The Runway Sniper #75

Below: Welcome back to tasteful glamour, Balmain Fall Winter 2011! No more tattered and atrocious safety pinned rags from SS2011...:-P Love the metallic suits and blazers without lapels. The crystal embellished jumpsuit is hot!

Below: Crystal embellishments that will make these Balmain pieces masterful collectible and red carpet pieces... but also sky rockets the prices to astronomical levels. One thing's for sure, you probably will never find them in Zara and Topshop...:-P Love the white boots!

Below: Metallic jeans will rise to be the staple for fashionistas for next season's Fashion Week... I have a strong feeling about it!

Balmain Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear

Christophe Decarnin may be absent from his recent Balmain Fall Winter 2011 show, nonetheless he seemed to have literally 'clean up' his act! Presented on the runway are levels up from SS2011's atrocious safety pinned and tattered rags, and Balmain glamour is back at its glory. Albeit, pared down and more tastefully sexy... perhaps Balmain's take on the minimalist frenzy going on in fashion now.

The new sensibility can be attributed to new styling consultant Melanie Ward (Best known for her work with Helmut Lang, king of minimalist... and perhaps the change for a more subtle display of glamour this season for Balmain?) who takes over from Emmanuelle Alt. She brings with her a new direction for the brand. From the collarless, slightly oversized metallic blazers, looser pants and dresses... the silhouettes are less severe and more focused. Of course, everything is given a couture boost with intricate crystal embellishments that will sky rocket the prices to astronomical levels.

One thing's for sure, a lot of fans want Balmain to succeed, anxiously waiting for the moment when Christophe Decarnin stops his repeat vision of biker chic and dwells into a new territory for the 'sexy' French brand. This season, Balmain achieves that and I am so happy:-) Easy comprehensible glamour that everyone understands and want. I can literally see those metallic jeans/blazers fly off the store racks for next season!

Applause!

Source: Style

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #155

Below: Further to my post yesterday on the 'Balmain Homme Varsity Jacket + Boots look'... Here's a little observation I made from Jak n Jil's New York Fashion Week street shots. During the recent New York Fashion week, I noticed not one but quite a few guys spotted with their Varsity jackets... Will this translate into a 'back to college' inclination to men's dressing soon? (I love his black and white version and creating a monotone colour story...even his bag is matching:-P)

Below: Varsity = college = young = colourful...

Below: A touch of soft pastel softens and surprise a usually 'jock-ish' look...

Below: Dandy touch with the cravat... style can start young, even when you are in 'college'...

Below: Stand out from the crowd with some eye popping colour...

Below: or Maroon and camel beige... Varsity Jackets is now on my style radar...

Below: Will Balmain Homme's Varsity jacket look from Fall Winter 2010 cause a wave of college inspired dressing? Only time will tell...

Below: Or have Prada SS2011's Varsity inspired leather shopping bags (customisation allowed for your initials) already herald the coming of those jocks and college chic?

Back To School: Varsity Jackets

I blogged about my inspiration of Varsity Jackets and boots yesterday. And today, I made a small observation browsing thru pictures taken by Jak and Jil, of guys during the recent New York Fashion Week.

Are these college inspired dressing rising in favour with guys? Will it blossom into a 'back to college' phenomenon in mens dressing soon? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I am loving every look and possibility from this 'jock style' dressing. Make it dandy with soft pastels and a nice cravat, get some American retro hip or tough it up with boots and some rebel attitude. Suffice to say, Varsity Jackets are now on my style radar.

What say you?

Source: GQ by Jak n Jil, Balmain, Prada

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #154

Below: Love this guys look (as spotted during London Fashion Week 'Men's Day')... Balmain inspired 'Varsity Jacket + Boots' look?

Below: Spring Summer 2011 Balmain Homme collections sees similar bomber style jackets paired with jeans and boots...

Below: Fall Winter 2010 Balmain Homme also sees similar looks... college chic?

The 'Balmain Varsity Jacket+Boots' Look

I love the look of this guy, spotted during London Fashion Week 'Men's Day'. Wearing a Varsity Jacket, but not paired with trainers and instead, those tall military boots (presumably Balmain Homme FW2010/SS2011 inspired)! Love the touch of green with grey. There's a sense of a rebel attitude when paired with boots. I am going to try on this look. It's pretty easy to attain, but looking 'jock-ish' any day:-) And isn't that a good thing? Don't all boys want to be regarded as a jock (of course the nicer ones like Glee's Finn Hudson (played by Cory Monteith)) during their high school years?

Source: Wayne Tippetts, Balmain

The Material Boy #441

My 'Mr Porter' Wishlist

Mr Porter, the menswear shopping portal from the people who brought you Net-a-porter.com was launched exclusively to founding members last week. Free shipping anywhere in the world was offered as part of this exclusive launch... this makes refraining from shopping a huge effort to overcome.

