Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Up Céline Cabas?

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro does it again... After the iconic Birkin... another highly recognisable bag gets his 'grunge-up' treatment... this time it is Céline Cabas's turn!
 

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunges' Up Another Iconic Bag: Céline Cabas

Remember the ‘grunge’ up Birkin I featured several seasons back from Mihara Yasuhiro? It was controversial and clearly fans were divided on their opinions. Some say it was bag blasphemy, while others embrace the irony of ‘deconstructing’ the world’s most recognisable bag. I, myself, applaud the boldness of Mihara Yasuhiro for this attempt. Conceptually interesting... a poke in the face at all the bag snobs can be a very fun thing. This is what keeps fashion interesting.

So for Spring Summer 2014, another iconic bag gets the Mihara ‘grunge’ treatment. This time, it’s Céline whose popularity in their bag designs is unstoppable. Their horizontal Céline Cabas toughens up with an extension of an unfinished leather panel at the base. The resemblance is uncanny, yet the feel is different. This Mihara Yasuhiro version somehow gets that extra street edge. I love it!

Diehard fans may frown upon the idea. But fashion fans who embrace fun will enjoy this sarcastic spin on a highly popular bag. Imagine walking into a Céline boutique  and the expression of the store assistants will be priceless. That should be worth all the price you paid for. 

USD921 if you are keen. Available at Club 21 Online Store.

Below: I love this... Cool spin to poke some fun at an iconic bag:-P

Below: My Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Up birkin from several seasons ago... Read about it here

More pics of Miharayasuhiro 'Grunge' Up Céline Cabas on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Miharayasuhiro

Tumi By Miharayasuhiro Luggage Collection

Below: American premium luggage brand, Tumi just got street grunge cool from Japanese designer, Mihara Yasuhiro with a new limited edition capsule luggage collection for SS2014. These new range of travel bags bears the Japanese designer's signature python and camouflage print to add fashion relevance for the otherwise boring brand...

Below: Choose from backpacks, trolleys and carry-on duffles in either camouflage or python print. I vote for the python versions!
 

Tumi By Miharayasuhiro Luggage Collection

Miharayasuhiro is one of my favourite designers, having blogged about his ‘grunge’ looking birkins and brilliant menswear collections that are innovative and fresh.

For the upcoming Spring Summer 2014, the bold and highly creative Japanese designer puts his mark on American premium luggage brand Tumi for a range of desirable travel bags bearing his signature python and camouflage prints. The sleek greens, navy and grey hues lend sophistication to the otherwise utilitarian carriers. Tumi travel bags just got an express boost to fashion coolness! I want the duffle and trolley... one in python and one in camouflage please:-P

Below:As seen on Miharayasuhiro's SS2014 Mens runway show...

The limited Edition collection will be available at Club21 Mens from mid December 2013.

More pics of Tumi by Miharayasuhiro Luggage Collection on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Miharayasuhiro

My Bag Collection #63

Below: Another new bag for Spring Summer 2011... Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin makes it to
my bag collection. Love it!

Below: Details that resembles the read deal (Hermès Birkins)... but with a unique feature in the form of hand cut extension flaps on the front and back. An unfinished appeal that gave this Mihara Yasuhiro bag it's personality:-)

Below: I debut the bag today... amidst stares along Orchard Road:-P Fun experience. Love the size of the bag too.

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin In Brown

Japanese designer, Mihara Yasuhiro's twisted take on the legendary Hermés Birkin is one of the most controversial (if not most interesting and fun) bag to be had this Spring Summer 2011. Behold, Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin, a deliberate 'wicked sense of humour' directed at an iconic bag:-) I first blogged about this 'Grunge Birkin' here and had mixed reactions from bag fans all over. The 'Grunge' birkin name (which I innocently gave the bag when I wrote my post) somehow got stuck as the bag's unofficial title as word gets spread around the internet. (something I must admit I am in a way proud of:-P).

Some bag lovers hated the guts of Mihara Yasuhiro while others understood his humour and sarcasm... but I just love the bag for the fun of it. Of course, knowing it's from Mihara Yasuhiro (he is often applauded for his innovative mens collections) gave me even more reason to want the bag. Hence, the 'Grunge' Birkin became a must-have in my SS2011 shopping list.

