the larger frames of guys or tall women. Big bags are the way to go anyway, so sizes are bigger the better. Also comes in a light blue and black colour. But this 'elephant' colour is the most stunning:-P

I wonder if Singapore Chloé boutique will stock this bag. Hope so!

Retail price: US $1580. Where to buy: www.diabro.net

Gender Bender #13

Chloé Saskia Sheepskin Satchel Bag

Chloé is a brand that has been associated with girlish charms. Their Paddington bag which features a giant lock has been seen on the arms of many celebrities and chic women around the world. It has since capture the attention and eye of many ladies and as well as...some men. It could be a very very distant future that Chloé will come up with a men's collection. So for guys who want a piece of Chloé now, bags will be the best bet. I have been scouring online to find bags by Chloé that could pass off for use by guys...but never been able to, that is until now.

This Chloé Saskia Sheepskin Satchel is pretty unisex looking, with a nice stone colour and front flap pockets. Nothing overly girlish adorns the exterior of the bag, except maybe the oversize round brass zipper pull. But seriously, I do not mind that. The unique design of pockets and how the bag is proportioned pretty much makes up for this slight 'imperfection'. The bag is of a flight bag style, with a top zipper opening and a full leather shoulder strap. Size is 15"W X 9"H X 4"D, not too bad for a male physique. This bag looks great in my books and I do not think carrying it will erode any masculinity out of any fashion forward men.

Retail price: US $1560. Where to buy: www.saks.com