So here's my wishlist from the newly launched shopping site... guess which item I bought on Sunday from my wishlist:-P

1. Lanvin Silk Pocket Square with Raw Edge – £38
2. Paul Smith Yellow Striped Silk Pocket Square – £20
3. Gucci Chevron Olive Coloured T-shirt – £141.67
4. Lanvin Taupe Silk Flower Buttonhole Pin – £83
5. Oliver Peoples Thick Rimmed Optical Glasses – £158.33
6. Balmain Short Sleeve Plaid Shirt – £321

If you are a founding member and have received their shopping e-invite with an exclusive link, hurry grab something before the free shipping ends today! :-P

Source: Mr Porter

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #200

Below: Daria Werbowy in Balmain SS2011 Ad Campaign...

Balmain Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign

Balmain may look disastrous and cheap shabby chic this Spring Summer 2011, undeniably, the collection makes great photography material. All that punk couture detailing (safety pins and studs) in the individual pieces seemed a given to add incredible textures to pictures.

This attribute is most evident when worn by the right model, such as Daria Werbowy and shot by the best photographic talents out there in the fashion scene, Inez and Vinoodh. I love the simplicity of Balmain's SS2011 Ad Campaign, no elaborate backdrops and settings, no complex colours, but monotone treatment to create an 'art house' feeling. The campaigns pics somewhat looked unpolished that gives it the street edge that resonate well with the theme of the punk collection.

I also love Daria's pose, quite unusual in body language and facial expression... Even the styling turns Daria into almost a different person. The short slick back hair which makes her almost unrecognisable.

Balmain has a way of transforming opinions about their collection thru their advertising and lookbook. The power of persuasive marketing. Suddenly, the tattered and 'DIY inspired' SS2011 collection don't look half bad afterall...

Source: Balmain

My Shoe Collection #51

Below: Stocking up for Fall Winter 2011... Boots from www.asos.com, gorgeous find at a great price!

Below: Boots are always in style no matter what the season, it's just practical to wear for Winter season since it is warm! Check out my new ASOS Brown Leather Military Tall Boots... all the way up mid calf!

Below: Zippers on the side for easy wearing!

Below: This pair features lace-up holes and then hiking boots style fastening at the top! It's a combination of details which I love, with tarnished leather for an aged feel!

Below: I wear UK size 41.. the boots cut small, do note... the boots (in black) is now on sale for £39, hurry! Must buy!

Below: Get your tall boots and you are ready for these Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks! My favourite out of the collection...

ASOS Brown Leather Military Boots

Fall Winter season is the best time to hunt down boots, especially the tall mid calf ones that will be too warm for summer season. I own a pair of Zara Black Leather Boots which I took it for a spin in last December's Tokyo trip, I decided to stock up on a brown coloured pair as soon as I saw this one at www.asos.com.

Below: My Zara pair which I wore to Japan last Dec was not as tall as these ASOS ones... love them!

It's taller, more aged and will serve me well for next Fall Winter 2011. At £65 (Now on sale at £39! You have to grab it! Click here) a pair with free shipping (got this in December when they had the free shipping promotion), this is a bargain! I love the aged brown leather (wear them and kick around without worries of wear and tear!) and long laces that extends to become hiking boots style fastening. And if you think wearing these tall boots are going to be a hassle, the boots feature side zippers for easy wearing, how thoughtful! Also wear it with laces done half way for an even more nonchalant look (like what Balmain is doing on the Fall Winter 2011 lookbook):-P Boots are just cool to play around!

Stocking for coming seasons is what I do sometimes, seeing how I am going t0 try these 2 Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks (see above) in 8 months time....:-P

Source: myMANybags, Balmain

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #152

Below: The new French Vogue editor-in-chief, Emmanuelle Alt wears her signature skinny jeans with a gorgeous fur jacket, all accented with the fabulous Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt with Gold Metal Belt Loops... I love!

Below: I have the silver version!

Emmanuelle Alt Wears Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt With Gold Metal Belt Loops

The new French Vogue editor-in-chief out for Fall Winter 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris... Emmanuelle Alt is the epitomy of masculine/feminine chic. Wearing gorgeous fur and her signature skinny jeans, she added a touch of glamour with her Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Belt With Gold Metal Belt Loops . I have that belt in silver... now I want the gold version!

I adore her wearable street style, always inspiring.

Check out this clip as Emmanuelle Alt speaks about her new role as French Vogue Editor-in-Chief... she loves Topshop! Can you believe it? Of all the fashion pieces she has access to:-) Love her more now!

Balmain belt with gold metal loops is available at www.restir.com

Source: www.style.com

The Runway Sniper #73

Below: Another same old, same old... Balmain Fall Winter 2011 Mens collection... just that this time it's styled into a nomad, highlands mountaineering theme... The Balmain man has shed the urban biker styles and hop onto a field trip to the Himalayas?

Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2011 Menswear

Everyone who have followed my blog knows I am a fan of Balmain. I have been supporting the brand since its rise to fame with their womenswear in 2008. When menswear came in Fall 2009, I jumped at the first chance to buy into the Balmain Homme collection. Biker chic, rock star allure and military luxe were major influences for Balmain, and with right timing aligning with the world fashion trends...Christophe Decarnin's collections (both men and womens') got everyone talking and wanting Balmain. Of course, the ridiculous pricing helps to create media buzz and made every fashionista/o willing to go on baked beans just to afford the brand.