Unfortunately, Singapore's Club 21 store did not stock the colour I want, so I had to turn to my original source, Club 21 Thailand for the acquisition of the bag. Navy was my first choice of colour, but this Thailand exclusive hue sold out at the time I had wanted to buy the bag. I had no choice but to settle for another colour which turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I chose a reddish brown tone which is absolutely gorgeous and I am loving it more day after day. The textured leather used is also more polished and structured than it's distressed leather counterparts, hence holding the shape better. To sweeten the appeal, the bag gets complimenting gold tone hardware which adds a welcoming touch of luxury.
Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin is crafted with longer handles (can shoulder sling easily), comes in a handy size (about 38cm width) but most interestingly, features a unique hand cut extension (no two bags are alike) on the front and back of the bag. It is these odd extensions that gave that 'unfinished' appeal which forms the bag's personality. Love it!

I debut the bag to a flurry of staring eyes, walking down Orchard Road today... all in the name of good fun and humour:-) This bag is fast becoming my top favourite bag... a fun and unique addition to my bag collection. Well done Mihara Yasuhiro!

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

(PS. the Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' birkin also comes in a mens size (about 42cm width) that is exclusive to Club 21 Mens Singapore. Do check it out!)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #192

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens collection offers controversial take on iconic bags... such as the 'Grunge Birkin' (I named it that!) which I adore till death! Need! (Price is SGD1490)

Below: Even Céline's Classic Box Shoulder Bag is not spared! How's that for bag sarcasm??!?

Below: Love this duffel shaped handbag given a military spin with those canvas 'backpack' straps... Those sculpted heels and leggings are super cool too!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear

Further to my post on the 'Grunge Birkin' from Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2011 Womens Collection... here's official pics from the brand's lookbook. Gorgeous and witty take , not to mention bold (imagine all the backlash from H Fans!) take on one of the world's most iconic and distinguished bag. If you noticed, not only the Birkin was 'remodelled' but even Céline's highly popular Classic Box Bag is also being reinterpreted!

How's that for bag 'politics'?!?!

Fun and witty I must say. Take it at a humour perspective and I really love it. Beyond the 'controversial' bags, the ready to wear pieces from Mihara Yasuhiro's womens collection are also very interesting. A bit of dishevelled glamour added with a military, equestrian feel. Check out those stockings and the amazing sculpted heels. Mihara Yasuhiro is always high on originality and creativity, sometimes unexpected such as his sarcasm at iconic bags.

Inspiration for the collection:
The Miharayasuhiro SS11 collection takes its inspiration from the artist Georgia O’Keefe and her early work ‘Black Iris III’. The collection is both representational and abstract as it explores the relationship between Eastern and Western culture and the paradox of the wearer’s strength and fragility.

The collection comprises three broad styles. Tailoring, military, and work wear.

Masculine tailoring, trench coats and structured jackets are transformed with floral printing. Reminiscent of O’Keefe’s style, the flowers not only fill the garments with shape but also remind us that this is lived in and not simply an object.

In contrast to the structured tailoring, the military garments strike feminine silhouettes. Layers of silk drape sensitively to create safari jackets and dresses reminiscent of the Japanese kimono. Floral camouflage created with Mihara’s technique of woven photographic print delivers traditional dress for a new era.

Washed denim shirts evoke O’Keefe’s personal style, a style which is reinvented through drop-neck shirts, washed denim jeans and frayed jersey garments. All of which give the sense of time over which these garments have been worn.

The rugged and artistic energy in this collection is finally channeled into a collection of minimal chic shoes and traditional footwear takes on a new image. Tasseled loafers become pumps and wooden soles float on clear acrylic heels.

This collection tells the story of a woman’s strength established through time. Encouraged in abstract thinking, educated in expression and inherently feminine.

Mihara Yasuhiro is available at Club 21, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore (Women's store)

Source: Mihara Yasuhiro via Club 21 Global

The Material Boy #431

Below: Spotted: 'Grunge' Birkin anyone?!?!

Below: Thanks to Club 21 Thailand... I got more pics of this fun but 'controversial' bag:-P Comes in quite a number of colours from browns to blues to reds...

Below: Interior of the bag with a metal plaque clearly marking Mihara Yasuhiro's name... wonder what Hermès will think:-P

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin?

