Below: More man clutches to drool over... this time from Lanvin... Loving these SS2012 Lanvin Sartorial Envelope Pochettes...
Below: This navy alligator version is my favourite...
Lanvin Sartorial Envelope Pochette
It’s once again man clutch obsession time! For Spring Summer 2012, fall head over heels with these Lanvin Sartorial Envelope Pochettes which feature a distinctive angular flap design, refined lines and understated appeal. No need for brash branding, no need for overworked detailings, just simple construction with handy internal pockets for savvy guys on the go. Comes in calf grained leather or if you want to up that luxury factor, settle for those coveted crocodile or python skin versions. Measuring 38cm(w) x 28cm(h) x 2cm(d), the size is most ideal for guys.
These envelope pochettes are also featured widely on Lanvin’s SS2012 runway, which makes them all the more a must have.
The Sartorial Envelope in Grained Leather retails for €550.00 while the python skin goes for €1,250.00 and crocodile/alligator versions topping it all at €10,500.00! Any takers? Send me the navy alligator pochette right away! Gorgeous:-P
Below: Anyone will love these whimsical Lanvin iPad and iPhone cases for Valentine's Day!
Lanvin Singapore: Perfect Valentine's Day Gift For The Perfect Valentine's Couple
Valentines’ day can prove daunting to couples. Choosing the right gift can make or break a relationship. So guys, if you want a fail safe gift for your beloved, and yet comes complimentary after your shopping indulgence... Lanvin at Hilton Hotel Singapore may have the answer!
From 3 Feb – 19 Feb just spend S$1500 at Lanvin Hilton Hotel to receive a set of iPhone 4G and iPad cases featuring Alber Elbaz’s whimsical illustration! Not only do you get to dress up for your V-day dinner date, clad in chic Lanvin, but your indispensible tech gadgets gets a style uplift as well. I want those cases, so cute... Now I just have to find $1500 to do some Lanvin shopping...
Below: Longchamp's highly successful Le Pliage bags now comes in soft metis leather for Spring Summer 2012! I love the colours and the functionality of these useful bags...
Below: The shoulder strap makes these travel bags a good day bag outside of your travelling needs... I would love to have the one in dark brown or navy!
Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Collection
With more than 13 million sold, Longchamp's highly successful Le Pliage bags have now become synonymous with chic and functional travel styles. You can literally spot Longchamp Le Pliage bags in every incarnation at airports everywhere! I love the light weight and durable constructions with a wide array of colours and sizes to suit every tastes, be it, man or woman.
For Spring Summer 2012, Longchamp will launch a new range of Le Pliage bags, but this time in the softest and supplest metis leather (a cross between a goat and lamb and highly compact and foldable) that is a match for their nylon counterparts and more! Welcome the Le Pliage Cuir collection. More luxurious, more exciting colours but the same level of light weight and sturdy design for your needs on the road. Thoughtful shoulder strap for some designs makes this the perfect day bag while you are travelling but without the bulk! I want one:-) One in every shade from brown to beige to red or blue!
The Le Pliage Cuir collection will come in 5 formats, including a travel bag, 2 totes, a shopper and a pouch. Enquire at the Longchamp store in Ion Orchard Singapore(or a store near you) if you want these bags as much as me:-P
(Having seen and touched these in person at my recent press visit at Longchamp, I can attest to the weight and compactness of these Le Pliage cuir bags. Love it, although pricing comes a little more expensive as they are full leather bags:-P Check out pics of my press day visit here on my facebook fanpage.More pics of the collection here as well.) To help you get a better sense of the pricing, USD prices are as follows: 1) Pouch (size: 28 x 17 x 10cm) – USD255 2) Tote (size: 31 x 30 x 19cm) – USD525 3) Handbag (size: 25 x 23 x 16cm) – USD490 4) Handbag (size: 40 x 31 x 18cm) – USD590 5)Travel bag (size: 45 x 35 x 23cm) – USD775
Below: Interesting shoe designs for Bally's SS2012 footwear collection... love the thick soled multi-coloured tasselled loafers (SGD990) and deck shoes (SGD650)...
