My Shoe Collection #48

Below: Leopard trend, here I come... thanks to Lanvin! Such elegant packaging too:-P Like a gift box...

Below: I love Lanvin's Leopard Print Leather Trainers, those bronze leather trim, brown suede captoe and grosgrain ribbon shoe laces simply looked fab!

Below: Not your typical leopard print, this Lanvin shoe has a stylised, painted smudged interpretation of leopard spots:-)

Below: Complimentary colour tone that gives the shoe safari chic:-) and great for mixing and matching any wardrobe:)

Below: If you do not like the grosgrain ribbon, then Lanvin has thoughtfully include white laces as well. 2 looks in one shoe:-)

Below: I debut my shoe at the recent Mulberry Fall Winter 2010 collection launch party at Sentosa:-) Works great with cropped pants...

Lanvin Leopard Print Leather Trainers

Leopard prints seems to be flooding the fashion scene. Some find it over the top, some simply adore it. For me, I love it and would adopt it sparingly. It is a wonderful pattern to wear, definitely eye catching while adding an exotic charm. Since leopard prints are going to recur to even Spring Summer 2011 and beyond, I want to buy into the trend!

What better way for guys to get some animal prints in their wardrobe than thru shoes:-) I found this pair of Lanvin Leopard Print Leather Trainers in their boutique at Hilton Hotel, Singapore. Though made for the fairer gender, these shoes have a neutral design and colour tone that works for guys as well. The leopard print is also stylised as a smudgy background, hence it is less flamboyant than the usual leopard patterns. I prefer the thinner sole of the women's version which makes the shoe less chunky. The grosgrain ribbon as shoe laces also adds to the charm and uniqueness of the design. Very Lanvin without having to shout with huge branding:-)

I debut the shoes during Wed night's Mulberry event at Sentosa. Works great with dropped pants and shorts. A chic pair of shoes that is going to survive trends for many years to come:-)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #135

Below: Another school bag style arm candy to hit the stores for next season? Love the lookbook pic of the
bag being carried:-P

Below: Is that a folio clutch?...exciting...:-P

Proenza Schouler Prefall 2010 Accessories, Shoes And Bags

We all love the PS1 bag. We all love the PS1 Clutch. We all love Proenza Schouler. The top models fancy it. The 'IT' fashion girls embrace it. I know I adore the brand too! So here's a peek at the upcoming Prefall 2010 accessories collection from this US based label...

I love those half boots with thick chunky soles. Seems heavy duty soles or wedges are a staple for next winter and even pre-fall 2010 season. The transparent belt is also a stand out piece!

As for the bags, PS1 bag is still the best, but if you are looking for other options, there is a 'shopping bag' tote which seem to be catching on Loewe and Céline's cabas trend.

Source: Proenza Schouler

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #132

Dolce & Gabbana Prefall 2010 Mens Shoes

Ever since I suffer from 'overtly loud branding' phobia on luxury goods, Dolce Gabbana has slip off my shopping radar since Spring Summer 2007 season. I used to be a major fan of the Italian duo, their clothes channel sexuality and impeccable Italian charm, as evident in my massive collection of DG RTW pieces. Those were the days... but as time progresses, I got over my 'flashy branding' days while Dolce & Gabbana (not D&G) evolved their brand direction to a more sartorial and sophisticated style.
Prefall 2010 continues this renewed brand direction with pared down designs on the footwear. Goodbye to the days when DG initials simply overwhelms the design. Now, the branding is toned down and subtle, with shapes and cuts of the shoes as the core draw for savvy shoe fans.

Riding hot on the military trends for Fall Winter 2010, Dolce & Gabbana introduces their own interpretation of Army boots. Interesting vintage leather finish with extra light 'car tyre' rubber soles, and clever paneling design on the back, all poised for a must-have footwear for next season. I love the vintage brown version, it reminds me of army officers from yesteryear. If you fancy low cut versions, there are also derby and brogue style 'boots' which are equally appealing options.

For the active DG fan, vintage finish low/semi high cut trainers will see you treading with style on and off the treadmills. Leather and suede in subdued palette of dark browns, deep greys and blacks all juxapose and matched up beautifully together. The green coloured trainer is a real stand out, as does the 'scruff up' white version. Both beckons out to me most and I see them ideal for those gym days or even a good weekend out about town:-)

Check out the Prefall 2010 collection in the flagship Dolce & Gabbana store at Ion Orchard if you are in Singapore!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana via Club 21

My MANy Bags Lookbook #19

Winter Exotica

It's been a while since I did a lookbook post. After a long lapse and browsing thru Net-a-porter and Bottega Veneta's Pre-fall/Fall Winter 2010 collections, I had an inspiration moment. Hence, my first attempt at women's lookbook!

Winter time is the season for luxe and over the top decadence. And what better way to flaunt that indulgence then to have some exotics all over. So this woman I had in mind, channels ferocious allure, sexiness and confidence. Burberry Prorsum's tough luxe Cropped Shearling Biker Jacket keeps her warm over a stunning Stella McCartney's One Shoulder Python Print Dress, while she glamourize herself with iridescent coloured Bottega Veneta Metallic Python Sandals and Insect Motif Antique Sterling Silver Cuff. For arm candy, who else to turn to but the late ingenious Alexander McQueen for an eye catching De-Manta Faithful Python Clutch. All the pieces keeping in the tones of warm greys and ink blues, while accented with a dash of green.