Spotted on the shop windows of Club 21 Bangkok... I was first contemplating who did this version of a birkin... was it a cheap knock-off or some collaboration? But I must admit, feeling the 'Hermès snob' in me (although I do not own a birkin, I do not want anyone blaspheming this sacred icon in the bag universe). So I went into the store 'hell bent' on finding out who committed this atrocity!


But to my surprise, the designer is none other than Mihara Yasuhiro... one of the most creative and original designers in the world. So coming from him, I get his wicked sense of humour. It is mocking at the most iconic bag in the world and I love it! Imagine what will real Birkin owners react standing side by side this 'sarcastic' version by the japanese designer:-P How cool and fun!

This Mihara Yasuhiro version (Retailing in Bangkok for THB 38,500 or in Singapore for SGD1490) has lots of attitude...with a piece of raw edge leather extending from the front and hanging from the base. Wicked! Even the price is a mockery of the original, at almost 10 times lesser:-P How fun.

I hope Singapore's Club 21 store carries this bag too. I can't wait to try it! I want one too.

(Updates: Club 21 Singapore at Four Seasons Hotel will stock the bag at just SGD$1490.
Available in black and brown:-)

Go to Club 21 Thailand's Facebook page to view more pics:-)

Below: Oh, the bag looked fab when shoulder carried! Loved it:-)

Source: myMANybags, Club 21 Thailand, Club 21 Global

Inspiration Thursday!

Tokyo Incoming: Wardrobe Planning...

If money is no problem, and items readily available... What would I wear on my upcoming 'virgin' trip to Tokyo? Land of the rising sun is mecca to radical fashion fanatics. Should I go all the way? Probably not. I cannot pull off or have the guts to mix and match in the most odd of manners like the Jap guys.

But I would be happy to try what I have sketched today:-P Ah... Some Balmain military cool. A lightweight Céline Cabas, some easy walking 'cut-out' shoes from Jil Sander, slouchy ribbed T-shirt with amazing braided detail from Mihara Yasuhiro. And a nice pair of Khaki pants to round off the look. (Okay maybe this outfit is not winter proof... but imagination knows no weather patterns. :-P should make me stand out while not shouting out?!?!:-P)

Oh lastly, I want to keep my hair longer with asymmetric fringe, Manga style, here I come! Need to blend in with my destination:-P

(See my other sketch here:-P)

Source: Céline, Mihara Yasuhiro, Balmain, Jil Sander

My MANy Bags Lookbook #22

What's Up, Brad?

I am starting to watch 'Rachel Zoe Project: Season 3' and I simply adore Brad Goreski every time I see him appear on screen. Congrats to Brad scoring the style director position with the departure of Taylor. I think Brad has impeccable style and taste. He will do a good job. I also love to see what he wears on the show which makes for great inspirations. It is really Brad who got me hooked on Rachel Zoe Project more than anything else.

So for this new lookbook post, I dedicate the style to Brad Goreski, interpreted thru the eyes of Me:-P Geeky look with a touch of flamboyance. Matching Neil Barrett's contrasting collar shirt and matching bowtie with Mihara Yasuhiro's grey contrasting rolled up hem trousers for a preppy feel. Tom Ford's Sunglasses adds to the refined gentlemen look while Panerai's 18kt Radiomir 42m Rose Gold Casing Watch says it all for luxury. For touches of flamboyance, this Brad Goreski inspired guy carries a Limited Edition Trussardi 1911 Animalier Overnight Bag, playing up the wild side in him. Balmain Homme's Silver Metal Loops Leather Belt gives a much needed rebel bling, while Nicholas Kirkwood's Lace Print Sculpted Heel Brogues lets him express his sensitive side:-)

I love Brad! Geek chic never looked this good until he came along!

Source: Trussardi 1911, Neil Barrett, Tom Ford, Nicholas Kirkwood, Balmain, Mihara Yasuhiro, Panerai

The Material Boy #383

Below: An innovative shoe design from Mihara Yasuhiro. Browns Fashion stocks this in brown colour while you can find the black version at Club 21 Mens, Singapore...


Below: I love the leather strap being able to wrap around the ankles for a unique look when wearing shorts or cropped pants...

Below: As seen on the model on the runway of the Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Men's Show...

Mihara Yasuhiro Ankle Strap Backless Lace-ups

At last, I found pics of one of my most favoured shoes for the season. Ever since I spotted them in Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, I have been so tempted to buy these. But due to restricted budgets I have set myself, this pair of lace-ups is still on my wishlist. I am just waiting for the right time to make my 'wishes' come true.