Below: Hybrid designs of classic brogues with boot soles gets my vote!
Bally Spring Summer 2012 Mens Shoes
Bally continues to refresh their brand for Spring Summer 2012. Leveraging on their long heritage and injecting a new modern sensibility have brought a new level of design appeal to their shoes.
For Spring Summer 2012, look out for hybrid styles, where boots meets brogues, trainers meets boat shoes. Boots soles add a new sense of toughness for classic brogues, and now in multi-colours for that playful touch. Trainers are now invading into your boat decks with colourful versions that adds that extra sportive touch.
Rubber soled tasselled loafers, despite resembling Burberry FW2011, are also noteworthy, especially in bi-colours of tan and brown. The dual layer effect on the soles just gives it that extra panache.
Below: Prada SS2012 Studded Saffiano Leather Document Holder... yes or no for SS2012?
Below: The tobacco colour is less brash... if I were to get one, I chose this colour...
Prada Studded Saffiano Leather Document Holder
At £1,110 a piece, I was shocked by the price of these Prada SS2012 Studded Saffiano Leather Document Cases. Called it a DIY 'bedazzle' piece or a kitsch+ cute statement bag, does it really warrant this price tag? I know the rhinestones (think Las Vegas cowboy tackydom) require time to fasten one by one... the leather is Prada's signature saffiano... and the brand is Prada.... but I am wondering who is willing to part with this kind of money for the bag?
Below: As seen on the SS2012 runway...
I leave you to decide. The shape and colours are amazing. The back pocket is user friendly. Perhaps for half the price, I might consider getting one just for some fashion attention during SS2012:-)
Below: A new hotel in Bangkok that I am now a fan of....
Below: Loving the Oriental and European decorative inspirations...
Below: The bathroom is impressively designed... befitting royalty and the discerning...
Hotel Muse Bangkok: A unique experience and luxurious journey into the past
I have not done a travel theme post for the longest time. Exploring unique hotels is one of my favourite things to do while on the road. Since I just returned from Bangkok just this new years (not lunar new year), I thought I share some insights on a new hotel that I have fallen in love with in the city of angels:-)
Below: Located in the convenient location of posh Langsuan Road... easy access to BTS station, prime shopping districs and many fine restaurants and tourist sights...
Located in the high end district of Langsuan road (think Singapore's Paterson Road), Hotel Muse is along a cosy street lined with high end condos and offices, just minutes walk to the bustling Ratchaprasong junction where Chidlom BTS station, Erawan Shrine and Luxury Malls (Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok (where Club 21 Thailand's homebase is!)) are nearby. There's even an amazing Starbucks (housed inside a bungalow) and Chang foot massage (one of my favourite massage places) within walking accessibility.
As you stepped thru the huge wooden doors into the Hotel lobby, you are immediately transported into the era of King Rama V, where east meets west, amidst the contemporary and period decor. In place of the conventional reception desk, Guest relation officers are seated in the intimate lobby to assist with the check it, bringing a new level of personal touch.
Rooms are well decked out in the romance of 19th century era, most commendable are the details in the exquisite bathrooms. The sink features beautiful porcelain-like patterns unseen in other hotels which catches your eye as soon as you enter. Intricate etchings adorn the mirrors, lizard embossed leather trays hold the amenities, contributing to an old world charm of luxury. With such fine details, the bathroom is simply befitting a prince or princess:-)
Modern technological creature comforts are also at your disposal... from high speed wifi connections, a huge interactive LCD TV and in-room iPod docking station (iHome IP90 player which I got one for myself after I get back to Singapore:-P), getting out of your room can prove to be a challenge:-) More so when you have tried the ultra comfortable pillow top bed which 'literally' makes you float. It's so comfortable, somedays, I just refuse to get out of bed:-)
Below: Pool with a view... small but nice:-)
Hotel Muse Bangkok houses a number of F&B options the likes of Thai Restaurant, Su Tha Ros and Medici which serves highly commended Italian. The Speakeasy at the top level lets you chill to groovy beats and cocktails with a view to match... a venue so chic, it even welcomed electronica music guru Claude Challe to spin his tunes just days before the new years.