4 seasons into Balmain Homme, I must say I feel like eating stale baked beans that's sitting on the table 24 months long (6mths per season, 4 seasons now...you do the math). And it's not a very good plate of beans to swallow.

Although this Fall Winter 2011 season does look better than the current SS2011 collection, very much every item is recurred. From Denim shirts, biker pants, plaid shirts to peaked shoulder blazers to tall boots... reworked a little here and there and they are represented as a new collection. Imagination thumbs down, wearability thumbs up, classics pieces always fit and never go out of style. So I have come into conclusion for my new Balmain shopping formula now... let's all buy Balmain during sale seasons. And it's those further marked down seasons like 70% off that I am talking about. Isn't it a fantastic feeling we get the 'new season' styles but we just pay deservingly less! Smart strategy? Anyone wants to join me?:-)

Of course, I am being very harsh with my critic this time. But pardon me, I still covet some of the pieces, especially with this Fall winter 2011's nomad/mountaineer theme. However, more so now, I imagined creating the looks from my own closet's inventory and not those pieces from the new collection.

Balmain is all about styling rather than conceptual fashion. It's a feeling that you get from the lookbooks that exudes those yearning for the pieces. Balmain excels in creating these 'effortless, highly attainable' styling, served with a hefty does of French nonchalance and attitude, that all men can aspire towards . I lost count the number of times I have been sold into the collections just by browsing the lookbooks.

I think this is Balmain's winning triumph card and why they continue to pursue this design direction and strategy. Easy fashion that most guys can adopt into their wardobes while siphoning luxury prices off them... a winning formula that will make Balmain owners chuckling to the bank. Afterall, profitability and fashion co-exists on a fine balance, and it ain't necessarily a bad thing to go for mass appeal when you can get the big bucks:-)

Check out more pics of the collection on my Facebook page.

Source: Balmain, Fashionisto

My MANy Bags News #292

Below: Zac Efron wears his favourite Balmain Homme Khaki Biker Jeans yet again...

Below: These hot Balmain Homme Khaki Biker Jeans are from the Fall Winter 2010, did anyone get them during sales? Lucky u!

Zac Efron Loves His Balmain Khaki Biker Jeans

Yet again, Mr cute, sexy, handsome Zac Efron chooses to wear his Balmain Khaki Biker Jeans in public. I know there are many haters for Balmain, partly due to their exorbitant pricing for very 'mundane' pieces. It may not be everyone's taste and of course budget... but undeniably Balmain ROCKS on the right person.

Below: Zac seen with these Balmain Homme Khaki Biker Jeans previously for an event... looking tough and hot!

Perhaps the now buff-ier and (to be honest) more 'baby-fat ridden' Mr Efron wears these 'easy with anything' Balmain Khakis in the most unimaginative way, he still look hot nonetheless. (The knee patch details have since become Balmain's signature and I adore them.) I love a guy wearing simple clothes:-) It's simply desirable. And to top in off, he likes to wear them real low that he unveils his *ahem* underwear to 'prying eyes' of the paparazzi. Call it strategic seduction:-P

Below: Underwear alert!

Enjoy Mr Efron. May he get more lean+trim again... the baby fats are seemingly catching up! Watch out Zac!

Source: Balmain, Just Jared

The Material Boy #418

Below: I need this Balmain jacket with metal pins from Spring Summer 2011! (of course, that is if I have €1676.13 to 'redeem' it:-P)

Below: Interesting metal pins especially the 'piercing' ones...

Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2011 Stretch Wool Metal Pins Jacket

Ooooh, I definitely need this Balmain jacket. Love the cool metal pins...especially the piercings on the lapel.:-P

I know DIY should do the trick for any other blazers.... but Balmain's cut is unmatched. It's so sleek and fitted with slightly raised shoulders for a powerful look.

I need! I need!

Source: Luisaviaroma

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #168

Below: Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2011 Lookbook... Love the photograhpy and styling.
(Click on each pic to enlarge for better view)

Balmain Homme Spring Summer 2011 Lookbook
(Starring Clément Chabernaud and shot by Karim Sadli)

This is one of my most anticipated lookbooks from any fashion brands. Balmain's lookbook has always been a pleasure for the eyes, with Karim Sadli's captivating photography and Clément Chabernaud's timeless charm.

For Spring Summer 2011, the lookbook shots seem to carry a 'yellow out', vintage treatment that reflects a certain midwest American mood. The shots are done to resemble a photo essay rather than your typical high gloss advertising shots. I am so loving the styling... nothing seemed put together in a contrived way but it showcases alluringly the key pieces of the collection. Well done, Balmain!

I am also excited to see the jeans being given a tighter fit, to the extent of mimicking the cuts of the women's version. Love it, can't wait to buy those jeans now!

Source: Balmain via Brieuc75