If you live outside of Singapore, grab your hands on them from Browns Fashion, who is an exclusive retailer for Mihara Yasuhiro in UK, but they do ship international.

I love the leather strap wrapping around the ankles when worn, adds a unique look and works exceptionally well with shorts or rolled up pants. A hybrid between lace-ups and sandals (with the missing back part of the shoe), it takes you from casual to formal occassions with ease:-) I also love the deliberate washed effect on the leather which adds to the character. Definitely indifferent. The only setback, perhaps is the shoes do not look great under regular length pants or jeans. You must be ready to expose your ankles for the look to work. But here in Singapore, wearing shorts is so normal, this should not be a problem.

Retail price: £550. Where to buy: Browns Fashion

My MANy Bags News #208

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore... so exciting to wait for the opening of the show since it's my favourite menswear collection for Spring Summer 2010...

Below: The linkway between Four Seasons Hotel and Hilton Hotel transformed into an out of this world show venue... show is about to start, guests are trickling in! Me and my friends have great seats at the front row where the models will walk in from:-P

Below: The show venue with mood lighting... notice the lights on the ceiling, like stars or 'Christmas':-P

Below: Hurray, music on, show has started!

Below: The washed leather vest is one of the signature look for the collection... a boyish explorer...

Below: This is actually a vest with atttached long sheer draping scarfs... very romantic... it's an interesting textural contrast to the destroyed tee

Below: Shirts with amazing pocket details...paint splatter slouchy pants. Mihara's pieces surprises you when you inspect them up close...

Below: My favourite look... those sandal/ boots are amazing. Tough chic... I would buy them in a heartbeat if only they are available at Club 21!

Below: My 'fuzzy' attempt to capture the back of the shoe! Love love!

Below: Ladies, Mihara Yasuhiro does womenswear too! These destroyed dresses have sequins under the slilts. The footwear is amazing too! U can find them at Club 21 store at Four Seasons Hotel...

Below: A play on transparency, softness against distressed treatment...

Below: The suiting features lightweight fabrics with a worn in look... but yet so refined and elegant befitting a young 'prince'...

Below: My favourite look again... love those sandal/boots!

Below: I was expecting the show to end and everyone leaves for the cocktail reception...when all of a sudden, Mihara Yaushiro himself makes an appearance and takes his well deserved bow. My reaction was too slow to capture a good pic! Darn!

Below: A buffet awaits hungry guests and best of all, you can shop while you eat!:-P Club 21 stores are just on each side:-P

Below: Inspiration for the collection: Le Petite Prince:-) I love the book!

Below: As a true fan, I had to take a pic with Mr Mihara. He is so approachable and has strong personal style. Love his pants and hair!;-P

Below: Thank you Club 21 for the invitation!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show At Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore

Last evening, I had the pleasure of being invited to an intimate runway presentation organised by Club 21 and Mihara Yasuhiro. The event showcases one of the strongest and my favourite (which I have been raving about on my blog the past few months) Mihara Yasuhiro collection, inspired by the french fable, Le Petite Prince. A imaginative collection that plays on the explorations of the character in the book, with amazing distressed pieces of fine and interesting details and also refined suiting to match. Beyond all the ruggedness of slouchy pants, destroyed tees and deliberate worn-out footwear, the collection also carried a air of elegance and innocence that plays on the designers' strength for boyish charm that taps on the allure of youth. Mihara's attention to detail is also unsurpassed and deserves applause.

The elegant event played to a beautiful setting of soothing ambient ceiling lights (resembling stars perched in space), paint washed walls and floors in neutral shades of sand, almost giving you a sense of exploration in the desert. All these aptly contributed to the mood of Mihara Yasuhiro's Le Petite Prince Inspired Spring Summer 2010 collection. As the show started, I was treated to many inspiring pieces with creative cuts or details, such as a vest with attached long draping sheer scarf or silver foil shorts or a blazer with a seductive sheer back. It was a balance of the toughness of the explorer looks contrasted with the softness of almost weightless fabrics and transparency. There was also a pair of boots/sandal design that I would have snapped up in an instant if Club 21 had managed to stock them. (Unfortunately, they did not! I am so sad!). Even my friend who does not follow fashion was seduced and appreciated the beauty of the collection.

