My MANy Bags Lookbook #10

Balmainia

I have caught the 'Balmainia'. Those ultra slim, over the top decadent embellished pieces (at the most exorbitant prices) best sums up what French party girl chic is. I love those skinny of the skinniest jeans!

But of course, guys are not supposed to emulate exactly what the women's looks are. That would put you in drag queen territory. Christophe Decarnin realised that and developed a men's collection which played safe but was disappointly lacking the true Balmain flavour we loved from the girls. He could have taken it slightly further and have more fun. We boys do like to have some bling and get skinny too, just not as overdone as the ladies.

So for this edition of myMANybags lookbook, I have selected pieces from different sources and try to inject a bit of that bling and sexy slim Balmain silhouette for the boys. To add some shiny embellishments, a croc embossed leather silver chain belt, silver lined gauze scarf (courtesy of Givenchy) are used. These are paired with super skinny biker jeans with stitch detailings from Diet Slim Skin Butcher and of course to retain originality to the brand, Balmain blazers and crystal brooch.

A slouchy draping Julius white t-shirt ensures the nonchalant attitude of a biker dude is retained. Same goes for those cool looking Oak distressed leather boots. Time to 'outshine' the ladies:-P

Anyone else caught the 'Balmainia'?

Source: Luisaviaroma, Blackbird, Men.style.com, Givenchy

The Material Boy #294

Below: Love that long drape tee...and the tank top with frayed edges...

Below: The zip sandals are definitely interesting...

Below: Julius accessories have that dark edge, the silver skull necklace and leather dog tag has my vote!

Julius Spring Summer 2009 Menswear And Accessories

Japanese label Julius portrayed a gothic, 'end of days' dark rendition of fashion. Melancholic and yet strong, the pieces of wrinkled leather, love tattered knits and tees, tall boots emulated an industrial type wardrobe worthy of some prince of the underworld. The looks almost seem it came out of the matrix trilogy. I am loving those interesting zip sandals, long draped tees and the industrial and dark styles of the bracelets and necklaces.

The collection may seem too dark for some guys. But dissect the looks carefully and you find very unique pieces that can be worn in a more subdued way. I am loving the collection in a strange way:-P

A small selection of Julius is available in Blackjack, Forum The Shopping Mall.

Here's some info about the brand as found online:

Julius is a Japanese fashion label run and designed by Tatsuro Horikawa. The label focuses on presenting a wide array of gothic inspired clothing, utilizing the color black extensively to explore its meaning in both Avant Garde, spiritual, and religious aspects of the designer’s life. Started as a primarily art related project, Julius has surpassed Horikawa's original label focus in Nuke, presenting in the Tokyo Collection annually since 2004 and growing to a cult status in both Japan and abroad.

Source: Julius

My MANy Bags Lookbook #04

Fall Inspirations

For next season, I am inspired by Japanese label, Julius and the concept of pairing longer tops with shorter blazers (I just got my Raf Simons Ruched Back Blazer tailored again to become slimmer). Something darker and melancholic for winter, edited to suit me:-). Slim and trim with strong accessories such as the weird Pierre Hardy Open Toe Shoes and Givenchy's Chain Trim Duffle bag. It's time to get tough and 'creepy' (Ann Demeulemeester's Beetle Brooch does the trick!) for colder, harsher weather:-P

Source: Julius, Givenchy