Be sure to check out this unique property should you be bound for Bangkok anytime soon. I know I'd be sure to stay there again for my next visit!:-)
Below: I stayed at room 1407... and coincidentally, I found this clip shot by a guest who also stayed in the same room!:-) How rare a chance to find this happening...:-P
Another Use of Hermès Twilly... How About As A Corsage For Your Jacket?
I have blogged about the versatility of an Hermès Twilly Scarf. This little piece of Hermès silk can not only be worn on the neck, wrapped as protection for your bag handles, as a watch strap or as a decorative bracelet for your wrist, now there's a new way to use the twilly. How about wearing it as a corsage for your blazer? Yes or No? Nonetheless... wear it with confidence and you will pull off anything! The Brides De Gala twilly is fabulous:-)
A Happy & Prosperous Year Of The Dragon To All My Readers!
It's lunar new year tommorrow. Here's wishing all my readers a prosperous new Dragon Year, filled with lots of good luck and wealth and roaring success:-) Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Below: Balmain Homme FW2012 collection has an air of Russian Imperial Army mixed with a rebel attitude...
Below: Biker jackets so slim, it cuts a streamlined sexy silhouette...
Below: The strong accent colour of red mixed with classic hues of navy blues... Love the jeans!
Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2012 Menswear
Under Olivier Rousteing's creative direction, Balmain Homme takes a turn for the more refined. Wear and tear is fading from the brand's DNA and in place is a new Balmain man whose sense of style exudes an air of modern sophistication with a touch of rebel attitude.
Spring Summer 2012 was about ranch boys but for the new Fall Winter 2012, it seems the Balmain collection is made for the young aristocrats and Russian military officers. Most noteworthy are the Napoleon style soldier jackets and waistcoats paired with a pair of the brand's signature ribbed panel biker jeans and boots. Lots of velvets add to the regal feel. Short cropped collarless jackets makes another statement and quilted biker jackets are a must have!
Below: Parisian menswear brand, AMI is now on my fashion radar... I love the designers's philosophy of dressing real guys... creating accessible styles that is both modern and timeless...
Below: The styling and colour ways are a thumbs up for me...
Parisian Menswear, AMI Fall Winter 2011 Collection
Top fashion brands the likes of Jil Sander, Prada and Louis Vuitton may be highlights of any fashion week... but sometimes guys just want accessible fashion, devoid of overtly abstract concepts, out of this world constructions and over the top styling.
Parisian menswear brand, AMI is just this little fashion savior the fashion gods have sent to guys all over the world to address this calling. We have always been enthralled by Parisian mens' ensemble, their panache, but not too much effort styles have inspired many. Designer Alexandre Mattiussi(who worked at Dior Homme's 30 Avenue Montaigne line, at Marc Jacobs, and at Givenchy before starting his own label), managed to capture this attitude of french dressing and stand out amongst a sea of fashion giants. Now in its 3rd season, AMI is getting approval from style savvy guys all around the world. His fast growing stockists is proof of this. From top fashion retailers like Barneys, Mr Porter, Le Bon Marché, 10 Corso Como, to The Webster... the list is expanding.
For Fall Winter 2011, Alexandre Mattiussi is inspired by the idea of a weekend getaway after a week of hard toiling at the office. "The idea at the beginning was a Friday night, after a really hard week," Mattiussi said. "You take the Range Rover, you put the Labrador in the back of the car, you keep your shoes, you keep your trousers, you're going to spend three days in Normandy at your parents' home with the guys."
Think gun-club checks and waterproofed plaid barn jackets, denim jeans, smart blazers and all the timeless pieces of mens clothing you and your friends would find and appropriate from dad's closets. The philosophy of the collection was reality—not fancy fashion.