As the show came to an end, I was caught off guard with the designer himself poping out from behind the curtains, taking a bow! Mihara Yasuhiro in person! I almost (quote Rachel Zoe) DIED:-P

Guests were then treated to a surprisingly delicious buffet of some of the best pastries, creme brulee, roast beef and probably the best smoked salmon I have ever tasted. As the event took place right outside the Club 21 stores, we were able to shop as we eat:-) How convenient. Club 21 dedicated the entire first floor to Mihara Yasuhiro's collection and I have to say they carried an impressive range, new pieces specially ordered for this occassion. I love many many pieces and happily choose 2 which I will make a payment today. There is a storewide 20% discount for the next 3 days, so hurry down if you want to shop some Mihara or other designers!

A wonderful evening with amazing ambience to view an impressive collection. Like a fan boy, I had to take a pic with Mihara Yasuhiro, who was very friendly and had a strong personal style. I enjoyed the evening very much, all thanks to Club 21 yet again.

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #89

Below: I made the ads into my new desktop pattern:-P

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Ad Campaign

One of my favourite menswear collection for Spring Summer 2010. Mihara Yasuhiro seems to hit the right balance of wearability and concept. The end result is a highly coveted menswear collection and doing really well in retail here in Singapore. Club 21 have seen the 'destroyed' t-shirts sold well among many other items. A fashion show is planned for the brand too.

Here's the equally appealing ad campaign which depicts the Mihara Yasuhiro men/boy wrought with a hint of adventure and fantasy as inspired by The Little Prince. The campaign shot by Horst Diekgerdes, is fronted and expressed very aptly by the boyish good looks of model, Alexander Johanssen.

Source: The Fashionisto

My Shoe Collection #45

Below: New shoes for new year! My new Mihara Yasuhiro acquistion! Comes in a smart black and beige trim box...

Below: Shoe bag embroided with the branding...

Below: Even the tissue is branded...peekaboo!

Below: It's my favourite footwear for SS2010...this hybrid lace-up and sandal design which is unqiue and one of a kind... Luisaviaroma has it in grey and black. I like this beige/brown combination better:-) (Click on pics below to enlarge)

Below: View from all angles...:-) Front view...

Below: View from the bottom... wooden soles...

Below: Back view... notice it retains the lace-up shoe design for the back...

Below: Distressed wooden soles to create a used look...

Below: Suede, leather and linen like shoe laces...

Below: Sandal strap on the front... the edges of the soles are deliberately worn out...

Below: The suede ankle shaft is lined with soft leather...

Below: As seen on the Spring Summer 2010 runway...

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Ankle Lace-up Sandals

Besides my fascination with bags, I am also a huge shoe fan. After collecting quite an amount of shoes, I tell myself I need to curb my shoe obsession and only buy shoes that's one of a kind or those with that added x-factor:-)

As I have raved about Mihara Yasuhiro's Spring Summer 2010 menswear collection, I also got excited about the footwear that's presented as well. Hence it is inevitable, I find myself needing to add Mihara Yasuhiro to my shoe collection:) (Fortunately, with the savings I got from my Christian Louboutin Freddy Flats, Mihara Yasuhiro seem destined to join my 'shoe' ranks!)

The must-have shoe from Mihara Yasuhiro is this pair of ankle height leather and suede lace-up sandals, a hybrid of shoe and sandal design which is most unusual and one of a kind. Strangely bearing the formality of lace-ups (with the shoe lace front, rear portion and low heel wooden soles) but combined with the casual easiness of a strap style sandal front, which are definitely formula for a statement making piece of footwear. It's so strange and unique, it's one of my favourite shoe design for Spring Summer 2010! I also love the ankle height suede shaft which resembles tall boots so you can get some warrior/trekker look going. Very fun to wear:-)

As does all Mihara Yasuhiro pieces, the lace-up sandals have been given a worn finish, thru vintage washed leather and distressed wooden soles, giving a history and adding personality to the shoes. I can't wait to wear these for fashion week!

New year, new shoes, new paths to tread!

(BTW, I got word that Club 21 Mens is planning a Mihara Yasuhiro show sometime after Chinese New Year... looks like my wardrobe for the event is set!)

Retail price: SGD $840. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel