Loewe By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons

Below: The collaboration to watch out for come Fall Winter 2013... Loewe by Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons limited edition capsule collection marries the signatures of both brands for an unexpected street twist on Spanish luxury! Loving the men friendly Amazona 24H with an amazing patchwork front panel of leather, tartan and polka dots... Must have!

 Below: Small accessories such as coin purses and jumbo pouches all came in Junya Watanabe's revered deconstructed touch but crafted with Loewe's elegance and expertise in leather craft... an interesting union of opposing styles with the most surprising of results... Highly collectible!

Spanish Luxury Meets Avant Garde Street Cool: Loewe By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons

Ever wondered when punk meets the refined... what chemistry will spark off from this opposing union? Wait no longer to find out. For the first time, Spanish luxury label, Loewe has tapped onto the fashion ingenuity of Junya Watanabe, Comme Des Garçons for THE collaboration of Fall Winter 2013. Get ready for a limited edition capsule collection of ready to wear and accessories, embodying the best signatures from the 2 super brands. Loewe’s exquisite workmanship and elegance is now layered over with the street cred of Junya Watanabe’s avant garde, deconstructed grunge moods.

“The idea of a bad girl or bad boy carrying a Loewe bag was what this was based on,” explains Stuart Vevers, the innovative British creative director of Loewe who masterminded the collaboration. “Junya did the wigs, I did the red lips.

“We deliberately wanted it to be surprising. The biggest part of my mission at Loewe has been to rejuvenate the brand and raise its profile. I very much saw this collaboration as a big step in that direction.”  Explains Vevers.

So what to expect of this ‘brainchild’ from the 2 great minds? Good news, fans of both brands will not be disappointed. Get ready for attention-grabbing, punkesque mix of black leather, blue denim, red tartan, ripped leggings, patched trousers and, of course, exquisitely reinvented Amazona bags for boys and girls.

Loewe’s iconic 1975 Amazona bag (in varying sizes) now comes with an interesting patchwork front panel of leather, denim, polka dot and tartan (from Junya Watanabe’s Comme des Garçons archives) and finished with Loewe’s Spanish grained calf leather and Spanish craftsmanship. I definitely want the ‘Denim Patchwork and Refined Grain Calf ‘Amazona 24H’ Bag, which at a size of 44 x 28.5 x 18.5 cm fits the fashion forward guy day and night. Also look out for patchwork coin purses and pouches which bear the Junya Watanabe touch while retaining Loewe’s elegance.

Excited? Start pre-ordering your Loewe by Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons online at www.loewe.com (For a limited time till 23 June 2013). The new collection will then be launch at Dover Street Market Ginza at the end of August and worldwide in 40 Loewe stores and via www.loewe.com on Sept. 1. 

Below: Refined Grain Calf Patchwork ‘Amazona Alto’ Bag (SGD 4190)

Click here for more pics of Loewe by Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Limited Edition Capsule Collection on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Loewe, Japan Times, Freshness Mag

My MANy Bags News #374

Below: 2 of the most coveted brands come together for a collaboration not to be missed... It's Comme Des Garçons x Hermès...a dream team-up! Check out the scarf designs that infuses the personality of both brands... Highly collectible and limited:-) I love the “Quadridge” Dots (yellow) and "Coaching" Checks design. 90x90cm at £330. Hurry before they sell out...

Below: 2 other designs from the collection that is also my favourites... The ultra huge 180x180cm Giant Patchwork at £1500 (top) and “Couvertures et tenues de jour” Message (90x90cm) £330 (below)

 

Comme Des Garçons  x Hermès Carrés

It's the ultimate fashion dream come true! Yes, Comme Des Garçons quirky irrelevant aesthetics meets Hermès’ refined luxury is now a reality. The 2 fashion power houses have collaborated for a collection of the lifetime ‘Comme Des Carrés’ that infuses Rei Kawabuko’s polka dot, checks and street slogans and more onto Hermès’ iconic and exquisite scarf prints.

The infusion of the 2 is visually interesting and original, making fashion art that is both wearable and highly collectible. Available at very limited quantities of 200 pieces per design, these scarfs ranging from 90cm to 180cm square retails exclusively at COMME des GARCONS outlets in Paris, New York and Tokyo, as well as Dover Street Market in Ginza and London.

Fret not if you lived outside of these cities. Step up on your buying impulse as these ‘definite sell-out’ scarves can be yours too with online shopping at Dover Street Market. Last I checked, most designs are still available at prices ranging from £330 - £1500, with shipping worldwide at £25.

Hurry! I definitely want the “Quadridge” Dots design in yellow:-).

More pics of Commes Des Garçons x Hermès on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Dover Street Market

The Material Boy #529

Below: Succumb to the power of Black with these sexy Comme Des Garçons 'VERY BLACK' accessories...

Below: Many variants of wallets and pouches to choose from... Love the half zip wallet!

Comme Des Garçons 'Very Black' Collection

Hermès may have everyone coveting their limited edition 'So Black' collection... Comme Des Garçons is equally earnest to make their fans succumb to the beauty black colour... Behold their 'Very Black' collection of accessories... featuring matte black metallic zippers and all black interiors to celebrate the allure of this most versatile neutral colour.

From iPad case to those highly popular half zip wallets to long wallets and pouches...start falling head over heels with black again and again! Half zip wallets is now on my wishlist! Prices range from €125 (Half zip wallet), €145 (Large pouch) to €380 (iPad case).

Below: Hermès So Black collection features all black hardware...

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

Source: Comme Des Garçons, Number3 Store

My Shoe Collection #53

Below: My new shoes! Fresh from the delivery man today...

Below: Now I can enjoy some 'wedge-sole' brogues action too...

Comme Des Garçons SHIRT x The Generic Man 'Wingman' Brogues

I blogged about these Comme Des Garçons SHIRT x The Generic Man 'Wingman' Brogues Shoes just last week. Since then, I have been thinking about them all thru last weekend. I am a fan of the classic brogue design made funky with a touch of Rei Kawakubo sensibility and The Generic Man's attention to quality.

The Generic Man is a shoe company based in the LA and embodies an effortless, tasteful direction on men’s luxury footwear. Favoring easy to wear styles and clean, refined lines, The Generic Man shoes possess an elegant simplicity that never compromises on quality or impeccable design. With this collaboration, the resulting shoe design becomes an instant must have for all shoe fans. These shoes may not be as fancy as Prada's Wingtip Wedge Sole Brogues... but they are definitely more wearer-friendly with a lighter body (very light and durable Vibram soles. Used on shoes of Mount Everest climbers) and more casual attitude.

Got my pair from www.my-wardrobe.com since Singapore's Comme Des Garçon store at Hilton Hotel ran out of my size at 41 in brown (reserved for another customer and it's one pair per size). They retail for SGD690 while costing £275 pounds (before UK VAT discount) at my-wardrobe. You do the math. Shoes run slightly small, so I recommend taking a size up.

Somehow I have a feeling these shoes are going to be a hot favourite in due time!

Check out the special collaboration video inspired by the groundbreaking Nouvelle Vague movies of Jean-Luc Godard, most prominently a café scene in his 1967 classic. Very retro cool. After watching, the film affirms my love for the shoes even more.

Source: myMANybags

The Material Boy #491

Below: Prada Brogues alternative? Loving these Comme Des Garçons SHIRT Vibram Sole Brogue Shoes...

Comme Des Garçons SHIRT Vibram Sole Brogue Shoes

Been lusting over a pair of Prada's thick wedge sole brogues but put off by the high price? I found a great alternative by an equally avant garde brand. Comme Des Garçons SHIRTs Vibram Sole Brogue Shoes offers similar quirky styles but at less than half the price. Retailing at £275 pounds, this shoe is much lighter in weight than Prada's. Of course, you do not get the coloured stripe soles and panelling, but if you are the understated dresser, these fit you perfect.

Saw them at Club 21's Bangkok boutique and I would grab a pair myself! If not, get them online from my wardrobe.

Source: My Wardrobe

The Material Boy #449

Below: Mr Porter has some great new arrivals this week... love the influx of colour and bold patterns
for a cheery summer style!

Mr Porter New Arrivals: Thursday Shopping Finds

New stocks have arrived at www.mrporter.com... and this week, I am really pleased and tempted by the selections! Colours colours and stripes+stripes, you get the idea of what I like!:-P

I am so tempted to get everything, from the bright teal Jil Sander trousers to the very affordable PS By Paul Smith Yellow Burnished Leather Belt (Only £79! Has a contrasting colour belt loop which I adore!). Marc By Marc Jacobs' selections are so noteworthy with bold colourful stripes or even that polka dot shirt!

(Check out my Club 21 Press Day report on Marc By Marc Jacobs selections here too! Singapore fans can shop Marc By Marc Jacobs menswear at the flagship store, Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road)

LOVE:-) Good job in providing some Thursday Shopping Inspiration, Mr Porter:-) Give your buyers a pat in the back.

Source: MR PORTER: The Mens Style Destination

My MANy Bags News #302

Below: Finally a Comme Des Garcons Standalone Boutique opening in Singapore!

Comme Des Garcons Standalone Boutique Opening In Singapore!

Club 21 Global is aggressively bringing in all the coolest fashion brands to Singapore, with their own standalone boutiques. First up for 2011 is Tsumori Chisato, and now rejoice... Comme Des Garcons is next! Clap your hands and feet!