Below: Floral pants with a cosy knit... very apt for the designer's inspiration of a weekend getaway out of the city:-) I would wear this look!
I especially adored the styling and colour palette. Pale pink trousers, bright burnt orange coats and floral print trousers made a lot of sense. Especially now when menswear trends are going back to fundamentals since the past 2 seasons.
I will be sure to pay lots of attention to AMI from now on. Thanks to Mr Porter, AMI menswear is now accessible for purchase by everyone. The problem is deciding which pieces should you add to your online shopping cart:-)
Below: Burberry Prorsum unveiled their Fall Winter 2012 Menswear collection yesterday in Milan... I am already getting a rush from wanting all the pieces featured below... what will be your picks?:-P Fox graphic print shirt is top on my list of must buy!Below: Brollies with animal heads are perfect for Singapore's rainy weather:-P
Below: Suede patchwork document case are a dapper gentlemen's best friend... the colour combination is amazing...
Below: Of course, a guy can never get enough of studs...
Burberry Prorsum Fall Winter 2012 Menswear
I will leave it to the professionals to critic and review the collection. Here on this post, I am just going to do what fan boys do... drool and covet over which pieces I like and will buy from Burberry Prorsum's Fall Winter 2012Menswear collection as unveiled yesterday in Milan.
Christopher Bailey has been on a roll creating some of my favourite collections at Burberry Prorsum for 2 consecutive seasons. Spring Summer 2012's quirky artisan inspired cork sole shoes and colourful ready to wear scored a thumbs up... and now for this new Fall Winter 2012 menswear collection, I am again swooned.
Combining traditional English styles (think Sherlock Holmes and leading men of TV series Downtown Abbey) with an outdoorsy adventure spirit of dapper gentlemen and all their hunting gear, the collection balances refinement and utilitarian spirit in mens dressing. Nothing stuffy or boring, with just enough quirks to excite. Fox beaded appliqués on sweaters and shirts, animal heads (greyhounds and ducks) on brollies and studs on gloves/document cases add the right amount of interest against the sartorial smarts of the collection. Hunting and field jackets, tweed trenches and jaunty polka dot prints are also highlights. I especially love the proportion of short coats over suits which is young and refreshing.
So what will I buy if money was not a problem... here's my picks from the collection:
1) Fox Graphic Print Shirt - I love the quirky animal print! 2) Duck head brollies - It's the new accessory and totally applicable for year end rainy Singapore weather... 3) Suede Patchwork Document Case - Preorder now at Burberry.com for SGD2390. (Kinda Céline-ish but still very desirable) 4) Studded Leather Document Case - I love studs! (but the price is astronomical at SGD8295!)
Watch the LIVE STREAM of Burberry Prosum's Fall Winter 2012 Menswear Show Here On My Blog!
It is with great delight to be hosting the live stream of Burberry Prorsum's Fall Winter 2012 menswear show here on my blog again. Tune in here on 14 Jan 2012, 5PM Milan Time (12 midnight Singapore time) to find out what Christopher Bailey will send out to the runway for the new season.
Burberry will also be partnering with Twitter once again for their 2nd Tweetwalk. Remember to follow @burberry’s Twitter feed pre and during the show and live comment on your thoughts about the show! See the looks as they are sent down the runway:-)
Enjoy and stay tuned here on mymanybags for the live stream:-) Source: Burberry
Below: A look taken at the recent Pitti Immagine Uomo FW2012 tradeshow... camouflage print ties are now my new obsession! Zara has a similar one going for sale at a steal...
Zara Fall Winter 2011 Camouflage Print Tie
I wonder if it is already too late... But I need and want thisZara Fall Winter 2011 Camouflage Print Tie if I can track it down at their sale happening right now. Camouflage prints are infiltrating mens dressing in the current mens fashion week FW2012... and this tie is functional and yet with an edge to make it less corporate boring.