Source: Net-a-porter, Bottega Veneta

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #125

Below: D&G Fall Winter 2010 Mens Bags... Bag charms and quilted nylon anyone?

Below: The handles and design look a bit Prada-esque or even Coco Cocoon-ish? Yes? No?

Below: D&G Prefall 2010 Collection: 'Loewe Calle Bag'... is that chu?!?!?!

D&G PreFall & Fall 2010 Mens Bags

Sale season has barely begun for Spring Summer 2010 merchandise and now we are already getting a glimpse of what's on offer for Fall Winter 2010...

For next fall D&G sends puffy ski-wear clad hunks (pity they got all wrapped up under all the thick outerwear... no skin to be shown...sob sob) down their runways. As a result, this ski theme idea translates thru to the bag collection as well.

Lots of nylon and distressed leather. Waterproof, weatherproof and abuse proof. Sometimes, you just need a tough bag to bring along when you are up for some those snow cap adventures!

For prefall 2010, there are roomy duffels with a v front design (not bad for a nylon duffel), or totes in leather or nylon that is practical and sans the usual loud D&G branding. And 'Loewe Calle Bag'... Is dat chu? Wonder who in D&G approve this bag design for production? 'Copying' or greta minds think alike?

As for the Fall 2010 Bags, it's all in the charms... bag charms. Loving all those cute little trinkets that hangs on the quilted nylon totes. Prada-esque, Chanel Coco Cooonish... whatever you describe it, those charms are what sets these bags apart. The furry pom poms, 'mountain climbing' D-hooks and rope , phone wire looking charms etc. add colour and a sense of explorer attitude to the otherwise sombre winter collection. They almost seem like souvenirs you pick up from some hill tribes while trekking those ski mountains.

Anyone for some skiing adventure next fall?

Source: D&G

Great Minds Think Alike #23

Below: The 'NEW' Collier De Chien?:-P

Below: The highly coveted real deal from Hermès...

The 'NEW' Collier De Chien: Givenchy style?!?!

Does this leather cuff from Givenchy's pre-fall 2010 collection send familiar chills down your spine? If your answer is yes and it looked hauntingly familiar from the house of Hermès...their infamous Collier De Chien, then you share my sentiments. Those huge square studs and broad leather band design definitely show signs of great minds thinking alike. Like a contemporary revamped version of the classic CDC. Love it? Or the real things still wins? Of course, CDC wins... but I do not mind Givenchy either. Gimme both anyday!:-P

Source: Hermès, Givenchy

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #91

Below: Another savvy bag collection from Céline's Prefall 2010... Love this small duffel with the coloured edges and a handy shoulder strap... who can resist this python version...:-P

Below: Eye catching blue...

Below: The red coloured edges adds a splash of colour in a refreshing way...

Below: As seen on the lookbook...

Below: A reinterpretation of the tote as seen on Spring Summer 2010 season sans the swirling panels...

Below: The design works with wool material as well...

Below: A sportier duffel design great for the gym or as a day bag...

Below: If the size is right for guys, you can't really tell this bag is from the women's collection...

Céline Prefall 2010 Bag Collection

Phoebe Philo is fast rising as one of my most watched designers ever since her debut collection for Céline shows such great promise and high taste. I love what she did to instill effortless chic for her ready to wear pieces that is feminine without trying too hard. But most of all, I am a huge fan of her bag designs. Always understated and contemporary with a minimalist design direction that caters to individuals who appreciates luxury without wanting to be excessive.

Phoebe's Prefall 2010 Bag Collection continues in this direction and they certainly do not disappoint. I am already smitten quite a number of designs from the collection. These new bags have simple lines and non frilly details that seem to cast off any gender stereotyping. I can easily see these bags work for a girl as much as for a guy (Of course, subjected to the correct proportions against a guy's build. Will check them out to further ascertain when they arrive in stores in a few month's time:-P).

My top pick has to be the tote bag which has evolved from Spring Summer 2010's swirling design, to a now more geometric lines. Another is the black duffel bag with red coloured edges that comes with a shoulder strap. I am also loving the grey python skin version which ooze utmost sophistication. Notice the gold square metal studs on the handles which is unique, a glamourous bag without overbearing. There is also a sportier version with fold over sides that makes the perfect day or gym bag.

Can't wait for a Céline bag to join my bag collection.

Source: Céline

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #78

Burberry Prorsum Prefall 2010

The officer and the gentlemen... military influences continues to stay prevalent for the upcoming Burberry Prorsum Prefall 2010 collection. Smart overcoats, epaulets, brass buttons, olive greens and browns all referenced from military uniforms creates a powerful look for both men and women. Come to think of it, military themes are always recurring. It never goes out of trend, they just come back after a while.

This collection gives a good indication on what to expect from the upcoming Saturday's Burberry Fall Winter 2010 Men's Runway Show. If the theme is indeed military inspired, it already sounds promising:-)

Do remember to check out the live streaming of the Fall Winter 2010 Men's Runway show here, all the way from Milan! Time is Saturday, 6PM (Milan time) (GMT+1).

Source: Burberry