Comme Des Garcons will open on 31 Jan 2011 at Hilton Hotel, Singapore (Unit 02-39/40). Get ready for even more Rei Kawakubo's fashion forward antics... Bravo!

Source: Club 21 Global

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #118

Below: Gucci's website exclusive leopard hair calf trainers, yours for US$795...

Below: Lanvin's take on leopard print...made for ladies, but boys can wear them if the size fits, yours for £425...

Below: Giacomorelli stunning studded leopard slip-ons, yours for Euro380...

Below: The master of leopard print shoes... Christian Louboutin offers 2 styles for Fall Winter 2010. The studded rollerball costs SGD $2800, available for pre-order at their boutique in Singapore now.

Below: Another leopard print hair calf trainers from Christian Louboutin... but from Spring Summer 2010 season... on sale now if you can find it!

Below: My Comme Des Garcon white leopard haircalf slip-ons which I got a few months back at Club 21 mens store (retails SGD $685)...need a leopard print pair in brown tones now... which ones should I get?

Mens Shoes: Leopard Spotted!

It's officially a jungle out there this Fall Winter 2010 and next Spring Summer 2011 season! Grab some leopard print hair calf or leather shoes and start walking on the wild side:-)

Christian Louboutin does 'envy inducing' studded loafers and gorgeous trainers for Fall Winter 2010 and Spring Summer 2010 season. Gucci is also now offering their own interpretation of the trend as well. Giacomorelli's cool studded slip ons has got everyone hot on some leopard trail. I got my Comme Des Garcon white leopard print hair calf slip ons a few months back, I need another pair in brown tones. So which ones are you 'hunting' for next season?

Grrrrrrowl... time to add some feral charm!

Source: Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Giacomorelli, Comme Des Garcons, Lanvin

My Shoe Collection #43

Below: Another Club 21 purchase from 2 weeks ago...

Below: For a pair of shoe this price, the packaging sure looks cheap:-(

Below: Fortunately the contents more than make up for the cheap packaging...
Introducing my new Comme Des Garcon Pony Hair 'Leopard Print' Slip-ons!

Below: Love that streak of wild adventure with these cool shoes...

Below: More like 'Snow leopard' than the brown 'African leopard'..

Below: Hairy but happy feet anyone?

Below: SA told me this is pony hair, but it seems it's leather or fabric?!?!
Who cares...I just love these cute shoes!

Comme Des Garcons Pony Hair 'Leopard Print' Slip-ons

Since I am recently on a 'leopard print' fascination, I have been constantly on the look out for more leopard print pieces which could add to the look. So naturally when I first saw this pair of gorgeous Comme Des Garcons Pony Hair 'Leopard Print' Slip-ons at the Club 21 mens, Bangkok, it was instantly a love at first sight. The pair I saw then was of a brown colour which resembles the real leopard colour ways. I knew Bangkok luxury retailers impose exorbitant mark ups on any designer goods, hence I held back my lust and waited patiently till I am back in Singapore to get it.

As expected, prices are cheaper in Singapore and Club 21 mens, Four Seasons Hotel even have 2 variants to choose from:-) At first, I was insistent on getting the brown version which I saw at Club 21 Bangkok, but my size ran out in the Singapore store and I had to contemplate getting this white coloured version. I did not want to make an impulsive decision since the shoes are more 'expensive' than I expect them to be so I walked away to avoid another 'white elephant' in my wardrobe.

After a week of contemplation and not being able to get the shoe out of my mind, I am convinced I want the shoes. Because of the more unconventional leopard print colour ways, I can see it working with summer wardrobes next season. The shoe design definitely can go a long way instead of just being a seasonal piece. It's also a touch of wild 'safari' fun which is quirky and adds a sense of African adventure. Having so many positive reasons to justify my purchase, I went back to Club 21 mens store that weekend and brought back this beauty home (thankfully my size is still available. These shoes are all come available at one piece per size!).

Was told by the SA that the shoe is made from pony hair, which explains the 'higher' pricing. A very comfortable slip on style that you can wear with shorts or rolled up pants. The furry texture together with the leopard print gives an exotic charm and is casual for the weekends but luxurious enough for a fun night out. Next holiday destination...Africa?!?!?

Retail price: SGD $685. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel

My MANy Bags Lookbook #11

Time To Get Boyish...Baker Boy Style!

Classic boyish charm is the way to go for this edition for myMANybags lookbook. I was inspired by the cute Baker Boy Hats seen on multiple runways this fall season with Burberry Prorsum especially emphasizing on this particular head gear. Love the playful style and it's practicality, keeping your hair in place and head toasty during the cold winter months.

I am going for a classic style with some modern twist, all in the name of fun and play. Comme Des Garcon Homme Plus' trompe l'oeil Stripe Vest Shirt. The vest is sew on the front and gives the effect that you are wearing one while not. Simply quirky. Lanvin's mighty cool wool jersey blazer calls for a fluid and soft silhouette to give a sense of youthful nonchalance. Alexander Mcqueen's plaid trousers add texture and pattern to the whole ensemble (roll up the legs to ankle height please:-) while Lanvin's Blue Velvet Trainers finish it off with a sense of sporty luxurious chic. As for accent pieces, Dries Van Noten's casual Silk Tie Belt looks thrown on effortlessly and unplanned. Last of all, no men nor boys should ever leave the house without a bag. Hence, Bottega Veneta's classic and elegant Nero Toro Tote crafted in textured leather and intrecciato handles is a brilliant companion.

Who's in for boyish charm?!?!

Source: Matches Fashion, Browns Fashion, Antonioli, Bottega Veneta, Yoox

The Material Boy #262

Converse x Comme Des Garcons Play Sneakers

As reported by fellow blogger, coinoperatedninja, it seems my favourite footwear, Converse is going to have another collaboration with Comme Des Garcons! Looking forward to see these hit the stores. I think a pair is definitely in the plans. The red PLAY heart logo stood out from the plain canvas, somehow imbueing it with a quirkiness, only inherent in Comme Des Garcons. Love it!

Should hit selected stores in 4 months time:-P

Source: TFS

My MANy Bags News #23

Louis Vuitton x Comme Des Garçon Opens In Tokyo!

For all the LV and Comme Des Garçon fans...the wait is finally over. The pop up shop in Aoyama district, Japan is the only place where the very exclusive and limited Rei Kawakubo's LV creations can be bought or ordered. Something I am sure the hardcore LV collectors will not want to miss. The opening was attended by Japan's elite, celebrities and fashon editors alike. The interior design of this temporary (3 months only) store features gray concrete walls and finishing of metal and steel, very reminiscent of a Comme Des Garçon environment. I like the wall mounted display. Interesting:-P

Hurry for those LV collectors who wants to get their hands on special designed bags from this once in a lifetime collaboration. 3 months and start counting!

For me, I think I will passed. I feel the designs are kinda ugly in my books. Sorry Comme Des Garçons fans. Nevertheless, I foresee lots of people queuing to get anything from this special range. The prices start from 78,750 yen, or $726, for a 12-centimeter-tall rectangular bag to 194,250 yen, or $1,790, for the duffel.

On a last note, where's Marc?

Source: Pics from www.trashbagaesthetics.com

My Shoe Collection #31

Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Canvas Trainers

Today while heading to Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel to pick up my alteration for my Raf Simons jacket, I cannot help but pick up a new pair of shoe by Comme Des Garcon.:-) I have blogged about this shoe previously and now I finally own it. I am surprised at such a good price and in such a nice design, sizes are still available after 2 weeks of sale. I got a pair of size 41 and that was a new pair instead of the one on display. And I notice, there were still other sizes left should you have bigger feet.:-)

Happily I bag this pair of shoe after I tried it on. It just looks cool. Being a pair of white shoe, it is amazingly easy to match and wear anytime of the day. The silver print also adds some sparkle and glamour for an interesting night out too. One interesting design feature that I notice which was interesting to me, was the design of the shoe flap. It is unlike that of your normal shoe. This pair of Comme Des Garcon shoes was designed so the shoe flap slips in place along slots created on both sides beneath the shoe lace holes. That means the flap will hold its place when you wear it on your feet, will not get easily tangled up or moved around (which I dislike). Pretty sweet idea I must say.

On a last note, I had the left side of the pair I was buying exchanged with the one from the display pair (only one side of the shoe was displayed, so fortunately the display pair's left side was in the storeroom with minimum number of people trying it on). Reason being, the sides were a bit crushed and I was not happy about the condition.:-P I can be picky sometimes.

At a great price of SGD $188 (30% discount), and really comfortable. Also comes in black with silver prints as well:-)

Retail price: SGD $269. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

The Material Boy #61

Comme Des Garcons Silver Print Canvas Trainers

Canvas trainers are one of the most ingenious shoes ever designed:-) Using canvas material means it keeps the costs down, have myriad possibilities to add prints and designs to the fabric, and is light weight and easy to wear day to day.

I swear by my converse shoes and anything lookalike. This pair of nice off-white canvas trainers from Comme Des Garcons is a good example of creativity with canvas printing. Silver graphics is printed on the fabric which gives it a quirky look. The simple matching of off-white and silver is neutral combination and will add a 'shiny' street touch to any look you are wearing.

Best thing is, despite it being Comme Des Garcons, the price is so affordable! This shoe design reminds me of her collaboration with Fred Perry. Maybe it is.

Retail price: UK 85 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com