Especially when it is so affordable at SGD29.90(markdown from SGD59.90)... I don't know about you... but I must own it! Wish me luck tracking one down:-)
Below: Mens fashion month has started for Fall Winter 2012 collections. Starting with Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence right now... it's time yet again to check out what real men are wearing on the streets... Here's my observations after scouring all the street style blogs... 1) Crimson colours are raging...
Below: 2) Plaids are most preferred for dandy flair...
Below: 2) Boys love patterns... Fair Isle, Native American Navajo prints to camouflage are spotted all over...
Below: 3) Grey is the new black...
Mens Style Spotting At Pitti Immagine Uomo Fall Winter 2012
New year, new season... It's time yet again to look at what real guys are wearing at this new cycle of fashion month for the boys. Yes, Fall Winter 2012 collections are up for scrutiny and drool from style hungry fashion fans all over:)
Starting w Pitti Immagine Uomo happening in Florence, Italy right now, what are alpha males and metrosexual guys wearing (although they are fast disappearing:-P) at the moment?
Here's my thoughts on what are trending now after scouring different street style sites:
1) Heritage brands style the likes of Barbour, Grenson, Pendleton, Woolrich Woolen Mills amongst many are making their presence strongly felt. Sartorial finesse also stays. Flamboyant, outrageous 'peacocks' please stand aside. Dressing for real boys are in. Think plaid hunting jackets, parkas, tailored shirts n not to forget lots of navy and grey tones. Accent with a speck of crimson tones from reds to oranges for that extra dandy touch. These spots of colour are perhaps one of the last remaining metrosexual traces in menswear trend now...
2) Pattern it up! Guys wants to 'play' with prints. Foulard prints are gaining traction in SS2012, and the influence are evident now with a more wintery theme. Fairisle, Native American and (to my delight) even camouflage prints are sprouting all over.
3) Wear a hat... headgear is the accessory of the moment for the boys. Get in touch with your inner 'dandy-ism'.
Below: Longchamp collaborated with rising fashion star, Mary Katrantzou, for a range of bags for Spring Summer 2012... Are you already a fan of those eclectic, surreal prints?
Below: Based on a theme of East meets West, the prints features a unique and interesting mix of references... from Asian temples and flower parades, through dragons and lanterns, to the architecture of Carnegie Hall
Mary Katrantzou For Longchamp Spring Summer 2012
Good news for all Longchamp fans. If you have always been loving Longchamp's exceptionally light weight and functional travel bags (Le Pilage) or Jeremy Scott creations... get ready to add a whole new series of designer collaboration designs to your collection. For Spring Summer 2012, Longchamp worked with fashion's hottest new name, Mary Katrantzou, the Greek-born, London based designer famous for her surreal prints and lantern shaped dresses.
Mary now brings her unique creative vision to Longchamp with two special-edition tote bags and an exclusive print for the legendary Le Pliage line.
For the two totes, Mary Katrantzou created her own inspired and individual interpretation of the theme “When East meets West”, drawing on an extraordinary array of references, from Asian temples and flower parades, through dragons and lanterns, to the architecture of Carnegie Hall. Brown calfskin handles and brushed gold hardware complement the beauty of the prints and echo the bags’ trompe-l’oeil detailing.
For Le Pliage line of bags, Mary Katrantzou created a poetic print of orchids and lanterns floating like balloons against a backdrop of blue sky.
"What I love about Le Pliage," says Mary, "beyond the fact that it is so simple and so practical, is that it provides the perfect canvas for a print designer." These new bags by the designer are simply a work of art worthy to be collected. All these bags will feature a leather label embossed with the signature "Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp".
The Mary Katrantzou collection will be available in Singapore Longchamp stores in March 2012.
Below: Balmain Homme SS2012 catalogue... Ranch boys and tailoring are surprisingly a very good mix:-)
Below: On a side note, why is he holding his book upside down?
Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2012 Catalogue
Balmain Homme and photographer Karim Sadli has collaborated for many seasons depicting the brand's seasonal collections in the most understated and tasteful of ways for their catalogues. Unlike most brands who thrive of glossy, colourful brash photography, Balmain Homme's always evoke an emotional response with a fashion story rather than mere product placement. You cannot help but feel a certain attraction to the male model in the imagery. This time, the biker boys are taking a leave of absence as does Clément Chabernaud. Paolo Anchisi is the new face and he is Balmain's ranch boy flaunting those desirable and wearable RTW pieces. Balancing a sense of nostalgia and western cowboy masculinity (cowboys in a suit?), the shots captivate the youthful and western American essence of the clothes. Crisp tailored sleeveless tuxedo jackets with white shirts and trousers makes a memorable contrast against the outdoor settings while the aged tint on the full colour shots gets you in touch with a yesteryear sensibility.
Captivating and easily one of my favourites for fashion photography.
Below: If I can only buy a pair of shoe for Spring Summer 2012... this will be it!
THE SHOE to own for Spring Summer 2012...
If there is only a pair of shoe that I can buy for Spring Summer 2012, this will be it! Since shopping budgets needs to be adjusted for SS2012... I have to decide on a statement pair of shoe that is instantly recognisable for it's outstanding design, be versatile to tide me thru endless summer styles and yet within humanly monetary means.
It was a close contest between Prada's fringed Front Panel Golf Shoes or this Burberry Prosum Woven Leather Lace-ups with cork soles. But weighing all the pros and cons, I find Burberry's pair easier to pull off and exemplifies summer colours and the season's casual attitude.
Comes in brown, tan with yellow or orange accents... But my heart is set for the orange accent pair!
Wish me luck to find the $ to get this. At € 631.82, it is still a chunk of $$$ to put down for statement making come next season:-P Will you commit the funds for a pair of 'IT shoe' of the season?:-)
Below: Mulberry unveils their SS2012 ad campaign inspired by creative director Emma Hills childhood memories of English seasides... think candy and ice creams on a hot summer day! So fun:-)
Mulberry Spring Summer 2012 Ad Campaign
UK's Brighton Beach, giant ice cream cones and sugar candy colours are just some of the highlights of Mulberry's ultra fun and delectable SS2012 ad campaign. Inspired by creative director Emma Hill’s memories of the English seasides of her childhood, an original pier against the backdrop of bright blue sky became the canvas for Mulberry latest campaign shoot. Tim Walker who shot the previous 2 campaigns helms the lens again with his surreal vision behind the camera. Giant ice cream cones and candy wrappers appear alongside models Frida Gustavsson and Lindsey Wixson, both wearing and carrying Mulberry very cheerful SS2012 ready to wear and coveted bags, creating an outstanding visual story. Although winter is not yet over, but are you feeling the summer cool already? I do.... especially after seeing these ads.
Below: The sale all boys are waiting for! Mr Porter starts their further markdowns today... a generous 70% off for lots of goodies:-P
Mr Porter Further Markdowns Starts Today! Up to 70% off!
The sale we boys have been waiting for is here! Mr Porter starts their generous markdowns of up to 70% on many many coveted pieces... This is the time to pick up some real deals at a fraction of prices... or own those statement pieces that were too pricey for you before!
Here's 2 of my favourite top picks:
Jil Sander Graphic Print Shirt which I got myself but at 50% off. Now at 70% off and priced only at £72.50... it's a crime not to add to your shirt collection! I love the print. Club 21 Mens here in Singapore sells the shirt for SGD730 full retail. This is a steal. (Click here if you are keen)
Kitsuné Green Corduroy Blazer with gold buttons. A classic ready to make your dollars last... now at a very very accessible price of £143.75 after a 70% discount. Match it with everything, dress up or down. It's definitely a piece set to be a long time favourite. The green is a nice colour, classic and yet not boring. Club 21b in Singapore retails this for about SGD1400 prior to sales. (Click here if you are keen)
Lanvin Sartorial Envelope Pochette
The Sartorial Envelope in Grained Leather retails for €550.00 while the python skin goes for €1,250.00 and crocodile/alligator versions topping it all at €10,500.00! Any takers? Send me the navy alligator pochette right away! Gorgeous:-P
